PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP
S-4, 1997-11-26
CHEMICALS & ALLIED PRODUCTS
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<PAGE>   1
 
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 26, 1997
 
                                                     REGISTRATION NO. 333-
================================================================================
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                                ---------------
 
                                    FORM S-4
 
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                           PCI CHEMICALS CANADA INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<C>                                    <C>                                 <C>
        NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA                         2812                             NOT APPLICABLE
   (State or other jurisdiction of        (Primary Standard Industrial                (I.R.S. Employer
    incorporation or organization)         Classification Code Number)              Identification No.)
                   630 WEST RENE-LEVESQUE BOULEVARD, MONTREAL, QUEBEC, H3B 1S6, (514) 397-6100
  (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive
                                                    offices)
  PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.                DELAWARE                             06-1420850
        PIONEER AMERICAS, INC.                      DELAWARE                             76-0280373
  PIONEER CHLOR ALKALI COMPANY, INC.                DELAWARE                             51-0302028
      IMPERIAL WEST CHEMICAL CO.                     NEVADA                              95-2375683
        ALL-PURE CHEMICAL CO.                      CALIFORNIA                            94-2314942
     BLACK MOUNTAIN POWER COMPANY                     TEXAS                              76-0291143
  ALL-PURE CHEMICAL NORTHWEST, INC.                WASHINGTON                            94-2714064
 PIONEER CHLOR ALKALI INTERNATIONAL,                BARBADOS                             98-0118164
                 INC.                                NEVADA                              88-0336831
          G.O.W. CORPORATION                        DELAWARE                             51-0375981
         PIONEER (EAST), INC.                      NEW MEXICO                            86-0311265
         T.C. HOLDINGS, INC.                       WASHINGTON                            91-1536884
         T.C. PRODUCTS, INC.                        DELAWARE                             76-0549506
          PCI CAROLINA, INC.                        DELAWARE                             52-2058031
       PIONEER LICENSING, INC.           (State or other jurisdiction of              (I.R.S. Employer
    (Exact name of registrants as        incorporation or organization)             Identification No.)
     specified in their charters)
</TABLE>
 
                                ---------------
   4300 NATIONSBANK CENTER, 700 LOUISIANA STREET, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002, (713)
                                    225-3831
  (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
                   registrants' principal executive offices)
                                ---------------
                            KENT R. STEPHENSON, ESQ.
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
                            4300 NATIONSBANK CENTER
                              700 LOUISIANA STREET
                              HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002
                                 (713) 225-3831
 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                             of agent for service)
                                ---------------
                                with a copy to:
 
                        CORNELIUS T. FINNEGAN III, ESQ.
                            WILLKIE FARR & GALLAGHER
                              ONE CITICORP CENTER
                              153 EAST 53RD STREET
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
                                 (212) 821-8000
                                ---------------
    APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE OF THE SECURITIES TO THE
PUBLIC: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes
effective.
 
    If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box.  [ ]
                                ---------------
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=================================================================================================================================
                                                                                             PROPOSED MAXIMUM
               TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                    AMOUNT TO BE     PROPOSED MAXIMUM       AGGREGATE          AMOUNT OF
             SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED                  REGISTERED       OFFERING PRICE     OFFERING PRICE    REGISTRATION FEE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>
9 1/4% Series B Senior Secured Notes Due 2007........    $175,000,000           100%           $175,000,000          $53,031
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guarantees(1)........................................         (2)                (2)                (2)                (2)
=================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
(1) Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Pioneer
    Americas, Inc., Pioneer Chlor Alkali Company, Inc., Imperial West Chemical
    Co., All-Pure Chemical Co., Black Mountain Power Company, All-Pure Chemical
    Northwest, Inc., Pioneer Chlor Alkali International, Inc., G.O.W.
    Corporation, Pioneer (East), Inc., T.C. Holdings, Inc., T.C. Products, Inc.,
    PCI Carolina, Inc. and Pioneer Licensing, Inc. are each registering
    Guarantees of the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest
    on the Notes being registered hereby. Pursuant to Rule 457(n) under the
    Securities Act of 1933, as amended, no registration fee is required with
    respect to the Guarantees.
 
(2) Not applicable.
                                ---------------
    The Registrants hereby amend this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrants
shall file a further amendment that specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this Registration Statement
shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said
Section 8(a), may determine.
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
     INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
     REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR
     MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
     BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
     THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
     SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
     UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS
     OF ANY SUCH STATE.
 
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED NOVEMBER 26, 1997
PROSPECTUS
 
                           PCI CHEMICALS CANADA INC.
 OFFER TO EXCHANGE $1,000 IN PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF 9 1/4% SERIES B SENIOR SECURED
                                 NOTES DUE 2007
   FOR EACH $1,000 IN PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF OUTSTANDING 9 1/4% SERIES A SENIOR
                             SECURED NOTES DUE 2007
                             ---------------------
    PCI Chemicals Canada Inc., a New Brunswick, Canada company ("PCI Canada" or
"the Issuer"), hereby offers to exchange (the "Exchange Offer") up to
$175,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 9 1/4% Series B Senior Secured
Notes Due 2007 (the "Exchange Notes") for up to $175,000,000 in aggregate
principal amount of its outstanding 9 1/4% Series A Senior Secured Notes Due
2007 issued in reliance upon an exemption from registration under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Original Notes" and, together with the Exchange
Notes, the "Notes").
 
    The terms of the Exchange Notes will be substantially identical in all
respects (including principal amount, interest rate, maturity and ranking) to
the terms of the Original Notes for which they may be exchanged pursuant to the
Exchange Offer, except that (i) the Exchange Notes will be freely transferable
by holders thereof (except as provided below) and (ii) the Exchange Notes will
be issued without any covenant of the Registrants (as defined) regarding
registration. The Exchange Notes will be issued under the indenture governing
the Original Notes. The Exchange Notes will be, and the Original Notes are,
senior obligations of the Issuer and will be and are fully and unconditionally
guaranteed on a senior basis by Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp. ("PAAC" and
together with its subsidiaries, the "Company"), Pioneer Americas, Inc., the
direct parent of the Issuer ("PAI"), and the other subsidiaries of PAAC
(collectively, the "Guarantors", and together with the Issuer, the
"Registrants"). The Exchange Notes will be, and the Original Notes are, secured
by pari passu first priority liens on the Collateral (as defined), consisting of
certain assets acquired in the PCI Canada Acquisition (as defined). The Exchange
Notes will rank pari passu with all other existing and future Senior
Indebtedness (as defined) of the Issuer and senior to all subordinated
Indebtedness of the Issuer. The Exchange Notes and the obligations of the
Guarantors under their guarantees of the Exchange Notes will be effectively
subordinated to secured Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer and the Guarantors,
respectively, with respect to the assets securing such Indebtedness. As of
September 30, 1997, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Offering,
the other Financings (as defined) and the PCI Canada Acquisition, the Issuer and
the Guarantors would have had $557.8 million of outstanding secured Senior
Indebtedness. For a complete description of the terms of the Exchange Notes,
including provisions relating to the ability of the Registrants to create
indebtedness that is senior or pari passu to the Exchange Notes, see
"Description of the Notes." There will be no cash proceeds to the Registrants
from the Exchange Offer.
 
    The Notes will bear interest from and including their respective dates of
issuance. Holders whose Original Notes are accepted for exchange will receive
accrued interest thereon to, but not including, the date of issuance of the
Exchange Notes, such interest to be payable with the first interest payment on
the Exchange Notes, but will not receive any payment in respect of interest on
the Original Notes accrued after the issuance of the Exchange Notes.
 
    The Original Notes were originally issued and sold on November 5, 1997 in a
transaction not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), in reliance upon the exemption provided in Section 4(2) of
the Securities Act and Rule 144A of the Securities Act (the "Initial Offering").
Accordingly, the Original Notes may not be reoffered, resold or otherwise
pledged, hypothecated or transferred in the United States unless so registered
or unless an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act is available. Based upon interpretations by the Staff (the
"Staff") of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") issued to
third parties, the Registrants believe that the Exchange Notes issued pursuant
to the Exchange Offer in exchange for the Original Notes may be offered for
resale, resold and otherwise transferred by holders thereof (other than any
holder which is (i) an "affiliate" of the Registrants within the meaning of Rule
405 under the Securities Act, (ii) a broker-dealer who acquired Original Notes
directly from the Registrants or (iii) a broker-dealer who acquired Original
Notes as a result of market making or other trading activities) without
compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the
Securities Act provided that such Exchange Notes are acquired in the ordinary
course of such holders' business and such holders are not engaged in, and do not
intend to engage in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to
participate in, a distribution of such Exchange Notes. Each broker-dealer that
receives Exchange Notes for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must
acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of
such Exchange Notes. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging
and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that
it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. Broker-dealers
who acquired Original Notes as a result of market making or other trading
activities may use this Prospectus, as supplemented or amended, in connection
with resales of the Exchange Notes. The Registrants have agreed that, for a
period not to exceed 180 days after the Exchange Date (as defined), they will
make this Prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with
any such resale. Any holder that cannot rely upon such interpretations must
comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction.
 
    The Original Notes and the Exchange Notes constitute new issues of
securities with no established trading market. Any Original Notes not tendered
and accepted in the Exchange Offer will remain outstanding. To the extent that
Original Notes are tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer, a holder's
ability to sell untendered, and tendered but unaccepted, Original Notes could be
adversely affected. Following consummation of the Exchange Offer, the holders of
Original Notes will continue to be subject to the existing restrictions on
transfer thereof and the Registrants will have no further obligation to such
holders to provide for the registration under the Securities Act of the Original
Notes except under certain limited circumstances. (See "Original Notes
Registration Rights.") No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the
trading market for either the Original Notes or the Exchange Notes.
 
    The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal
amount of Original Notes being tendered for exchange. The Exchange Offer will
expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on       , 1998, unless extended (the
"Expiration Date"). The date of acceptance for exchange of the Original Notes
(the "Exchange Date") will be the first business day following the Expiration
Date, upon surrender of the Original Notes. Original Notes tendered pursuant to
the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to the Expiration Date;
otherwise such tenders are irrevocable.
                             ---------------------
    SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE 16 FOR A DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT
SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PARTICIPANTS IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
 
  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.
                             ---------------------
                 The date of this Prospectus is          , 1997
<PAGE>   3
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Issuer and the Guarantors have filed with the Commission a Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement," which term shall include
all amendments, exhibits, annexes and schedules thereto) pursuant to the
Securities Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, covering
the Exchange Notes being offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all
the information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which
are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission.
Statements made in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement
or other document referred to in the Registration Statement are not necessarily
complete. With respect to each such contract, agreement or other document filed
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, reference is made to the exhibit
for a more complete description of the matter involved, and each such statement
shall be deemed qualified in its entirety by such reference.
 
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act and, in accordance therewith, files reports and other information required
by the Commission. Periodic reports and other information filed by the Company
with the Commission may be inspected at the public reference facilities
maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549, or at its regional offices located at Citicorp Center, 500 West
Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661 and Seven World Trade
Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048. The Commission maintains a Web
site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other
information regarding companies that file electronically with the Commission.
The address of such site is http://www.sec.gov. Copies of such material can also
be obtained from the Company upon request. Any such request should be directed
to the Secretary of the Company at 4300 NationsBank Center, 700 Louisiana
Street, Houston, Texas 77002, telephone number (713) 225-3831.
 
     The Company's obligation to file periodic reports with the Commission
pursuant to the Exchange Act may be suspended if the Notes are held of record by
fewer than 300 holders at the beginning of any fiscal year of the Company, other
than the fiscal year in which the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (as
defined) or any Shelf Registration Statement (as defined) becomes effective. The
Company has agreed that, whether or not it is required to do so by the rules and
regulations of the Commission, for so long as any of the Notes remain
outstanding, it will furnish to the holders of the Notes and submit to the
Commission (unless the Commission will not accept such materials) (i) all
quarterly and annual financial information that would be required to be
contained in filings with the Commission on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Company
were required to file such forms, including a "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and, with respect to
the annual information only, a report thereon by the Company's certified
independent accountants, and (ii) all reports that would be required to be filed
with the Commission on Form 8-K if the Company were required to file such
reports. In addition, for so long as any of the Notes remain outstanding, the
Company has agreed to make available upon request to any prospective purchaser
of, or beneficial owner of Notes in connection with any offer or sale thereof,
the information required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
 
     NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE EXCHANGE OFFER COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE
SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE ISSUER OR THE GUARANTORS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE
AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, THE EXCHANGE NOTES IN
ANY JURISDICTION WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH
OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATIONS THAT THERE HAS
NOT BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE AFFAIRS
OF THE ISSUER OR THE GUARANTORS SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
 
                                       ii
<PAGE>   4
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             PAGE
                                             ----
<S>                                          <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION......................   ii
EXCHANGE CONTROLS..........................   iv
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES........   iv
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY.........................    1
RISK FACTORS...............................   16
  Consequences of Failure to Exchange......   16
  Financial Leverage.......................   16
  Industry Cyclicality.....................   17
  Environmental Regulation.................   17
  Operating Hazards and Uninsured Risks....   21
  Limitations on Security Interest.........   21
  No Assurance of Realizable Value from
    Collateral.............................   21
  Potential Environmental Liability of
    Secured Lenders........................   22
  Competition..............................   22
  Dependence on Key Customers and Key
    Suppliers..............................   22
  Ranking of the Notes and Guarantees......   23
  Fraudulent Conveyance Issues.............   23
  Tax Matters..............................   23
  Change of Control........................   24
  Control by Certain Stockholders..........   24
  Forward-Looking Statements...............   24
  Lack of Public Market for the Notes......   25
USE OF PROCEEDS............................   25
THE EXCHANGE OFFER.........................   26
  Purpose of the Exchange Offer............   26
  Terms of the Exchange....................   26
  Expiration Date; Extensions; Termination;
    Amendments.............................   27
  How to Tender............................   28
  Terms and Conditions of the Letter of
    Transmittal............................   29
  Withdrawal Rights........................   30
  Acceptance of Original Notes for
    Exchange; Delivery of Exchange Notes...   30
  Conditions to the Exchange Offer.........   31
  Exchange Agent...........................   31
  Solicitation of Tenders; Expenses........   31
  Appraisal Rights.........................   32
  Federal Income Tax Consequences..........   32
  Other....................................   32
THE ACQUISITION............................   33
  The Acquisition..........................   33
  Use of Proceeds from Initial Offering....   34
THE COMPANY AND PIONEER....................   35
  The Company..............................   35
  Pioneer..................................   36
CAPITALIZATION.............................   37
PRO FORMA FINANCIAL
  INFORMATION..............................   38
SUPPLEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF ADJUSTED EBITDA...   53
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA.........   54
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
  FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
  OPERATIONS...............................   57
BUSINESS...................................   64
  General..................................   64
  Industry Overview........................   64
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             PAGE
                                             ----
<S>                                          <C>
  Strategy.................................   67
  Operating Units..........................   68
  Facilities...............................   75
  Other Investments........................   79
  Competition..............................   80
  Employees................................   80
  Environmental and Safety Regulation......   81
  Insurance................................   90
  Legal Proceedings........................   90
MANAGEMENT.................................   91
  Directors and Executive Officers of
    PAAC...................................   91
  Executive Compensation...................   93
  Pension Plan.............................   96
  Employment Agreements and Severance and
    Change-in-Control Arrangements.........   96
  Compensation of Directors................   97
  Compensation Committee Interlocks and
    Insider Participation..................   98
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS.......................   98
STOCK OWNERSHIP............................  100
DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS..........  101
  New Credit Facilities....................  101
  Existing Term Facility...................  102
  Senior Secured Notes.....................  102
  Other....................................  103
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES...................  104
  General..................................  104
  Payment Terms............................  104
  Ranking..................................  104
  Guarantees...............................  105
  Security.................................  106
  Intercreditor Agreements.................  106
  Certain Bankruptcy Considerations........  107
  Additional Amounts.......................  109
  Optional Redemption......................  110
  Redemption for Changes in Canadian
    Withholding Taxes......................  110
  Change of Control........................  111
  Certain Covenants........................  113
  Release of Collateral....................  124
  Certain Definitions......................  124
  Defaults and Remedies....................  134
  Transfer and Exchange....................  135
  Amendment, Supplement and Waiver.........  135
  Legal Defeasance and Covenant
    Defeasance.............................  136
  Enforceability of Judgements with Respect
    to the Notes...........................  137
  Consent to Jurisdiction and Service......  138
  The Trustee..............................  138
  Governing Law............................  138
  Book-entry; Delivery; Form and
    Transfer...............................  139
ORIGINAL NOTES REGISTRATION RIGHTS.........  142
CERTAIN TAX CONSEQUENCES...................  144
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION.......................  147
LEGAL MATTERS..............................  148
EXPERTS....................................  148
CHANGE IN INDEPENDENT PUBLIC AUDITORS......  148
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS..............  F-1
</TABLE>
 
                                       iii
<PAGE>   5
 
                               EXCHANGE CONTROLS
 
     The Issuer has been advised by Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales and
Stikeman Elliott, a general partnership, respective Canadian counsel, that there
are no governmental laws, decrees or regulations in the provinces of New
Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario or Quebec or the laws of Canada applicable
thereto which restrict the export or import of capital and that there are no
limitations on the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote the
Notes.
 
                      ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
 
     The Issuer is a New Brunswick corporation. Certain of its directors,
officers and experts named herein are residents of Canada. All or a substantial
portion of the assets of such persons and the Issuer are located outside the
United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service
of process within the United States upon such directors, officers and experts or
to realize in the United States upon judgments of courts of the United States
predicated upon civil liability under the federal securities laws of the United
States. The Issuer has been advised that there is doubt as to the enforceability
against such persons in Canada of a judgment of a United States court predicated
solely upon civil liability under the federal securities laws of the United
States. The Issuer has also been advised that an action may be brought against
the Issuer or against its directors, officers and experts in a court of
competent jurisdiction in New Brunswick in the first instance on the basis of
civil liability predicated solely upon the federal securities laws of the United
States only if their acts or evaluations would be actionable if they had
occurred in New Brunswick, and if they would be liable under the federal
securities laws of the United States in an action brought in the United States.
 
                                       iv
<PAGE>   6
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read
in conjunction with, the more detailed information and the financial statements,
including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. Unless the
context otherwise requires, (i) the terms PCI Canada and Issuer refer to PCI
Chemicals Canada Inc., (ii) the term PAAC refers to Pioneer Americas Acquisition
Corp., (iii) the terms PAI and Predecessor Company refer to Pioneer Americas,
Inc. and its subsidiaries, (iv) the term Company means PAAC and its subsidiaries
and (v) the term Pioneer refers to Pioneer Companies, Inc., the parent company
of PAAC. "Pro forma net sales" for Pioneer Chlor Alkali Company, Inc. gives
effect to the June 17, 1997 acquisition of a chlor-alkali production facility
and related business (the "Tacoma Facility") located in Tacoma, Washington (the
"Tacoma Acquisition"). "Pro forma net sales" for All-Pure Chemical Co. gives
effect to the acquisition of T.C. Products, Inc. ("T.C. Products"), a regional
producer of bleach and related products that was acquired in July 1996. "Pro
forma net sales" and "pro forma EBITDA" for the PCI Canada Business (as defined)
gives effect to the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and
properties of the Forest Products Division of ICI Canada Inc. and ICI Americas
Inc. consummated as of October 31, 1997 (the "PCI Canada Acquisition"). "Pro
forma net sales" and "pro forma EBITDA" for the Company gives effect to each of
these transactions. See "The Company and Pioneer." Dollar amounts are in United
States dollars unless otherwise indicated.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     The Company manufactures and markets chlorine and caustic soda and several
related downstream water treatment products. The Company conducts its business
primarily through its subsidiaries: Pioneer Chlor Alkali Company, Inc. ("PCAC"),
with pro forma net sales of $196.5 million for the twelve months ended September
30, 1997, and All-Pure Chemical Co. ("All-Pure"), with pro forma net sales of
$52.6 million for such period. The Company also owns a 50% unconsolidated joint
venture interest in Kemwater North America Company ("Kemwater"). In October
1997, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and properties of the
North American chlor-alkali business of ICI Canada Inc. ("ICI Canada") and ICI
Americas Inc. ("ICI Americas"), with pro forma net sales of $162.5 million for
the twelve months ended September 30, 1997. For the twelve months ended
September 30, 1997, the Company's pro forma net sales and pro forma EBITDA (as
defined) were $411.4 million and $121.5 million, respectively.
 
     Chlorine and caustic soda are the seventh and sixth most commonly produced
chemicals, respectively, in the United States, based on volume, and are used in
a wide variety of applications and chemical processes. Chlorine and caustic soda
are co-products, concurrently produced in a ratio of 1 to 1.1, through the
electrolysis of salt water. A chlor-alkali electrochemical unit ("ECU") consists
of 1 ton of chlorine and 1.1 tons of caustic soda. During the twelve months
ended September 30, 1997, after giving pro forma effect to the PCI Canada
Acquisition and the Tacoma Acquisition, the Company produced approximately
886,000 tons of chlorine and 1,001,000 tons of caustic soda.
 
     Chlorine is used in the manufacture of over 15,000 products, comprising
approximately 60% of all commercial chemistry, 85% of all pharmaceutical
chemistry and 95% of all crop protection chemistry. Products manufactured with
chlorine as a raw material include water treatment chemicals, plastics,
detergents, pharmaceuticals, disinfectants and agricultural chemicals. Chlorine
is also used directly in water disinfection applications. In the United States
and Canada, virtually all public drinking water is made safe to drink by
chlorination, and a significant portion of industrial and municipal waste water
is treated with chlorine or chlorine derivatives to kill water-borne pathogens
and remove solids.
 
     Caustic soda is a versatile chemical alkali used in a diverse range of
manufacturing processes, including metal smelting, petroleum production and
refining, pulp and paper production and paint manufacturing. Caustic soda is
combined with chlorine and water to produce bleach and is used as an active
ingredient in a wide variety of other end use products, including detergents,
rayon and cellophane.
 
     The Company has expanded into the eastern Canadian and eastern United
States chlor-alkali markets with the acquisition of the North American
chlor-alkali business of ICI Canada and ICI Americas.
                                        1
<PAGE>   7
 
Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, the PCI Canada Business includes the business
now conducted by PCI Canada and its affiliates (the "PCI Canada Business"), a
leading eastern Canadian merchant chlor-alkali manufacturer, serving primarily
the pulp and paper industry. The PCI Canada Business produces chlorine and
caustic soda for sale in the merchant markets and for use as raw materials in
downstream products. The PCI Canada Acquisition is consistent with the Company's
strategy to strengthen its North American chlor-alkali merchant market position.
The PCI Canada Business operates two chlor-alkali production facilities, at
Becancour, Quebec and Dalhousie, New Brunswick, with aggregate production
capacity of approximately 376,000 ECUs, as well as additional downstream
production units at Cornwall, Ontario. Management believes that the production
costs for the primary production facility, Becancour, are among the lowest in
North America.
 
     Following the PCI Canada Acquisition, the Company owns and operates five
chlor-alkali production facilities, located in St. Gabriel, Louisiana;
Henderson, Nevada; Tacoma, Washington; Becancour, Quebec and Dalhousie, New
Brunswick, with aggregate production capacity of approximately 950,000 ECUs.
Management believes the Company's competitive position has been significantly
strengthened by recent acquisitions, providing the Company with low-cost,
well-maintained and world scale production capacity plants. Following the PCI
Canada Acquisition, approximately 60% of the Company's sources of electricity is
hydro-power based, the cheapest source in North America. In addition, over 22%
of the Company's ECU capacity employs membrane cell technology, the most
efficient available technology. Management believes that following the PCI
Canada Acquisition, the Company is the fifth largest chlor-alkali producer in
North America and the third largest North American chlor-alkali merchant
manufacturer/marketer, with approximately 6% of North American production
capacity.
 
     Primary markets for the Company's products include water treatment for
industrial, municipal and consumer applications, polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") and
other plastics, pulp and paper, detergents and agricultural chemicals. The
Company believes that the chlorine and caustic soda currently produced at its
Henderson and Tacoma facilities provide a significant source of supply for the
West Coast region, where the Company is also the largest supplier of chlorine
and bleach for water treatment purposes and where Kemwater is the largest
producer of iron chlorides. The Company believes the St. Gabriel and Tacoma
facilities are leading suppliers of premium, low-salt grade caustic soda in
their respective regions. The Company believes the strong regional presence of
the PCI Canada Business in eastern Canada and the eastern United States enhances
the competitiveness of the Company's other operations.
 
                           THE PCI CANADA ACQUISITION
 
     On October 31, 1997, Pioneer, and PCI Canada and PCI Carolina, Inc. ("PCI
Carolina"), newly formed subsidiaries of PAAC, and Imperial Chemical Industries
PLC ("ICI") and its subsidiaries, ICI Canada and ICI Americas, consummated the
PCI Canada Acquisition. Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase
Agreement"), dated as of September 22, 1997, the Company acquired substantially
all of the assets and properties used by ICI Canada and ICI Americas in their
North American chlor-alkali business. For the twelve months ended September 30,
1997, the PCI Canada Business generated pro forma net sales and pro forma EBITDA
of $162.5 million and $51.9 million, respectively. The purchase price consisted
of approximately $235.6 million, payable in cash, and the assumption of certain
obligations related to the acquired chlor-alkali business.
 
     Management believes that the PCI Canada Acquisition presented an attractive
opportunity to further extend and diversify the Company's geographic and product
focus while helping to manage the intrinsic cyclicality of the chlor-alkali
business. By acquiring a low-cost operation with complementary product
offerings, the Company believes it will improve its ability to market to
merchant chlor-alkali customers. Specific benefits include the following:
 
     - The acquisition substantially expands the Company's presence in the
       merchant market for chlorine and caustic soda, especially in markets
       contiguous to existing markets in the southeastern United States where
       the Company already conducts significant operations.
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<PAGE>   8
 
     - The Company expects that the pulp and paper expertise and product
       offerings of the PCI Canada Business will strengthen the Company's
       existing market position in the pulp and paper industry in the western
       United States and Canada.
 
     - The PCI Canada Business will benefit from the Company's experience in
       marketing to industrial customers.
 
     - The experienced management team of the PCI Canada Business has
       historically operated the business as a stand-alone entity within ICI
       Canada and has demonstrated an ability to improve the operating
       performance and cost structure of the business. Since 1992, management
       has reduced fixed costs by approximately $9.6 million and initiated
       productivity improvements and various other restructuring initiatives
       that resulted in a 30% reduction in workforce over such period. As a
       result, the Company intends to continue to operate the PCI Canada
       Business with existing management.
 
     - The PCI Canada Business has been successful in developing markets for
       downstream products, such as bleach, hydrochloric acid and chlorinated
       paraffins, whose steady demand for chlorine and caustic soda has helped
       maintain high operating rates at its chlor-alkali facilities, which in
       turn has improved overall profitability. Over the last several years, the
       PCI Canada Business has operated at approximately full capacity.
 
     - In April 1997, the PCI Canada Business completed a $21.2 million
       expansion and upgrade of its Becancour facility by installing modern
       membrane cells, which increased Becancour's net chlor-alkali capacity by
       36,000 tons, or 12%.
 
     At the closing of the PCI Canada Acquisition the Company and ICI entered
into certain related agreements. Pursuant to a Noncompetition Agreement, ICI
agreed not to engage in any production or sales of caustic soda until 2002 in
designated areas of North America. Pursuant to a Lease Agreement, the PCI Canada
Business leased certain facilities at the Cornwall site from ICI Canada.
Pursuant to a License Agreement, the PCI Canada Business received a license from
ICI and its affiliates for the non-exclusive use of certain intellectual
property. Pursuant to a Transition Services Agreement, ICI Canada and certain of
its affiliates agreed to provide transition services to the Company.
 
     The purchase price is subject to adjustment based on the difference between
base working capital and actual working capital (each as defined in the Purchase
Agreement) on the closing date. The Purchase Agreement also provides certain
environmental indemnifications from ICI Canada and ICI Americas, subject to
certain thresholds and limitations, which obligations will be guaranteed by ICI.
See "Risk Factors -- Environmental Regulation" and "Business -- Environmental
and Safety Regulation."
 
     See "The Acquisition" for the structure of Pioneer and its operating
subsidiaries following the PCI Canada Acquisition.
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                               BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
     The Company's management team is pursuing a business strategy designed to
capitalize on its marketing, production and distribution expertise and its
geographic focus. The Company seeks to manage effectively the intrinsic
cyclicality of the chlor-alkali industry while continuing to grow and improve
profitability by pursuing a strategy which includes the following principal
elements:
 
     - Focusing on the Merchant Chlor-Alkali Market. The Company is dedicated to
       serving the merchant chlor-alkali market, acting as a reliable source of
       supply of chlorine and caustic soda. The Company is committed to being
       flexible and responsive in periods of volatile chlor-alkali demand,
       making it the preferred supplier for many of its customers. Unlike its
       major competitors, the Company does not compete with its PVC customers
       and, as a result, is viewed as a preferred, non-competing source of raw
       materials.
 
     - Optimizing Plant Efficiencies through High Capacity Utilization. The
       Company seeks to maximize profitability by achieving a constant flow of
       product through its plants. The Company strives to maintain a steady
       demand for its output through (i) programs aimed primarily at growing
       markets such as PVC and water treatment; (ii) renewable contracts with
       major customers and a Chlorine Purchase Agreement with OCC Tacoma; (iii)
       direct linkage with major customers via pipelines, including a seven-mile
       liquid chlorine pipeline from the St. Gabriel facility (the "Pipeline
       Project") expected to be completed in 1998; and (iv) captive demand for
       chlorine and caustic soda through its downstream water treatment
       operations.
 
     - Improving Cost Efficiency. The Company continually seeks to improve its
       cost competitiveness through a combination of productivity enhancements,
       strict operating cost controls, capital improvements and maintenance of
       high capacity utilization rates. Despite inflation, the Company's cash
       production costs per ECU decreased by 5% from 1990 through 1996, while
       ECU production per employee increased by 20%. In addition, the Company
       seeks to reduce distribution costs and improve plant operating efficiency
       through the efficient use of its strategic locations with deep water port
       facilities, direct pipeline connections to customers and opportunistic
       product exchanges with chlor-alkali producers in other regions.
 
     - Focusing on Geographic Diversity and Market Penetration. The Company's
       products are manufactured and sold in a number of markets, providing a
       wide base for future growth and distribution to help mitigate the effects
       of regional and economic fluctuations. Following the PCI Canada
       Acquisition, the Company has major chlor-alkali facilities in three
       states (Louisiana, Nevada and Washington) and two Canadian provinces
       (Quebec and New Brunswick) and downstream plants producing a range of
       products such as bleach, hydrochloric acid, iron chlorides and
       chlorinated paraffins. The Company is well-positioned to direct its
       chlor-alkali output to customers while more efficiently supplying the
       growth in its own downstream operations. Through recent expansion, the
       Company is creating substantial new regional strength in areas west of
       the Rocky Mountains and eastern Canada and the eastern United States,
       while maintaining its traditionally strong presence in the Gulf Coast
       region.
 
     - Expanding Product Offerings. The Company has developed water treatment
       chemical businesses whose steady requirements for chlorine and caustic
       soda help maintain high operating rates at the Company's chlor-alkali
       facilities which, in turn, decreases unit production costs. In addition
       to serving as a source of demand, these growing businesses service
       diverse product markets and regions and can offset industry cyclicality
       in the chlorine and caustic soda markets by providing a more stable
       downstream source of revenue. The PCI Canada Acquisition allows the
       Company to expand into related product offerings for the pulp and paper
       market, including sodium chlorate and proprietary additives such as PSR
       2000(R) and IMPAQT(R).
 
     - Growing through Product Line Extensions and Strategic
       Acquisitions. Management believes that there are significant
       opportunities to continue the Company's growth both internally and
       through strategic acquisitions. The Company focuses its product
       development efforts on areas identified by its customers as being of
       major commercial importance. For example, in the area of water treatment,
       the Company
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<PAGE>   10
 
       has developed or acquired rights to a number of innovative coagulant
       products which help provide cost effective, advanced waste water
       treatment solutions. In addition, the Company is constantly reviewing
       acquisitions in related markets and since 1990 has consummated five
       downstream acquisitions, which provide attractive product offerings and
       geographic coverage.
 
                             RECENT INDUSTRY TRENDS
 
     The chlorine and caustic soda markets are cyclical markets that are
sensitive to relative changes in supply and demand, which are in turn affected
by general economic conditions, capacity additions and other factors. Over the
last five years, the market for PVC, the largest use of chlorine in the United
States, has experienced steady growth, resulting in strong demand for chlorine.
However, the use of chlorine as a bleaching agent in the pulp and paper industry
and as feedstock in the production of chlorofluorocarbons ("CFCs") has been
reduced significantly due to regulatory pressures. As a result of these factors
and a general decline in economic growth in the early 1990s, the North American
chlor-alkali industry experienced declining prices, as ECU prices fell by over
52% from $389 per ECU in the fourth quarter of 1989 to $185 per ECU in the
second quarter of 1993. After a significant improvement in domestic economic
growth, in early 1994 chlor-alkali markets experienced increased levels of
demand. Limited new capacity was added during this time, resulting in greater
capacity utilization and higher domestic and export prices for chlor-alkali
products. These conditions continued in 1995 and the increase in demand enabled
the Company and the industry in general to increase selling prices significantly
at a time when operating costs generally did not increase, with prices
eventually exceeding $400 per ECU at the peak of the cycle in 1995. Toward the
end of 1995 and continuing through 1996, however, ECU prices began to decrease
as strengthening demand for chlorine was offset by an oversupply of caustic
soda. As a result, prices decreased to approximately $335 to $345 per ECU by the
end of 1996, even as chlorine prices remained strong due to steady demand growth
from the PVC industry. For the third quarter of 1997, prices have ranged from
$310 to $345 per ECU. Demand for chlorine has been relatively stable, while
increasing demand for caustic soda has recently strengthened pricing, as
evidenced by several recent announced price increases. The industry has
continued to operate at full capacity and management does not anticipate a
significant increase in capacity over the next several years. The Company
therefore believes that the previous volatility in ECU prices should moderate
over such period.
 
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
  Tacoma Acquisition
 
     On June 17, 1997, Pioneer, the Company and OCC Tacoma, Inc. ("OCC Tacoma"),
a subsidiary of Occidental Chemical Corporation ("OxyChem"), consummated the
acquisition by the Company of substantially all the assets and properties used
by OCC Tacoma in the chlor-alkali business at Tacoma, Washington, including the
Tacoma Facility. The purchase price consisted of (i) $97.0 million, paid in
cash, (ii) 55,000 shares of Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value
$.01 per share, of Pioneer (the "Pioneer Preferred Stock"), having a liquidation
preference of $100 per share, and (iii) the assumption of certain obligations
related to the acquired chlor-alkali business.
 
     The Tacoma Acquisition has provided the Company with an expanded presence
in the western United States. The Tacoma Facility, with an aggregate production
capacity of 225,000 ECUs, is a well-maintained chlor-alkali production facility
with diaphragm and modern membrane cell technologies and a location contiguous
to the Company's previous customer base. By acquiring a low-cost facility in the
Pacific Northwest, the Company is well-positioned to market in outlying areas
while efficiently supplying the All-Pure and Kemwater downstream operations,
principally in the western and northwestern United States. During the third
quarter of 1997, the Company completed the integration of the Tacoma Facility
with its existing business.
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<PAGE>   11
 
                            THE COMPANY AND PIONEER
 
     PCI Canada is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PAAC. PAAC is a direct
wholly-owned subsidiary of Pioneer, a publicly-traded company that immediately
prior to the acquisition of PAI in April 1995 had no operations. Pioneer has an
available net operating loss carryforward for federal income tax reporting
purposes which it believes was approximately $54.9 million at September 30,
1997, which includes the impact of the extraordinary loss due to early
extinguishment of debt during the second quarter of 1997.
 
     Interlaken Investment Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the
"Interlaken Partnership"), beneficially owns approximately 34.9% of the voting
power of Pioneer, and William R. Berkley, Chairman of Pioneer and PAAC (who may
be deemed to beneficially own all shares of Pioneer common stock held by the
Interlaken Partnership), may be deemed to beneficially own approximately 59.9%
of the voting power of Pioneer. See "Stock Ownership."
 
                                 THE FINANCINGS
 
     In connection with the PCI Canada Acquisition, the Company consummated a
series of related transactions (the "Financings") on November 5, 1997, comprised
of (i) the Initial Offering, (ii) borrowings of $83.0 million in term loans to
PAI under a new senior secured term loan facility (the "Term Facility") and
(iii) the amendment of PAAC's existing senior revolving loan and letter of
credit facility to increase availability to $65.0 million (the "Revolving
Facility"). See "Description of Other Indebtedness -- New Credit Facilities."
 
  Term Facility
 
     The Company entered into the Term Facility, pursuant to which PAI borrowed
new term loans (the "Term Loans") in an aggregate principal amount of $83.0
million. The Term Loans are guaranteed by PAAC and its subsidiaries (other than
PAI) and are secured on a pari passu basis with the Collateral (as defined)
securing the Notes.
 
  Revolving Facility
 
     The Company has entered into the Revolving Facility, to provide for
revolving loans (the "Revolving Loans") in an aggregate principal amount up to
$65.0 million, subject to borrowing base limitations, of which a portion will be
available for the issuance of letters of credit, and to include a Canadian
sub-facility. The Company did not incur Revolving Loans at closing but had $2.9
million in letters of credit outstanding at such time under the Revolving
Facility.
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<PAGE>   12
 
                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
The Exchange Offer.........  The Issuer and the Guarantors are offering to
                             exchange (the "Exchange Offer") up to $175,000,000
                             aggregate principal amount of 9 1/4% Series B
                             Senior Secured Notes due 2007 (the "Exchange
                             Notes") for up to $175,000,000 aggregate principal
                             amount of its outstanding 9 1/4% Series A Senior
                             Secured Notes due 2007 issued in reliance upon an
                             exemption from registration under the Securities
                             Act (the "Original Notes"). The terms of the
                             Exchange Notes will be substantially identical in
                             all respects (including principal amount, interest
                             rate, maturity and ranking) to the terms of the
                             Original Notes for which they may be exchanged
                             pursuant to the Exchange Offer, except that (i) the
                             Exchange Notes will be freely transferable by
                             holders thereof except as provided herein (see "The
                             Exchange Offer -- Terms of the Exchange" and
                             "-- Terms and Conditions of the Letter of
                             Transmittal") and (ii) the Exchange Notes will be
                             issued without any covenant regarding registration
                             under the Securities Act.
 
                             Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange
                             Offer in exchange for the Original Notes may be
                             offered for resale, resold and otherwise
                             transferred by holders thereof (other than any
                             holder which is (i) an "affiliate" of the
                             Registrants within the meaning of Rule 405 under
                             the Securities Act, (ii) a broker-dealer who
                             acquired Original Notes directly from a Registrant
                             or (iii) broker-dealers who acquired Original Notes
                             as a result of market making or other trading
                             activities) without compliance with the
                             registration and prospectus delivery provisions of
                             the Securities Act provided that such Exchange
                             Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such
                             holders' business and such holders are not engaged
                             in, and do not intend to engage in, and have no
                             arrangement or understanding with any person to
                             participate in, a distribution of such Exchange
                             Notes.
 
Minimum Condition..........  The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any
                             minimum aggregate principal amount of Original
                             Notes being tendered for exchange.
 
Expiration Date............  The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New
                             York City time, on           , 1998 unless extended
                             (the "Expiration Date").
 
Exchange Date..............  The first date of acceptance for exchange for the
                             Original Notes will be the first business day
                             following the Expiration Date.
 
Conditions to the Exchange
Offer......................  The obligation of the Registrants to consummate the
                             Exchange Offer is subject to certain conditions.
                             See "The Exchange Offer -- Conditions to the
                             Exchange Offer." The Registrants reserve the right
                             to terminate or amend the Exchange Offer at any
                             time prior to the Expiration Date upon the
                             occurrence of any such condition.
 
Withdrawal Rights..........  Tenders may be withdrawn at any time prior to the
                             Expiration Date. Any Original Notes not accepted
                             for any reason will be returned without expense to
                             the tendering holders thereof as promptly as
                             practicable after the expiration or termination of
                             the Exchange Offer.
 
Procedures for Tendering
  Original Notes...........  See "The Exchange Offer -- How to Tender."
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<PAGE>   13
 
Federal Income Tax
  Consequences.............  The exchange of Original Notes for Exchange Notes
                             by holders will not be a taxable exchange for
                             federal income tax purposes, and holders should not
                             recognize any taxable gain or loss or any interest
                             income as a result of such exchange.
 
Effect on Holders of
Original Notes.............  As a result of the making of this Exchange Offer,
                             and upon acceptance for exchange of all validly
                             tendered Original Notes pursuant to the terms of
                             this Exchange Offer, the Registrants will have
                             fulfilled a covenant contained in the terms of the
                             Original Notes and the Exchange and Registration
                             Rights Agreement (the "Registration Rights
                             Agreement") dated as of November 5, 1997 between
                             the Issuer, the Guarantors, Donaldson, Lufkin &
                             Jenrette Securities Corporation and Salomon
                             Brothers Inc, as initial purchasers (the "Initial
                             Purchasers"), and, accordingly, the holders of the
                             Original Notes will have no further registration or
                             other rights under the Registration Rights
                             Agreement, except under certain limited
                             circumstances. See "Original Notes Registration
                             Rights." Holders of the Original Notes who do not
                             tender their Original Notes in the Exchange Offer
                             will continue to hold such Original Notes and will
                             be entitled to all the rights and limitations
                             applicable thereto under the Indenture, dated as of
                             October 30, 1997, among the Issuer, the Guarantors
                             and United States Trust Company of New York, as
                             Trustee and Collateral Agent (the "Trustee"),
                             relating to the Original Notes and the Exchange
                             Notes (the "Indenture"). All untendered, and
                             tendered but unaccepted, Original Notes will
                             continue to be subject to the restrictions on
                             transfer provided for in the Original Notes and the
                             Indenture. To the extent that Original Notes are
                             tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer, the
                             trading market, if any, for the Original Notes
                             could be adversely affected. See "Risk
                             Factors -- Consequences of Failure to Exchange."
 
                               TERMS OF THE NOTES
 
     The Exchange Offer applies to $175,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
the Original Notes. The form and terms of the Exchange Notes are the same as the
form and terms of the Original Notes for which they may be exchanged except that
the Exchange Notes have been registered under the Securities Act and, therefore,
will not bear legends restricting the transfer thereof. The Exchange Notes will
evidence the same debt as the Original Notes and will be entitled to the
benefits of the Indenture. See "Description of the Notes."
 
Notes Offered..............  $175,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 9 1/4%
                             Series B Senior Secured Notes due 2007.
 
Maturity...................  October 15, 2007.
 
Interest Payment Dates.....  April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing
                             April 15, 1998.
 
Ranking....................  The Notes are senior obligations of the Issuer, and
                             rank pari passu with all existing and future Senior
                             Indebtedness of the Issuer and senior to all
                             Subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuer. The Notes
                             and the Term Loans are effectively secured by pari
                             passu first priority liens on and security
                             interests in the Collateral. The Notes and the
                             obligations of the
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<PAGE>   14
 
                             Guarantors under their guarantees of the Notes are
                             effectively subordinated to secured Senior
                             Indebtedness of the Issuer and the Guarantors,
                             respectively, with respect to the assets securing
                             such Indebtedness. As of September 30, 1997, after
                             giving pro forma effect to the Offering and the
                             other Financings, the Issuer and the Guarantors
                             would have had outstanding approximately $557.8
                             million aggregate principal amount of secured
                             Senior Indebtedness. In addition, PAAC and its
                             Subsidiaries may incur up to $50.0 million of
                             Senior Indebtedness which will be secured on a pari
                             passu basis with the Senior Secured Notes and the
                             Existing Term Facility (each as defined). As of
                             September 30, 1997, the Company and its
                             Subsidiaries would have had, subject to certain
                             restrictions (including borrowing base
                             limitations), the ability to draw up to $62.1
                             million of additional secured Senior Indebtedness
                             under the Revolving Facility. See "Risk
                             Factors -- Ranking of the Notes and Guarantees,"
                             "Description of Other Indebtedness" and
                             "Description of the Notes -- Ranking."
 
Security...................  The Notes are effectively secured by the Collateral
                             (as defined). Pursuant to an Intercreditor and
                             Collateral Agency Agreement, dated as of October
                             30, 1997, (the "Intercreditor Agreement") by and
                             among the Issuer, the Trustee under the Indenture,
                             the agent under the Term Facility (the "Term Loan
                             Agent") and the Collateral Agent, the Collateral
                             Agent will hold the Collateral securing the Notes
                             and the Term Loans for the equal and ratable
                             benefit of the Trustee, the holders of the Notes,
                             the Term Loan Agent and the holders of the Term
                             Loans. The Collateral is generally limited to first
                             priority liens on and security interests in the
                             Issuer's owned and leased facilities (including
                             real property, buildings, fixtures and certain
                             equipment at Becancour, Quebec; Dalhousie, New
                             Brunswick; Cornwall, Ontario; Mississauga, Ontario;
                             and Point Tupper, Nova Scotia). The Intercreditor
                             Agreement provides generally that the holders of a
                             majority of the obligations secured by the
                             Collateral may direct the Collateral Agent with
                             respect to certain matters. The security interest
                             in the Collateral will be a first priority lien,
                             subject to certain exceptions. See "Risk
                             Factors -- Limitations on Security Interest." The
                             Indenture provides that any release of Collateral,
                             including Trust Moneys, will be subject to the
                             provisions of Section 314(d) of the Trust Indenture
                             Act (as defined) relating to, among other things,
                             the delivery of a certificate or an opinion of an
                             engineer, appraiser or other expert as to the fair
                             value of Collateral being released from the liens
                             of the Security Documents. See "Description of the
                             Notes -- Security" and "-- Intercreditor
                             Agreement."
 
Guarantees.................  The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed
                             on a senior basis by the Guarantors (which are PAAC
                             and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, other
                             than the Issuer). The Guarantee of each Guarantor
                             ranks pari passu with all existing and future
                             Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor and senior to
                             all Subordinated Indebtedness, if any, of such
                             Guarantor. The Guarantees are effectively
                             subordinated to secured Senior Indebtedness of the
                             Guarantors with respect to the assets securing such
                             Indebtedness. See "Description of the
                             Notes -- Ranking" and "Description of Other
                             Indebtedness." The Guarantees are joint and several
                             obligations of the Guarantors. See "Description of
                             the Notes -- Guarantees."
                                        9
<PAGE>   15
 
Optional Redemption........  The Notes are redeemable in cash at the option of
                             the Issuer, in whole or in part, at any time or
                             from time to time on or after October 15, 2002, at
                             the redemption prices set forth herein, together
                             with accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated
                             Damages, if any, to the date of redemption. In
                             addition, the Issuer may also redeem in cash at its
                             option at any time prior to October 15, 2000 up to
                             35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes
                             originally issued at a purchase price of 109.25% of
                             the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and
                             unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to
                             the date of redemption, with the net proceeds of
                             (i) an Equity Offering by the Issuer or (ii) an
                             Equity Offering by Pioneer or PAAC, but only to the
                             extent that Pioneer or PAAC contributes such net
                             proceeds to the Issuer as a capital contribution;
                             provided that at least 65% of the aggregate
                             principal amount of the Notes originally issued
                             remains outstanding immediately after giving effect
                             to such redemption. See "Description of the
                             Notes -- Optional Redemption."
 
Additional Amounts.........  All payments with respect to the Notes will be made
                             without withholding or deduction for Canadian taxes
                             unless required by law or the interpretation or
                             administration thereof, in which case the Issuer
                             will pay, subject to certain limited exceptions,
                             such Additional Amounts (as defined) as may be
                             necessary so that the net amount received by each
                             holder of the Notes after such withholding or
                             deduction will not be less than the amount that
                             would have been received in the absence of such
                             withholding or deduction. See "Description of the
                             Notes -- Additional Amounts."
 
Redemption for Changes in
  Canadian Withholding
  Taxes....................  The Notes are redeemable in cash at the option of
                             the Issuer, in whole but not in part, at any time
                             at 100% of the principal amount thereof together
                             with accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated
                             Damages, if any, to the date of redemption in the
                             event the Issuer has become or would be obligated
                             to pay, on any date on which any amount would be
                             payable on the Notes, any Additional Amounts. See
                             "Description of the Notes -- Redemption for Changes
                             in Canadian Withholding Taxes."
 
Change of Control..........  Upon a Change of Control, the Issuer will be
                             required to make a Change of Control Offer (as
                             defined) to purchase all of the Notes outstanding
                             at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal
                             amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and
                             Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date of
                             repurchase. The Issuer's ability to repurchase the
                             Notes may be limited by, among other things, the
                             Issuer's financial resources at the time of
                             repurchase. See "Risk Factors -- Change of Control"
                             and "Description of the Notes -- Change of
                             Control."
 
Certain Covenants..........  The indenture governing the Notes (the "Indenture")
                             contains certain covenants with respect to the
                             Issuer, PAAC and their subsidiaries which restrict,
                             among other things, (a) the incurrence of
                             additional indebtedness, (b) the payment of
                             dividends and other restricted payments, (c) the
                             creation of certain liens, (d) the use of proceeds
                             from sales of assets and subsidiary stock, (e) sale
                             and leaseback transactions and (f) transactions
                             with affiliates. The Indenture also restricts the
                             Issuer's or any Guarantor's ability to consolidate
                             or merge with or into, or to transfer all or
                             substantially all of its assets to, another person.
                             These
                                       10
<PAGE>   16
 
                             restrictions and requirements are subject to a
                             number of important qualifications and exceptions.
                             See "Description of the Notes -- Certain
                             Covenants."
 
Exchange Offer;
Registration Rights........  Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the
                             Issuer and the Guarantors agreed to file by the
                             30th day following the date of closing of the
                             Initial Offering (the "Closing Date") a
                             registration statement (the "Exchange Offer
                             Registration Statement") with respect to an offer
                             to exchange the Original Notes for the Exchange
                             Notes, which will be registered under the
                             Securities Act with terms (other than restrictions
                             on transfer as set forth in "Notices to Investors")
                             substantially identical to those of the Original
                             Notes and to use their best efforts to cause such
                             registration statement to become effective by the
                             150th day following the Closing Date and, upon
                             becoming effective, to commence the Exchange Offer
                             and cause the same to remain open for acceptance
                             for not less than 20 business days after the date
                             of commencement. If the Exchange Offer is not
                             permitted by applicable law or if certain holders
                             of the Original Notes are not permitted to
                             participate in, or do not receive the benefit of,
                             the Exchange Offer, the Issuer and the Guarantors
                             will file and use their best efforts to cause to be
                             declared effective a shelf registration statement
                             with respect to resales of the Original Notes from
                             time to time and will use their best efforts to
                             keep such registration statement effective until
                             two years after the effective date thereof or such
                             shorter period ending when all of the Original
                             Notes have been sold thereunder.
 
                             If the applicable registration statement is not
                             filed or declared effective or ceases to be
                             effective or the Exchange Offer is not consummated
                             within the applicable time periods related thereto
                             (each, a "Registration Default"), the Issuer and
                             the Guarantors will be required to pay Liquidated
                             Damages to each holder of the Original Notes, in
                             the amount of $.05 per week per $1,000 principal
                             amount of Original Notes for the initial 90-day
                             period following such Registration Default. The
                             amount of such Liquidated Damages will increase by
                             an additional $.05 per week per $1,000 principal
                             amount of Original Notes at the beginning of each
                             subsequent 90-day period, up to a maximum amount of
                             $.50 per week per $1,000 principal amount of
                             Original Notes; provided, that the Issuer and the
                             Guarantors shall in no event be required to pay
                             Liquidated Damages for more than one Registration
                             Default at any given time. If, subsequently, such
                             Registration Default is cured, the accrual of
                             Liquidated Damages will cease. See "Original Notes
                             Registration Rights."
 
Use of Proceeds............  There will be no proceeds to the Registrants from
                             the exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer. The
                             net proceeds from the Initial Offering, together
                             with borrowings under the Term Facility, were used
                             to pay the purchase price of the PCI Canada
                             Acquisition and for working capital and general
                             corporate purposes. See "The Acquisition."
 
Transfer Restrictions......  The Original Notes have not been registered under
                             the Securities Act or under the securities laws of
                             any state and may not be offered or sold within the
                             United States or to, or for the benefit of, U.S.
                             persons except pursuant to an exemption from, or in
                             a transaction not subject to, the
                                       11
<PAGE>   17
 
                             registration requirements of the Securities Act or
                             applicable state securities laws. See "Plan of
                             Distribution."
 
Risk Factors...............  Holders of Original Notes should carefully consider
                             the matters set forth under the caption "Risk
                             Factors" prior to making a decision with respect to
                             the Exchange Offer. See "Risk Factors."
                                       12
<PAGE>   18
 
                      SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following financial data of the Company should be read in conjunction
with "Pro Forma Financial Information," "Supplemental Analysis of Adjusted
EBITDA," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" and "Selected Historical Financial Data" and the audited
and unaudited historical financial statements of the Company and the PCI Canada
Business and the respective notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               PRO FORMA(4)
                                                                                                         ------------------------
                            PREDECESSOR                                                                                  TWELVE
                              COMPANY        COMBINED                     NINE MONTHS     NINE MONTHS                    MONTHS
                             YEAR ENDED     YEAR ENDED     YEAR ENDED        ENDED           ENDED        YEAR ENDED      ENDED
                            DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,   SEPTEMBER 30,   SEPTEMBER 30,   DECEMBER 31,   SEPT. 30,
                              1994(1)        1995(2)        1996(3)          1996            1997            1996        1997(5)
                            ------------   ------------   ------------   -------------   -------------   ------------   ---------
                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS AND OPERATING DATA)
<S>                         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Revenues..................    $167,217       $200,756       $183,326        $140,835        $150,073       $431,485     $411,441
Cost of sales.............     134,556        135,575        126,739          98,600         112,553        296,913      292,771
                              --------       --------       --------        --------        --------       --------     --------
Gross profit..............      32,661         65,181         56,587          42,235          37,520        134,572      118,670
Selling, general and
  administrative
  expenses................      22,529         26,883         23,528          19,142          19,580         41,126       38,098
                              --------       --------       --------        --------        --------       --------     --------
Operating income..........      10,132         38,298         33,059          23,093          17,940         93,446       80,572
Equity in net income
  (loss) of unconsolidated
  subsidiary..............         183            204         (2,607)           (912)         (2,552)        (2,607)      (4,247)
Interest expense, net.....       6,407         14,570         17,290          12,766          16,189         49,882       50,347
Other income, net.........       4,480            318          1,684             507             882          3,296        1,065
                              --------       --------       --------        --------        --------       --------     --------
Income (loss) before
  income taxes and
  extraordinary items.....       8,388         24,250         14,846           9,922              81         44,253       27,043
Income tax provision
  (benefit)...............       3,242         11,017          6,735           4,868           1,779         16,682       11,511
                              --------       --------       --------        --------        --------       --------     --------
Income (loss) before
  extraordinary item......       5,146         13,233          8,111           5,054          (1,698)      $ 27,571     $ 15,532
                                                                                                           ========     ========
Extraordinary item, net of
  applicable tax(6).......          --          3,420             --              --         (18,658)
                              --------       --------       --------        --------        --------
Net income (loss).........    $  5,146       $  9,813       $  8,111        $  5,054        $(20,356)
                              ========       ========       ========        ========        ========
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
Depreciation and
  amortization............    $ 13,595       $ 16,764       $ 15,695        $ 13,558        $ 14,792       $ 41,061     $ 39,847
Capital expenditures......       5,681         17,003         17,121          15,796          10,977         36,079       34,417
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Cash flow from
  operations..............    $ 22,419       $ 30,899       $ 32,453        $ 27,393        $ 10,803
Cash flow from investing
  activities..............      (4,987)      (169,263)       (29,225)        (23,691)       (110,467)
Cash flow from financing
  activities..............     (15,891)       146,272           (757)           (489)        121,046
EBITDA(7).................      28,207         55,380         50,438          37,158          33,614
Pro forma EBITDA..........                                                                                 $137,803     $121,484
Adjusted EBITDA(8)........                                                                                  145,690      125,546
Ratio of pro forma EBITDA
  to pro forma interest...                                                                                      2.8x         2.4x
Ratio of pro forma net
  debt to pro forma
  EBITDA..................                                                                                      3.8x         4.3x
OPERATING DATA:
Average ECU price.........    $    327       $    414       $    385        $    403        $    367       $    370     $    351
ECU production (in
  thousands)..............       321.1          327.9          345.7           258.5           306.1          888.9        885.6
Chlor-alkali operating
  rate....................         101%           100%           100%             99%             94%            97%          95%
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                                              ------------------------
                                                               ACTUAL     PRO FORMA(4)
                                                              --------    ------------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital.............................................  $ 34,925      $ 55,499
Total assets................................................   463,851       742,803
Total debt..................................................   306,533       564,533
Common stockholder's equity.................................    59,242        59,242
</TABLE>
 
                       (see footnotes on following page)
                                       13
<PAGE>   19
 
- ---------------
 
(1) GPS Pool Supply, Inc. ("GPS") was acquired in May 1994 and therefore the
    results of operations for the year ended December 31, 1994 include the
    results of operations from the date of acquisition in May 1994 through
    December 31, 1994. GPS generated third party sales during such partial
    period of $9.4 million.
 
(2) For comparative purposes the combined results of operations for the year
    ended December 31, 1995 include the Company's operating results for the
    period from March 6, 1995 ("Inception") through December 31, 1995 and the
    Predecessor Company's operating results from January 1, 1995 through April
    20, 1995. The Company believes that this provides a meaningful basis for
    comparison.
 
(3) Kemwater was formed in connection with the acquisition of Kemira Water
    Treatment, Inc. ("KWT") in February 1996 to continue the business activities
    previously conducted by Imperial West Chemical Co. ("Imperial West") and,
    accordingly, the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 1996
    include the results of operations of Imperial West only for the month of
    January 1996. Since the acquisition, 50% of Kemwater's results of operations
    are included as equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiary.
    Prior to the formation of Kemwater, the financial statements of Imperial
    West were consolidated with the Company's consolidated financial statements.
 
(4) The pro forma statement of income data for the year ended December 31, 1996
    gives effect to the Initial Offering, the other Financings, the PCI Canada
    Acquisition, the Tacoma Acquisition and related refinancings and the
    acquisition of T.C. Products as if they had occurred on January 1, 1996. The
    pro forma statement of income data for the twelve months ended September 30,
    1997 gives effect to the Initial Offering, the other Financings, the PCI
    Canada Acquisition, the Tacoma Acquisition and related refinancings and the
    acquisition of T.C. Products as if they had occurred on July 1, 1996. The
    pro forma balance sheet data as of September 30, 1997 gives effect to the
    Initial Offering, the other Financings and the PCI Canada Acquisition as if
    they had occurred on September 30, 1997. The pro forma financial data is not
    necessarily indicative of either future results of operations or the results
    that might have occurred if the foregoing transactions had been consummated
    on the indicated date.
 
(5) The pro forma financial information for the twelve months ended September
    30, 1997 is calculated by subtracting the pro forma nine months ended
    September 30, 1996 from the pro forma year ended December 31, 1996 and
    adding the pro forma nine months ended September 30, 1997.
 
(6) An extraordinary item of $3.4 million in 1995, net of an income tax benefit
    of $2.1 million, was due to costs incurred and previously capitalized costs
    written off, pertaining to debt refinanced by the Predecessor Company prior
    to the PAI Acquisition. An extraordinary item of $18.7 million in 1997, net
    of an income tax benefit of $12.4 million, was due to costs incurred and
    previously capitalized costs written off, pertaining to debt refinanced by
    the Company concurrent with the Tacoma Acquisition.
 
(7) EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation
    and amortization, extraordinary items and equity in net income (loss) of
    unconsolidated subsidiaries and is presented because the Company believes
    that it provides useful information regarding its ability to service and/or
    incur debt. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute
    for net income, cash flows from operating activities and other combined
    income or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with generally
    accepted accounting principles or as a measure of the Company's
    profitability or liquidity. The Company's calculation of EBITDA may not be
    consistent with similarly captioned amounts used by other Companies.
 
(8) The Company believes it is important to present a supplemental analysis of
    its Adjusted EBITDA in order to reflect a recent change in the PCI Canada
    Business. In April 1997, the PCI Canada Business completed a $21.2 million
    expansion and upgrade of its Becancour facility by installing additional
    modern membrane cell capacity, which increased Becancour's net chlor-alkali
    capacity by 36,000 tons, or 12%. The information presented reflects an
    analysis of operating results had this increase in capacity been available
    for these historical periods. Reference should be made to "Pro Forma
    Financial Information" and "Supplemental Analysis of Adjusted EBITDA"
    presented elsewhere herein.
 
    The Company believes that this information is a useful adjunct to net
    income, cash flows and other GAAP measurements. However, this supplemental
    information should not be construed as an alternative
                                       14
<PAGE>   20
 
to net income or any other GAAP measure of performance as an indicator of the
Company's current or future performance or to GAAP-defined cash flows generated
by operating, investing and financing activities as an indicator of cash flows
     or a measure of liquidity.
 
     The adjustments to obtain Adjusted EBITDA relate to increased margin as a
     result of using the increased capacity to meet customer demands. During the
     periods presented, the PCI Canada Business purchased for resale chlorine
     and caustic soda at market prices. Margin on the resulting resales was
     minimal. Had the additional Becancour capacity been available during the
     indicated periods, the Company believes portions of historical volumes
     purchased for resale would have been produced internally and sold at higher
     margins. Certain assumptions, including those of average sales prices,
     average manufacturing costs and capacity utilization rates, were made based
     on actual PCI Canada Business operating data for existing facilities during
     the periods presented. There can be no assurance that such operating
     results would have been achieved had such additional capacity been
     available.
                                       15
<PAGE>   21
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     In addition to the other information contained in this Prospectus, before
tendering their Original Notes for the Exchange Notes offered hereby, holders of
Original Notes should consider carefully the following factors, which may be
generally applicable to the Original Notes as well as the Exchange Notes:
 
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO EXCHANGE
 
     Holders of Original Notes who do not exchange their Original Notes for
Exchange Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer will continue to be subject to the
restrictions on transfer of such Original Notes as set forth in the legend
thereon as a consequence of the issuance of the Original Notes pursuant to
exemptions from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration
requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. In
general, the Original Notes may not be offered or sold unless registered under
the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or pursuant to an
exemption therefrom. Except under certain limited circumstances, the Registrants
do not intend to register the Original Notes under the Securities Act. In
addition, any holder of Original Notes who tenders in the Exchange Offer for the
purpose of participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes may be deemed
to have received restricted securities and, if so, will be required to comply
with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act
in connection with any resale transaction. To the extent Original Notes are
tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer, the trading market, if any, for the
Original Notes not tendered could be adversely affected. See "The Exchange
Offer" and "Original Notes Registration Rights."
 
FINANCIAL LEVERAGE
 
     As of September 30, 1997, after giving pro forma effect to the Initial
Offering, the other Financings and the PCI Canada Acquisition, the Company would
have had approximately $564.5 million of indebtedness and $59.2 million of
stockholder's equity. See "Capitalization."
 
     The degree to which the Company is leveraged could have important
consequences to holders of the Notes, including the following: (i) the Company
has significant cash interest expense for the Notes and other debt; (ii) the
Company's significant degree of leverage could make it vulnerable to changes in
industry and general economic conditions; and (iii) the Company's ability to
obtain additional financings for working capital, capital expenditures,
acquisitions, general corporate purposes or other purposes may be impaired.
 
     In addition, the Company's operating flexibility with respect to certain
business matters is limited by covenants contained in the Company's debt
instruments, including the Indenture and the New Credit Facilities. Among other
things, these covenants limit the ability of the Company to incur additional
indebtedness, create liens upon assets, apply the proceeds from disposal of
assets, make dividend payments and other distributions on capital stock and
redeem any capital stock. There can be no assurance that such covenants will not
adversely affect the Company's ability to finance its future operations or
capital needs or to engage in other business activities which may be in the
interest of the Company. See "Description of Other Indebtedness" and
"Description of the Notes -- Certain Covenants."
 
     The Company expects to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to
meet its debt service obligations. However, the ability of each of PCI Canada
and the Company to satisfy its obligations, including its obligations on the
Notes, will be dependent upon the future performance of the Company and will be
subject to financial, business and other factors affecting the business and
operations of the Company, including factors beyond its control, such as
prevailing economic conditions and regulatory matters. See "Capitalization" and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
 
INDUSTRY CYCLICALITY
 
     Substantially all of the Company's revenues are attributable to the sale of
chlorine, caustic soda and other chemicals that use chlorine or caustic soda as
a primary raw material. The chlorine and caustic soda markets are cyclical
markets that are sensitive to relative changes in supply and demand, which are
in turn affected by general economic conditions, capacity additions and other
factors. Over the last five years, the market for
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   22
 
PVC, the largest use of chlorine in the United States, has experienced steady
growth, resulting in strong demand for chlorine. However, the use of chlorine as
a bleaching agent in the pulp and paper industry and as a raw material for
chemical intermediaries used in the production of CFCs has been reduced
significantly due to regulatory pressures. As a result of these factors and a
general decline in economic growth in the early 1990s, the North American
chlor-alkali industry experienced declining prices, as ECU prices fell by over
52% from $389 per ECU in the fourth quarter of 1989 to $185 per ECU in the
second quarter of 1993. After a significant improvement in domestic economic
growth in early 1994, chlor-alkali markets experienced increased levels of
demand. Limited new capacity was added during this time, resulting in greater
capacity utilization and higher domestic and export prices for chlor-alkali
products. These conditions continued in 1995 and the increase in demand enabled
the Company and the industry in general to increase selling prices significantly
at a time when operating costs generally did not increase, with prices
eventually exceeding $400 per ECU at the peak of the cycle in 1995. Toward the
end of 1995 and continuing through 1996, however, ECU prices began to decrease
as strengthening demand for chlorine was offset by an oversupply of caustic
soda. As a result, prices decreased to approximately $335 to $345 per ECU by the
end of 1996, even as chlorine prices remained strong due to steady demand growth
from the PVC industry. For the third quarter of 1997, prices have ranged from
$310 to $345 per ECU. Demand for chlorine has been relatively stable, while
increasing demand for caustic soda has recently strengthened pricing, as
evidenced by several recent announced price increases. There can be no assurance
that demand for the Company's products will be sustained or that the Company
will keep pace with unanticipated capacity additions or that other events which
may adversely affect the supply/demand balance for chlorine and caustic soda
will not occur.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
 
     The Company and its operations are subject to extensive United States and
Canadian federal, state, provincial and local laws, regulations, rules and
ordinances relating to pollution, the protection of the environment and the
release or disposal of regulated materials. The operation of any chemical
manufacturing plant and the distribution of chemical products entail obligations
under current environmental laws, and present or future laws may affect the
Company's capital and operating costs relating to compliance, impose cleanup
requirements with respect to site contamination resulting from past, present or
future spills and releases and affect the markets for the Company's products.
The Company believes that its operations are currently in general compliance
with environmental laws and regulations, the violation of which could result in
a material adverse effect on the Company's business, properties or results of
operations on a consolidated basis. There can be no assurance, however, that
material costs will not be incurred as a result of instances of noncompliance or
new regulatory requirements.
 
     The Company relies on indemnification from the previous owners in
connection with certain environmental liabilities at its chlor-alkali plants and
other facilities. There can be no assurance, however, that such indemnification
arrangements will be adequate to protect the Company from environmental
liabilities at these sites or that such third parties will perform their
obligations under the respective indemnification arrangements, in which case the
Company would be required to incur significant expenses for environmental
liabilities, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company. See
"Business -- Environmental and Safety Regulation -- Indemnities."
 
     Cleanup Costs. Environmental laws and regulations also impose liability for
the cleanup of contamination, even if the contamination resulted from historical
activities that were in compliance with applicable legal requirements at the
time they occurred. Such costs may arise at facilities owned or operated by the
Company or at off-site facilities to which the Company sent wastes for
treatment, storage or disposal. As a result of historical activities, incidental
spills or other releases, many of the facilities owned or operated by the
Company are known to be, or could be, affected by contamination of soil or
groundwater. The Company, along with other parties with an interest in the
Henderson, Nevada industrial complex, has entered into a consent agreement with
the State of Nevada, pursuant to which the Company has submitted a "Phase I
Environmental Conditions Assessment." The Company has also executed a "Phase II
Consent Agreement," which covers additional investigation of the plant site,
including sampling. The Company is also aware of certain claims that have been
asserted with respect to off-site facilities, which claims could lead to
liability for the Company. See
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   23
 
"Business -- Environmental and Safety Regulation -- Superfund" and
"-- Remediation Matters." Such investigation and cleanup activities have not had
a material adverse effect on the operations or financial results of the Company
to date. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company is aware of all
such site contamination issues, that regulatory authorities will not require
cleanup in the future for sites that are not currently being remediated, or that
remedial standards will not become more stringent. Accordingly, no assurance can
be given that such activities will not have a material adverse effect on the
operations or financial results of the Company in the future.
 
     Environmental Regulation of Products. Environmental regulations can
directly or indirectly affect the markets for the Company's products by
regulating the uses of the Company's products or the chemicals or materials made
from those products. Certain environmental groups and international commissions
have urged the restriction or ban of chlorine-related processes and products,
based on concerns that the products or by-products from these applications might
cause damage to human health or the environment. Such pressures may stimulate
regulatory initiatives which could have the effect of reducing the use of
chlorine by customers in the Company's markets or could have the effect of
increasing competition from other chlorine producers with respect to the
Company's markets. Each such effect was experienced by the Company from 1990 to
1992 following increased regulation of the use of CFCs, although during that
period demand for chlorine from other market segments more than offset the loss
of demand from reduced production of CFCs. The Company is working with other
industry representatives to advocate a risk-based scientific approach for
evaluating the alleged health and environmental risks of chlorine and
chlorinated compounds, which are used in a broad range of consumer products,
including water, plastics, detergents, agricultural chemicals and
pharmaceuticals. See "Business -- Environmental and Safety Regulation."
 
     Environmental Cost Summary. The Company's operating expenses relating to
environmental matters totaled $1.7 million during the year ended December 31,
1996 and $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997. Capital
expenditures for environmental related matters were $4.3 million during the year
ended December 31, 1996 and are expected to be approximately $5.6 million in
1997. Capital expenditures and, to a lesser extent, costs and operating expenses
relating to environmental matters for years after 1997 will be subject to
evolving regulatory requirements and will depend to a great degree on the types
of procedures that may be approved by various federal and state governmental
agencies with respect to environmental clean-up.
 
     Henderson Remediation Matters; ZENECA Indemnity; PAI Sellers'
Indemnity. The Company's plant in Henderson, Nevada is located within an area
known as the "Basic Complex" that was originally owned by and constructed under
the direction of the United States government in the 1940s and since that time
has been used for chemical manufacturing by several companies. Soil and
groundwater contamination have been identified within and adjoining the land
owned by the Company. See "Business -- Environmental and Safety
Regulation -- Remediation Matters."
 
     Certain of the Company's environmental liabilities in connection with the
Henderson facility are addressed by indemnifications provided by the previous
owner of the Henderson facility, and by the sellers under the PAI Acquisition
Agreement (as defined). The Henderson plant was acquired by the Company in
October 1988 in connection with the purchase of Stauffer Chlor Alkali Company,
Inc. from ICI Delaware Holdings, Inc. ("ICI Delaware"), a subsidiary of ICI
Americas. Under the acquisition agreement relating to such acquisition, ICI
Delaware indemnified the Company for certain environmental liabilities that
might be incurred by the Company as a result of actions occurring prior to the
closing date, including actions (other than chlor-alkali related actions) at the
Henderson property and liabilities for actions at other sites in the Basic
Complex and liabilities arising in connection with off-site disposal sites. See
"Business -- Environmental and Safety Regulation -- Indemnities." The Company
has been advised by ZENECA Delaware Holdings, Inc. and ZENECA, Inc.
(collectively, the "ZENECA Companies") that the indemnity obligations of ICI
Delaware and ICI Americas under the acquisition agreement have been assumed by
the ZENECA Companies. As a result of the PAI Acquisition, the ZENECA Companies
indemnity (the "ZENECA Indemnity") will terminate in accordance with its terms
on April 20, 1999, except with respect to claims as to which PAI has satisfied
the contractual requirements for extending the indemnity. See "Business --
Environmental and Safety Regulation -- Indemnities."
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   24
 
     In April 1995, pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March
24, 1995 (the "PAI Acquisition Agreement"), PAAC acquired PAI (the "PAI
Acquisition"). In the PAI Acquisition Agreement, the sellers agreed to indemnify
Pioneer, PAAC and their affiliates for certain environmental liabilities that
result from certain discharges of hazardous materials, or violations of
environmental laws, arising prior to the PAI Acquisition. See "Business -- Other
Investments." Amounts payable pursuant to such indemnification obligations (the
"PAI Sellers' Indemnity") will generally be payable as follows: (i) out of
certain reserves established on PAI's balance sheet at December 31, 1994; (ii)
either by offset against the amounts payable under the Pioneer Seller Notes or
from amounts held in an account (the "Contingent Payment Account") established
under the related Contingent Payment Agreement; and (iii) in certain
circumstances and subject to specified limitations, out of the personal assets
of the sellers. The Company is required to reimburse the sellers with amounts
recovered under the ZENECA Indemnity or from other third parties. To the extent
that liabilities exceed amounts realized from sales of Contingent Payment
Properties, the Company would be limited, for a ten-year period, principally to
its rights of offset against the Pioneer Seller Notes (and to amounts available
under the ZENECA Indemnity, to the extent then in effect) to cover such
liabilities.
 
     The Company believes that the remediation costs relating to its Henderson
chlor-alkali facilities will not be material and that the Company will be
reimbursed by the ZENECA Companies, under the PAI Sellers' Indemnity or from
other responsible parties for substantially all of the non-chlor-alkali related
remediation costs it may incur in connection with the Henderson, Nevada
facility. No assurance can be given, however, that the Company will not be
required to incur significant expenses for remedial and other liabilities under
environmental laws in connection with the Henderson facility or operations,
whether at or near the Henderson facility or at off-site locations, or that such
expenses will be reimbursed under the ZENECA Indemnity or the PAI Sellers'
Indemnity or by other responsible parties. No assurance can be given that the
sellers will have the financial resources to perform their personal obligations
under the PAI Sellers' Indemnity, that the sellers will promptly pay any
liability for which they are responsible or that the Company will be able to
recover funds or assets from the sellers or that the Company will not be
required to incur significant costs for environmental conditions not covered by
the ZENECA Indemnity or the PAI Sellers' Indemnity. In addition, because the
sellers may recognize certain economic benefits from the sale of real property
adjoining some of the Company's facilities, there can be no assurance that
conflicts will not arise between the interests of sellers who are directors or
officers of the Company or its subsidiaries and the Company.
 
     Tacoma Remediation Matters; OCC Tacoma Indemnity. The Tacoma Facility is
located adjacent to the Hylebos Waterway, which is connected to Commencement
Bay. The Hylebos Waterway is one of the study areas included in the Commencement
Bay Nearshore/Tideflats site which has been placed on the National Priorities
List for remediation under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"). OxyChem is a member of the Hylebos
Cleanup Committee ("HCC"), which has entered into a consent agreement with the
Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") under which the HCC will prepare a
pre-remedial design for cleanup of the Hylebos Waterway. OxyChem is
participating in a voluntary, non-binding mediation under which an arbitrator
will allocate liability for the waterway among approximately 30 participating
Potentially Responsible Parties ("PRPs"). The aggregate costs of the cleanup of
the Hylebos Waterway will depend upon cleanup levels established by the EPA.
Cleanup levels have been selected by the EPA, and a remediation plan is being
prepared but has not yet been finalized or approved by the EPA. The Company
believes that a remediation plan based upon the final EPA cleanup levels may be
completed within five years, and that the voluntary mediation will be completed
prior to that date. However, the Company cannot presently determine the amount
of cleanup costs that will ultimately be allocated to OxyChem, or the timing of
such final allocation.
 
     The Tacoma Facility has a federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
("RCRA") treatment, storage, and disposal facility permit which requires the
plant to investigate groundwater contamination at the site and to treat the
groundwater to standards established in the permit. Pursuant to this
requirement, the plant has installed a groundwater extraction, treatment and
injection system (not included in the Tacoma Acquisition), which withdraws the
groundwater, removes volatile organic compounds and returns the treated water to
the subsurface through wells that are designed to control off-site migration of
contamination. Certain other areas at and near the Tacoma Facility are currently
being investigated by OCC Tacoma under the
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   25
 
oversight of the Washington Department of Ecology ("DOE") or the EPA. See
"Business -- Environmental and Safety Regulation -- Indemnities."
 
     OCC Tacoma agreed to indemnify the Company for certain pre-closing
environmental conditions. The OCC Tacoma indemnity is subject to limitations as
to dollar amount and duration, as well as certain other conditions. After the
applicable period of OCC Tacoma's indemnification, the Company will indemnify
OCC Tacoma for remaining liabilities other than those from hazardous materials
present as a result of pre-closing releases in the non-Hylebos area of
Commencement Bay, public, private or commercial disposal facilities upland of
the waterways and natural resource damages arising under state or federal
statutes, for which liability will be retained by OCC Tacoma. The Company has
reviewed the time frames currently estimated for remediation of the known
environmental conditions associated with Commencement Bay, the Hylebos Waterway,
the plant and adjacent properties and the Company presently believes that it
should have no material liability upon the termination of OCC Tacoma's
indemnity. There can be no assurance that such indemnity will be adequate to
protect the Company, that remediation will proceed on the present schedule, that
it will involve the presently anticipated remedial methods, or that
unanticipated conditions will not be identified. If these or other changes
occur, the Company could incur a material liability for which it is not insured
or indemnified. See "Business -- Environmental and Safety
Regulation -- Indemnities."
 
     PCI Canada Acquisition Indemnity. In the Purchase Agreement, ICI and its
affiliates (the "ICI Indemnitors") have agreed to indemnify the Company for
certain liabilities associated with environmental matters arising from
pre-closing operations of the PCI Canada Business. In particular, the ICI
Indemnitors will retain unlimited responsibility for environmental liabilities
associated with the Cornwall site, liabilities arising out of the discharge of
contaminants into rivers and marine sediments and liabilities arising out of
off-site disposal sites (the "Retained Environmental Liabilities"). The ICI
Indemnitors will also provide a general environmental indemnity for other
pre-closing environmental matters. This indemnity will terminate ten years after
the closing date, and will be subject to a limit of $25 million. The Company may
not recover under the environmental indemnity until it has incurred cumulative
costs of $1 million, at which point the Company may recover costs in excess of
$1 million.
 
     With respect to the Becancour and Dalhousie facilities, the ICI Indemnitors
will be responsible under the general environmental indemnity for 100% of the
costs incurred in the first five years after the closing date and for a
decreasing percentage of such costs in the following five years. Thereafter, the
Company will be responsible for environmental liabilities (other than the
Retained Environmental Liabilities) at such facilities.
 
     The Company will indemnify ICI for environmental liabilities arising out of
post-closing operations and for liabilities arising out of pre-closing
operations that are not indemnified by the ICI Indemnitors.
 
     The Company believes that the indemnities provided by the ICI Indemnitors
will be adequate to address the known environmental liabilities at the acquired
facilities, and that any residual liabilities incurred by the Company will not
be material. However, no assurance can be given that the indemnity will be
adequate in the event that new facts or conditions are identified, new or
different statutory or regulatory requirements are imposed, substantial changes
in remedial or disposal techniques or costs occur, or the anticipated timing of
remedial requirements is changed. Further, no assurance can be given that ICI or
its guarantor affiliates will promptly pay for liabilities covered by the
indemnity as they arise, or that ICI and its guarantor affiliates will have the
financial resources to provide such indemnity. If these or other changes occur,
the Company could incur a material liability for which it is not insured or
indemnified. See "Business -- Environmental and Safety
Regulation -- Indemnities."
 
OPERATING HAZARDS AND UNINSURED RISKS
 
     The Company's operations are subject to risks inherent in the chemical
industry, such as explosions, fires, chemical spills or releases, pollution and
other environmental risks. Any significant interruption of operations at the
Company's principal facilities could have a material adverse effect on the
Company. The Company has in the past experienced chlorine releases at its
plants. In 1991, there was a release of approximately 42 tons of chlorine from
the Henderson facility. The Company has resolved substantially all of the
personal injury, property damage and regulatory claims relating to this release,
and certain of the costs incurred as a result of
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   26
 
the accident were recovered under applicable insurance policies. See
"Business -- Environmental and Safety Regulation." The Company maintains general
liability insurance and property and business interruption insurance with
coverage limits it believes are adequate. Because of the nature of industry
hazards, it is possible that liabilities for pollution and other damages arising
from a major occurrence could exceed insurance coverage or policy limits or that
such insurance may not be available at reasonable rates in the future. Any such
liabilities, which could arise due to injury and loss of life, severe damage to
and destruction of property and equipment, pollution and other environmental
damage and suspension of operations, could have a material adverse effect on the
Company. See "Business -- Insurance."
 
LIMITATIONS ON SECURITY INTEREST
 
     The Notes are effectively secured by the Collateral more fully described
under "Description of the Notes -- Security." Such security interest generally
is limited to first priority liens (subject to certain exceptions) on and
security interests in the Issuer's owned and leased facilities (including real
property, buildings, fixtures and certain equipment at Becancour, Quebec;
Dalhousie, New Brunswick; Cornwall, Ontario; Mississauga, Ontario; and Point
Tupper, Nova Scotia). Upon a default on indebtedness secured by the Collateral,
including the Notes, and a declaration of acceleration of the Notes as a result
thereof, the Trustee may, subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor
Agreement, cause the Collateral Agent to take such action as it may deem
advisable to protect and enforce the rights of the Trustee and the holders in
the Collateral, including causing any Collateral to be sold and the proceeds to
be applied to the pro rata payment of the indebtedness secured by the Collateral
including the Notes, before such proceeds are applied to debts of other
creditors of the Issuer, except to the extent that certain liens, including
landlord's, warehousemen's and materialmen's liens and certain tax liens, may,
as a matter of law, have priority over the liens and security interests granted
to the Collateral Agent in the Collateral. The ability of the Collateral Agent
to cause any Collateral to be sold may be delayed or otherwise subject to
certain conditions or any Bankruptcy Laws (as defined) and fraudulent conveyance
limitations if the Issuer is the subject of any bankruptcy or receivership
proceedings. The Indenture permits the release of Collateral without
substitution of Collateral of equal value under certain circumstances. See
"Description of the Notes -- Release of Collateral."
 
     The Company and its subsidiaries may incur up to $50.0 million of Senior
Indebtedness which will be secured on a pari passu basis with the Senior Secured
Notes and the Existing Term Facility. In addition, the Indenture permits the
Company and its subsidiaries, under certain circumstances, to incur additional
Indebtedness, including Indebtedness secured by assets that do not constitute
Collateral. See "Description of the Notes -- Certain Covenants."
 
NO ASSURANCE OF REALIZABLE VALUE FROM COLLATERAL
 
     In connection with the granting of liens on the Collateral, the Company
made no representation as to the value or sufficiency of such Collateral.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the proceeds of sale of any
Collateral pursuant to the Indenture and the Security Documents (as defined)
following a declaration of acceleration of the Notes will be sufficient to
satisfy any payment of principal of, or accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on,
the Notes. Any deficiency claim would rank pari passu in right of payment with
all other unsecured senior indebtedness of the Issuer. In addition, the ability
of the Collateral Agent to realize upon the Collateral may be inhibited or
impaired by applicable Bankruptcy Law. See "Description of the Notes -- Certain
Bankruptcy Considerations.
 
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY OF SECURED LENDERS
 
     United States Considerations. Lenders that hold a security interest in real
property may, in certain specific circumstances, be held liable under certain
environmental laws for the cost of remediating or preventing releases or
threatened releases of hazardous substances at the real property. While lenders
that neither foreclose on nor participate in the management of the mortgaged
property (as interpreted under applicable law) generally have not been subject
to such liability, currently, the law is unclear with respect to lenders that
take possession of a property or that participate in the management of a
property. In this regard, the Collateral Agent, the Trustee or the holders of
the Notes would need to evaluate the impact of these
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   27
 
potential liabilities before determining to foreclose on the properties securing
such Notes and exercising other available remedies. In addition, the Collateral
Agent or the Trustee, as the case may be, may decline to foreclose upon the
properties or exercise remedies available to the extent that they do not receive
indemnification to their satisfaction from the holders of the Notes. See
"Description of the Notes -- Security."
 
     Canadian Considerations. The Collateral may be subject to known and
unforeseen environmental risks under applicable provincial and Canadian federal
environmental laws and regulations, and while there are no specific provisions
governing the responsibility of lenders or their agents, under the general
provisions thereof, a secured lender may be held liable in certain limited
circumstances either penally or for the cost of remediating or preventing
releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances at a charged property.
Such liability could be based on the lender having become sufficiently involved
in the operations of the borrower so that the lender may be said to be partly
responsible for a source of contamination, or the lender having counselled,
encouraged or invited the borrower to commit a violation of an applicable
environmental law or on the lender being the owner or having had the custody or
control of the charged property or the offending substances. This liability
would not necessarily be discharged after the sale of the charged property to a
third party purchaser.
 
     In the event of insolvency or bankruptcy, Canadian case law, which is quite
recent and undeveloped in this area, has generally held that a receiver, whether
court-appointed or private, or a trustee is bound to comply with environmental
remediation orders issued against property under its administration up to the
full extent of the value of the property under administration notwithstanding
the existence or ranking of any security interests in such property held by
creditors. Canadian law generally protects trustees in bankruptcy statutorily
from personal liability for environmental remediation orders in respect of
environmental conditions arising prior to a trustee's appointment or during its
administration except where the condition arises as a result of its failure to
exercise due diligence. Canadian courts have tended to offer court-appointed
receivers similar protection.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The industries in which the Company operates are highly competitive. Many
of the Company's competitors are larger and have greater financial resources
than the Company. Among the Company's competitors are two of the world's largest
chemical companies, OxyChem and The Dow Chemical Company. Because of their
greater financial resources, these companies may be better able than the Company
to withstand severe price competition and volatile market conditions. In
addition, as a result of the reduced demand for chlorine by the pulp and paper
industry and in the production of CFCs, certain competitors may rely on price
competition to capture market share. See "Business -- Competition."
 
DEPENDENCE ON KEY CUSTOMERS AND KEY SUPPLIERS
 
     Novartis Crop Protection Inc. ("Novartis") accounted for approximately 13%
of the Company's net sales for the year ended December 31, 1996 and was the only
customer that accounted for more than 10% of the Company's sales during such
period. Novartis would have accounted for approximately 6% of the Company's pro
forma net sales for the twelve months ended September 30, 1997. The loss of
Novartis or a number of other significant customers would have a material
adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and
cash flows. In connection with the Tacoma Acquisition, the Company, OxyChem and
OCC Tacoma entered into certain agreements with respect to the sale of chlorine
and caustic soda for specified periods. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to replace chlorine sales under such agreements with sales
to alternative customers in the future. There can be no assurance that the
historical levels of business from these customers will be maintained in the
future.
 
     The production of chlor-alkali products principally requires salt,
electricity and water as raw materials, and if the supply of such materials were
limited or a significant supplier were unable to meet its obligations under the
current supply arrangements, the Company could be forced to incur increased
costs. Additional raw materials purchased by the Company include scrap iron,
aluminum oxide compounds and sulfuric acid. Any
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   28
 
significant interruption in supply or increase in prices for raw materials could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of
operation or cash flows.
 
RANKING OF THE NOTES AND GUARANTEES
 
     The Notes are senior obligations of the Issuer and rank pari passu with all
existing and future Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer and senior to all
Subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuer. However, the Notes and the obligations
of the Guarantors under their guarantees of the Notes are effectively
subordinated to secured Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer and the Guarantors,
respectively, with respect to the assets securing such Indebtedness. See
"Description of Other Indebtedness" and "Description of the Notes -- Ranking."
 
     As of September 30, 1997, after giving pro forma effect to the Offering,
the other Financings and the PCI Canada Acquisition, the Issuer and the
Guarantors would have had outstanding approximately $557.8 million aggregate
principal amount of secured Senior Indebtedness (including $300.0 million of
secured Senior Indebtedness in addition to the Notes and the Term Loans). At
September 30, 1997, the Issuer and the Guarantors would have had, subject to
certain restrictions (including borrowing base limitations), the ability to draw
up to $62.1 million of additional secured Senior Indebtedness under the
Revolving Facility. In addition, PAAC and its Subsidiaries may incur up to $50.0
million of Senior Indebtedness which will be secured on a pari passu basis with
the Senior Secured Notes and the Existing Term Facility.
 
     Pursuant to the Indenture governing the Notes, the Issuer and the
Guarantors may incur additional secured and unsecured Indebtedness, or provide
guarantees of Indebtedness, in certain circumstances. See "Description of Other
Indebtedness" and "Description of the Notes -- Ranking" and "-- Certain
Covenants."
 
FRAUDULENT CONVEYANCE ISSUES
 
     The Notes are obligations of the Issuer and are unconditionally guaranteed,
jointly and severally, by the Guarantors. Under applicable provisions of the
United States Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) and
comparable provisions of state and provincial fraudulent conveyance and
fraudulent preference laws, if it were found that a Guarantor had incurred the
indebtedness represented by its obligations under the Guarantee with an intent
to hinder, delay or defraud creditors or had received less than a reasonably
equivalent value for such indebtedness and such Guarantor (i) was insolvent on
the date of the execution of the Guarantee or (ii) was rendered insolvent by
reason of the Guarantee, the obligations of such Guarantor under the Guarantee
could be avoided. A legal defense of the Guarantee on fraudulent preference
grounds could, among other things, focus on the benefits, if any, realized by
such Guarantor as a result of the issuance by the Issuer of the Notes. To the
extent that the Guarantee were held to be unenforceable as a fraudulent
preference or for any other reason, the holder of a Note would cease to have any
direct claim in respect of such Guarantor, and would be solely a creditor of the
Issuer and any Guarantor whose obligations under its Guarantee were not avoided
or held unenforceable.
 
TAX MATTERS
 
     Pioneer has an available net operating loss carryforward ("NOL") for
federal income tax reporting purposes which it believes was approximately $54.9
million at September 30, 1997, which includes the impact of the extraordinary
loss due to early extinguishment of debt during the second quarter of 1997. The
NOL would be available for offset against future federal taxable income,
including income of PAI (except PAI "built-in" gain recognized during the
five-year period following the acquisition of PAI as provided by section 384 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")), if generated during
the carryforward period, which expires between 2003 to 2012. See "The Company
and Pioneer -- Pioneer."
 
     Tax benefits arising from net operating loss carryforwards are subject to
challenge by the Internal Revenue Service and may not be available. In
particular, the use of the NOL may be reduced or eliminated if (a) an ownership
change within the meaning of Code section 382 has occurred or occurs after the
Offering with respect to Pioneer, (b) a subsidiary of Pioneer that in prior
years generated a significant portion of the NOL was not permitted to file a
consolidated return with Pioneer or (c) Code section 269 (applicable to
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   29
 
certain transactions the principal purpose of which is tax avoidance) applies to
PAAC's acquisition of PAI. If challenged by the Internal Revenue Service,
Pioneer believes that it can present adequate proof of these facts and prevail
with respect to these legal issues to the satisfaction of the Internal Revenue
Service or in litigation. If Pioneer is unable to establish such facts and
prevail with respect to such legal issues, its ability to use the NOL may be
substantially restricted, and Pioneer's after-tax cash flow may be materially
adversely affected.
 
CHANGE OF CONTROL
 
     Upon the occurrence of a "Change of Control", as defined in the Indenture,
the Issuer will be required to make a Change of Control Offer to purchase all of
the Notes outstanding at a purchase price in cash in an amount equal to 101% of
the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The indenture
governing the Senior Secured Notes contains the same requirement with respect to
PAAC. The Issuer's ability to redeem Notes may be limited by the availability of
sufficient funds, restrictions imposed by any other debt obligations (including
the New Credit Facilities, the Existing Term Facility and the Senior Secured
Notes) that may then be in effect and compliance with applicable securities
laws. The Existing Term Facility and the Term Facility require a mandatory
prepayment of the loans thereunder at 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus
accrued and unpaid interest, with respect to a change of control under such
facility. The Revolving Facility may prohibit the Issuer from repurchasing Notes
if at the time of such repurchase an event of default under the Revolving
Facility exists or would be caused thereby. The occurrence of a Change of
Control may cause an event of default under the New Credit Facilities, the
Existing Term Facility, the Senior Secured Notes or other indebtedness of the
Company, upon which event of default all amounts outstanding under such
indebtedness may become due and payable. After giving effect to the Initial
Offering, the other Financings and the PCI Canada Acquisition, the Issuer does
not currently have, and no assurance can be given that the Issuer will have,
sufficient funds available to purchase all of the outstanding Notes were they to
be tendered in response to an offer made as a result of a Change of Control.
Further, the provisions of the Indenture may not afford holders of Notes
protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization,
restructuring, merger or similar transaction involving Pioneer, PAAC or the
Issuer that may adversely affect holders of Notes, if such transaction does not
result in a Change of Control. See "Description of the Notes -- Change of
Control."
 
CONTROL BY CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS
 
     William R. Berkley, Chairman of Pioneer and PAAC (who may be deemed to
beneficially own all shares of Pioneer common stock held by the Interlaken
Partnership), may be deemed to beneficially own approximately 59.9% of Pioneer's
outstanding voting power. Pioneer, in turn, owns all of the outstanding common
stock of PAAC, which owns all of the outstanding stock of PAI, which owns all of
the outstanding stock of PCI Canada. As a result, Mr. Berkley is able to control
the election of PAAC's Board of Directors and thereby direct the management and
policies of PAAC, PAI and its subsidiaries, including PCI Canada. See "Stock
Ownership."
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
     Certain statements contained in this Prospectus, including without
limitation, statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates,"
"intends," "expects" and words of similar import, constitute "forward-looking
statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance
or achievements of PCI Canada or the Company or industry results to be
materially different from any future results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include,
among others, the following: general economic and business conditions, both
domestic and foreign; industry capacity; demographic changes; existing
government regulations and changes in, or the failure to comply with, government
regulations; legislative proposals concerning pollution, protection of the
environment and the release or disposal of regulated materials; liability and
other claims asserted against the Company; competition; the loss of any
significant customers; changes in operating strategy or development plans; the
ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the significant indebtedness
of the Company after the PCI Canada Acquisition; the
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   30
 
successful integration of the acquired businesses following the PCI Canada
Acquisition and the Tacoma Acquisition; the availability and terms of capital to
fund the expansion of the Company's business; and other factors referenced in
this Prospectus. Certain of these factors are discussed in more detail elsewhere
in this Prospectus, including, without limitation, under the captions
"Prospectus Summary," "Risk Factors," "Supplemental Analysis of Adjusted
EBITDA," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations," and "Business." Given these uncertainties, prospective
investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking
statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or
to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking
statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.
 
LACK OF PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE NOTES
 
     The Notes constitute a new issue of securities with no established trading
market, and there can be no assurance as to (i) the liquidity of any such market
that may develop, (ii) the ability of holders of Notes to sell their Notes or
(iii) the price at which the holders of Notes would be able to sell their Notes.
If such a market were to exist, the Notes could trade at prices that may be
higher or lower than their principal amount or purchase price, depending on many
factors, including prevailing interest rates, the market for similar notes and
the financial performance of the Company. The Issuer has been advised by the
Initial Purchasers that they presently intend to make a market in the Original
Notes and the Exchange Notes. However, the Initial Purchasers are not obligated
to do so, and any market-making activity with respect to the Original Notes or
the Exchange Notes may be discontinued at any time without notice. In addition,
such market-making activity will be subject to the limits imposed by the
Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), and may be limited during such exchange offer or the pendency
of an applicable shelf registration statement. See "Original Notes Registration
Rights." There can be no assurance that even following registration of the
Original Notes or the Exchange Notes, as the case may be, an active trading
market will exist for the Original Notes or the Exchange Notes, as the case may
be, or that any such trading market will be liquid.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     There will be no proceeds to the Registrants from the exchange pursuant to
the Exchange Offer. The net proceeds to the Issuer from the issuance of the
Original Notes in the Initial Offering were approximately $170.1 million. The
net proceeds received by the Company, together with borrowings under the Term
Facility, were used to pay the cash portion of the purchase price of the PCI
Canada Acquisition and for working capital and general corporate purposes. See
"The Acquisition -- Use of Proceeds from Initial Offering."
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   31
 
                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
PURPOSE OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
     The Original Notes were originally issued and sold on November 5, 1997.
Such sales were not registered under the Securities Act in reliance upon the
exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 144A of the
Securities Act. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuer and
the Guarantors have agreed to file by the 30th day following the Closing Date of
the Initial Offering, a registration statement (the "Exchange Offer Registration
Statement") with respect to an offer to exchange the Original Notes for the
Exchange Notes and to use their best efforts to cause such registration
statement to become effective by the 150th day following the Closing Date and,
upon becoming effective, to commence the Exchange Offer and cause the same to
remain open for acceptance for not less than 20 business days after the date of
commencement. If the Exchange Offer is not consummated within 30 days following
the date the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective or,
under certain circumstances, the Initial Purchasers so request, the Issuer and
the Guarantors will file and use their best efforts to cause to be declared
effective a shelf registration statement with respect to resales of the Original
Notes and the Guarantees from time to time and will use their best efforts to
keep such registration statement effective until three years after the effective
date thereof. If the applicable registration statement is not filed or declared
effective or ceases to be effective or the Exchange Offer is not consummated
within the applicable time periods related thereto (each, a "Registration
Default"), the Issuer will be required to pay Liquidated Damages to each holder
of the Original Notes, in the amount of $.05 per week per $1,000 principal
amount of Original Notes for the initial 90-day period following such
Registration Default. The amount of such Liquidated Damages will increase by an
additional $.05 per week per $1,000 principal amount of Original Notes at the
beginning of each subsequent 90-day period, up to a maximum amount of $.50 per
week per $1,000 principal amount of Original Notes. If, subsequently, such
Registration Default is cured, the accrual of Liquidated Damages will cease. See
"Original Notes Registration Rights."
 
     The sole purpose of the Exchange Offer is to fulfill the obligations of the
Issuers with respect to the Registration Rights Agreement.
 
TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE
 
     The Registrants hereby offer to exchange, upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth herein and in the Letter of Transmittal accompanying this
Prospectus (the "Letter of Transmittal"), $1,000 in principal amount of Exchange
Notes for each $1,000 in principal amount of the Original Notes. The terms of
the Exchange Notes are identical in all respects to the terms of the Original
Notes for which they may be exchanged pursuant to this Exchange Offer, except
that the Exchange Notes will generally be freely transferable by holders
thereof, and the holders of the Exchange Notes (as well as remaining holders of
any Original Notes) will not be entitled to registration rights under the
Registration Rights Agreement. See "Original Notes Registration Rights." The
Exchange Notes will evidence the same debt as the Original Notes and will be
entitled to the benefits of the Indenture. See "Description of the Notes."
 
     The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal
amount of Original Notes being tendered for exchange.
 
     Based on interpretations by the Staff set forth in no-action letters issued
to third parties, the Registrants believe that Exchange Notes issued pursuant to
the Exchange Offer in exchange for the Original Notes may be offered for resale,
resold and otherwise transferred by holders thereof (other than any holder which
is (i) an "affiliate" of the Issuers within the meaning of Rule 405 under the
Securities Act, (ii) a broker-dealer who acquired Original Notes directly from
the Issuer or (iii) broker-dealers who acquired Original Notes as a result of
market making or other trading activities) without compliance with the
registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act provided
that such Exchange Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such holders'
business, and such holders are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in,
and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a
distribution of such Exchange Notes. Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange
Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   32
 
will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes.
The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging, and by delivering a
prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. Broker-dealers who
acquired Original Notes as a result of market making or other trading activities
may use this Prospectus, as supplemented or amended, in connection with resales
of the Exchange Notes. The Registrants have agreed that, for a period not to
exceed 180 days after the Exchange Date, they will make this Prospectus
available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. Any
holder that cannot rely upon such interpretations must comply with the
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in
connection with a secondary resale transaction.
 
     Tendering holders of Original Notes will not be required to pay brokerage
commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in the Letter of
Transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of the Original Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer.
 
     The Exchange Notes will bear interest from and including their respective
dates of issuance. Holders whose Original Notes are accepted for exchange will
receive accrued interest thereon to, but not including, the date of issuance of
the Exchange Notes, such interest to be payable with the first interest payment
on the Exchange Notes, but will not receive any payment in respect of interest
on the Original Notes accrued after the issuance of the Exchange Notes.
 
EXPIRATION DATE; EXTENSIONS; TERMINATION; AMENDMENTS
 
     The Exchange Offer expires on the Expiration Date. The term "Expiration
Date" means 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on             , 1998, unless the
Registrants in their sole discretion extend the period during which the Exchange
Offer is open, in which event the term "Expiration Date" means the latest time
and date on which the Exchange Offer, as so extended by the Registrants,
expires. The Registrants reserve the right to extend the Exchange Offer at any
time and from time to time prior to the Expiration Date by giving written notice
to United States Trust Company of New York (the "Exchange Agent") and by timely
public announcement communicated, unless otherwise required by applicable law or
regulation, by making a release to the Dow Jones News Service. During any
extension of the Exchange Offer, all Original Notes previously tendered pursuant
to the Exchange Offer will remain subject to the Exchange Offer.
 
     The initial Exchange Date will be the first business day following the
Expiration Date. The Registrants expressly reserve the right to (i) terminate
the Exchange Offer and not accept for exchange any Original Notes for any
reason, including if any of the events set forth below under "-- Conditions to
the Exchange Offer" shall have occurred and shall not have been waived by the
Registrants and (ii) amend the terms of the Exchange Offer in any manner,
whether before or after any tender of the Original Notes. If any such
termination or amendment occurs, the Registrants will notify the Exchange Agent
in writing and will either issue a press release or give written notice to the
holders of the Original Notes as promptly as practicable. Unless the Registrants
terminate the Exchange Offer prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
Expiration Date, the Registrants will exchange the Exchange Notes for the
Original Notes on the Exchange Date.
 
     If the Registrants waive any material condition to the Exchange Offer, or
amend the Exchange Offer in any other material respect, and if at the time that
notice of such waiver or amendment is first published, sent or given to holders
of Original Notes in the manner specified above, the Exchange Offer is scheduled
to expire at any time earlier than the expiration of a period ending on the
fifth business day from, and including, the date that such notice is first so
published, sent or given, then the Exchange Offer will be extended until the
expiration of such period of five business days.
 
     This Prospectus and the related Letter of Transmittal and other relevant
materials will be mailed by the Registrants to record holders of Original Notes
and will be furnished to brokers, banks and similar persons whose names, or the
names of whose nominees, appear on the lists of holders for subsequent
transmittal to beneficial owners of Original Notes.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   33
 
HOW TO TENDER
 
     The tender to the Registrants of Original Notes by a holder thereof
pursuant to one of the procedures set forth below will constitute an agreement
between such holder and the Registrants in accordance with the terms and subject
to the conditions set forth herein and in the Letter of Transmittal.
 
     General Procedures. A holder of an Original Note may tender the same by (i)
properly completing and signing the Letter of Transmittal or a facsimile thereof
(all references in this Prospectus to the Letter of Transmittal shall be deemed
to include a facsimile thereof) and delivering the same, together with the
certificate or certificates representing the Original Notes being tendered and
any required signature guarantees (or a timely confirmation of a book-entry
transfer (a "Book-Entry Confirmation") pursuant to the procedure described
below), to the Exchange Agent at its address set forth on the back cover of this
Prospectus on or prior to the Expiration Date or (ii) complying with the
guaranteed delivery procedures described below.
 
     If tendered Original Notes are registered in the name of the signer of the
Letter of Transmittal and the Exchange Notes to be issued in exchange therefor
are to be issued (and any untendered Original Notes are to be reissued) in the
name of the registered holder, the signature of such signer need not be
guaranteed. In any other case, the tendered Original Notes must be endorsed or
accompanied by written instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the
Registrants and duly executed by the registered holder and the signature on the
endorsement or instrument of transfer must be guaranteed by a firm (an "Eligible
Institution") that is a member of a recognized signature guarantee medallion
program (an "Eligible Program") within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the
Exchange Act. If the Exchange Notes and/or Original Notes not exchanged are to
be delivered to an address other than that of the registered holder appearing on
the note register for the Original Notes, the signature on the Letter of
Transmittal must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
 
     Any beneficial owner whose Original Notes are registered in the name of a
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes
to tender Original Notes should contact such holder promptly and instruct such
holder to tender Original Notes on such beneficial owner's behalf. If such
beneficial owner wishes to tender such Original Notes himself, such beneficial
owner must, prior to completing and executing the Letter of Transmittal and
delivering such Original Notes, either make appropriate arrangements to register
ownership of the Original Notes in such beneficial owner's name or follow the
procedures described in the immediately preceding paragraph. The transfer of
record ownership may take considerable time.
 
     Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account in
exchange for Original Notes, where such Original Notes were acquired by such
broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading
activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection
with any resale of such Exchange Notes. See "Plan of Distribution."
 
     Book-Entry Transfer. The Exchange Agent will make a request to establish an
account with respect to the Original Notes at The Depository Trust Company (the
"Book-Entry Transfer Facility") for purposes of the Exchange Offer within two
business days after receipt of this Prospectus, and any financial institution
that is a participant in the Book-Entry Transfer Facility's systems may make
book-entry delivery of Original Notes by causing the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility to transfer such Original Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at
the Book-Entry Transfer Facility in accordance with the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility's procedures for transfer. However, although delivery of Original Notes
may be effected through book-entry transfer at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility,
the Letter of Transmittal, with any required signature guarantees and any other
required documents, must, in any case, be transmitted to and received by the
Exchange Agent at the address specified on the back cover page of this
Prospectus on or prior to the Expiration Date or the guaranteed delivery
procedures described below must be complied with.
 
     THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF ORIGINAL NOTES AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS IS AT THE
ELECTION AND RISK OF THE HOLDER. IF SENT BY MAIL, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT
REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, BE USED, PROPER INSURANCE BE
OBTAINED, AND THE MAILING BE MADE SUFFICIENTLY IN ADVANCE OF THE EXPIRATION DATE
TO PERMIT DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT ON OR BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   34
 
     Guaranteed Delivery Procedures. If a holder desires to accept the Exchange
Offer and time will not permit a Letter of Transmittal or Original Notes to
reach the Exchange Agent before the Expiration Date, a tender may be effected if
the Exchange Agent has received at its office listed on the back cover hereof on
or prior to the Expiration Date a letter, telegram or facsimile transmission
from an Eligible Institution setting forth the name and address of the tendering
holder, the names in which the Original Notes are registered and, if possible,
the certificate numbers of the Original Notes to be tendered, and stating that
the tender is being made thereby and guaranteeing that within five New York
Stock Exchange trading days after the date of execution of such letter, telegram
or facsimile transmission by the Eligible Institution, the Original Notes, in
proper form for transfer, will be delivered by such Eligible Institution
together with a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (and
any other required documents). Unless Original Notes being tendered by the
above-described method (or a timely Book-Entry Confirmation) are deposited with
the Exchange Agent within the time period set forth above (accompanied or
preceded by a properly completed Letter of Transmittal and any other required
documents), the Issuers may, at their option, reject the tender. Copies of a
Notice of Guaranteed Delivery which may be used by Eligible Institutions for the
purposes described in this paragraph are being delivered with this Prospectus
and the related Letter of Transmittal.
 
     A tender will be deemed to have been received as of the date when the
tendering holder's properly completed and duly signed Letter of Transmittal
accompanied by the Original Notes (or a timely Book-Entry Confirmation) is
received by the Exchange Agent. Issuances of Exchange Notes in exchange for
Original Notes tendered pursuant to a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery or letter,
telegram or facsimile transmission to similar effect (as provided above) by an
Eligible Institution will be made only against deposit of the Letter of
Transmittal (and any other required documents) and the tendered Original Notes
(or a timely Book-Entry Confirmation).
 
     All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt) and acceptance for exchange of any tender of Original Notes will be
determined by the Registrants, whose determination will be final and binding.
The Registrants reserve the absolute right to reject any or all tenders not in
proper form or the acceptances for exchange of which may, in the opinion of
counsel to the Registrants, be unlawful. The Registrants also reserve the
absolute right to waive any of the conditions of the Exchange Offer or any
defect or irregularities in tenders of any particular holder whether or not
similar defects or irregularities are waived in the case of other holders. None
of the Registrants, the Exchange Agent or any other person will be under any
duty to give notification of any defects or irregularities in tenders or shall
incur any liability for failure to give any such notification. The Registrants'
interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer (including the
Letter of Transmittal and the instructions thereto) will be final and binding.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
 
     The Letter of Transmittal contains, among other things, the following terms
and conditions, which are part of the Exchange Offer.
 
     The party tendering Original Notes for exchange (the "Transferor")
exchanges, assigns and transfers the Original Notes to the Registrants and
irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Exchange Agent as the Transferor's
agent and attorney-in-fact to cause the Original Notes to be assigned,
transferred and exchanged. The Transferor represents and warrants that it has
full power and authority to tender, exchange, assign and transfer the Original
Notes and to acquire Exchange Notes issuable upon the exchange of such tendered
Original Notes, and that, when the same are accepted for exchange, the
Registrants will acquire good and unencumbered title to the tendered Original
Notes, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and
not subject to any adverse claim. The Transferor also warrants that it will,
upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the
Registrants to be necessary or desirable to complete the exchange, assignment
and transfer of tendered Original Notes. The Transferor further agrees that
acceptance of any tendered Original Notes by the Registrants and the issuance of
Exchange Notes in exchange therefor shall constitute performance in full by the
Registrants of its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement and that
the Registrants shall have no further obligations or liabilities thereunder
(except in certain limited circumstances). All authority conferred by the
Transferor will survive
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   35
 
the death or incapacity of the Transferor and every obligation of the Transferor
shall be binding upon the heirs, legal representatives, successors, assigns,
executors and administrators of such Transferor.
 
     By tendering Original Notes, the Transferor certifies (a) that it is not an
"affiliate" of the Registrants within the meaning of Rule 405 under the
Securities Act, that it is not a broker-dealer that owns Original Notes acquired
directly from the Registrants or an affiliate of the Registrants, that it is
acquiring the Exchange Notes offered hereby in the ordinary course of such
Transferor's business and that such Transferor has no arrangement with any
person to participate in the distribution of such Exchange Notes or (b) that it
is an "affiliate" (as so defined) of the Registrants or of the Initial
Purchasers in the Initial Offering of the Original Notes, and that it will
comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act to the extent applicable to it.
 
     Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account in
exchange for Original Notes, where such Original Notes were acquired by such
broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading
activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection
with any resale of such Exchange Notes. See "Plan of Distribution."
 
WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS
 
     Original Notes tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at
any time prior to the Expiration Date.
 
     For a withdrawal to be effective, a written or facsimile transmission
notice of withdrawal must be timely received by the Exchange Agent at its
address set forth on the back cover of this Prospectus. Any such notice of
withdrawal must specify the person named in the Letter of Transmittal as having
tendered Original Notes to be withdrawn, the certificate numbers of Original
Notes to be withdrawn, the principal amount of Original Notes to be withdrawn
(which must be an authorized denomination), a statement that such holder is
withdrawing his election to have such Original Notes exchanged, and the name of
the registered holder of such Original Notes, and must be signed by the holder
in the same manner as the original signature on the Letter of Transmittal
(including any required signature guarantees) or be accompanied by evidence
satisfactory to the Registrants that the person withdrawing the tender has
succeeded to the beneficial ownership of the Original Notes being withdrawn. The
Exchange Agent will return the properly withdrawn Original Notes promptly
following receipt of notice of withdrawal. All questions as to the validity of
notices of withdrawals, including time of receipt, will be determined by the
Registrants, and such determination will be final and binding on all parties.
 
ACCEPTANCE OF ORIGINAL NOTES FOR EXCHANGE; DELIVERY OF EXCHANGE NOTES
 
     Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, the
acceptance for exchange of Original Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn and
the issuance of the Exchange Notes will be made on the Exchange Date. For the
purposes of the Exchange Offer, the Registrants shall be deemed to have accepted
for exchange validly tendered Original Notes when, as and if the Registrants
have given written notice thereof to the Exchange Agent.
 
     The Exchange Agent will act as agent for the tendering holders of Original
Notes for the purposes of receiving Exchange Notes from the Registrants and
causing the Original Notes to be assigned, transferred and exchanged. Upon the
terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, delivery of Exchange
Notes to be issued in exchange for accepted Original Notes will be made by the
Exchange Agent promptly after acceptance of the tendered Original Notes.
Original Notes not accepted for exchange by the Registrants will be returned
without expense to the tendering holders (or in the case of Original Notes
tendered by book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's account at the
Book-Entry Transfer Facility pursuant to the procedures described above, such
non-exchanged Original Notes will be credited to an account maintained with such
Book-Entry Transfer Facility) promptly following the Expiration Date or, if the
Registrants terminate the Exchange Offer prior to the Expiration Date, promptly
after the Exchange Offer is so terminated.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   36
 
CONDITIONS TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
     Notwithstanding any other provision of the Exchange Offer, or any extension
of the Exchange Offer, the Issuers will not be required to issue Exchange Notes
in respect of any properly tendered Original Notes not previously accepted and
may terminate the Exchange Offer (by oral or written notice to the Exchange
Agent and by timely public announcement communicated, unless otherwise required
by applicable law or regulation, by making a release to the Dow Jones News
Service) or, at its option, modify or otherwise amend the Exchange Offer, if (a)
there shall be threatened, instituted or pending any action or proceeding
before, or any injunction, order or decree shall have been issued by, any court
or governmental agency or other governmental regulatory or administrative agency
or commission, (i) seeking to restrain or prohibit the making or consummation of
the Exchange Offer or any other transaction contemplated by the Exchange Offer,
(ii) assessing or seeking any damages as a result thereof, or (iii) resulting in
a material delay in the ability of the Issuers to accept for exchange or
exchange some or all of the Original Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer; (b)
any statute, rule, regulation, order or injunction shall be sought, proposed,
introduced, enacted, promulgated or deemed applicable to the Exchange Offer or
any of the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Offer by any government or
governmental authority, domestic or foreign, or any action shall have been
taken, proposed or threatened, by any government, governmental authority, agency
or court, domestic or foreign, that in the sole judgment of the Registrants
might directly or indirectly result in any of the consequences referred to in
clauses (a)(i) or (ii) above or, in the sole judgment of the Registrants, might
result in the holders of Exchange Notes having obligations with respect to
resales and transfers of Exchange Notes which are greater than those described
in the interpretations of the Commission referred to on the cover page of this
Prospectus, or would otherwise make it inadvisable to proceed with the Exchange
Offer; or (c) a material adverse change shall have occurred in the business,
condition (financial or otherwise), operations, or prospects of the Issuers.
 
     The foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of the Registrants and
may be asserted by them with respect to all or any portion of the Exchange Offer
regardless of the circumstances (including any action or inaction by the
Registrants) giving rise to such condition or may be waived by the Registrants
in whole or in part at any time or from time to time in their sole discretion.
The failure by the Registrants at any time to exercise any of the foregoing
rights will not be deemed a waiver of any such right, and each right will be
deemed an ongoing right which may be asserted at any time or from time to time.
In addition, the Registrants have reserved the right, notwithstanding the
satisfaction of each of the foregoing conditions, to terminate or amend the
Exchange Offer.
 
     Any determination by the Registrants concerning the fulfillment or
non-fulfillment of any conditions will be final and binding upon all parties.
 
     In addition, the Registrants will not accept for exchange any Original
Notes tendered and no Exchange Notes will be issued in exchange for any such
Original Notes, if at such time any stop order shall be threatened or in effect
with respect to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus constitutes
a part or qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939
(the "Trust Indenture Act").
 
EXCHANGE AGENT
 
     United States Trust Company of New York has been appointed as the Exchange
Agent for the Exchange Offer. Letters of Transmittal must be addressed to the
Exchange Agent at its address set forth on the back cover page of this
Prospectus.
 
     Delivery to an address other than as set forth herein, or transmissions of
instructions via a facsimile or telex number other than the ones set forth
herein, will not constitute a valid delivery.
 
SOLICITATION OF TENDERS; EXPENSES
 
     The Registrants have not retained any dealer-manager or similar agent in
connection with the Exchange Offer and will not make any payments to brokers,
dealers or others for soliciting acceptances of the Exchange Offer. The
Registrants will, however, pay the Exchange Agent reasonable and customary fees
for its services
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   37
 
and will reimburse it for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection
therewith. The Registrants will also pay brokerage houses and other custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them
in forwarding tenders for their customers. The expenses to be incurred in
connection with the Exchange Offer, including the fees and expenses of the
Exchange Agent and printing, accounting and legal fees, will be paid by the
Company and are estimated at approximately $250,000.
 
     No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations in connection with the Exchange Offer other than those contained
in this Prospectus. If given or made, such information or representations should
not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Registrants. Neither the
delivery of this Prospectus nor any exchange made hereunder shall, under any
circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the
affairs of the Registrants since the respective dates as of which information is
given herein. The Exchange Offer is not being made to (nor will tenders be
accepted from or on behalf of) holders of Original Notes in any jurisdiction in
which the making of the Exchange Offer or the acceptance thereof would not be in
compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction. However, the Registrants may, at
their discretion, take such action as it may deem necessary to make the Exchange
Offer in any such jurisdiction and extend the Exchange Offer to holders of
Original Notes in such jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction the securities laws or
blue sky laws of which require the Exchange Offer to be made by a licensed
broker or dealer, the Exchange Offer is being made on behalf of the Registrants
by one or more registered brokers or dealers which are licensed under the laws
of such jurisdiction.
 
APPRAISAL RIGHTS
 
     HOLDERS OF ORIGINAL NOTES WILL NOT HAVE DISSENTERS' RIGHTS OR APPRAISAL
RIGHTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
 
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
     The exchange of Original Notes for Exchange Notes by holders will not be a
taxable exchange for federal income tax purposes, and holders should not
recognize any taxable gain or loss or any interest income as a result of such
exchange.
 
OTHER
 
     Participation in the Exchange Offer is voluntary and holders should
carefully consider whether to accept. Holders of the Original Notes are urged to
consult their financial and tax advisors in making their own decisions on what
action to take.
 
     As a result of the making of, and upon acceptance for exchange of all
validly tendered Original Notes pursuant to the terms of this Exchange Offer,
the Registrants will have fulfilled a covenant contained in the terms of the
Original Notes and the Registration Rights Agreement. Holders of the Original
Notes who do not tender their certificates in the Exchange Offer will continue
to hold such certificates and will be entitled to all the rights, and
limitations applicable thereto, under the Indenture, except for any such rights
under the Registration Rights Agreement, which by their terms terminate or cease
to have further effect as a result of the making of this Exchange Offer. See
"Description of the Notes." All untendered Original Notes will continue to be
subject to the restriction on transfer set forth in the Indenture. To the extent
that Original Notes are tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer, the trading
market, if any, for the Original Notes could be adversely affected. See "Risk
Factors -- Consequences of Failure to Exchange."
 
     The Registrants may in the future seek to acquire untendered Original Notes
in open market or privately negotiated transactions, through subsequent exchange
offers or otherwise. The Registrants have no present plan to acquire any
Original Notes which are not tendered in the Exchange Offer.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   38
 
                                THE ACQUISITION
 
THE ACQUISITION
 
     On October 31, 1997, Pioneer, and PCI Canada and PCI Carolina, newly-formed
subsidiaries of PAAC, and ICI and its subsidiaries, ICI Canada and ICI Americas,
consummated the PCI Canada Acquisition. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the
Company acquired substantially all of the assets and properties used by ICI
Canada and ICI Americas in their North American chlor-alkali business. For the
twelve months ended September 30, 1997, the PCI Canada Business generated pro
forma net sales and pro forma EBITDA of $162.5 million and $51.9 million,
respectively. The purchase price consisted of approximately $235.6 million,
payable in cash, and the assumption of certain obligations related to the
acquired chlor-alkali business.
 
     Management believes that the PCI Canada Acquisition presented an attractive
opportunity to further extend and diversify the Company's geographic and product
focus while helping to manage the intrinsic cyclicality of the chlor-alkali
business. By acquiring a low-cost operation with a leading market share and
complementary product offerings, the Company believes it will improve its
ability to market to merchant chlor-alkali customers. Specific benefits include
the following:
 
     - The acquisition substantially expands the Company's presence in the
       merchant market for chlorine and caustic soda, especially in markets
       contiguous to existing markets in the southeastern United States where
       the Company already conducts significant operations.
 
     - The Company expects that the pulp and paper expertise and product
       offerings of the PCI Canada Business will strengthen the Company's
       existing market position in the pulp and paper industry in the western
       United States and Canada.
 
     - The PCI Canada Business will benefit from the Company's experience in
       marketing to industrial customers.
 
     - The experienced management team of the PCI Canada Business has
       historically operated the business as a stand-alone entity within ICI
       Canada and has demonstrated an ability to improve the operating
       performance and cost structure of its business. Since 1992, management
       has reduced fixed costs by approximately $9.6 million and initiated
       productivity improvements and various other restructuring initiatives
       that resulted in a 30% reduction in workforce over such period. As a
       result, the Company intends to continue to operate the PCI Canada
       Business with existing management.
 
     - The PCI Canada Business has been successful in developing markets for
       downstream products, such as bleach, hydrochloric acid and chlorinated
       paraffins, whose steady demand for chlorine and caustic soda has helped
       maintain high operating rates at its chlor-alkali facilities which in
       turn improves overall profitability. Over the last several years, the PCI
       Canada Business has operated at approximately full capacity.
 
     - In April 1997, the PCI Canada Business completed a $21.2 million
       expansion and upgrade of its Becancour facility by installing modern
       membrane cells, which increased Becancour's net chlor-alkali capacity by
       36,000 tons, or 12%.
 
     At the closing of the PCI Canada Acquisition, the Company and ICI entered
into certain related agreements. Pursuant to a Noncompetition Agreement, ICI
agreed not to engage in any production or sales of caustic soda until 2002 in
designated areas of North America. Pursuant to a Lease Agreement, the PCI Canada
Business leased certain facilities at the Cornwall site from ICI Canada.
Pursuant to a License Agreement, the PCI Canada Business received a license from
ICI and its affiliates for the non-exclusive use of certain intellectual
property. Pursuant to a Transition Services Agreement, ICI Canada and certain of
its affiliates agreed to provide transition services to the Company.
 
     The purchase price is subject to adjustment based on the difference between
base working capital and the actual working capital (each as defined in the
Purchase Agreement) on the closing date. The Purchase Agreement also provides
certain environmental indemnifications from ICI Canada and ICI Americas, subject
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   39
 
to certain thresholds and limitations, which obligations will be guaranteed by
ICI. See "Risk Factors -- Environmental Regulation" and
"Business -- Environmental and Safety Regulation."
 
     The following chart sets forth the structure of Pioneer and its operating
subsidiaries following the PCI Canada Acquisition.
 
                             [ORGANIZATIONAL CHART]
 
USE OF PROCEEDS FROM INITIAL OFFERING
 
     The net proceeds from the sale of the Original Notes, of approximately
$170.1 million, together with borrowings of $83.0 million under the Term
Facility, were used to pay the purchase price for the PCI Canada Business of
$235.6 million and $17.5 million for working capital and general corporate
purposes.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   40
 
                            THE COMPANY AND PIONEER
 
THE COMPANY
 
     The Predecessor Company was formed in October 1988 to acquire two existing
chlor-alkali plants. Subsequently, the Company acquired several businesses
engaged in municipal, industrial and commercial water treatment, and in June
1997 acquired the Tacoma Facility as its third chlor-alkali plant. The Company
conducts its business primarily through PCAC and All-Pure. The Company also owns
a 50% unconsolidated joint venture interest in Kemwater (which effective in
February 1996 succeeded to the operations of Imperial West). Pioneer owns the
remaining 50% joint venture interest in Kemwater. The Company intends to operate
the PCI Canada Business as a stand-alone entity following the PCI Canada
Acquisition.
 
     PCAC. PCAC owns and operates three chlor-alkali production facilities,
located in St. Gabriel, Louisiana; Henderson, Nevada; and Tacoma, Washington.
These facilities produce chlorine and caustic soda for sale in the merchant
markets and for use as raw materials by PCAC, All-Pure and Kemwater in the
manufacture of downstream products. The Henderson facility also produces
hydrochloric acid, and the Tacoma Facility also produces hydrochloric acid and
calcium chloride. PCAC also has an indirect 15% equity interest in Saguaro Power
Company LP ("Saguaro Power"), which owns and operates a 90-megawatt cogeneration
facility located on approximately six acres of the Henderson property.
 
     PCAC acquired the Tacoma Facility in June 1997. The purchase price
consisted of (i) $97.0 million, paid in cash, (ii) 55,000 shares of Pioneer
Preferred Stock, having a liquidation preference of $100 per share, and (iii)
the assumption of certain obligations related to the acquired chlor-alkali
business.
 
     PCI Canada. In October 1997, PCI Canada, the Issuer of the Notes, pursuant
to the PCI Canada Acquisition, acquired substantially all of the Canadian assets
and properties used by ICI Canada in its North American chlor-alkali business.
PCI Canada is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PAAC.
 
     PCI Canada maintains its headquarters at 630 West Rene-Levesque Boulevard,
Montreal, Quebec H3B 1S6, and the telephone number is (514) 397-6100. PCI Canada
was incorporated in the province of New Brunswick, Canada on September 17, 1997.
 
     All-Pure. The Company believes that All-Pure is the largest distributor of
packaged chlor-alkali products in the region of the United States west of the
Rocky Mountains and the only full-line marketer of bleach in the region.
All-Pure manufactures bleach and repackages chlorine and hydrochloric acid and
distributes these products along with caustic soda and related products to
municipalities, swimming pool supply distributors and selected commercial and
retail markets. In July 1996, All-Pure acquired T.C. Products, which is engaged
in the manufacture and marketing of bleach and related products from its plant
in Tacoma, Washington. All-Pure purchases substantially all of its chlorine and
caustic soda and a substantial portion of its hydrochloric acid from PCAC.
Because bleach contains a high percentage of water, freight costs and logistics
are an important competitive factor. All-Pure's production plants and
distribution facilities are strategically located in or near most of the largest
population centers of the West Coast.
 
     PCI Carolina. In October 1997, PCI Carolina, pursuant to the PCI Canada
Acquisition, acquired substantially all of the U.S. assets and properties used
by ICI Americas in its North American chlor-alkali business. PCI Carolina is an
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PAAC. PCI Carolina will purchase chlor-
alkali products manufactured by PCI Canada for sale to customers in the United
States.
 
     PCI Carolina was incorporated in the State of Delaware on September 19,
1997.
 
     Kemwater. Kemwater, a 50% owned joint venture, manufactures and supplies
iron chlorides to the potable and waste water markets in the region of the
United States west of the Rocky Mountains, supplying municipal customers such as
the cities of Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego. Iron chlorides are used
primarily to remove solids from waste water streams and to control hydrogen
sulfide emissions. Kemwater also manufactures and markets polyaluminum chlorides
for markets in the southeastern United States, as well as aluminum sulfate for
the potable and waste water and industrial water treatment industries, sodium
aluminate for the production of catalysts and paint ingredients, and bleach for
municipal water disinfection. Kemwater
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   41
 
has exclusive licenses to use the existing and future advanced water treatment
technology of Kemira Oy of Finland ("Kemira") in the development and sale of
products and services for the potable water, waste water and industrial water
treatment markets in the United States (other than the northeastern United
States) and the Caribbean, and nonexclusive access to the use of the technology
for the Canadian and Mexican markets, with an option to acquire an exclusive
license for those markets in the future. For the year ended December 31, 1996,
Kemwater purchased all of its chlorine and caustic soda requirements and a
substantial portion of its hydrochloric acid requirements from PCAC, and it is
anticipated that in the future PCAC will continue to provide Kemwater with a
substantial amount of its raw materials.
 
PIONEER
 
     PAAC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pioneer, a publicly-traded company
that immediately prior to the acquisition of PAI had no operations. Pioneer has
an available net operating loss carryforward for federal income tax reporting
purposes which it believes was approximately $54.9 million at September 30,
1997, which includes the impact of the extraordinary loss due to early
extinguishment of debt during the second quarter of 1997. In April 1995, PAAC
acquired PAI for a purchase price, including the retirement of debt and the
redemption of preferred stock, of approximately $152.3 million in cash and $11.5
million of subordinated promissory notes of Pioneer, as well as certain amounts
payable after the closing based on certain of PAI's real estate holdings.
 
     The Interlaken Partnership beneficially owns approximately 34.9% of the
voting power of Pioneer, and William R. Berkley, Chairman of Pioneer and PAAC
(who may be deemed to beneficially own all shares of Pioneer common stock held
by the Interlaken Partnership), may be deemed to beneficially own approximately
59.9% of the voting power of Pioneer. See "Stock Ownership."
 
     Each of Pioneer and PAAC maintains its headquarters at 4300 NationsBank
Center, 700 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas 77002, and the telephone number is
(713) 225-3831. PAAC was incorporated in the State of Delaware in March 1995.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   42
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
     The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of
September 30, 1997, and as adjusted to reflect the Initial Offering, the other
Financings and the PCI Canada Acquisition. See "The Acquisition." The table
should be read in conjunction with the historical financial information of the
Company and the PCI Canada Business and the respective notes thereto and the
unaudited pro forma information of the Company and the notes thereto appearing
elsewhere in this Prospectus. See also "Description of the Notes."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                                              ------------------------
                                                               ACTUAL     AS ADJUSTED
                                                              ---------   ------------
                                                               (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
Cash and cash equivalents...................................   $ 35,799     $ 44,173
                                                               ========     ========
Short-term debt:
  Current portion of long-term debt.........................   $  1,163     $  2,163
                                                               --------     --------
          Total short-term debt.............................      1,163        2,163
                                                               --------     --------
Long-term debt:
  New Credit Facilities(1)..................................         --       82,000
  9 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due October 15, 2007..........         --      175,000
  Existing Term Loans.......................................     98,750       98,750
  9 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due June 15, 2007.............    200,000      200,000
  Long-term debt............................................      6,620        6,620
                                                               --------     --------
          Total long-term debt..............................    305,370      562,370
                                                               --------     --------
Stockholder's equity:
  Common Stock(2)...........................................          1            1
  Additional paid in capital................................     66,624       66,624
  Retained deficit(3).......................................     (7,383)      (7,383)
                                                               --------     --------
          Total stockholder's equity........................     59,242       59,242
                                                               --------     --------
          Total capitalization..............................   $365,775     $623,775
                                                               ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
(1) Represents borrowings of $83.0 million in Term Loans by PAI. The Company did
    not incur Revolving Loans at closing in connection with the PCI Canada
    Acquisition but had $2.9 million in letters of credit outstanding and
    borrowing availability of $62.1 million, subject to certain borrowing base
    limitations, at such time under the Revolving Facility. See "Description of
    Other Indebtedness -- New Credit Facilities."
 
(2) Par value $.01 per share, 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding.
 
(3) Includes the impact in June 1997 of the extraordinary loss of $18.6 million,
    net of an income tax benefit of $12.4 million, from the early extinguishment
    of debt associated with the repurchase of the $135.0 million of 13 3/8%
    First Mortgage Notes due 2005. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
    Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   43
 
                        PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     The following unaudited pro forma financial information (the "Pro Forma
Financial Information") of the Company has been derived from and should be read
in conjunction with (i) the historical consolidated financial statements of the
Company and the related notes thereto included elsewhere herein (ii) the
historical financial statements of the PCI Canada Business and the related notes
thereto included elsewhere herein, and (iii) the historical financial statements
of the Tacoma Plant and the related notes thereto included elsewhere herein. The
Pro Forma Financial Information has been prepared to illustrate the effects of
the Initial Offering, the other Financings, the PCI Canada Acquisition, the
Tacoma Acquisition and related refinancings and the acquisition of T.C.
Products. This pro forma financial information does not necessarily present the
results of operations as they would have been if the companies involved had
constituted one entity for the periods presented. See "Prospectus Summary -- The
PCI Canada Acquisition" and "The Acquisition."
 
     The pro forma balance sheet as of September 30, 1997 gives effect to the
Initial Offering, the other Financings and the PCI Canada Acquisition as if they
had occurred on September 30, 1997. The pro forma statement of operations for
the year ended December 31, 1996 gives effect to the Initial Offering, the other
Financings, the PCI Canada Acquisition, the Tacoma Acquisition and related
refinancings and the acquisition of T.C. Products as if they had occurred on
January 1, 1996. The pro forma statement of operations for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 gives effect to the Initial Offering, the other Financings,
the PCI Canada Acquisition, and the Tacoma Acquisition and related refinancings
as if they had occurred on January 1, 1997. The pro forma statement of
operations for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 gives effect to the
Initial Offering, the other Financings, the PCI Canada Acquisition, the Tacoma
Acquisition and related refinancings and the acquisition of T.C. Products as if
they had occurred on January 1, 1996. The Tacoma Acquisition was effective June
17, 1997 and was accounted for using the purchase method. The acquisition of
T.C. Products was effective July 1, 1996 and was accounted for using the
purchase method. The Pro Forma Financial Information is not necessarily
indicative of either future results of operations or the results that might have
occurred if the foregoing transactions had been consummated on the indicated
date.
 
     The PCI Canada Acquisition was effective October 31, 1997 and was accounted
for using the purchase method. The total purchase price of the PCI Canada
Acquisition is allocated to the assets and liabilities of the PCI Canada
Business based upon the estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities being
acquired. The pro forma adjustments reflected in the Pro Forma Financial
Information are based upon a preliminary purchase price allocation and upon
evaluations and estimates of fair values at the time of closing of the PCI
Canada Acquisition. Management believes adjustments to the preliminary
allocation, if any, are not expected to be material. Accordingly, there can be
no assurance that the actual adjustments will not differ significantly from the
pro forma adjustments reflected in the Pro Forma Financial Information. No
assurance can be given that such plans will be implemented as now contemplated
or that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   44
 
                            PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET
                            AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
                                     ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             PCI CANADA
                                              BUSINESS        US GAAP
                                              CANADIAN      ADJUSTMENTS,    US GAAP,   US GAAP,     PRO FORMA
                                            GAAP, $CDN(1)     $CDN(2)         $CDN       US$      ADJUSTMENTS(3)
                                            -------------   ------------    --------   --------   --------------
                                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                         <C>             <C>             <C>        <C>        <C>
Current assets
  Cash....................................                                                           $  8,374(d)
  Accounts receivable.....................    $ 31,455                      $31,455    $22,680          2,782(e)
  Due from parent.........................
  Inventories.............................       9,754                        9,754      7,033
  Prepaid expenses........................         302                          302        218
                                              --------                      --------   -------       --------
        Total current assets..............      41,511                       41,511     29,931         11,156
Property, plant and equipment, net........      88,110                       88,110     63,530         83,305(f)
Investments in and advances to
  unconsolidated subsidiary...............         674         $   277(a)       951        686             33(f)
Other assets, net.........................       2,769           1,723(b)     4,492      3,239         10,720(g)
Excess cost over the fair value of net
  assets acquired.........................                                                             76,352(h)
                                              --------         -------      --------   -------       --------
        Total assets......................    $133,064         $ 2,000      $135,064   $97,386       $181,566
                                              ========         =======      ========   =======       ========
 
                                      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities
  Accounts payable........................    $ 26,575                      $26,575    $19,161       $ (2,898)(i)
  Accrued liabilities.....................       7,323         $  (562)(b)    6,761      4,874         (1,624)(i)
  Returnable deposits.....................
  Bank Indebtedness.......................       3,857                        3,857      2,781(i)      (2,781)(i)
  Current portion of long-term debt.......                                                              1,000(j)
                                              --------         -------      --------   -------       --------
        Total current liabilities.........      37,755            (562)      37,193     26,816         (6,303)
Long-term debt, less current maturities...       2,500                        2,500      1,803         (1,803)(i)
  Term Loans..............................                                                             82,000(j)
  9 1/4% Senior Secured Notes.............                                                            175,000(j)
Returnable deposits.......................
Accrued pension and other employee
  benefits................................       6,316          (4,218)(b)    2,098      1,513            (74)(i)
Other long-term liabilities...............       3,613                        3,613      2,605         (2,605)(i)
Equity....................................      82,880           6,780(c)    89,660     64,649        (64,649)(k)
                                              --------         -------      --------   -------       --------
        Total liabilities and
          stockholder's equity............    $133,064         $ 2,000      $135,064   $97,386       $181,566
                                              ========         =======      ========   =======       ========
 
<CAPTION>
                                              ADJUSTED
                                             PCI CANADA
                                            BUSINESS AND    ACTUAL    PRO FORMA
                                             FINANCINGS    COMPANY     COMPANY
                                            ------------   --------   ---------
                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                         <C>            <C>        <C>
Current assets
  Cash....................................    $  8,374     $ 35,799   $ 44,173
  Accounts receivable.....................      25,462       37,039     62,501
  Due from parent.........................                    5,003      5,003
  Inventories.............................       7,033       15,341     22,374
  Prepaid expenses........................         218        2,467      2,685
                                              --------     --------   --------
        Total current assets..............      41,087       95,649    136,736
Property, plant and equipment, net........     146,835      171,899    318,734
Investments in and advances to
  unconsolidated subsidiary...............         719       30,297     31,016
Other assets, net.........................      13,959       40,902     54,861
Excess cost over the fair value of net
  assets acquired.........................      76,352      125,104    201,456
                                              --------     --------   --------
        Total assets......................    $278,952     $463,851   $742,803
                                              ========     ========   ========
                                      LIAB
Current liabilities
  Accounts payable........................    $ 16,263     $ 28,976   $ 45,239
  Accrued liabilities.....................       3,250       27,298     30,548
  Returnable deposits.....................                    3,287      3,287
  Bank Indebtedness.......................
  Current portion of long-term debt.......       1,000        1,163      2,163
                                              --------     --------   --------
        Total current liabilities.........      20,513       60,724     81,237
Long-term debt, less current maturities...                    6,620      6,620
  Term Loans..............................      82,000       98,750    180,750
  9 1/4% Senior Secured Notes.............     175,000      200,000    375,000
Returnable deposits.......................                    3,271      3,271
Accrued pension and other employee
  benefits................................       1,439       18,511     19,950
Other long-term liabilities...............                   16,733     16,733
Equity....................................                   59,242     59,242
                                              --------     --------   --------
        Total liabilities and
          stockholder's equity............    $278,952     $463,851   $742,803
                                              ========     ========   ========
</TABLE>
 
                       (see footnotes on following page)
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   45
 
                        NOTES TO PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET
                            AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
(1) Reflects the actual PCI Canada Business balance sheet as of September 30,
     1997 expressed in Canadian dollars, using generally accepted accounting
     principles followed in Canada ("Canadian GAAP").
 
(2) Reflects adjustments to convert to generally accepted accounting principles
     followed in the United States ("US GAAP"):
 
     (a) Recording of investment in joint venture under the equity method.
 
     (b) Adjustment of pension assets and other liabilities.
 
     (c) Reflects net equity adjustment due to US GAAP adjustments.
 
(3) Reflects the adjustments to the PCI Canada Business balance sheet, including
     the following:
 
     (d) Excess cash after payment of purchase price and related acquisition and
        financing costs.
 
     (e) Receivable related to difference between base working capital and
        actual working capital at closing date.
 
     (f) Adjustment to fair value of acquired property, plant and equipment and
        investment in unconsolidated subsidiary in accordance with the purchase
        method of accounting.
 
     (g) Reflects the following:
 
<TABLE>
<S>      <C>                                                 <C>
         Capitalization of transaction and financing
(i)      costs.............................................  $ 9,794
(ii)     Capitalization of patents and trademarks..........    1,007
         Capitalization of covenant not to compete or
(iii)    solicit...........................................    3,158
(iv)     Elimination of other assets not purchased.........   (3,239)
                                                             -------
                                                             $10,720
                                                             =======
</TABLE>
 
     (h) Addition of excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired.
 
     (i) Reflects elimination of liabilities not assumed.
 
     (j) Addition of debt incurred in connection with the PCI Canada
        Acquisition.
 
     (k) Elimination of the PCI Canada Business historical equity in accordance
         with the purchase method of accounting.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   46
 
                       PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PRO FORMA
                                                         -----------------------------------------------
                                               ACTUAL         PRIOR          PCI CANADA
                                              COMPANY    ACQUISITIONS(1)   ACQUISITION(2)    AS ADJUSTED
                                              --------   ---------------   ---------------   -----------
                                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                           <C>        <C>               <C>               <C>
Revenues....................................  $183,326       $83,912          $164,247        $431,485
Cost of sales...............................   126,739        54,941           115,233         296,913
                                              --------       -------          --------        --------
Gross profit................................    56,587        28,971            49,014         134,572
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses..................................    23,528         3,679            13,919          41,126
                                              --------       -------          --------        --------
Operating income............................    33,059        25,292            35,095          93,446
Equity in net loss of unconsolidated
  subsidiary................................    (2,607)           --                --          (2,607)
Interest expense, net.......................   (17,290)       (9,100)          (23,492)        (49,882)
Other income, net...........................     1,684            18             1,594           3,296
                                              --------       -------          --------        --------
Income before income taxes and extraordinary
  item......................................    14,846        16,210            13,197          44,253
Provision for income taxes..................     6,735         5,645             4,302          16,682
                                              --------       -------          --------        --------
Income before extraordinary item............  $  8,111       $10,565          $  8,895        $ 27,571
                                              ========       =======          ========        ========
</TABLE>
 
                       (see footnotes on following page)
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   47
 
                   NOTES TO PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
(1) Reflects the pro forma adjusted financial results of the Company's prior
    acquisitions of T.C. Products and the Tacoma Facility, as shown below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             PRO FORMA
                                                  ACTUAL    --------------------------------------------
                                                  TACOMA       T.C.                            PRIOR
                                                   PLANT    PRODUCTS(A)   ADJUSTMENTS(B)    ACQUISITIONS
                                                  -------   -----------   --------------    ------------
<S>                                               <C>       <C>           <C>               <C>
Revenues........................................  $73,715     $4,255         $ 5,942(i)       $83,912
Cost of sales...................................   52,420      2,550             (29)(ii)      54,941
                                                  -------     ------         -------          -------
Gross profit....................................   21,295      1,705           5,971           28,971
Selling, general and administrative expenses....    1,782        900             997(iii)       3,679
                                                  -------     ------         -------          -------
Operating income................................   19,513        805           4,974           25,292
Equity in net loss of unconsolidated
  subsidiary....................................                  --
Interest expense, net...........................                (271)         (8,829)(iv)      (9,100)
Other income (expense), net.....................   (2,209)        11           2,216(v)            18
                                                  -------     ------         -------          -------
Income before income taxes and extraordinary
  item..........................................   17,304        545          (1,639)          16,210
Provision for income taxes......................    6,059        241            (655)(vi)       5,645
                                                  -------     ------         -------          -------
Income before extraordinary item................  $11,245     $  304         $  (984)         $10,565
                                                  =======     ======         =======          =======
</TABLE>
 
(a) Reflects the pro forma financial results of T.C. Products for the period of
    January 1, 1996 to June 30, 1996, the period prior to ownership by the
    Company.
 
(b) Reflects the adjustments to the operating results from the assets acquired
    in the Tacoma Acquisition (the "Tacoma Plant") to reflect operations as part
    of the Company:
 
     (i) Reflects the following:
 
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>                                                      <C>
(1)  Elimination of freight costs associated with the sale
     of 100,000 tons per year of chlorine shipped to the
     Gulf Coast for which OCC Tacoma will bear the cost.....  $ 6,394
(2)  Adjustment to sales to OCC Tacoma for the difference
     between historical prices and Gulf Coast prices........       60
(3)  Additional 5% commission to be paid to OxyChem on
     OxyChem's national accounts to be serviced by the
     Company................................................     (512)
                                                              -------
                                                              $ 5,942
                                                              =======
</TABLE>
 
     (ii) Reflects the following:
 
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>                                                      <C>
(1)  Elimination of the impact of LIFO accounting previously
     used by the Tacoma Plant as the Company uses FIFO or
     average cost methods of accounting for inventory
     valuation..............................................  $   652
(2)  Additional depreciation expense with respect to the
     properties, plant and equipment purchased in connection
     with the Tacoma Acquisition using the straight-line
     method over an average life of 20 years................      351
(3)  Elimination of operating lease expense for equipment
     capitalized by the Company which was previously leased
     by OCC Tacoma..........................................   (1,532)
(4)  Incremental insurance costs............................      500
                                                              -------
                                                              $   (29)
                                                              =======
</TABLE>
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   48
 
     (iii) Reflects the following:
 
<TABLE>
<S>  <S>                                                      <C>
(1)  Elimination of OxyChem corporate allocations...........  $(1,782)
(2)  Addition of the Company's incremental selling, general
     and administrative expenses............................      750
(3)  Additional amortization expense with respect to
     intangible assets purchased in connection with the
     Tacoma Acquisition using the straight-line method over
     periods of 5 to 25 Years...............................    2,029
                                                              -------
                                                              $   997
                                                              =======
</TABLE>
 
     (iv) Incremental interest expense related to the Existing Term Loans with
          an assumed interest rate of 8.375% and to the Senior Secured Notes
          with an interest rate of 9.25%. A 0.25% change in the interest rate
          applicable to the Existing Term Loans would change pro forma interest
          expense by $250.
 
     (v) Reflects the following:
 
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>                                                      <C>
(1)  Elimination of environmental expense associated with
     the Tacoma Plant's accrual of known environmental
     matters................................................  $ 1,932
(2)  Elimination of fees related to the Tacoma Plant's sales
     of Receivables.........................................      377
(3)  Elimination of amortization of deferred gain on
     equipment capitalized by the Company, which was
     previously leased by the Tacoma Plant..................      (93)
                                                              -------
                                                              $ 2,216
                                                              =======
</TABLE>
 
     (vi) Represents the tax effect of all pro forma adjustments.
 
(2) Represents pro forma adjusted amounts for the PCI Canada Acquisition, as
shown below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        PCI
                                      CANADA
                                     BUSINESS
                                     CANADIAN       US GAAP
                                       GAAP,      ADJUSTMENTS   US GAAP,   US GAAP,     PRO FORMA          AS
                                      $CDN(A)       $CDN(B)       $CDN       US$      ADJUSTMENTS(C)    ADJUSTED
                                    -----------   -----------   --------   --------   --------------    --------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>               <C>
Revenues..........................   $223,967       $    --     $223,967   $164,247      $     --       $164,247
Cost of sales.....................    149,043            --     149,043    109,301          5,932(iii)   115,233
                                     --------       -------     --------   --------      --------       --------
Gross profit......................     74,924            --      74,924     54,946         (5,932)        49,014
Selling, general and
  administrative Expenses.........     14,546        (1,112)(i)  13,434      9,852          4,067(iv)     13,919
                                     --------       -------     --------   --------      --------       --------
Operating income..................     60,378         1,112      61,490     45,094         (9,999)        35,095
Equity in net loss of
  unconsolidated Subsidiary.......         --            --          --         --             --             --
Interest expense, net.............         --            --          --         --        (23,492)(v)    (23,492)
Other income, net.................      2,045           128(ii)   2,173      1,594             --          1,594
                                     --------       -------     --------   --------      --------       --------
Income before income taxes and
  Extraordinary item..............     62,423         1,240      63,663     46,688        (33,491)        13,197
Provision (benefit) for income
  Taxes...........................       (792)           --        (792)      (581)         4,883(vi)      4,302
                                     --------       -------     --------   --------      --------       --------
Income before extraordinary
  item............................   $ 63,215       $ 1,240     $64,455    $47,269       $(38,374)      $  8,895
                                     ========       =======     ========   ========      ========       ========
</TABLE>
 
(a) Reflects actual results for the PCI Canada Business expressed in Canadian
    dollars using Canadian GAAP.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   49
 
(b) Reflects adjustments to reflect US GAAP:
 
<TABLE>
<S>      <C>                                                           <C>
(i)      Reflects selling, general and administrative expenses
         Adjustment including:
         Decrease in expenses due to computing pension expense under
         US GAAP.....................................................  $  (462)
         Decrease in expenses due to reduction in restructuring
         expenses under US GAAP......................................     (650)
                                                                       -------
                                                                       $(1,112)
                                                                       =======
(ii)     Increase in income of joint venture investment accounted for
         under the equity method.
</TABLE>
 
(c) Reflects the adjustments to the PCI Canada Business' operating results to
    reflect operations as a part of the Company:
 
<TABLE>
<S>      <C>                                                           <C>
(iii)    Additional depreciation expense with respect to the
         property, plant and equipment purchased in connection with
         the PCI Canada Acquisition using the straight-line method
         over an average life of twelve years.
(iv)     Reflects the following:
         Elimination of ICI corporate allocations....................  $(1,197)
         Addition of the Company's incremental selling, general and
         administrative expenses.....................................      500
         Additional amortization expense with respect to intangible
         assets purchased in connection with the PCI Canada
         Acquisition using the straight-line method over periods of 5
         to 25 years.................................................    4,764
                                                                       -------
                                                                       $ 4,067
                                                                       =======
(v)      Incremental interest expense related to the Term Loans with
         an assumed interest rate of 8.8% and to the Notes with an
         interest rate of 9.25%. A 0.25% change in the interest rate
         applicable to the Term Loans would change pro forma interest
         expense by $250.
(vi)     Represents the tax provision for the PCI Canada Business
         plus the tax impact of all pro forma adjustments.
</TABLE>
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   50
 
                       PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                      NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               PRO FORMA
                                                            ------------------------------------------------
                                                                PRIOR           PCI CANADA
                                           ACTUAL COMPANY   ACQUISITION(1)    ACQUISITION(2)     AS ADJUSTED
                                           --------------   --------------   -----------------   -----------
                                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                        <C>              <C>              <C>                 <C>
Revenues.................................     $150,073         $37,021           $121,961         $309,055
Cost of sales............................      112,553          26,170             84,220          222,943
                                              --------         -------           --------         --------
Gross profit.............................       37,520          10,851             37,741           86,112
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses...............................       19,580           1,274             10,456           31,310
                                              --------         -------           --------         --------
Operating income.........................       17,940           9,577             27,285           54,802
Equity in net loss of unconsolidated
  subsidiary.............................       (2,552)             --                 --           (2,552)
Interest expense, net....................      (16,189)         (4,042)           (17,619)         (37,850)
Other income (expense), net..............          882             (39)               722            1,565
                                              --------         -------           --------         --------
Income (loss) before income taxes and
  extraordinary item.....................           81           5,496             10,388           15,965
Provision (benefit) for income taxes.....        1,779           2,395              3,412            7,586
                                              --------         -------           --------         --------
Income (loss) before extraordinary
  Item...................................     $ (1,698)        $ 3,101           $  6,976         $  8,379
                                              ========         =======           ========         ========
</TABLE>
 
                       (see footnotes on following page)
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   51
 
            NOTES TO PRO FORMA STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
                      NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
(1) Reflects the pro forma adjusted financial results of the Company's prior
    acquisition of the Tacoma Plant, as shown below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         PRO FORMA
                                                ACTUAL TACOMA    --------------------------
                                                    PLANT        ADJUSTMENTS    AS ADJUSTED
                                                -------------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                             <C>              <C>            <C>
Revenues......................................     $34,491         $ 2,530(a)     $37,021
Cost of sales.................................      27,141            (971)(b)     26,170
                                                   -------         -------        -------
Gross profit..................................       7,350           3,501         10,851
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses....................................         539             735(c)       1,274
                                                   -------         -------        -------
Operating income..............................       6,811           2,766          9,577
Equity in net loss of unconsolidated
  subsidiary..................................          --              --             --
Interest expense, net.........................          --          (4,042)(d)     (4,042)
Other income (expense), net...................         455            (494)(e)        (39)
                                                   -------         -------        -------
Income before income taxes and extraordinary
  item........................................       7,266          (1,770)         5,496
Provision for income taxes....................       2,545            (150)(f)      2,395
                                                   -------         -------        -------
Income before extraordinary item..............     $ 4,721         $(1,620)       $ 3,101
                                                   =======         =======        =======
</TABLE>
 
(a) Reflects the following:
 
<TABLE>
    <S>  <C>                                                           <C>
    (1)  Elimination of freight costs associated with the sale of
           100,000 tons per year of chlorine shipped to the Gulf
           Coast for which OxyChem will bear the cost................  $2,548
    (2)  Reclassification of freight rebate from other income to
           offset freight costs included in revenues.................     586
    (3)  Adjustment to sales to OxyChem for the difference between
           historical prices and Gulf Coast prices...................    (344)
    (4)  Additional 5% commission to be paid to OxyChem on OxyChem's
           national accounts to be serviced by the Company...........    (260)
                                                                       ------
                                                                       $2,530
                                                                       ======
</TABLE>
 
(b) Reflects the following:
 
<TABLE>
    <S>  <C>                                                           <C>
    (1)  Elimination of the impact of LIFO accounting previously used
           by the Tacoma Plant as the Company uses FIFO or average
           cost methods of accounting for inventory valuation........  $ (555)
    (2)  Additional depreciation expense with respect to the
           properties, plant and equipment purchased in connection
           with the Tacoma Acquisition using the straight-line method
           over an average life of 20 years..........................     121
    (3)  Elimination of operating lease expense for the equipment
           capitalized by the Company which was previously leased by
           OCC Tacoma................................................    (766)
    (4)  Incremental insurance costs.................................     229
                                                                       ------
                                                                       $ (971)
                                                                       ======
</TABLE>
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   52
 
(c) Reflects the following:
 
<TABLE>
    <S>  <C>                                                           <C>
    (1)  Elimination of OxyChem corporate allocations................  $(539)
    (2)  Addition of the Company's incremental selling, general and
           administrative expenses...................................    344
    (3)  Additional amortization expense with respect to intangible
           assets purchased in connection with the Tacoma Acquisition
           using the straight-line method over periods of 5 to 25
           Years.....................................................    930
                                                                       -----
                                                                       $ 735
                                                                       =====
</TABLE>
 
(d) Incremental interest expense related to the Existing Term Loans with an
    assumed interest rate of 8.375% and to the Senior Secured Notes with an
    interest rate of 9.25%. A 0.25% change in the interest rate applicable to
    the Existing Term Loans would change pro forma interest expense by $125.
 
(e) Reflects the following:
 
<TABLE>
    <S>  <C>                                                           <C>
    (1)  Elimination of fees related to the Tacoma Plant's sales of
           receivables...............................................  $ 138
    (2)  Elimination of amortization of deferred gain on equipment
           capitalized by the Company, which was previously leased by
           the Tacoma Plant..........................................    (46)
    (3)  Reclassification of freight rebate to revenues to offset
           freight costs.............................................   (586)
                                                                       -----
                                                                       $(494)
                                                                       =====
</TABLE>
 
(f) Represents the tax effect of all pro forma adjustments.
 
(2) Represents pro forma adjusted amounts for the PCI Canada Acquisition, as
    shown below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 PCI CANADA
                                  BUSINESS
                                  CANADIAN      US GAAP
                                   GAAP,      ADJUSTMENTS    US GAAP,   US GAAP,     PRO FORMA          AS
                                  $CDN(A)       $CDN(B)        $CDN       US$      ADJUSTMENTS(C)    ADJUSTED
                                 ----------   -----------    --------   --------   --------------    --------
<S>                              <C>          <C>            <C>        <C>        <C>               <C>
Revenues.......................   $167,879      $    --      $167,879   $121,961      $     --       $121,961
Cost of sales..................    110,114           --      110,114     79,996          4,224(iii)    84,220
                                  --------      -------      --------   --------      --------       --------
Gross profit...................     57,765           --       57,765     41,965         (4,224)        37,741
Selling, general and
  administrative expenses......     11,122       (1,101)(i)   10,021      7,280          3,176(iv)     10,456
                                  --------      -------      --------   --------      --------       --------
Operating income...............     46,643        1,101       47,744     34,685         (7,400)        27,285
Equity in net loss of
  unconsolidated subsidiary....         --           --           --         --             --             --
Interest expense, net..........         --           --           --         --        (17,619)(v)    (17,619)
Other income, net..............        931           63(ii)      994        722             --            722
                                  --------      -------      --------   --------      --------       --------
Income before income taxes and
  extraordinary item...........     47,574        1,164       48,738     35,407        (25,019)        10,388
Provision (benefit) for income
  taxes........................       (594)          --         (594)      (432)         3,844(vi)      3,412
                                  --------      -------      --------   --------      --------       --------
Income before extraordinary
  item.........................   $ 48,168      $ 1,164      $49,332    $35,839       $(28,863)      $  6,976
                                  ========      =======      ========   ========      ========       ========
</TABLE>
 
(a) Reflects actual results for the PCI Canada Business expressed in Canadian
    dollars using Canadian GAAP
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   53
 
(b) Reflects adjustments to reflect US GAAP:
 
<TABLE>
    <S>  <C>                                                           <C>
    (i)  Reflects selling, general and administrative expenses
           adjustment to reflect:
         Decrease in expenses due to computing pension expense under
           US GAAP...................................................  $(1,189)
         Increase in expenses due to restructuring expenses under US
           GAAP......................................................       88
                                                                       -------
                                                                       $(1,101)
                                                                       =======
    (ii) Increase in income of joint venture investment accounted for
           under the equity method.
</TABLE>
 
(c) Reflects the adjustments to the PCI Canada Business' operating results to
    reflect operations as a part of the Company:
 
<TABLE>
    <S>  <C>                                                           <C>
    (iii) Additional depreciation expense with respect to the
           property, plant And equipment purchased in connection with
           the PCI Canada Acquisition Using the straight-line method
           over an average life of twelve years.
    (iv) Reflects the following:
         Elimination of ICI corporate allocations....................  $  (772)
         Addition of the Company's incremental selling, general and
           administrative expenses...................................      375
         Expenses Additional amortization expense with respect to
           intangible Assets purchased in connection with the PCI
           Canada Acquisition using the straight-line method over
           periods of 5 to 25 years..................................    3,573
                                                                       -------
                                                                       $ 3,176
                                                                       =======
    (v)  Incremental interest expense related to the Term Loans with
           an assumed interest rate of 8.8% and to the Notes with an
           interest rate of 9.25%. A 0.25% change in the interest
           rate applicable to the Term Loans would change pro forma
           interest expense by $125.
    (vi) Represents the tax provision for the PCI Canada Business
           plus the tax impact of all pro forma adjustments.
</TABLE>
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   54
 
                       PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                      NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PRO FORMA
                                                          -------------------------------------------
                                                ACTUAL         PRIOR          PCI CANADA        AS
                                               COMPANY    ACQUISITIONS(1)   ACQUISITION(2)   ADJUSTED
                                               --------   ---------------   --------------   --------
                                                               (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                            <C>        <C>               <C>              <C>
Revenues.....................................  $140,835       $64,546          $123,718      $329,099
Cost of sales................................    98,600        42,854            85,631       227,085
                                               --------       -------          --------      --------
Gross profit.................................    42,235        21,692            38,087       102,014
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses...................................    19,142         4,627            10,569        34,338
                                               --------       -------          --------      --------
Operating income.............................    23,093        17,065            27,518        67,676
Equity in net loss of unconsolidated
  subsidiary.................................      (912)           --                --          (912)
Interest expense, net........................   (12,766)       (7,000)          (17,619)      (37,385)
Other income (expense), net..................       507         1,676             1,613         3,796
                                               --------       -------          --------      --------
Income before income taxes and extraordinary
  item.......................................     9,922        11,741            11,512        33,175
Provision for income taxes...................     4,868         4,064             3,826        12,758
                                               --------       -------          --------      --------
Income before extraordinary item.............  $  5,054       $ 7,677          $  7,686      $ 20,417
                                               ========       =======          ========      ========
</TABLE>
 
                       (see footnotes on following page)
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   55
 
                   NOTES TO PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                      NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
(1) Reflects the pro forma adjusted financial results of the Company's prior
    acquisitions of the Tacoma Plant and T.C. Products, as shown below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PRO FORMA
                                                          ----------------------------------------------
                                         ACTUAL TACOMA    T.C. PRODUCTS    ADJUSTMENTS         PRIOR
                                             PLANT             (A)             (B)          ACQUISITIONS
                                         -------------    -------------    -----------      ------------
<S>                                      <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Revenues...............................     $56,038          $4,255          $ 4,253(i)       $64,546
Cost of sales..........................      39,925           2,550              379(ii)       42,854
                                            -------          ------          -------          -------
Gross profit...........................      16,113           1,705            3,874           21,692
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses.............................       2,977             900              750(iii)       4,627
                                            -------          ------          -------          -------
Operating income.......................      13,136             805            3,124           17,065
Equity in net loss of unconsolidated
  subsidiary...........................          --              --               --               --
Interest expense, net..................          --            (271)          (6,729)(iv)      (7,000)
Other income (expense), net............          --              11            1,665(v)         1,676
                                            -------          ------          -------          -------
Income before income taxes and
  extraordinary item...................      13,136             545           (1,940)          11,741
Provision for income taxes.............       4,599             241             (776)(vi)       4,064
                                            -------          ------          -------          -------
Income before extraordinary item.......     $ 8,537          $  304          $(1,164)         $ 7,677
                                            =======          ======          =======          =======
</TABLE>
 
(a) Reflects the pro forma financial results of T.C. Products for the period of
    January 1, 1996 to June 30, 1996, the period prior to ownership by the
    Company.
 
(b) Reflects the adjustments to the Tacoma Plant's operating results to reflect
    operations as part of the Company:
 
     (i)   Reflects the following:
 
<TABLE>
<S>   <C>                                                     <C>
(1)   Elimination of freight costs associated with the sale
      of 100,000 tons per year of chlorine shipped to the
      Gulf Coast for which OCC Tacoma will bear the cost....  $ 4,850
(2)   Adjustment to sales to OxyChem for the difference
      between historical prices and Gulf Coast prices.......     (207)
(3)   Additional 5% commission to be paid to OxyChem on
      OxyChem's national accounts to be serviced by the
      Company...............................................     (390)
                                                              -------
                                                              $ 4,253
                                                              =======
</TABLE>
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   56
 
       (ii) Reflects the following:
 
<TABLE>
<S>   <C>                                                     <C>
(1)   Elimination of the impact of LIFO accounting
      previously used by the Tacoma Plant as the Company
      uses FIFO or average costs methods of accounting for
      inventory valuation...................................  $   756
(2)   Additional depreciation expense with respect to the
      properties, plant and equipment purchased in
      connection with the Tacoma Acquisition using the
      straight-line method over an average life of 20
      years.................................................      397
(3)   Elimination of operating lease expense for the
      equipment capitalized by the Company which was
      previously leased by OCC Tacoma.......................   (1,149)
(4)   Incremental insurance costs...........................      375
                                                              -------
                                                              $   379
                                                              =======
</TABLE>
 
     (iii) Reflects the following:
 
<TABLE>
<S>   <C>                                                     <C>
(1)   Elimination of OxyChem corporate allocations..........  $(1,334)
(2)   Addition of the Company's incremental selling, general
      and administrative expenses...........................      563
(3)   Additional amortization expense with respect to
      intangible assets purchased in connection with the
      Tacoma Acquisition using the straight-line method over
      periods of 5 to 25 years..............................    1,521
                                                              -------
                                                              $   750
                                                              =======
</TABLE>
 
     (iv) Incremental interest expense related to the Existing Term Loans with
          an assumed interest rate of 8.375% and to the Senior Secured Notes
          with an interest rate of 9.25%. A 0.25% change in the interest rate
          applicable to the Existing Term Loans would change pro forma interest
          expense by $125.
 
     (v)  Reflects the following:
 
<TABLE>
<S>   <C>                                                     <C>
(1)   Elimination of environmental expense associated with
      the Tacoma Plant's accrual of known environmental
      matters...............................................  $ 1,449
(2)   Elimination of fees related to the Tacoma Plant's
      sales of receivables..................................      285
(3)   Elimination of amortization of deferred gain on
      equipment capitalized by the Company, which was
      previously leased by the Tacoma Plant.................      (69)
                                                              -------
                                                              $ 1,665
                                                              =======
</TABLE>
 
     (vi) Represents the tax effect of all pro forma adjustments.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   57
 
(2) Represents to pro forma adjusted amounts for the PCI Canada Acquisition, as
    shown below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        PCI
                                      CANADA
                                     BUSINESS
                                     CANADIAN       US GAAP
                                       GAAP,      ADJUSTMENTS,   US GAAP,   US GAAP,     PRO FORMA
                                      $CDN(A)       $CDN(B)        $CDN       US$      ADJUSTMENTS(C)   AS ADJUSTED
                                    -----------   ------------   --------   --------   --------------   -----------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>            <C>        <C>        <C>              <C>
Revenues..........................   $169,234        $   --      $169,234   $123,718      $     --       $123,718
Cost of sales.....................    111,011            --      111,011     81,154          4,477 (iii    85,631
                                     --------        ------      --------   --------      --------       --------
Gross profit......................     58,223            --       58,223     42,564         (4,477)        38,087
Selling, general and
  administrative expenses.........     11,286          (950)(i)   10,336      7,556          3,013(iv)     10,569
                                     --------        ------      --------   --------      --------       --------
Operating income..................     46,937           950       47,887     35,008         (7,490)        27,518
Equity in net loss of
  unconsolidated subsidiary.......         --            --           --         --             --             --
Interest expense, net.............         --            --           --         --        (17,619)(v)    (17,619)
Other income (expense), net.......      2,086           120(ii)    2,206      1,613             --          1,613
                                     --------        ------      --------   --------      --------       --------
Income before income taxes and
  extraordinary item..............     49,023         1,070       50,093     36,621        (25,109)        11,512
Provision for income taxes........       (594)           --         (594)      (434)         4,260(vi)      3,826
                                     --------        ------      --------   --------      --------       --------
Income before extraordinary
  item............................   $ 49,617        $1,070      $50,687    $37,055       $(29,369)      $  7,686
                                     ========        ======      ========   ========      ========       ========
</TABLE>
 
(a) Reflects actual results for the PCI Canada Business expressed in Canadian
    dollars using Canadian GAAP.
 
(b) Reflects adjustments to reflect US GAAP:
 
     (i)   Reflects selling, general and administrative expenses adjustment to
           reflect:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Decrease in expenses due to computing pension expense under
  US GAAP...................................................  $(300)
Decrease in expenses due to reduction in restructuring
  expenses under US GAAP....................................   (650)
                                                              -----
                                                              $(950)
                                                              =====
</TABLE>
 
     (ii)  Increase in income of joint venture investment accounted for under
           the equity method.
 
(c) Reflects the adjustments to the PCI Canada Business' operating results to
    reflect operations as a part of the Company:
 
     (iii) Additional depreciation expense with respect to the property, plant
           and equipment purchased in connection with the PCI Canada Acquisition
           using the straight-line method over an average life of twelve years.
 
     (iv) Reflects the following:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Elimination of ICI corporate allocations....................  $ (935)
Addition of the Company's incremental selling, general and
  administrative expenses...................................     375
Additional amortization expense with respect to intangible
  assets purchased in connection with the PCI Canada
  Acquisition using the straight-line method over periods of
  5 to 25 years.............................................   3,573
                                                              ------
                                                              $3,013
                                                              ======
</TABLE>
 
     (v)  Incremental interest expense related to the Term Loans with an assumed
          interest rate of 8.8% and to the Notes with an interest rate of 9.25%.
          A 0.25% change in the interest rate applicable to the Term Loans would
          change pro forma interest expense by $125.
 
     (vi) Represents the tax provision for the PCI Canada Business plus the tax
          impact of all pro forma adjustments.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   58
 
                            SUPPLEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF
                                ADJUSTED EBITDA
 
     The Company believes it is important to present a supplemental analysis of
its Adjusted EBITDA in order to reflect a recent change in the PCI Canada
Business. In April 1997, the PCI Canada Business completed a $21.2 million
expansion and upgrade of its Becancour facility by installing additional modern
membrane cell capacity, which increased Becancour's net chlor-alkali capacity by
36,000 tons, or 12%. The information presented reflects an analysis of operating
results had this increase in capacity been available for these historical
periods. Reference should be made to "Pro Forma Financial Information" presented
elsewhere herein.
 
     The Company believes that this information is a useful adjunct to net
income, cash flows and other GAAP measurements. However, this supplemental
information should not be construed as an alternative to net income or any other
GAAP measure of performance as an indicator of the Company's current or future
performance or to GAAP-defined cash flows generated by operating, investing and
financing activities as an indicator of cash flows or a measure of liquidity.
 
     The following adjustments to obtain Adjusted EBITDA relate to increased
margin as a result of using the increased capacity to meet customer demands.
During the periods presented, the PCI Canada Business purchased for resale
chlorine and caustic soda at market prices. Margin on the resulting resales was
minimal. Had the additional Becancour capacity been available during the
indicated periods, the Company believes portions of historical volumes purchased
for resale would have been produced internally and sold at higher margins.
Certain assumptions, including those of average sales prices, average
manufacturing costs and capacity utilization rates, were made based on actual
PCI Canada Business operating data for existing facilities during the periods
presented. There can be no assurance that such operating results would have been
achieved had such additional capacity been available.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 TWELVE
                                                NINE MONTHS     NINE MONTHS        YEAR          MONTHS
                                                   ENDED           ENDED          ENDED           ENDED
                                               SEPTEMBER 30,   SEPTEMBER 30,   DECEMBER 31,   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                   1996            1997            1996           1997
                                               -------------   -------------   ------------   -------------
                                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                            <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>
Pro forma operating income...................    $ 67,676         $54,802        $ 93,446       $ 80,572
Pro forma other income.......................       3,796           1,565           3,296          1,065
Pro forma depreciation and amortization......      32,406          31,192          41,061         39,847
                                                 --------         -------        --------       --------
Pro forma EBITDA.............................     103,878          87,559         137,803        121,484
Supplemental margin increase due to increased
  capacity...................................       5,925           2,100           7,887          4,062
                                                 --------         -------        --------       --------
Adjusted EBITDA..............................    $109,803         $89,659        $145,690       $125,546
                                                 ========         =======        ========       ========
</TABLE>
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   59
 
                       SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following table sets forth selected historical financial data of the
Predecessor Company for the years ended December 31, 1992, 1993, and 1994 and
the period from January 1, 1995 through April 20, 1995. Such data were derived
from the Predecessor Company's financial statements, which were audited by Ernst
& Young LLP, independent auditors, except for the financial statements of
certain of the Company's investments, which were audited by other independent
auditors. The table also sets forth the historical financial information of the
Company for the period from March 6, 1995 ("Inception") through December 31,
1995 and for the year ended December 31, 1996. Such data were derived from
financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP. For comparative purposes
the combined year ended December 31, 1995 has been included. The table also sets
forth the historical financial information of the Company for the nine months
ended September 30, 1996 and 1997. The consolidated balance sheets at September
30, 1996 and September 30, 1997 and the consolidated statements of operations
for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and September 30, 1997 are
unaudited and reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items,
which management considers necessary for a fair presentation. Operating results
for the first nine months of 1997 are not necessarily indicative of results to
be expected for the year ending December 31, 1997. The data should be read in
conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in
this Prospectus. The following table should also be read in conjunction with
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   60
 
                       SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             PREDECESSOR COMPANY
                                              --------------------------------------------------   PERIOD FROM
                                                                                  PERIOD FROM       INCEPTION       COMBINED
                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,        JANUARY 1, 1995      THROUGH       YEAR ENDED
                                              ------------------------------   THROUGH APRIL 20,   DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                1992       1993     1994(1)          1995              1995         1995(2)
                                              --------   --------   --------   -----------------   ------------   ------------
                                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)
<S>                                           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>                 <C>            <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Revenues....................................  $157,401   $151,191   $167,217       $ 57,848          $142,908       $200,756
Cost of sales...............................   126,149    131,711    134,556         37,400            98,175        135,575
                                              --------   --------   --------       --------          --------       --------
Gross profit................................    31,252     19,480     32,661         20,448            44,733         65,181
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses..................................    22,602     21,850     22,529          7,047            19,836         26,883
                                              --------   --------   --------       --------          --------       --------
Operating income (loss).....................     8,650     (2,370)    10,132         13,401            24,897         38,298
Equity in net income (loss) of
  unconsolidated subsidiary.................        26      1,149        183            204                --            204
Interest expense, net.......................     8,189      7,551      6,407          1,665            12,905         14,570
Settlement of litigation and insurance
  claims, net...............................     2,755      8,360      3,326             --                --             --
Other income (expense), net.................     1,104        954      1,154           (319)              637            318
                                              --------   --------   --------       --------          --------       --------
Income (loss) before taxes and extraordinary
  items.....................................     4,346        542      8,388         11,621            12,629         24,250
Income tax provision (benefit)..............     1,765        486      3,242          4,809             6,208         11,017
                                              --------   --------   --------       --------          --------       --------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item.....     2,581         56      5,146          6,812             6,421         13,233
Extraordinary item, net of applicable
  tax(4)....................................        --         --         --          3,420                --          3,420
                                              --------   --------   --------       --------          --------       --------
Net income (loss)...........................  $  2,581   $     56   $  5,146       $  3,392          $  6,421       $  9,813
                                              ========   ========   ========       ========          ========       ========
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD END):
Working capital.............................  $  7,697   $ (5,521)  $ (4,351)      $ 10,013          $ 10,450       $ 10,450
Total assets................................   165,915    154,922    163,039        165,329           264,731        264,731
Total debt, redeemable preferred stock and
  redeemable stock put warrants.............    76,848     67,709     57,865         57,677           135,000        135,000
Common stockholder's equity.................    20,165     19,721     23,102         26,370            55,427         55,427
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
Capital expenditures........................     6,652      5,888      5,681          3,447            13,556         17,003
Depreciation and amortization...............    12,992     13,446     13,595          4,490            12,274         16,764
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(5).......      1.4x         --       1.8x           5.1x              1.8x           2.4x
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
EBITDA(6)...................................  $ 25,501   $ 20,390   $ 28,207       $ 17,572          $ 37,808       $ 55,380
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                   NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                               YEAR ENDED    -----------------------------
                                              DECEMBER 31,   SEPTEMBER 30,   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                1996(3)          1996            1997
                                              ------------   -------------   -------------
                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)
<S>                                           <C>            <C>             <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Revenues....................................    $183,326       $140,835        $150,073
Cost of sales...............................     126,739         98,600         112,553
                                                --------       --------        --------
Gross profit................................      56,587         42,235          37,520
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses..................................      23,528         19,142          19,580
                                                --------       --------        --------
Operating income (loss).....................      33,059         23,093          17,940
Equity in net income (loss) of
  unconsolidated subsidiary.................      (2,607)          (912)         (2,552)
Interest expense, net.......................      17,290         12,766          16,189
Settlement of litigation and insurance
  claims, net...............................          --             --              --
Other income (expense), net.................       1,684            507             882
                                                --------       --------        --------
Income (loss) before taxes and extraordinary
  items.....................................      14,846          9,922              81
Income tax provision (benefit)..............       6,735          4,868           1,779
                                                --------       --------        --------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item.....       8,111          5,054          (1,698)
Extraordinary item, net of applicable
  tax(4)....................................          --             --         (18,658)
                                                --------       --------        --------
Net income (loss)...........................    $  8,111       $  5,054        $(20,356)
                                                ========       ========        ========
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD END):
Working capital.............................    $  3,334       $ 15,505        $ 34,925
Total assets................................     291,010        283,281         463,851
Total debt, redeemable preferred stock and
  redeemable stock put warrants.............     141,757        141,781         306,533
Common stockholder's equity.................      74,323         63,837          59,242
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
Capital expenditures........................      17,121         15,796          10,977
Depreciation and amortization...............      15,695         13,558          14,792
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(5).......        1.7x           1.7x            1.1x
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
EBITDA(6)...................................    $ 50,438       $ 37,158        $ 33,614
</TABLE>
 
                       (see footnotes on following page)
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   61
 
                  NOTES TO SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
 
(1) GPS was acquired in May 1994 and therefore the results of operations for the
    year ended December 31, 1994 include the results of operations from the date
    of acquisition in May 1994 through December 31, 1994. GPS generated third
    party sales during such partial period of $9.4 million.
 
(2) For comparative purposes the combined results of operations for the year
    ended December 31, 1995 include the Company's operating results for the
    period from Inception through December 31, 1995 and the Predecessor
    Company's operating results from January 1, 1995 through April 20, 1995. The
    Company believes that this provides a meaningful basis for comparison.
 
(3) Kemwater was formed in connection with the acquisition of KWT in February
    1996 to continue the business activities previously conducted by Imperial
    West and, accordingly, the results of operations for the year ended December
    31, 1996 include the results of operations of Imperial West only for the
    month of January 1996. Since the acquisition, 50% of Kemwater's results of
    operations are included as equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated
    subsidiary. Prior to the formation of Kemwater, the financial statements of
    Imperial West were consolidated with the Company's consolidated financial
    statements.
 
(4) An extraordinary item of $3.4 million in 1995, net of an income tax benefit
    of $2.1 million, was due to costs incurred and previously capitalized costs
    written off, pertaining to debt refinanced by the Predecessor Company prior
    to the PAI Acquisition. An extraordinary item of $18.7 million in 1997, net
    of an income tax benefit of $12.4 million, was due to costs incurred and
    previously capitalized costs written off, pertaining to debt refinanced by
    the Company concurrent with the Tacoma Acquisition.
 
(5) For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings
    consist of income (loss) before provision for income taxes, excluding equity
    in net income (loss) of subsidiaries owned 50% or less by the Company, plus
    fixed charges net of capitalized interest. Fixed charges consist of interest
    expense, including capitalized interest, the portion of rental expense
    representative of an interest factor from operating leases and the
    amortization of financing costs. The Company's earnings were insufficient to
    cover total fixed charges for the year ended December 31, 1993. The coverage
    deficiency was $0.6 million.
 
(6) EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation
    and amortization, extraordinary items and equity in net income (loss) of
    unconsolidated subsidiaries and is presented because the Company believes
    that it provides useful information regarding its ability to service and/or
    incur debt. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute
    for net income, cash flows from operating activities and other combined
    income or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with generally
    accepted accounting principles or as a measure of the Company's
    profitability or liquidity. The Company's calculation of EBITDA may not be
    consistent with similarly captioned amounts used by other companies.
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   62
 
                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following table sets forth revenues of the Company for the periods
indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,               SEPTEMBER 30,
                                    --------------------------------------    --------------------
                                    PREDECESSOR
                                      COMPANY      COMBINED(1)
                                    -----------    -----------
                                       1994           1995        1996(2)     1996(2)     1997(3)
                                    -----------    -----------    --------    --------    --------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                 <C>            <C>            <C>         <C>         <C>
Revenues
  PCAC............................   $ 88,907       $118,298      $129,570    $ 98,133    $108,487
  All-Pure........................     47,872         49,549        51,317      40,263      41,586
  Kemwater/Imperial West(4).......     30,438         32,909         2,439       2,439          --
                                     --------       --------      --------    --------    --------
          Total revenues..........   $167,217       $200,756      $183,326    $140,835    $150,073
                                     ========       ========      ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) For comparative purposes the combined results of operations for the year
    ended December 31, 1995 include the Predecessor Company's operating results
    from January 1, 1995 through April 20, 1995 and the Company's operating
    results for the period from Inception through December 31, 1995. The Company
    believes that this provides a meaningful basis for comparison.
 
(2) T.C. Products was acquired by All-Pure in July 1996 and, accordingly, the
    results of operations for the year ended December 31, 1996 and the nine
    months ended September 30, 1996 include the results of operations since the
    acquisition date. T.C. Products generated third party sales during such
    periods of $5.4 million and $3.0 million, respectively.
 
(3) The Tacoma Facility was acquired by PCAC on June 17, 1997 and, accordingly,
    the results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 1997
    include the results of operations since the acquisition date.
 
(4) Kemwater was formed in connection with the acquisition of KWT in February
    1996 to continue the business activities previously conducted by Imperial
    West and, accordingly, the results of operations for the year ended December
    31, 1996 include the results of operations of Imperial West only for the
    month of January 1996. Since the acquisition, 50% of Kemwater's results of
    operations are included as equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated
    subsidiary. Prior to the formation of Kemwater, the financial statements of
    Imperial West were consolidated with the Company's consolidated financial
    statements.
 
GENERAL
 
     The Company manufactures and markets chlorine and caustic soda in the
United States and is a major manufacturer and marketer of several related
downstream water treatment products. The Company generates revenues principally
through PCAC and All-Pure. The Company also owns a 50% unconsolidated interest
in Kemwater, which was formed in February 1996 to continue the operations
previously conducted by the Company's Imperial West subsidiary and to operate
the business acquired through the acquisition of KWT.
 
     Chlorine and caustic soda markets and profitability have been, and are
likely to continue to be, cyclical. Periods of high demand, high capacity
utilization and increasing operating margins tend to result in new plant
investments and increased production until supply exceeds demand, followed by
periods of declining prices and declining capacity utilization until the cycle
is repeated. In addition, markets for chlorine and caustic soda are affected by
general economic conditions, both in the United States and elsewhere in the
world, and a downturn in the economy could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's operations and its cash flows.
 
     Large quantities of chlorine are not typically stored on- or off-site.
Chlor-alkali production rates are therefore typically based on short-term
chlorine demand (typically one month). However, chlor-alkali plants do not
achieve optimum cost efficiency if production rates are cycled. The maintaining
of steady production
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   63
 
rates is made difficult by the cyclical nature of the chlor-alkali business,
which is at times exacerbated by the fact that the price and demand curves for
chlorine differ from those of caustic soda. Peak and trough demand for chlorine
and caustic soda rarely coincide and caustic soda demand, in the past, has
tended to trail chlorine demand into and out of economic growth cycles. In
addition, in recent years the end markets for chlorine and caustic soda have
increasingly diverged.
 
     Chlorine demand over the last three years has experienced steady growth,
following trends in PVC, urethane and other intermediates and water treatment
markets. This increased demand has been partially offset by declining chlorine
use in the pulp and paper industry and as a feedstock in the production of CFCs
due to regulatory pressures. Due to increased demand, published chlorine prices
have risen from approximately $145 per ton during 1994 to approximately $160 per
ton at the end of 1996.
 
     As chlorine demand continued to be strong in 1996, the industry's operating
rate remained high. However, this resulted in an overproduction of chlorine's
co-product, caustic soda, relative to demand. This oversupply led to decreasing
caustic soda prices, offsetting increased chlorine prices and resulting in ECU
netbacks (net selling prices) decreasing during 1996 from 1995 average levels.
 
     To achieve operating efficiencies and to help mitigate the effects of
cyclicality on the Company's business, the Company has pursued a strategy of
converting chlorine and caustic soda into products that are used in markets with
steady demand, particularly water treatment chemicals. In pursuit of this
strategy, the Predecessor Company acquired Imperial West and All-Pure in 1990
and GPS in 1994, and the Company acquired T.C. Products in July 1996, each of
which is a major manufacturer and distributor of water treatment chemicals such
as iron chlorides, aluminum sulfate, repackaged chlorine and bleach, primarily
in the western United States.
 
     Due in part to these acquisitions and the improved chlorine market, the
Predecessor Company and the Company increased ECU capacity utilization rates
over the last seven years from 93% in 1990 to approximately 100% in 1996.
 
     On February 2, 1996, Imperial West participated in the acquisition of KWT
from a subsidiary of Kemira. KWT produces specialty and commodity inorganic
coagulants, including polyaluminum chlorides, aluminum sulfate, sodium aluminate
and ferric sulfate, at its plant in Savannah, Georgia for sale to the water
treatment market in the eastern United States and the Caribbean. The combined
operations of Imperial West and KWT are now conducted by Kemwater, 50% of the
common stock of which is held by a subsidiary of PAAC and 50% of the common
stock which is owned by a subsidiary of Pioneer. A subsidiary of PAAC also owns
all of the outstanding shares of Kemwater's preferred stock. The Company's
investment in Kemwater is accounted for by the equity method.
 
     Effective July 1, 1996, All-Pure acquired T.C. Products through the
acquisition of its parent, T.C. Holdings, Inc. from its shareholders.
Consideration for the acquisition consisted of net cash payments of $5.5 million
and All-Pure subordinated notes with an aggregate principal amount of $4.5
million due July 30, 2001, subject to prepayment. The Company's existing cash
balances were used to fund the cash portion of the purchase price. T.C. Products
continues to manufacture and package bleach and related products at its plant in
Tacoma, Washington. The purchase of T.C. Products has been accounted for as a
purchase transaction and, accordingly, the consolidated financial statements
subsequent to July 1, 1996 reflect the purchase price, including transaction
costs, allocated to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities
assumed, based on their fair values as of July 1, 1996, and include the results
of operations of T.C. Products subsequent to such date.
 
     On June 17, 1997, Pioneer and the Company consummated the Tacoma
Acquisition. Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of May 14, 1997,
PCAC acquired substantially all of the assets and properties used by OCC Tacoma
in the chlor-alkali business at Tacoma, Washington. The purchase price consisted
of (i) $97.0 million, paid in cash, (ii) 55,000 shares of Pioneer Preferred
Stock, having a liquidation preference of $100 per share, and (iii) the
assumption of certain obligations related to the acquired chlor-alkali business.
The Tacoma Acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase transaction and,
accordingly, the consolidated financial statements subsequent to June 17, 1997,
reflect the purchase price, including
 
                                       58
<PAGE>   64
 
transaction costs, allocated to tangible and intangible assets acquired and
liabilities assumed, based on their fair values as of June 17, 1997, and include
the results of operations of the Tacoma Facility subsequent to such date.
 
     Concurrent with the closing of the Tacoma Acquisition on June 17, 1997,
PAAC consummated a series of related transactions (the "Refinancings") comprised
of (i) the repurchase of all of PAAC's existing 13 3/8% First Mortgage Notes due
2005 (the "First Mortgage Notes") at 120% of their principal amount, (ii) the
issuance and sale of $200.0 million of 9 1/4% Series A Senior Secured Notes due
2007 (the "Senior Secured Notes") and (iii) borrowings of $100.0 million in term
loans under a term loan facility (the "Existing Term Facility"). The proceeds of
$300.0 million from these transactions were used to complete the tender offer,
effect the Tacoma Acquisition and pay related expenses. Funds not so used were
added to working capital.
 
     On June 17, 1997, PAAC also entered into a $35.0 million revolving loan
(subject to borrowing base limitations that relate to the level of accounts
receivable and inventory) and letter of credit facility. The revolving facility
provides for revolving loans in an aggregate principal amount up to $35.0
million, of which up to $10.0 million will be available for the issuance of
letters of credit. PAAC did not incur revolving loans at closing in connection
with the Tacoma Acquisition and related refinancings but had $2.9 million in
letters of credit outstanding at such time under the revolving facility.
 
     On October 31, 1997, Pioneer, PCI Canada and PCI Carolina, newly-formed
subsidiaries of the Company and ICI and its subsidiaries, ICI Canada and ICI
Americas, consummated the PCI Canada Acquisition. Pursuant to the Purchase
Agreement, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and properties
used by ICI Canada and ICI Americas in its North American chlor-alkali business.
For the twelve months ended September 30, 1997, the PCI Canada Business
generated pro forma net sales and pro forma EBITDA of $162.5 million and $51.9
million, respectively. The purchase price consists of approximately $235.6
million, payable in cash, and the assumption of certain obligations related to
the acquired chlor-alkali business. The purchase price is subject to adjustment
based on the difference between base working capital and actual working capital
(each as defined in the Purchase Agreement) on the closing date. The acquisition
was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and the results of
operations are included in financial statements since the date of acquisition.
 
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
1996
 
  Revenues
 
     Revenues increased by $9.2 million or approximately 7% to $150.1 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 1997. Revenues for PCAC increased $10.4
million or approximately 11% in the first nine months of 1997 compared to the
same period a year ago. The increase in revenues was attributable to the
additional sales volumes from PCAC's Tacoma plant which was acquired on June 17,
1997. Partially offsetting this increase were lower ECU pricing and lower sales
volumes from PCAC's Henderson and St. Gabriel plants. ECU prices decreased by
approximately 5%, which reflects a $54 per ton decrease in caustic soda prices,
partially offset by a $41 per ton increase in chlorine prices. Caustic soda
sales volume decreased 5% mainly due to lost revenues caused by weather-related
delays in Mississippi River barge shipments during the first quarter of 1997 and
a reduction in exchange activity. Production at Henderson and St. Gabriel was
also curtailed somewhat by the shortage of railcars currently being experienced
in the United States. Revenues for All-Pure increased 3% or $1.3 million in the
first nine months of 1997 compared to the same period a year ago. This increase
was due to the revenues associated with the acquisition of T.C. Products, Inc.,
which the Company acquired in the third quarter of 1996, partially offset by
lower overall sales volumes and prices due to continuing competitive pressures
on All-Pure's products. Partially offsetting these increases was a reduction in
revenue attributable to the transfer of the business of a subsidiary of the
Company to Kemwater, a joint venture with Pioneer that is accounted for on the
equity method.
 
  Cost of Sales
 
     Cost of sales increased by $14.0 million or approximately 14% to $112.6
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997. This increase was the
result of the acquisitions mentioned above, partially offset by
 
                                       59
<PAGE>   65
 
lower cost of sales for chlorine and caustic soda due to lower sales volumes
from PCAC's Henderson and St. Gabriel plants.
 
  Gross Profit
 
     Gross profit margin decreased from 30% during the first nine months of 1996
to approximately 25% during the first nine months of 1997. This decrease was
primarily a result of lower ECU prices described above. In addition, an export
shipment of caustic soda during the third quarter of 1997, which had been
scheduled earlier in the year at the lower prices then prevailing, reduced gross
profit because it resulted in a loss.
 
  Selling, General and Administrative Expense
 
     Selling, general and administrative expense was comparable to the
corresponding 1996 period.
 
  Equity in Net Loss of Unconsolidated Subsidiary
 
     Equity in net loss of unconsolidated subsidiary represents the Company's
50% ownership interest in Kemwater. Kemwater's net loss for the first nine
months of 1997 increased as a result of higher raw material costs which it was
unable to pass through to its customers.
 
  Interest Expense, Net
 
     Interest expense increased by approximately $3.4 million to $16.2 million
in the first nine months of 1997 from $12.8 million in the first nine months of
1996. This increase was a result of the debt incurred for the Tacoma
Acquisition, partially offset by lower interest expense from refinancing of
$135.0 million 13 3/8% First Mortgage Notes with 9 1/4% Senior Secured Notes.
 
  Income (Loss) Before Taxes and Extraordinary Item
 
     As a result of the above, income before income taxes and extraordinary item
decreased $9.8 million to $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30,
1997 from $9.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996.
 
  Extraordinary Item from Early Extinguishment of Debt
 
     During the second quarter of 1997, the Company recognized an $18.7 million
extraordinary item as a result of the early extinguishment of the 13 3/8% First
Mortgage Notes. The extraordinary loss consisted primarily of the 20% premium
paid on the face value of the notes and the write-off of debt placement fees
related to the notes (net of tax benefit of $12.4 million).
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED TO COMBINED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
  Revenues
 
     Revenues decreased by $17.4 million or approximately 9% to $183.3 million
for 1996 compared to $200.8 million in 1995. The transfer of the Imperial West
business to Kemwater in February 1996 caused a decrease in Imperial West's
revenues of approximately $30.5 million. This decrease was partially offset by
an $8.3 million increase in revenues at PCAC related to sales to Kemwater which,
as a result of this change of ownership, are no longer eliminated in
consolidation. Also affecting PCAC's 1996 as compared to 1995 revenues was a 9%
increase in caustic soda sales volumes of 31,000 tons ($7.4 million), a 6%
increase in chlorine sales volumes of 20,000 tons ($3.0 million) and an
approximate 7% decrease in ECU sales prices ($10.6 million). Revenues for
All-Pure in 1996 increased by $1.7 million, which included the impact of $5.4
million of revenues from the T.C. Products acquisition in July 1996, which was
partially offset by a decrease in All-Pure sales volumes in 1996 as compared
with 1995.
 
                                       60
<PAGE>   66
 
  Cost of Sales
 
     Cost of sales decreased by approximately $8.8 million, or 7%, to $126.7 in
1996 from $135.5 million in 1995. The decrease was the result of the transfer of
the Imperial West operations to Kemwater ($20.5 million). Offsetting this
decrease was an increase in manufacturing costs ($4.2 million), which was
primarily related to increased electricity costs, and increased caustic soda and
chlorine sales volume ($6.1 million). In addition, All-Pure's 1996 cost of sales
were higher primarily as the result of the inclusion of T.C. Products which
increased cost of sales by $3.1 million.
 
  Gross Profit
 
     Gross profit decreased by $8.6 million, or 13%, from $65.2 million in 1995
to $56.6 million in 1996. Gross margin decreased from 32% in 1995 to 31% in
1996. The decline was a result of a reduction of the factors outlined above.
 
  Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
     Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased approximately $3.4
million to $23.5 million in 1996 due primarily to the transfer of Imperial West
operations to Kemwater during 1996.
 
  Equity in Net Loss of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
 
     Equity in net loss of unconsolidated subsidiaries represents the Company's
50% ownership interest in Kemwater which was formed in February 1996 as the
result of the acquisition of KWT by Imperial West. Kemwater experienced a loss
in 1996 as a result of increased competitive pressure in their markets.
 
  Interest Expense, Net
 
     Interest expense increased by $2.7 million or 19% to $17.3 million for
1996. This increase was a result of including a full year of interest expense
for the debt incurred in connection with the PAI Acquisition in April 1995 as
well as the debt incurred in financing the T.C. Products acquisition.
 
  Income Tax Provision
 
     Provision for income taxes was $6.7 million in 1996 with an effective tax
rate of 45% as compared to $11.0 million in 1995, with an effective tax rate of
45%. The decrease in the income tax provision was primarily a result of the
decrease in the Company's income before income tax and extraordinary item to
$14.8 million for 1996 from $24.2 million in 1995.
 
  Net Income
 
     Due to the factors described above, net income for the year ended December
31, 1996 decreased to $8.1 million from $9.8 million for 1995, which includes an
extraordinary expense of $3.4 million for the write-off of financing costs.
 
COMBINED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
  Revenues
 
     Revenues increased by $33.5 million or 20% to $200.7 million for the 1995
period. This increase was primarily due to a $29.4 million increase in
chlor-alkali sales at PCAC, resulting from an industry-wide strengthening of ECU
prices. The average ECU price during the 1995 period increased 27% over the same
period in 1994.
 
  Gross Profit
 
     Gross profit increased as a percentage of revenues to 32% in 1995 from 20%
in 1994 due to a combination of increased revenues and lower raw material costs
which more than offset higher transportation and other expenses and an inventory
step-up related to the PAI Acquisition.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>   67
 
  Selling, General and Administrative Expense
 
     Selling, general and administrative expense increased by $4.4 million or
19% to $26.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1995. This increase was
primarily the result of an acquisition by the Predecessor Company in May 1994,
additional compensation pursuant to the Company's incentive compensation
program, and increased amortization as a result of the PAI Acquisition.
 
  Interest Expense, Net
 
     Interest expense increased by $8.2 million or 127% to $14.6 million for the
1995 period from $6.4 million for 1994. This increase was a result of debt
incurred with the PAI Acquisition.
 
  Income Before Taxes and Extraordinary Item
 
     As a result of the above, net income before taxes and extraordinary item
increased by $15.9 million or 189% to $24.2 million of income for the year ended
December 31, 1995 from $8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1994.
 
  Income Tax Provision
 
     Provision for income taxes increased $7.8 million to $11.0 million for the
year ended December 31, 1995 from $3.2 million for the comparable 1994 period
due to higher income. Taxable income is higher than book income due to the
non-deductibility of amortization of the excess cost over the fair value of the
net assets acquired. A provision is recorded on the income statement; however,
federal income taxes payable are reduced due to the utilization of the net
operating loss carryforward.
 
  Extraordinary Item
 
     An extraordinary item of $3.4 million net of an income tax benefit of $2.1
million recorded during the 1995 period was due to costs incurred, and
previously capitalized costs written off, pertaining to debt refinanced by the
Predecessor Company in the 1995 period prior to the PAI Acquisition.
 
  Net Income
 
     As a result of the foregoing, net income increased 91% to $9.8 million.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     Following the Initial Offering, the other Financings and the PCI Canada
Acquisition, the Company is highly leveraged. In connection with the PCI Canada
Acquisition, the Company entered into the New Credit Facilities. The New Credit
Facilities consist of an $83.0 million senior Term Facility and an amended
Revolving Facility with availability up to $65.0 million, subject to borrowing
base limitations that relate to the level of accounts receivable and inventory.
The Company did not incur Revolving Loans at closing in connection with the PCI
Canada Acquisition but had $2.9 million in letters of credit outstanding at such
time under the Revolving Facility. As of September 30, 1997, after giving pro
forma effect to the Initial Offering, the other Financings and the PCI Canada
Acquisition, the Company had outstanding indebtedness of approximately $564.5
million.
 
     The Company believes that cash flow from current and anticipated future
levels of operations and, to a lesser extent, the availability under the
Revolving Facility, will be adequate to make required payments of interest and
principal on the indebtedness that is outstanding, as well as to fund its
foreseeable capital expenditures and working capital requirements. The Company
estimates that annualized net cash interest of $50.4 million will be payable on
the Notes, the Term Facility, the Senior Secured Notes and the Existing Term
Facility. The Company anticipates that annualized capital expenditures for 1998,
after giving effect to the PCI Canada Acquisition, will be approximately $33.2
million, including approximately $4.8 million for environmental compliance
matters and $5.9 million for pipeline construction. The Company believes that
 
                                       62
<PAGE>   68
 
forecasted capital expenditures will permit it to maintain its facilities on a
basis competitive within the industry through improved efficiency and throughput
and continuation of high operating rates.
 
     The Company's belief that it will generate sufficient cash flow for its
requirements is based upon, among other things, the assumptions that: (i) the
Company's cash flow will be positive as a result of the continuing operating
profitability of its business; (ii) the Company will invest in working capital
in accordance with prior practices; (iii) the Company will not incur any
material capital expenditures in excess of its business plan; and (iv) the
Company has the benefit of a tax-sharing agreement with Pioneer which reduces
the amount of taxes payable by the Company.
 
     Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities. During the year ended December
31, 1996, the Company generated $32.5 million in cash from operating activities
from profitability, depreciation, the utilization of the NOL and a decrease in
working capital (excluding the effects of the purchases of KWT and T. C.
Products). During the nine months ended September 30, 1997, the Company
generated $10.8 million in cash from operating activities primarily due to
depreciation and amortization.
 
     Net Cash Used in Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities
for the year ended December 31, 1996 was $29.2 million, primarily due to capital
expenditures related to property, plant and equipment and the purchases of KWT
and T.C. Products by the Company. Cash used in investing activities for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997 was $110.5 million, primarily due to the Tacoma
Acquisition.
 
     Net Cash Provided (Used) in Financing Activities. Cash used in financing
activities for the year ended December 31, 1996 was $757,000, primarily due to a
payment of dividends to Pioneer. Cash provided in financing activities for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997 was $121.0 million, primarily due to
financing of the Tacoma Acquisition.
 
ACCOUNTING CHANGES
 
     The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to
be Disposed Of" ("SFAS No. 121"), on January 1, 1996. SFAS No. 121 sets forth
guidance on how to measure an impairment of long-lived assets and when to
recognize such an impairment. The adoption of this standard did not have a
material impact on the Company's financial position or results from operations.
 
     In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No.
130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," (SFAS No. 130) and Statement No. 131,
"Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," (SFAS No.
131). SFAS No. 130 and SFAS No. 131 are effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for reporting and
displaying of comprehensive income and its components. SFAS No. 131 establishes
standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about
operating segments in interim and annual financial statements. These two
statements have no effect on the Company's 1997 financial statements, but
management is currently evaluating what, if any, additional disclosures may be
required when these two statements are adopted for periods beginning with the
first quarter of the year ending December 31, 1998.
 
                                       63
<PAGE>   69
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
     The Company is a manufacturer and marketer of chlorine and caustic soda in
the United States and is a major manufacturer and marketer of several related
downstream water treatment products. The Company conducts its business primarily
through PCI Canada, PCAC and All-Pure. The Company also owns a 50%
unconsolidated joint venture interest in Kemwater (which effective in February
1996 succeeded to the operations of Imperial West). Pioneer owns the remaining
50% joint venture interest in Kemwater. The Company operates the PCI Canada
Business as a stand-alone entity following the PCI Canada Acquisition.
 
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
 
     The Company operates in chlor-alkali and chlor-alkali related industries.
Chlorine and caustic soda are co-products, concurrently produced in a ratio of 1
to 1.1. An ECU consists of 1 ton of chlorine and 1.1 tons of caustic soda.
Chlorine is used in the manufacture of over 15,000 products, comprising
approximately 60% of all commercial chemistry, 85% of all pharmaceutical
chemistry and 95% of all crop protection chemistry. Products manufactured with
chlorine as a raw material include plastics, detergents, pharmaceuticals, water
treatment chemicals and agricultural chemicals. Chlorine also is used directly
in water disinfection applications. In the United States and Canada, virtually
all public drinking water is made safe to drink by chlorination, and a
significant portion of industrial and municipal waste water is treated by
chlorine and chlorinated chemicals to kill water-borne pathogens and remove
solids.
 
     The caustic soda market is even more diverse than that of chlorine. It is
used in thousands of industrial and commercial processes (either as an essential
raw material, as an intermediate or as a medium to control acidity) including
metal smelting, petroleum production and refining, pulp and paper production and
paint manufacturing. Caustic soda is combined with chlorine and water to produce
bleach and is also used as an active ingredient in a wide variety of end use
products, including detergents, rayon and cellophane.
 
     The following table sets forth certain information regarding the principal
industry-wide applications for the Company's products.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           PRODUCTS                                PRINCIPAL APPLICATIONS
           --------                                ----------------------
<S>                              <C>
Chlorine.......................  Agricultural chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing,
                                 PVC and other plastics, detergents, paints, water
                                 purification, bleach, pulp and paper products, mining,
                                 textiles
Caustic soda...................  Cleaners, pulp and paper products, oil production and
                                 refining, rayon, cellophane, vegetable oils, cosmetics,
                                 aluminum, food processing, bleach, water treatment, mining
Hydrochloric acid..............  Cleaning, mining, dyes, ink, titanium, textiles, rocket
                                 fuel, exotic metals, water treatment, oil production
Sodium chlorate................  Pulp and paper bleaching
Chlorinated paraffins
  ("Cereclor(R)")..............  PVC compounding, cosmetics, lotions
PSR 2000(R)....................  Pulping additive
IMPAQT(R)......................  Pulping additive
Hydrogen.......................  Boiler and turbine fuel, chemical manufacturing, petroleum
Calcium chloride...............  Concrete formulation, dust control, pulp and paper
                                 products
Iron chlorides.................  Waste and potable water treatment, electronics
Polyaluminum chlorides.........  Waste and potable water treatment
Sodium aluminate...............  Catalyst production, paints, waste and potable water
                                 treatment
Ferric sulfate.................  Waste and potable water treatment
Aluminum sulfate...............  Waste and potable water treatment, pulp and paper products
Bleach.........................  Waste and potable water treatment, household and
                                 commercial cleaners, food processing, swimming pool
                                 treatment
</TABLE>
 
                                       64
<PAGE>   70
 
     North America represents approximately 30% of world chlor-alkali production
capacity, with approximately 15.0 million tons of chlorine and 16.5 million tons
of caustic soda production capacity. OxyChem and The Dow Chemical Company are
the two largest chlor-alkali producers in North America, together representing
approximately one half of North American capacity. The remaining capacity is
held by approximately 20 companies. Approximately 65% of North American
chlor-alkali capacity is located on the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana. The
Company believes that following the PCI Canada Acquisition it has approximately
6% of North American chlor-alkali capacity. The Company believes that the
chlorine and caustic soda currently produced at its Henderson and Tacoma
facilities provide a significant source of supply for the West Coast region,
where the Company is also the largest supplier of chlorine and bleach for water
treatment purposes and where Kemwater is the largest producer of iron chlorides.
The Company believes the St. Gabriel and Tacoma facilities are leading suppliers
of premium, low-salt grade caustic soda in their respective regions. The Company
believes the strong regional presence of the PCI Canada Business in eastern
Canada and the eastern United States enhances the competitiveness of the
Company's existing operations.
 
     Since 1982, there has been a long-term downward trend in total North
American chlor-alkali production capacity as industry participants have closed
inefficient production facilities. Over the same time period, there has been a
long-term upward trend in capacity utilization, increasing from a low of
approximately 62% in 1982 to approximately 96% in 1996. This trend is a result
of the combination of decreasing industry production capacity and increasing
chlor-alkali demand.
 
     The Company believes that the chlor-alkali capacity increases announced for
completion in late 1997 and 1998 will increase overall North American capacity
by approximately 3%, keeping pace with the overall projected chlorine demand
increase. The Company anticipates that the global chlorine supply/demand balance
will remain relatively stable over the next few years.
 
     The following graph highlights the impact of these trends on United States
capacity utilization rates.
 
                    INDUSTRY CAPACITY AND UTILIZATION RATES
 
                     [CAPACITY AND UTILIZATION RATES GRAPH]
 
Source: The Chlorine Institute, Inc., industry and Company data.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>   71
 
     Environmental pressures over the last five years have led to a substantial
decline in chlorine demand in two major chlorine end-use markets -- pulp and
paper and CFCs. Usage of chlorine by the pulp and paper industry declined by
36%, from 1.2 million tons in 1991 to 771,610 tons in 1996. The use of chlorine
as a raw material for chemical intermediaries used in the production of CFCs has
been almost completely discontinued. The Company believes that the current level
of chlorine demand by the pulp and paper industry will continue to decline over
the next five years.
 
     The declines in these markets have been offset by the growth in chlorine
demand for PVC, polycarbonate resins and isocyanates, water treatment
applications and engineering plastics. In addition, the Company believes that as
the global economy continues to improve, demand for chlorine derivatives should
increase. The Company believes that caustic soda demand will grow at a slower
pace than chlorine demand. Industry sources estimate that world chlor-alkali
demand will grow by approximately one to two percent annually.
 
     The chlorine and caustic soda markets are cyclical markets that are
sensitive to relative changes in supply and demand, which are in turn affected
by general economic conditions, capacity additions and other factors. Over the
last five years, the market for PVC, the largest use of chlorine, has
experienced steady growth, resulting in strong demand for chlorine. However, the
use of chlorine as a bleaching agent in the pulp and paper industry and as
feedstock in the production of CFCs has been reduced significantly due to
regulatory pressures. As a result of these factors and a general decline in
economic growth in the early 1990s, the North American chlor-alkali industry
experienced declining prices, as ECU prices fell by over 52% from $389 per ECU
in the fourth quarter of 1989 to $185 per ECU in the second quarter of 1993.
After a significant improvement in domestic economic growth, in early 1994
chlor-alkali markets experienced increased levels of demand. Limited new
capacity was added during this time, resulting in greater capacity utilization
and higher domestic and export prices for chlor-alkali products. These
conditions continued in 1995 and the increase in demand enabled the Company and
the industry in general to increase selling prices significantly at a time when
operating costs generally did not increase, with prices eventually exceeding
$400 per ECU at the peak of the cycle in 1995. Toward the end of 1995 and
continuing through 1996, however, ECU prices began to decrease as strengthening
demand for chlorine was offset by an oversupply of caustic soda. As a result,
prices decreased to approximately $335 to $345 per ECU by the end of 1996, even
as chlorine prices remained strong due to steady demand growth from the PVC
industry. For the third quarter of 1997, prices have ranged from $310 to $345
per ECU. Demand for chlorine has been relatively stable, while increasing demand
for caustic soda has recently strengthened pricing, as evidenced by several
recent announced price increases. The industry has continued to operate at full
capacity and management does not anticipate a significant increase in capacity
over the next several years. The Company therefore believes that the previous
volatility in ECU prices should moderate over such period.
 
                                       66
<PAGE>   72
                                        
     The following graph presents United States industry-wide average annual ECU
prices since 1976.
 
                       INDUSTRY AVERAGE ANNUAL ECU PRICES
 
                   [INDUSTRY AVERAGE ANNUAL ECU PRICES GRAPH]

Source: United States Commerce Department, industry and Company data.
 
STRATEGY
 
     The Company's management team is pursuing a business strategy designed to
capitalize on its marketing, production and distribution expertise and its
geographic focus. The Company seeks to manage effectively the intrinsic
cyclicality of the chlor-alkali industry while continuing to grow and improve
profitability by pursuing a strategy which includes the following principal
elements:
 
     - Focusing on the Merchant Chlor-Alkali Market. The Company is dedicated to
       serving the merchant chlor-alkali market, acting as a reliable source of
       supply of chlorine and caustic soda. The Company is committed to being
       flexible and responsive in periods of volatile chlor-alkali demand,
       making it the preferred supplier for many of its customers. Unlike its
       major competitors, the Company does not compete with its PVC customers
       and, as a result, is viewed as a preferred, non-competing source of raw
       materials.
 
     - Optimizing Plant Efficiencies through High Capacity Utilization. The
       Company seeks to maximize profitability by achieving a constant flow of
       product through its plants. The Company strives to maintain a steady
       demand for its output through (i) programs aimed primarily at growing
       markets such as PVC and water treatment; (ii) renewable contracts with
       major customers and a Chlorine Purchase Agreement with OCC Tacoma; (iii)
       direct linkage with major customers via pipelines, including the Pipeline
       Project, a seven-mile liquid chlorine pipeline from the St. Gabriel
       facility expected to be completed in 1998; and (iv) captive demand for
       chlorine and caustic soda through its downstream water treatment
       operations.
 
     - Improving Cost Efficiency. The Company continually seeks to improve its
       cost competitiveness through a combination of productivity enhancements,
       strict operating cost controls, capital improvements and maintenance of
       high capacity utilization rates. Despite inflation, the Company's cash
       production costs
 
                                       67
<PAGE>   73
 
per ECU decreased by 5% from 1990 through 1996, while ECU production per
employee increased by 20%. In addition, the Company seeks to reduce distribution
costs and improve plant operating efficiency through the efficient use of its
      strategic locations with deep water port facilities, direct pipeline
      connections to customers and opportunistic product exchanges with
      chlor-alkali producers in other regions.
 
     - Focusing on Geographic Diversity and Market Penetration. The Company's
       products are manufactured and sold in a number of markets, providing a
       wide base for future growth and distribution to help mitigate the effects
       of regional and economic fluctuations. Following the PCI Canada
       Acquisition, the Company has major chlor-alkali facilities in three
       states (Louisiana, Nevada and Washington) and two Canadian provinces
       (Quebec and New Brunswick) and downstream plants producing a range of
       products such as bleach, hydrochloric acid, iron chlorides, chlorinated
       paraffins. The Company is well-positioned to direct its chlor-alkali
       output to customers while more efficiently supplying the growth in its
       own downstream operations. Through recent expansion, the Company is
       creating substantial new regional strength in areas west of the Rocky
       Mountains and in eastern Canada and the eastern United States, while
       maintaining its traditionally strong presence in the Gulf Coast region.
 
     - Expanding Product Offerings. The Company has developed downstream water
       treatment chemical businesses whose steady requirements for chlorine and
       caustic soda help maintain high operating rates at the Company's
       chlor-alkali facilities which, in turn, decreases unit production costs.
       In addition to serving as a source of demand, these growing businesses
       service diverse product markets and regions and can offset industry
       cyclicality in the chlorine and caustic soda markets by providing a more
       stable downstream source of revenue. The PCI Canada Acquisition allows
       the Company to expand into related product offerings for the pulp and
       paper market, including sodium chlorate and proprietary additives such as
       PSR 2000(R) and IMPAQT(R).
 
     - Growing through Product Line Extensions and Strategic Acquisitions.
       Management believes that there are significant opportunities to continue
       the Company's growth both internally and through strategic acquisitions.
       The Company focuses its product development efforts on areas identified
       by its customers as being of major commercial importance. For example, in
       the area of water treatment, the Company has developed or acquired rights
       to a number of innovative coagulant products which help provide cost
       effective, advanced waste water treatment solutions. In addition, the
       Company is constantly reviewing acquisitions in related markets and since
       1990 has consummated five downstream acquisitions, which provide
       attractive product offerings and geographic coverage.
 
OPERATING UNITS
 
  PCI Canada Business
 
     The Company has expanded into the eastern Canadian and eastern United
States chlor-alkali markets with the acquisition of the PCI Canada Business.
Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, the PCI Canada Business is a leading eastern
Canadian merchant chlor-alkali manufacturer, serving primarily the pulp and
paper industry. For the twelve months ended September 30, 1997, the PCI Canada
Business generated pro forma net sales and pro forma EBITDA of $162.5 million
and $51.9 million, respectively. On a pro forma basis, such net sales would
represent approximately 39% of the Company's total net sales.
 
     The PCI Canada Business operates two chlor-alkali production facilities, at
Becancour, Quebec and Dalhousie, New Brunswick with aggregate production
capacity of approximately 376,000 ECUs, as well as additional downstream
production units at Cornwall, Ontario. The Becancour chlor-alkali facility has
an annual capacity of 340,000 tons of chlorine and 383,000 tons of caustic soda,
and also manufactures hydrochloric acid and bleach. The Becancour plant uses
both diaphragm cells and membrane cells. A recently completed $21.2 million
expansion and upgrade increased Becancour's net chlor-alkali capacity by 36,000
tons, or 12%, by installing additional modern membrane cell capacity. The
membrane cells account for approximately 18% of the plant's total caustic soda
capacity, with the diaphragm cells accounting for the remaining caustic soda
production capacity. The Dalhousie chlor-alkali facility has an annual capacity
of 36,000 tons of chlorine and 40,000 tons of caustic soda, and also
manufactures bleach and sodium chlorate.
 
                                       68
<PAGE>   74
 
The Cornwall facility manufactures bleach, with an annual capacity of 222,000
tons, as well as hydrochloric acid, Cereclor(R), PSR 2000(R) and IMPAQT(R).
 
     The PCI Canada Business also includes a research facility located outside
Toronto, Ontario, which conducts applications research, particularly with
respect to pulp and paper process technology.
 
     The principal markets for the PCI Canada Business are the North American
pulping and bleaching market and the industrial chemicals market. The PCI Canada
Business has pursued a strategy of maintaining profitable chlor-alkali
operations while seeking further growth in value-added derivatives and
high-growth opportunities in the prime pulping and bleaching and industrial
chemicals markets. Sales have doubled in the last ten years to $162.5 million as
a result of increasing sales into selected high-growth industrial chemical
markets in the United States, diversification into new chemicals for pulping and
bleaching and upgrading of chlorine into higher value-added products. Products
for pulping and bleaching include chlorine and caustic soda, sodium chlorate,
PSR 2000(R), bleach, IMPAQT(R) and, through resale agreements, bleaching enzymes
and hydrogen peroxide. In the industrial chemicals market, the PCI Canada
Business is a major regional supplier of chlorine and caustic soda, hydrochloric
acid, chlorinated paraffins and commercial grade bleach. Approximately 35% of
the chlorine produced is upgraded to value-added products.
 
     In 1996, the pulping and bleaching market represented approximately 55% of
net sales of the PCI Canada Business and the industrial chemicals market
represented approximately 45% of net sales. The geographic market served by the
PCI Canada Business consists primarily of eastern Canada and eastern United
States as well as the mid-Atlantic and southeastern United States. In 1996,
approximately 55% of sales were to customers in Canada and 45% of sales were to
customers in the United States.
 
     Product is generally transported by rail and roadway, with the Becancour
facility also shipping by water throughout the year. The PCI Canada Business
maintains a tank car fleet consisting of approximately 850 tank cars that are
leased under long-term arrangements. Storage is provided on-site, as well as in
leased off-site space. The PCI Canada Business is ISO 9002 registered at all
locations for all products.
 
     Chlorine and Caustic Soda. Following the Becancour expansion, the PCI
Canada Business has the capacity to produce approximately 376,000 tons of
chlorine and 423,000 tons of caustic soda annually at its Becancour and
Dalhousie plants. For the year ended December 31, 1996, the PCI Canada Business
produced approximately 329,100 tons of chlorine and 371,300 tons of caustic
soda.
 
     Bleach. Following the Becancour expansion, the PCI Canada Business has the
capacity to produce approximately 238,000 tons of bleach annually at its
Cornwall and Becancour plants. For the year ended December 31, 1996, the PCI
Canada Business produced approximately 124,500 tons of bleach.
 
     Hydrochloric Acid. Following the Becancour expansion, the PCI Canada
Business has the capacity to produce approximately 162,000 tons of hydrochloric
acid annually at its Becancour and Cornwall plants. For the year ended December
31, 1996, the PCI Canada Business produced approximately 48,700 tons of
hydrochloric acid.
 
     Sodium Chlorate. The PCI Canada Business has the capacity to produce
approximately 22,000 tons of sodium chlorate annually at its Dalhousie plant.
For the year ended December 31, 1996, the PCI Canada Business produced
approximately 21,200 tons of sodium chlorate.
 
     Cereclor(R). The PCI Canada Business has the capacity to produce
approximately 7,500 tons of Cereclor(R) chlorinated paraffins annually at its
Cornwall plant. For the year ended December 31, 1996, the PCI Canada Business
produced approximately 6,700 tons of Cereclor(R) chlorinated paraffins.
 
     PSR 2000(R) Pulping Additive. PSR 2000(R) is a proprietary pulping additive
and is considered a replacement specialty product for saltcake, spent acid and
sodium hydrosulphide. The PCI Canada Business has the capacity to produce
approximately 31,000 tons of PSR 2000(R) annually at its Cornwall plant. For the
year ended December 31, 1996, the PCI Canada Business produced approximately
4,700 tons of PSR 2000(R).
 
     IMPAQT(R) Pulping Additive. IMPAQT(R) is a proprietary aqueous dispersion
used as a specialty pulping additive. The PCI Canada Business has the capacity
to produce approximately 8,400 tons of IMPAQT(R)
 
                                       69
<PAGE>   75
 
annually at its Cornwall and Charlotte plants. For the year ended December 31,
1996, the PCI Canada Business produced approximately 3,100 tons of IMPAQT(R).
 
     Sales and Marketing. The pulp and paper market is characterized by large,
long term customers seeking strategic relationships with suppliers based on
applications support, breadth of product offerings, service and reliability of
supply. The chemicals and water treatment markets provide a steady source of
demand for chlorine and caustic soda used in the production of value-added
products.
 
     The PCI Canada Business provides hydrogen peroxide and bleaching enzymes to
customers pursuant to a hydrogen peroxide resale agreement for eastern Canada
and a bleaching enzyme resale agreement for North America.
 
  PCAC
 
     PCAC manufactures chlorine and caustic soda for sale to third parties and
to All-Pure and Kemwater as raw materials in the manufacture of chlor-alkali
related products, including bleach and iron chlorides. In addition to chlorine
and caustic soda, PCAC produces commercial quantities of hydrochloric acid and
hydrogen. PCAC's chlor-alkali operations generated pro forma net sales
representing approximately 30% of the Company's total pro forma net sales in
1996. Pro forma merchant sales of chlorine (including resales of purchased
chlorine) accounted for approximately 35% of PCAC's pro forma net sales in such
period. Pro forma merchant sales of caustic soda accounted for approximately 60%
of PCAC's pro forma net sales in such period. Pro forma merchant sales of
hydrochloric acid and hydrogen accounted for approximately 5% of PCAC's pro
forma net sales in such period. On a pro forma basis, approximately 10% of
PCAC's chlorine production was used by PCAC for the production of hydrochloric
acid and other chemical products, while approximately 14% of chlorine production
and 6% of caustic soda production was supplied to All-Pure and Kemwater for
bleach and iron chloride production, repackaging and distribution.
 
     PCAC owns and operates three chlor-alkali production facilities, located in
St. Gabriel, Louisiana; Henderson, Nevada; and Tacoma, Washington, with
aggregate production capacity of 574,000 tons of chlorine, 631,400 tons of
caustic soda, 174,000 tons of hydrochloric acid and 8,800 tons of calcium
chloride. The Tacoma Facility utilizes both membrane cell and diaphragm cell
technology to produce chlorine, caustic soda and hydrogen. The membrane cells
account for approximately 45% of the total plant capacity and the diaphragm
cells account for approximately 55% of the total plant capacity. The Henderson
facility utilizes diaphragm cell technology and the St. Gabriel facility
utilizes mercury cell technology. The elemental chlorine gas is dried, liquefied
through compression and refrigeration and stored in pressurized tanks. The
caustic soda solution is stored in tanks at the plants and off-site terminals.
Hydrogen, produced as a by-product, is transported by pipeline to the point of
its final consumption, used internally in the production of hydrochloric acid or
vented.
 
     Production rates for chlorine and caustic soda are generally set based upon
demand for chlorine, because storage capacity for chlorine is both limited and
expensive. When demand is less than plant operational capacity and available
storage is filled, production operations must be curtailed. PCAC currently
leases a fleet of 672 rail cars for chlorine distribution, 503 rail cars for
caustic soda distribution, 103 rail cars for hydrochloric acid distribution and
three rail cars for calcium chloride distribution. These cars can, under certain
circumstances, be used to provide additional storage capacity.
 
     Chlorine. PCAC has the capacity to produce approximately 349,000 tons of
chlorine annually at its Henderson and St. Gabriel plants and approximately
225,000 tons of chlorine at the Tacoma Facility. Expansion projects between 1990
and 1996 have increased the production capacity at the Henderson plant by
approximately 37,300 tons of chlorine per year. For the year ended December 31,
1996, the Company produced approximately 345,700 tons of chlorine. Directly and
through exchanges, PCAC supplied the equivalent of approximately 76,100 tons of
chlorine to All-Pure and Kemwater for bleach and iron chloride production and
for repackaging and distribution. An additional 44,800 tons of chlorine,
approximately 13% of PCAC's chlorine production, was used to produce
hydrochloric acid at the Henderson plant. Chlorine was also sold to
approximately 30 customers or shipped on behalf of exchange partners.
 
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<PAGE>   76
 
     Caustic Soda. PCAC has the capacity to produce approximately 383,900 tons
of caustic soda annually at its Henderson and St. Gabriel plants and
approximately 247,500 tons of caustic soda at the Tacoma Facility. The St.
Gabriel plant's mercury cell production process yields a higher grade of caustic
soda, commonly known as low salt. This higher grade caustic soda is a niche
product which is required for certain end uses and therefore receives premium
pricing in the marketplace. For the year ended December 31, 1996, PCAC produced
approximately 379,700 tons of caustic soda, approximately 57% of which was low
salt grade. PCAC supplied all caustic soda required by All-Pure and Kemwater for
bleach production and distribution. Caustic soda was also sold to approximately
75 customers or shipped on behalf of exchange partners.
 
     Hydrochloric Acid. PCAC has the capacity to produce approximately 130,000
tons of hydrochloric acid annually at its Henderson plant and approximately
44,000 tons of hydrochloric acid at the Tacoma Facility by combining hydrogen
and chlorine. For the year ended December 31, 1996, PCAC produced approximately
134,300 tons of hydrochloric acid. PCAC supplied the equivalent of approximately
18% of its hydrochloric acid production to All-Pure and Kemwater for
distribution and production of iron chlorides. The remainder was sold to
approximately 45 customers or shipped on behalf of exchange partners. PCAC can
and does vary the production of hydrochloric acid depending upon the relative
prices of chlorine and hydrochloric acid.
 
     Hydrogen. Hydrogen produced at the Henderson facility is used to
manufacture hydrochloric acid and is sold to a third party for use as turbine
fuel. Hydrogen produced at the St. Gabriel plant is used as a boiler fuel and is
sold as a feedstock to another chemical company. Hydrogen produced at the Tacoma
Facility is used as boiler fuel. For the year ended December 31, 1996, PCAC
produced approximately four million cubic feet of hydrogen, a portion of which
was sold to Saguaro Power as fuel and a portion to Borden Chemicals and
Plastics, LP ("BCP") as feedstock. Approximately 24% of the hydrogen was used
internally in the production of hydrochloric acid and as boiler fuel. At each of
the plants, hydrogen not used or sold is vented.
 
     Sales and Marketing. Pursuant to a Chlorine Purchase Agreement, OCC Tacoma
will purchase 100,000 tons of chlorine during the year following the Tacoma
Acquisition, which would have represented approximately 4% of the Company's pro
forma net sales for the twelve months ended September 30, 1997. In addition, the
Company has the right to require OCC Tacoma to purchase, and OCC Tacoma has the
right to require the Company to sell, up to 100,000 tons of chlorine during the
second year following the Tacoma Acquisition and up to 75,000 tons of chlorine
during the third year following the Tacoma Acquisition. All deliveries will be
from the Tacoma Facility to OxyChem's plant at Ingleside, Texas. Market prices
will apply to all such transactions, with transportation costs to be borne and
paid by OCC Tacoma. The Company will also have the right to require OCC Tacoma
to purchase up to 50,000 tons of chlorine during the fourth year following the
Tacoma Acquisition and up to 25,000 tons of chlorine during the fifth year
following the Tacoma Acquisition at market prices, with each of the parties to
bear 50% of the transportation costs from Tacoma to Ingleside for any purchases
during such fourth and fifth years.
 
     Pursuant to a Chlorine and Caustic Soda Sales Agreement, the Company will
sell to OxyChem those quantities of chlorine and caustic soda necessary for
OxyChem to satisfy its obligations under contracts with certain of OxyChem's
national account customers. The Company estimates that during the year following
the Tacoma Acquisition the Company will sell approximately 22,400 tons of
chlorine and 46,000 tons of caustic soda under the agreement, at prices set each
quarter at levels equal to 95% of the average price received by OxyChem under
its arm's-length customer contracts during the preceding quarter. The final
deliveries of chlorine and caustic soda under the arrangement will occur in
December 2000.
 
     One PCAC customer, Novartis, accounted for approximately 13% of the
Company's net sales for the year ended December 31, 1996 and would have
accounted for approximately 6% of the Company's pro forma net sales for such
period. PCAC has a five-year contract with Novartis that expires in 1998 and
requires Novartis to purchase from PCAC 100% of Novartis's annual requirement of
chlorine. Product is transported directly to Novartis through pipelines from the
St. Gabriel plant.
 
     Logistics play a significant role in marketing chlor-alkali and
chlor-alkali related products for two primary reasons. First, many customers
take shipments to fulfill requirement on an as-needed basis. PCAC must therefore
manage potential short-term dislocations between sales and production due to
seasonal or other factors in order to maintain the high, steady production rates
at which the plants operate most efficiently.
 
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<PAGE>   77
 
Second, the relatively high cost of distribution tends to regionalize producers
and markets. To minimize these exposures, PCAC has developed product exchange
relationships with other producers for its primary products. The purpose of
these exchanges is to lower freight and other distribution costs, control
inventory, maintain steady operating rates and diversify sales through exchanges
of different products and product grades. In addition, PCAC utilizes product
exchanges in instances where it can capture more of a premium for its low-salt
grade caustic soda than it might otherwise receive.
 
     The Company continually seeks improved methods of meeting the needs of its
customers. As a part of that effort, the Company is currently acquiring the
necessary permits and easements for the Pipeline Project, a seven-mile liquid
chlorine pipeline, which will extend from the St. Gabriel facility to Geismar,
Louisiana. The state-of-the-art pipeline, which will be equipped with leak and
excavation detection systems, will be capable of delivering 600 tons of chlorine
per day to customers in the Geismar area. It is estimated that the Pipeline
Project will be completed in 1998.
 
     In order to maintain high capacity utilization rates at its chlor-alkali
plants, PCAC seeks to sell more chlorine than it can produce and therefore
frequently purchases chlorine for resale. In this manner, it is often able to
adjust chlorine purchase levels, rather than plant production levels, in
response to changes in the demand for chlorine. This strategy resulted in
chlorine production of 345,700 tons for the year ended December 31, 1996,
implying a capacity utilization rate of approximately 100%.
 
     PCAC's chlor-alkali operations employ 25 personnel in sales, marketing and
distribution. The corporate executive offices in Houston, Texas include sales
administration and distribution functions and oversight of the field sales
offices. Field sales offices are located in Huntington Beach, California and St.
Louis, Missouri. Unlike most of its competitors, PCAC has maintained its
customer service centers at its plants. This facilitates the close
synchronization of sales, production, shipping and accounting which has given
PCAC the capability of filling "just-in-time" orders. The customer service
centers at the Henderson and St. Gabriel plants are responsible for all
order-entry and shipping and rail fleet management. Sales of chlor-alkali
products are primarily on a direct basis to customers under annual or
longer-term contractual arrangements. The arrangements identify delivery,
product quality and other standard terms and allow PCAC to make advance
determination of output requirements, although generally price provisions are
flexible so that both PCAC and the customer receive the benefit of prices which
bear a relationship to the current market price. In addition to direct sales,
PCAC has resale agreements with approximately 20 independent distributors for
caustic soda and hydrochloric acid.
 
  All-Pure
 
     All-Pure manufactures bleach and repackages chlorine and hydrochloric acid
and distributes these products along with caustic soda and other related
products in the western U.S. All-Pure also purchases and distributes various
complementary dry and specialty products such as calcium hypochloride and sulfur
dioxide, and purchases, tabletizes and repackages dry and specialty water
treatment products for distribution to municipalities, swimming pool supply
distributors and selected commercial and retail markets in southern California.
All-Pure's products are generally sold on a delivered basis and are delivered
primarily through a fleet of trucks, including equipment owned by Kemwater. In
July 1996, All-Pure acquired T.C. Products, which is engaged in the manufacture
and marketing of household bleach and related products from its plant in Tacoma,
Washington. All-Pure generated pro forma net sales representing approximately
12% of the Company's total pro forma net sales in 1996. Pro forma sales of
bleach accounted for approximately 56% of All-Pure's pro forma sales for such
period. Pro forma sales of repackaged chlorine accounted for approximately 25%
of All-Pure's pro forma sales for such period. Pro forma sales of specialty
swimming pool and spa chemicals accounted for approximately 7% of All-Pure's pro
forma sales for such period. The remaining 12% of All-Pure's pro forma sales was
derived from sales of other chlor-alkali related products.
 
     While the technology for bleach-making and chlorine-repackaging is neither
difficult nor capital-intensive, the local operating permits required to engage
in these activities are not easily acquired. Management believes that these
operating permits constitute a significant barrier to entry into the business,
particularly in California. Because bleach contains a high percentage of water,
freight costs and logistics are an
 
                                       72
<PAGE>   78
 
important consideration in product distribution. All-Pure's production plants
and distribution facilities are strategically located in or near most of the
largest population centers of the West Coast. For safety reasons, some
municipalities have switched from chlorine gas to bleach for water disinfection
purposes, and should other municipalities decide to switch from chlorine gas to
bleach for this purpose, All-Pure has significant spare bleach-making capacity
that can be used to supply product in bulk.
 
     Bleach. All-Pure has the capacity to produce approximately 200 million
gallons of bleach annually. For the year ended December 31, 1996, All-Pure
produced approximately 34.0 million gallons of bleach, which was sold in
containers ranging from gallon containers to tank trucks.
 
     Chlorine Repackaging. All-Pure repackages and distributes chlorine to end
users in the western U.S. As a regional distributor of chlorine, All-Pure
purchases chlorine in rail cars and repackages the chlorine for sale to
customers. For the year ended December 31, 1996, All-Pure repackaged and sold
approximately 29,200 tons of chlorine.
 
     Product Distribution. In addition to chlorine and hydrochloric acid,
All-Pure distributes caustic soda and other related products in the western U.S.
For the year ended December 31, 1996, All-Pure sold approximately 4,800 tons of
caustic soda to customers located primarily in northern California.
 
     Dry and Specialty Pool and Spa Chemicals. All-Pure purchases dry and
specialty pool and spa products for distribution to the pool water treatment
supply industry. In addition, All-Pure repackages dry pool chemicals for
distribution.
 
     Sales and Marketing. All-Pure primarily repackages chlor-alkali chemicals,
manufactures bleach and distributes these products as well as other products
purchased for resale to approximately 2,200 customers in a variety of markets.
The dynamics of each market vary significantly, requiring All-Pure to be
extremely versatile in its methods of marketing. All-Pure also manufactures and
distributes bleach for swimming pool water treatment in southern California.
All-Pure repackages and distributes complementary products such as hydrochloric
acid and specialty pool and spa products.
 
     Delivered costs of All-Pure's products are freight sensitive because the
products contain water, or are packaged in steel containers that constitute
approximately 40% of the gross weight of the delivered unit, and because such
products provide relatively low per-volume sales revenue. All-Pure has an
advantage over its competitors through its multiple plant locations, which limit
freight costs through their close proximity to customers, allowing All-Pure to
provide reliable supply and service.
 
     The majority of products are sold as water treatment chemicals for swimming
pools, potable water and waste water. Seasonality is a variable that impacts
sales of water treatment chemicals for swimming pools. In order to lessen the
impact of seasonality on their business, All-Pure focuses on increasing
household bleach sales during the winter months.
 
     All-Pure is divided into three regional profit centers -- southern
California, northern California and the Pacific Northwest each under the
direction of a general manager, who, in turn, reports to senior management of
Pioneer. There are 12 sales representatives overall. The administrative support
staff is at All-Pure headquarters, located in Walnut Creek, California in rented
offices shared with Kemwater. The ability to share certain administrative
support functions provides cost savings for both All-Pure and Kemwater.
 
  Kemwater
 
     The combined operations of Imperial West and KWT are now conducted by
Kemwater, 50% of the common stock of which is held by a subsidiary of PAAC and
50% of the common stock of which is owned by a subsidiary of Pioneer. A
subsidiary of PAAC also owns all of the outstanding shares of Kemwater's
preferred stock.
 
     Since the Company does not own a controlling interest in Kemwater, the
Company accounts for Kemwater using the equity method. In the consolidated
financial statements, the Company's investment in Kemwater is presented as
"Investment in and advances to unconsolidated subsidiary" and its equity in the
loss of Kemwater is shown as "Equity in net loss of unconsolidated subsidiary."
In the 1995 consolidated financial
 
                                       73
<PAGE>   79
 
statements, Imperial West is consolidated and includes total assets of $25.7
million, total revenues of $23.7 million and a net loss of $0.6 million.
 
     Kemwater manufactures six chemical products: iron chlorides (ferric and
ferrous chlorides), polyaluminum chlorides, aluminum sulfate, sodium aluminate,
ferric sulfate solution and bleach. Kemwater markets these products and other
inorganic chemicals purchased by it to municipalities and industrial customers
for use primarily in the treatment of potable water and waste water. Kemwater's
products are generally sold on a delivered basis and are delivered primarily
through a fleet of tank trucks, including Kemwater's own equipment. All of
Kemwater's chlorine requirements for its production of iron chlorides and bleach
are provided by PCAC.
 
     Kemwater is the major supplier of iron chlorides to the waste and potable
water markets west of the Rocky Mountains. Iron chlorides are used primarily to
remove organic solids from waste water and potable water streams and to control
hydrogen sulfide emissions. Kemwater also manufactures polyaluminum chlorides in
Savannah, Georgia. The majority of polyaluminum chloride sales are currently in
the southeastern United States. Kemwater also uses terminals at its facilities
in Mojave, California and Spokane, Washington for distribution of polyaluminum
chlorides in the western U.S. and Canada. Additionally, Kemwater sells
polyaluminum chlorides through exclusive distributors in Mexico, the Caribbean
and western Canada. Kemwater will be adding polyaluminum chloride production
capacity in one of its northwestern plants. Kemwater has exclusive licenses to
use Kemira's existing and future advanced water treatment technology in the
development and sale of products and services for the potable water, waste water
and industrial water treatment markets in the United States (other than the
northeastern United States) and the Caribbean, and nonexclusive access to the
use of the technology for the Canadian and Mexican markets, with an option to
acquire an exclusive license for those markets in the future. Kemwater also
manufactures and markets aluminum sulfate to the water treatment and pulp and
paper industries and is a manufacturer of bleach for municipal water
disinfection.
 
     Kemwater markets liquid inorganic chemicals in bulk to municipalities and
industry for use mainly in the treatment of municipal and industrial waste water
and potable water. Kemwater differentiates itself from its competitors through
emphasis on superior product quality, customer service and a private tank truck
transportation fleet. Kemwater employs 16 personnel in sales, marketing and
customer service. Kemwater sells its products directly to customers primarily on
municipal bid contracts. The contracts typically have terms of one or more years
with prices fixed on an annual basis. Sales through distributors accounted for
less than 10% of product sales volume for the year ended December 31, 1996.
 
     Kemwater's headquarters is located in Walnut Creek, California, in rented
offices shared with All-Pure. The ability to share certain administrative
support functions provides cost savings for both Kemwater and All-Pure.
 
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<PAGE>   80
 
FACILITIES
 
     The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Company's
principal production, distribution and storage facilities following the PCI
Canada Acquisition. All property is leased unless otherwise indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS; TYPE OF
                  LOCATION                                    FACILITY
                  --------                     ---------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>
PCI CANADA BUSINESS FACILITIES
Becancour, Quebec, Canada*...................  Chlorine and caustic soda
                                               Hydrochloric acid
                                               Bleach
                                               Hydrogen
Dalhousie, New Brunswick, Canada*............  Chlorine and caustic soda
                                               Sodium chlorate
                                               Hydrogen
Cornwall, Ontario, Canada....................  Hydrochloric acid
                                               Bleach
                                               Cereclor(R) (chlorinated paraffins)
                                               PSR 2000(R)
                                               IMPAQT(R)
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada*................  Research facility
Point Tupper, Nova Scotia, Canada............  Storage tanks
Charlotte, North Carolina....................  IMPAQT(R) plant
Bayonne, New Jersey..........................  Caustic soda storage tanks
 
PCAC FACILITIES
St. Gabriel, Louisiana*......................  Chlorine and caustic soda
                                               Hydrogen
Henderson, Nevada*...........................  Chlorine and caustic soda
                                               Hydrochloric acid
                                               Bleach
                                               Hydrogen
Tacoma, Washington*..........................  Chlorine and caustic soda
                                               Calcium chloride
                                               Hydrochloric acid
                                               Hydrogen
Tampa, Florida...............................  Caustic soda storage tanks
Richmond, California.........................  Caustic soda storage tanks
Wilmington, California.......................  Caustic soda storage tanks
 
ALL-PURE FACILITIES
Tracy, California............................  Bleach
                                               Chlorine repackaging
Santa Fe Springs, California.................  Bleach
                                               Chlorine repackaging
Kalama, Washington...........................  Bleach
                                               Chlorine repackaging
Tacoma, Washington*..........................  Bleach
Fresno, California...........................  Distribution center
City of Industry, California.................  Bleach
                                               Chlorine repackaging
                                               Hydrochloric acid repackaging
                                               Dry chemical repackaging
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
* Owned property
 
                                       75
<PAGE>   81
 
  PCI Canada Business Facilities
 
     Becancour, Quebec. The Becancour facility is located on a 100-acre site and
consists of two major cellrooms for chlorine and caustic soda, built in 1976 and
1979, as well as four hydrochloric acid plants. The Becancour plant uses both
diaphragm cells and membrane cells. A recently completed $21.2 million expansion
and upgrade increased Becancour's net chlor-alkali capacity by 36,000 tons, or
12%, by installing additional modern membrane cell capacity. The membrane cells
account for approximately 18% of the plant's total caustic soda capacity, with
the diaphragm cells accounting for the remaining caustic soda production
capacity.
 
     Annual capacity at Becancour is 340,000 tons of chlorine, 383,000 tons of
caustic soda, 150,000 tons of hydrochloric acid and 16,000 tons of bleach. The
production of chlor-alkali products principally requires salt, electricity and
water as raw materials. Electricity is purchased from Hydro-Quebec and salt is
delivered by rail and water. The site is on the deep-water St. Lawrence Seaway.
Hydrogen is supplied to an adjacent hydrogen peroxide plant as well as to a
merchant supplier of liquid hydrogen. In addition, all of the PCI Canada
Business facilities are ISO 9002 certified.
 
     Dalhousie, New Brunswick. The Dalhousie facility is located on a 36-acre
site and consists of a chlor-alkali plant built in 1963 and expanded in 1971 and
a sodium chlorate plant built in 1992.
 
     Annual capacity at Dalhousie is 36,000 tons of chlorine, 40,000 tons of
caustic soda and 22,000 tons of sodium chlorate. The chlor-alkali plant uses
Solvay Mark V mercury-cell technology. The sodium chlorate plant uses Chemetics
technology and was designed to allow debottlenecking to 24,000 tons. Electricity
is supplied by New Brunswick Power and salt is provided by rail and truck.
 
     Cornwall, Ontario. The Cornwall units are located on leased portions of a
36-acre site and consist of a commercial (high stability) bleach plant, a
Cereclor(R) chlorinated paraffin plant with new twin reactors installed in 1996
and 1997, a PSR 2000H pulping additive plant and an IMPAQTH pulping additive
plant. Additionally, the PCI Canada Business operates a chemical packaging and
compressed gas filling plant for a third party.
 
     Annual capacity at Cornwall is 222,000 tons of bleach, 11,000 tons of
hydrochloric acid, 7,500 tons of Cereclor(R) chlorinated paraffins, 31,000 tons
of PSR 2000H and 4,400 tons of IMPAQTH. The bleach plant uses Powell technology
to produce 20% consumer grade product and is equipped with an on-line dilution
system and a special filter to allow high purity production. The Cereclor(R)
plant includes a glass lined reactor installed in 1996 and a new reactor
installed in 1997.
 
     Mississauga Research and Technology Laboratory, Mississauga, Ontario. The
Mississauga site consists of a research and technology facility including pilot
plants on 1.2 acres of land in the Sheridan Park Research Center outside
Toronto.
 
     Point Tupper, Nova Scotia. The Point Tupper assets consist of an 8,000 ton
storage tank located on deep water at the site of a customer.
 
     Charlotte, North Carolina. The Charlotte assets consist of a small IMPAQTH
plant owned by the PCI Canada Business but operated by ICI Americas and located
on a larger ICI Americas site.
 
     Bayonne, New Jersey. The Bayonne site consists of 5,000 ton caustic soda
storage tanks.
 
  PCAC Facilities
 
     St. Gabriel, Louisiana Plant. PCAC's St. Gabriel plant is located on a
100-acre site near Baton Rouge, Louisiana and serves the southern U.S. and
Mississippi River markets and the export market. Approximately 228 acres
adjoining this site are available to the Company for future industrial
development. The plant was completed in 1970 and is situated on the Mississippi
River with river frontage and deep water docking, loading and unloading
facilities. The dock is capable of berthing ocean-going vessels of up to 36,000
DWT. Annual capacity at St. Gabriel is 197,000 tons of chlorine and 216,700 tons
of caustic soda. In 1996, the plant received ISO 9002 registration.
 
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<PAGE>   82
 
     St. Gabriel is the newest mercury-cell plant in the U.S. The mercury-cell
production process yields a higher quality of caustic soda, called low-salt
grade, which usually receives premium pricing in the marketplace. Caustic soda
produced by mercury cells does not require evaporation to meet market
concentration requirements. Accordingly, even though mercury cell technology
uses more electricity than membrane cell or diaphragm cell technology, total
costs of production are generally competitive.
 
     Salt is delivered under long-term supply contracts to the St. Gabriel plant
by barge. Electricity is supplied to the plant under long-term contracts through
regional power networks. Water is provided at the St. Gabriel plant from on-site
water wells.
 
     St. Gabriel's chlorine production system includes a three-tower drying
system, multi-stage centrifugal chlorine compressors and a three-stage
liquefaction system. St. Gabriel has a utility section consisting of two boiler
systems for steam generation used principally for heating. Each boiler, capable
of producing 325,000 pounds per hour of steam, has fuel feedstock flexibility,
allowing conversion from outside-sourced natural gas to internally generated
hydrogen.
 
     Chlorine tank storage capacity at the St. Gabriel plant is 3,000 tons,
which provides storage for approximately six days of production. The St. Gabriel
plant supplies its largest customer, Novartis, which is located adjacent to the
St. Gabriel facility, with chlorine directly through a dedicated pipeline. No
other chlor-alkali producer has a dedicated line to such customer. Caustic soda
storage capacity is 10,500 tons, which provides for approximately 18 days of
production. Additional production storage capacity is available using rail cars.
Hydrogen produced at the St. Gabriel plant is piped directly to BCP under a
long-term contract.
 
     Henderson, Nevada Plant. PCAC's Henderson plant is located on a 374-acre
site near Las Vegas, Nevada and serves customers in the western U.S. It is the
closest chlor-alkali plant to the important southern California area by over 500
miles. Approximately 70 acres are developed and used for production facilities.
The original plant began operation in 1942. Annual capacity at the plant is
152,000 tons of chlorine, 167,200 tons of caustic soda, 130,000 tons of
hydrochloric acid and 5,100 tons of bleach. The Henderson plant is part of an
industrial complex shared with three other manufacturing companies. Common
facilities and property are owned and managed by subsidiaries of Basic
Investments, which provide common services to the four site companies. Basic
Investments' facilities include extensive water and high voltage power
distribution systems and access roads.
 
     Salt is delivered under long-term supply contracts to the Henderson plant
by rail car. Electricity is supplied to the plant under long-term contracts
through regional power networks. The electric power is distributed within the
Henderson industrial site through facilities owned and operated by a subsidiary
of Basic Investments. The Henderson plant obtains water from Lake Mead pursuant
to PCAC's Category IV federal water rights. The water is transported by means of
a 25-mile pipeline system operated by a subsidiary of Basic Investments.
 
     The plant was upgraded and rebuilt in 1976-1977 to use diaphragm cell
technology, and in 1978 quadruple-effect caustic soda evaporation units were
installed. Incremental expansions during the period from 1990 to 1995 resulted
in plant capacity increases of 105 ECUs per day. The evaporation plant requires
2.2 tons of steam per ton of caustic soda produced. Steam for the facility is
currently provided under a favorable long-term contract with Saguaro Power, a
cogeneration electricity producer in which PCAC has an indirect 15% interest.
PCAC also has its own boilers at the Henderson facility that are capable of
producing steam. PCAC leases two units used in the production of hydrochloric
acid.
 
     Following evaporation to desired levels of concentration, caustic soda is
stored in tanks and off-site terminals. Caustic soda storage capacity is 7,000
tons, which provides storage for approximately 16 days of production. Chlorine
tank storage capacity at the Henderson plant is 600 tons, which provides storage
for approximately two days of production. Additional production storage capacity
for chlorine and caustic soda is available using rail cars, and the Company's
terminals in Richmond, California and Wilmington, California provide additional
caustic soda storage capacity. Hydrochloric acid storage capacity at the
Henderson plant is 1,500 tons, which provides for approximately three days of
production. Additional storage capacity is available using rail cars.
 
     Tacoma, Washington Plant. The Tacoma Facility is located on a 31-acre site
which is part of an industrial complex on the Hylebos waterway in Tacoma,
Washington. It serves customers in the Pacific
 
                                       77
<PAGE>   83
 
Northwest and California and, to a lesser extent, foreign caustic soda
customers. The site has docks capable of handling ocean-going vessels up to
30,000 DWT size. Annual capacity is approximately 225,000 tons of chlorine,
247,500 tons of caustic soda, 44,000 tons of hydrochloric acid and 8,800 tons of
calcium chloride.
 
     The plant uses both diaphragm cells installed in the late 1970s and
membrane cells installed in 1988. The state-of-the-art membrane cell production
process yields a higher quality of caustic soda and thus for some end uses
receives premium pricing. The membrane cells account for approximately 45% of
the total plant caustic soda capacity, with the diaphragm cells accounting for
the remaining caustic soda production capacity. The operations of the two
systems are designed to optimize the capabilities of the plant in a
cost-efficient manner, resulting in a cost-competitive facility.
 
     Steam for the facility is produced on-site in two natural gas fired steam
boilers. The boilers are capable of using a portion of the hydrogen generated in
the cell operations as fuel. Process water for the plant is purchased from the
City of Tacoma and sea water is used for cooling purposes throughout the
facility.
 
     Electric power is purchased from the Tacoma Department of Public Utilities
under a contract extending to September 30, 2001. Prices are fixed except for
the top 27 MW portion of the load, or approximately 33% of the total electricity
usage, which is purchased on a market-price basis. Steam for the facility is
produced on-site in two natural gas fired steam boilers. The gas for these units
is supplied under a contract effective through September 30, 1997, subject to
annual renewal. The boilers are capable of utilizing a portion of the hydrogen
generated in the cell operations. Process water for the plant is purchased from
the City of Tacoma and sea water is used for cooling purposes throughout the
facility.
 
     Chlorine tank storage capacity is 1,500 tons, which provides storage for
approximately 2 1/2 days of production. Caustic soda storage capacity is 11,100
tons, providing storage for approximately 16 days of production. Additional
production storage capacity is available using rail cars, and the Company's
leased terminals in Richmond, California and Wilmington, California provide
additional storage capacity for caustic soda. The Company also acquired a leased
railroad tankcar fleet as part of the Tacoma Acquisition. The Tacoma Facility is
a WISHA Star site. ISO 9002 registration was completed in December 1996.
 
     Tampa, Florida. To facilitate distribution to the southeastern region of
the U.S., PCAC leases two caustic soda storage tanks at Tampa, Florida with a
capacity of 5,100 tons, approximately nine days of production from the St.
Gabriel facility.
 
     Richmond, California. As a part of the Tacoma Acquisition, PCAC acquired
the leases to three caustic soda storage tanks at Richmond, California, which
are used to facilitate distribution to customers in northern California. The
tanks have a capacity of 9,100 tons, approximately 13 days of production from
the Tacoma Facility.
 
     Wilmington, California. PCAC acquired the leases to four caustic soda
storage tanks at Wilmington, California as a part of the Tacoma Acquisition.
Those tanks and PCAC's existing leased tank at the same facility provide storage
capacity of 17,400 tons, representing approximately 38 days of production from
the Henderson facility or approximately 25 days of production from the Tacoma
Facility. The tanks are used to facilitate distribution to the southern
California region.
 
  All-Pure Facilities
 
     Tracy, California. The Tracy facility is located 60 miles east of Oakland
and serves the central California and San Francisco Bay area markets. The plant
includes a 262,000 ton per year bleach production facility and a chlorine
repackaging facility on a 15-acre tract. The land at the facility is leased
under a lease expiring in the year 2000.
 
     Santa Fe Springs, California. The Santa Fe facility is located in the Los
Angeles area and serves the southern California markets. The plant includes a
262,000 ton per year bleach production facility and a chlorine repackaging
facility on a 4.5-acre tract. The land at the facility is leased under a lease
expiring in 1998 with a five-year renewal option.
 
                                       78
<PAGE>   84
 
     Kalama, Washington. Located 30 miles north of Portland, Oregon, the Kalama
facility serves the northern Oregon and Washington markets. The plant includes a
52,500 ton per year bleach production facility and a chlorine repackaging
facility on a three-acre tract. The land at the facility is leased under a
month-to-month lease; All-Pure and the lessor are engaged in discussions
regarding a long-term lease extension or the lease of a new site within the same
port facility.
 
     Tacoma, Washington. The T.C. Products facility in Tacoma serves the Pacific
Northwest market. The plant consists of a 105,000 ton per year bleach production
facility on a five-acre tract.
 
     Fresno, California. The Fresno facility consists of an approximately 10,000
square foot warehouse, excluding office space, and serves the central California
market. All product shipped from the warehouse is transferred from the Tracy,
California production facility for distribution to customers. The land at the
facility is leased under a lease expiring in June 2001.
 
     City of Industry, California. The City of Industry facility is located in
the Los Angeles area and serves the southern California, southern Nevada and
western Arizona markets. The plant includes a 262,000 ton per year bleach
production facility and chlorine, hydrochloric acid and dry chemical repackaging
facilities on a five-acre tract. The facility includes a 96,000 square foot
warehouse. The land at the facility is leased under a lease expiring in 1998
with options to extend until 2008.
 
OTHER INVESTMENTS
 
  Saguaro Power
 
     PCAC has an indirect 15% equity interest in Saguaro Power, which owns and
operates a 90-megawatt cogeneration facility located on approximately six acres
of the Henderson property. The Saguaro Power facility is operated by an indirect
subsidiary of S.C.E. Capital Company. The facility uses natural gas, which is
supplied under a defined price long-term contract, as feedstock to produce
electricity and steam. Electricity is sold to one customer under a long-term
contract, and steam is sold primarily to PCAC, which has a right to resell steam
to other companies in the Henderson industrial complex. PCAC leases the property
to Saguaro Power under a lease that expires in 2022. The cost to the Company of
purchasing steam from Saguaro Power is substantially less than the cost to the
Company of producing the steam internally.
 
  Basic Investments
 
     PCAC's facility in Henderson, Nevada is located within an industrial
complex operated by Basic Investments, Inc. ("Basic Investments"). Other
industrial operators in the complex are Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation ("Kerr
McGee"), Titanium Metals Corporation ("Timet") and Chemical Lime Company
("Chemical Lime") which, together with PCAC, own all of the capital stock of
Basic Investments. PCAC owns approximately 32% of the common stock of Basic
Investments, including voting shares which entitle it to elect two members of
the seven person board of directors.
 
     The Company's interests in Basic Investments and in Victory Valley Land
Company, L.P. ("Victory Valley" and, together with Basic Investments, the "Basic
Ownership"), together with certain real property (the "Excess Land"), constitute
assets that, pursuant to the PAI Acquisition Agreement, will be held for the
economic benefit of the sellers for a period of 20 years. Any proceeds from such
interests are deposited into an escrow account and are available to satisfy
certain obligations of the sellers under environmental and other obligations in
favor of Pioneer, PAAC and their affiliates. After payment or provision for
payment of such obligations, amounts received by the Company on account of the
Basic Ownership will be remitted to the PAI sellers for such 20-year period. The
sellers also have certain rights during such period with respect to
determinations affecting the Basic Ownership, including the right (subject to
certain conditions) to direct the sale or disposition of interests constituting
the Basic Ownership and the sale or disposition of Excess Land and the right
(with certain exceptions) to vote the interests constituting the Basic
Ownership. Since the PAI Acquisition, approximately 64 acres of Excess Land have
been sold, and the escrow account had a balance of approximately $4.6 million on
September 30, 1997. The Company accounts for its interests in the Basic
Ownership by using a right of offset. As a result, the Company's interest in the
Basic Ownership is offset
 
                                       79
<PAGE>   85
 
against the corresponding liability, resulting in no net asset being recorded on
the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
 
  Canso
 
     Each of the PCI Canada Business, Kimberly Clark Nova Scotia Inc. ("Kimberly
Clark") and Stora Forest Industries Inc. ("Stora") owns a one-third equity
interest in Canso Chemicals Limited, a Nova Scotia company ("Canso"). Canso
operates the Point Tupper transfer facility, which consists of a caustic soda
storage tank and related piping leased from the PCI Canada Business and located
on land leased from Stora. Canso purchases caustic soda from the PCI Canada
Business, stores it at the Point Tupper transfer facility and sells it to Stora
for use in Stora's adjacent pulp and paper mills. Canso also owns a facility at
Abercrombie, Nova Scotia, where chlorine and caustic soda purchased from the PCI
Canada Business are stored and transshipped for sale to the adjacent Kimberly
Clark pulp and paper mill.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The chlor-alkali industry is highly competitive. Many of the Company's
competitors are larger and have greater financial resources than the Company.
Many of the Company's competitors are some of the world's largest chemical
companies that have their own raw material resources and numerous regional
companies that specialize in a smaller number of chemical products. While a
significant portion of the Company's business is based upon widely available
technology, the difficulty in obtaining permits for the production of
chlor-alkali and chlor-alkali related products is a barrier to entry. The
Company's ability to compete effectively depends on its ability to deliver
quality products at competitive prices and to provide reliable and responsive
service to its customers.
 
     The North American chlor-alkali industry is currently dominated by two
producers, OxyChem and The Dow Chemical Company, together representing
approximately one half of the total North American capacity. The remaining
capacity is held by approximately 20 companies. Approximately 65% of North
American chlor-alkali capacity is located on the Gulf Coast in Texas and
Louisiana. Following the PCI Canada Acquisition, the Company will have
approximately 6% of North American chlor-alkali capacity. The Company believes
it has a strong regional presence with respect to many of its products in the
markets it serves.
 
     Competitors in the chlor-alkali related industries in which the Company
operates are numerous and the industry is highly fragmented. The Company
believes that All-Pure is the largest supplier of chlorine and bleach for water
treatment purposes in the region of the United States west of the Rocky
Mountains and that Kemwater is the largest producer of iron chlorides in such
region.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
     As of October 31, 1997, the Company had 1,362 employees. Approximately 95
of the Company's employees at its Henderson, Nevada plant are covered by
collective bargaining agreements with the United Steelworkers of America and the
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers that are in effect
until March 2001. Approximately 117 employees at the Tacoma Facility are
represented by the International Chemical Workers Union and International Union
of Operating Engineers under collective bargaining agreements that expire in
June 2000 and June 1998, respectively. Approximately 57 of the Company's
employees at an All-Pure facility are covered by collective bargaining
agreements with the Steel, Paper, House, Chemical Drivers and Helpers Union and
the International Chemical Workers Union that are in effect until September 2002
and January 1998, respectively. An additional 29 employees are covered by a
collective bargaining agreement with the Teamsters Union in Tacoma, Washington
which is in effect until December 1997. The Company's employees at its other
production facilities are not covered by union contracts or collective
bargaining agreements. The Company considers its relationship with its employees
to be good and has not experienced any strikes or work stoppages.
 
     As of October 31, 1997, 460 of the Company's 1,362 employees were employed
by the PCI Canada Business in Canada and the United States. Approximately 168
employees at the Becancour facility are represented by the Communications,
Energy and Paperworkers Union under a contract that expires in April 2000.
Approximately 61 employees at the Cornwall facility are represented by the
United Steelworkers Union
 
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<PAGE>   86
 
under a contract that expires in October 1999. Other PCI Canada Business
employees are not covered by union contracts or collective bargaining
agreements.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY REGULATION
 
  General Environmental Matters
 
     General. The manufacturing operations of the Company are subject to United
States and Canadian federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations
relating to protection of the environment, including those applicable to waste
management, discharge of pollutants into the air and water, cleanup liability
from historical waste disposal practices and employee health and safety. Each of
the United States federal environmental programs typically has a state
counterpart. The state environmental programs generally must be at least as
stringent as the federal requirements, and some state regulations are more
onerous than the federal requirements. Both federal and state environmental
programs allow the imposition of substantial civil and criminal penalties for
noncompliance. By comparison, while there are certain federal laws that apply to
all provinces in Canada, most Canadian environmental laws are implemented on the
provincial level. Although the Company believes that its operations are in
general compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations, risks of
substantial costs and liabilities are inherent in chemical manufacturing
operations, and there can be no assurance that significant costs and liabilities
will not be incurred. Moreover, it is possible that other developments, such as
new environmental laws and regulations or stricter enforcement and cleanup
policies, could result in substantial costs and liabilities to the Company. The
Company has accrued $11.9 million related to expected future environmental
restoration and remediation costs, computed on an undiscounted basis. In the
opinion of management, there is currently no material estimable range of loss in
excess of the amount recorded. However, it is possible that new information
about the sites for which the reserve has been established, new technology or
future developments could require the Company to reassess its potential exposure
related to environmental matters.
 
     The Company relies on indemnification from the previous owners in
connection with certain environmental liabilities at its chlor-alkali plants and
other facilities. There can be no assurance, however, that such indemnification
arrangements will be adequate to protect the Company from environmental
liabilities at these sites or that such third parties will perform their
obligations under the respective indemnification arrangements, in which case the
Company would be required to incur significant expenses for environmental
liabilities, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
     Air Quality. The Company's United States operations are subject to the
Federal Clean Air Act and the amendments to that act which were enacted in 1990.
The Company will be subject to some of the additional environmental regulations
adopted by the federal EPA and state environmental agencies to implement the
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. The Tacoma plant has applied for a Title V
operating permit under these regulations. Among the requirements that are
potentially applicable to the Company are those that require the EPA to
establish hazardous air pollutant emissions requirements for chlorine production
facilities. Although the Company cannot estimate the cost of complying with
these requirements until the implementing regulations are proposed, at this time
the Company does not believe that such requirements will have a material adverse
effect on it.
 
     Most of the Company's plants manufacture or use chlorine, which is in
gaseous form if released into the air. Chlorine gas in relatively low
concentrations can irritate the eyes, nose and skin and in large quantities or
high concentrations can cause permanent injury or death. In 1991, there was an
accidental release of approximately 42 tons of chlorine from the Henderson
facility. In response, local emergency authorities evacuated areas in and around
the City of Henderson. The Company has resolved substantially all of the
personal injury, property damage and regulatory claims relating to this release,
and substantially all the costs incurred as a result of the accident have been
recovered under applicable insurance policies. There was a release of about 10
tons of chlorine from the St. Gabriel facility in 1992 and another release in
1994 of less than one ton of chlorine, and from 1995 to date, there have been
six releases from the Company's plants, each of which was less than 35 pounds.
These releases were controlled by plant personnel, in some cases with the
assistance of local emergency response personnel, and there were no material
claims against the Company as a
 
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<PAGE>   87
 
result of these incidents. The Company maintains systems to detect emissions of
chlorine at its plants, and the St. Gabriel, Tacoma and Henderson plants are
members of their local industrial emergency response networks. The Company
believes that its insurance coverage is adequate with respect to costs that
might be incurred in connection with any future release, although there can be
no assurance that the Company will not incur substantial expenditures that are
not covered by insurance if a release does occur in the future.
 
     Water Quality. The Company maintains waste water discharge permits for many
of its facilities pursuant to the U.S. Federal Water Pollution Control Act of
1972, as amended, and comparable state laws. Where required, the Company has
also applied for permits to discharge stormwater under such laws. In order to
meet the discharge requirements applicable to stormwater, it will be necessary
to modify surface drainage or make other changes at certain plants. The Company
plans to spend an additional $1.2 million by the end of 1997 for modifications
to the stormwater system at the Henderson plant. The Company believes that the
costs associated with stormwater discharge at Henderson and its other plants
will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition,
liquidity or operating results. The various states in which the Company operates
also have water pollution control statutes and regulatory programs which include
groundwater, as well as surface water, protection provisions. The requirements
of these laws vary and are generally implemented through a state regulatory
agency. These water protection programs typically require site discharge
permits, and spill notification, prevention and corrective action plans. At
several of the Company's facilities, investigations or remediations are underway
and at some of these locations regulatory agencies are considering whether
additional actions are necessary to protect or remediate surface or groundwater
resources and the Company could be required to incur additional costs to
construct and operate remediation systems in the future. In addition, at several
of its facilities, the Company is in the process of replacing or closing ponds
for the collection of wastewater. The Company plans to spend approximately $1.3
million during the next 15 years for closure of eight chlor-alkali waste water
disposal ponds at its Henderson plant.
 
     Chlorine Regulation. Chlorine uses in two markets, pulp and paper bleaching
and as a raw material for chemical intermediaries used in the production of
CFCs, have declined since the late 1980s. This decline was based on concerns
that the products or by-products from those applications might cause damage to
human health or the environment. Certain environmental groups and international
commissions have urged the restriction or ban of chlorine-related processes and
products and the EPA is considering new or additional regulation of
chlorine-containing substances such as the herbicide atrazine and byproducts
from the treatment of drinking water. Such pressures and regulatory initiatives
could have the effect of reducing the use of chlorine by customers in the
Company's markets or could have the effect of increasing competition from other
chlorine producers with respect to the Company's markets. The Company is working
with other industry representatives to advocate a risk-based scientific approach
for evaluating the alleged health and environmental risks of chlorine and
chlorinated compounds which are used for a broad range of consumer products,
such as plastics, water and pharmaceuticals. The Company believes that a
risk-based approach will show that the risk associated with not using such
compounds, or the risks of other chemicals that might be proposed to replace
them, support a conclusion that there is no need for a ban or substantial new
restrictions, but the necessary studies have not been completed with respect to
all of such areas.
 
     OSHA and Community Right-to-Know. The Company is subject to laws and
regulations concerning occupational health and safety, emergency planning and
community right-to-know disclosures. These laws include the Federal Occupational
Safety and Health Act ("OSHA") and the Emergency Planning and Community
Right-to-Know Act of 1986 ("EPCRA"). OSHA and comparable state statutes
establish workplace standards that apply generally to businesses in the
manufacturing sector, including the Company's businesses. EPCRA establishes
notification requirements for businesses, like the Company's, that use regulated
hazardous substances. The Company is not aware of any failures to comply with
OSHA or EPCRA requirements that could reasonably be expected to result in a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, properties or results of
operations on a consolidated basis.
 
     The Company's St. Gabriel plant uses mercury in its chlorine manufacturing
process. The Company currently complies with both OSHA and industry standards
for employees who could be exposed to mercury. The Federal Occupational Safety
and Health Administration has previously proposed to lower the maximum
permissible exposure level for mercury, and the Company believes that it will be
able to comply with the new
 
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<PAGE>   88
 
standard if it is reproposed at the same level. It is possible, however, that
even lower mercury emissions or exposure limits could be imposed in the future
by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration or the EPA and the
cost of compliance with such new limits cannot be estimated at the present time.
 
     Hazardous and Solid Wastes. The Company's manufacturing facilities generate
hazardous and non-hazardous solid wastes which are subject to the requirements
of RCRA and comparable state statutes. Under the 1984 amendments to RCRA, the
EPA promulgated regulations banning the land disposal of certain hazardous
wastes unless the wastes meet defined treatment or disposal standards, including
certain mercury-containing wastes generated by the Company's St. Gabriel plant.
In response to these regulations, the St. Gabriel plant has substantially
reduced the quantity of wastes that are subject to the land ban. The Company has
installed an in-plant treatment system that reduces the level of mercury in its
wastes below the hazardous classification. The Company's disposal costs could
increase substantially if its present disposal sites become unavailable due to
capacity or regulatory restrictions. The Company presently believes, however,
that its current disposal arrangements, together with the new treatment system,
will allow the Company to continue to dispose of land-banned wastes with no
material adverse effect on it.
 
     Superfund. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act ("CERCLA"), also known as the "Superfund" law, imposes liability,
without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, on certain
classes of persons for the clean-up of releases of a "hazardous substance" into
the environment. These persons include the owner or operator of the disposal
site or sites where the release occurred and companies that disposed or arranged
for the disposal of hazardous substances found at the site. Persons who are or
were responsible for releases of hazardous substances under CERCLA may be
subject to joint and several liability for the costs of cleaning up the
hazardous substances that have been released into the environment and for
damages to natural resources. In the ordinary course of the Company's
operations, substances are generated that fall within the definition of
"hazardous substances," and the Company is the owner or operator of several
sites at which hazardous substances have been released into soil or groundwater.
Under CERCLA, regulatory agencies or third parties may incur costs to
investigate or remediate such conditions and seek reimbursement from the Company
for such costs. However, no investigations or remedial activities are currently
being conducted under CERCLA by third parties at any of the Company's
facilities. Such activities are being carried out at certain facilities under
the other statutory authorities discussed above.
 
     Canadian Environmental Laws. The PCI Canada Business facilities (other than
the Charlotte, North Carolina facility) are governed by federal environmental
laws adopted by the Canadian parliament and administered by Environment Canada
and by provincial environmental laws adopted by the respective provincial
legislatures and enforced by administrative agencies. Many of these laws are
comparable to the U.S. laws described above. In particular, the Canadian
environmental laws generally provide for control and/or prohibition of
pollution, for the issuance of certificates of authority or certificates of
authorization which permit the operation of regulated facilities and prescribe
limits on the discharge of pollutants, and for penalties for the failure to
comply with applicable laws. These laws include the substantive areas of air
pollution, water pollution, solid and hazardous waste generation and disposal,
toxic substances, petroleum storage tanks, protection of surface and subsurface
waters, and protection of other natural resources. However, there is no Canadian
law similar to CERCLA that would make a company liable for legal off-site
disposal. The Canadian statutes and regulations which are expected to have the
most significant impact on the operations of the Company are summarized below.
 
     The Canadian Environmental Protection Act ("CEPA") is the primary federal
statute which governs environmental matters throughout the provinces. The
Chlor-Alkali Mercury Release Regulations and the Chlor-Alkali Mercury Liquid
Effluent Regulations, adopted under the CEPA, regulate the operation of the
Dalhousie facility and the remediation of the Cornwall chlor-alkali facility. In
particular, these regulations provide for the quantity of mercury a chlor-alkali
plant may release into the ambient air and the quantity of mercury that may be
released with liquid effluent. The federal Fisheries Act is the principal
federal water pollution control statute. It prohibits the deposit of deleterious
substances into waters frequented by fish. This law would apply in the event of
a spill of caustic soda or other deleterious substance that adversely impacts
marine life in a waterway. The Cornwall, Becancour, Dalhousie, Abercrombie and
Point Tupper sites are all located adjacent to major waterways and are therefore
subject to the requirements of this statute.
 
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<PAGE>   89
 
     The primary provincial environmental laws include the Environmental
Protection Act in the province of Ontario, the Quebec Environment Quality Act
("EQA") in Quebec, the Clean Environment Act in New Brunswick, and the Nova
Scotia Environment Act in Nova Scotia. In general, each of these acts regulates
the discharge of a contaminant into the natural environment if such discharge
causes or is likely to cause an adverse effect. If a contaminant is discharged
into the natural environmental in contravention of the general prohibition or
the regulations adopted thereunder, the regulatory authority may issue an order
directing the responsible party to investigate or correct a condition, or to
limit or repair the source of the discharge. In Quebec, a person who is
responsible, in whole or in part, for contamination which is likely to affect
the life, health, safety, welfare or comfort of human beings, or to cause damage
or to otherwise impair the quality of the soil, vegetation, wildlife or
property, may be required to prepare an environmental study of contamination and
a plan for remediation and to remove, collect or neutralize the contaminants, or
to take any other measures to restore the environment. In addition, the Quebec
Minister of Environment may also take any measures considered necessary to clean
up contaminants and to recover the direct and indirect costs related to such
measures from any person who had custody of or control over the contaminants. In
the other jurisdictions, such orders may generally be issued to the owner or
previous owner of the source of the contaminant, any person who is or was in
occupation of the source of contaminant, or a person who has or had the charge,
management or control of the source of the contaminant. The order may require a
number of actions, including limiting the rate of discharge of the contaminant
or requiring the repair or prevention of injury or damage from the contaminant.
In certain circumstances, there is also a duty upon an owner of a pollutant and
upon a person having control of a pollutant that is discharged to do everything
practicable to prevent the adverse effect and to restore the natural
environment. Certificates of Authority may also be issued under the various
provincial environmental laws to permit construction and operation of regulated
facilities.
 
     The PCI Canada Business facilities that were acquired by the Company at
Becancour and Dalhousie, as well as the Canso facility, include landfills and
impoundments in which brine muds and sludges have been or will be disposed.
Inactive disposal areas have been closed, and the active facilities are
permitted under their respective statutory requirements. Many of the active and
inactive disposal sites have a system of groundwater monitoring wells which are
sampled and the results reported to governmental authorities on a regular basis.
Some groundwater contamination, including mercury and chlorides, has been
identified as a result of this monitoring, but there are presently no
requirements to remediate such conditions or to modify the disposal areas. These
disposal sites will be a long-term management obligation for the Company. The
Company anticipates that it will incur annual monitoring costs for such
facilities for the foreseeable future. Although the Company understands that no
remediation is currently required for such facilities, it is possible that such
requirements could be imposed in the future. Such costs would be included in the
general environmental indemnity provided by ICI if they are incurred within the
next ten years. Thereafter, all monitoring, closure and post-closure for these
disposal areas will be the responsibility of the Company. There can be no
assurance that such costs will not be material at the time they are incurred,
but the Company presently cannot predict whether, or when, any material closure
or remediation requirements might be imposed.
 
     The Cornwall facility was historically used for the production of
chlor-alkali products from mercury cells and for the production of carbon
tetrachloride and carbon disulfide. The Company purchased equipment and leased
buildings required to conduct future operations, and did not acquire the real
property at Cornwall. ICI agreed to retain responsibility for pre-closing
conditions, including ongoing remediation, at the Cornwall facility. Liabilities
from pre-closing operations at the Cornwall site are specifically enumerated as
an excluded liability that the Company did not acquire in connection with its
purchase of the PCI Canada Business. The Company does not believe that it will
have any material liability related to the Cornwall site. However, the Company
will conduct future operations at the site and the Company could have some
liability for operational improvements or, to the extent that such operations
contribute additional contaminants to the soil or water, for remediation. In
addition, there can be no assurance that ICI will promptly perform the
obligations under its indemnity or that it will have the financial resources to
complete the required remediation.
 
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<PAGE>   90
 
  Indemnities
 
     ZENECA Indemnity. The Company's Henderson plant is located within what is
known as the "Basic Complex." Soil and groundwater contamination have been
identified within and adjoining the Basic Complex, including land owned by the
Company. A groundwater treatment system has been installed at the facility and,
pursuant to a consent agreement with the Nevada Division of Environmental
Protection, a study is being conducted to further evaluate soil and groundwater
contamination at the facility and other properties within the Basic Complex and
to determine whether additional remediation will be necessary with respect to
the Company's property.
 
     In connection with the 1988 acquisition of the Henderson and St. Gabriel
properties by PAI, the sellers agreed to indemnify the Company with respect to,
among other things, certain environmental liabilities associated with historical
operations at the Henderson site. Zeneca Delaware Holdings, Inc. and Zeneca,
Inc. (collectively, the "ZENECA Companies") have assumed the indemnity
obligations. In general, PAI is indemnified against environmental costs which
arise from or relate to pre-closing actions which involved disposal, discharge
or release of materials resulting from the former agricultural chemical and
other non-chlor-alkali manufacturing operations at the Henderson plant. The
ZENECA Companies are also responsible for costs arising out of the pre-closing
actions of Basic Investments and pre-closing actions at the Basic Complex and
for other pre-closing environmental liabilities arising at other off-site
locations. Under the ZENECA Indemnity, the Company may only recover indemnified
amounts for environmental work to the extent that such work is required to
comply with environmental laws or is reasonably required to prevent an
interruption in the production of chlor-alkali products. The ZENECA Indemnity
also covers certain claims by non-governmental third parties. The Company is
responsible for environmental costs relating to the chlor-alkali manufacturing
operations at the Henderson plant, both pre- and post-acquisition, for certain
actions taken without ZENECA's consent and for certain operation and maintenance
costs of a groundwater treatment system at the facility.
 
     Payments for environmental liabilities under the ZENECA Indemnity, together
with other non-environmental liabilities for which the ZENECA Companies agreed
to indemnify the Company, cannot exceed approximately $65 million. Through
September 30, 1997, the Company has been reimbursed for approximately $12
million of costs covered by the ZENECA Indemnity, but the ZENECA Companies may
have directly incurred additional costs that would further reduce the total
amount remaining under the ZENECA Indemnity. In 1994, the Company recorded an
additional $3.2 million environmental reserve related to pre-closing actions at
sites that are the responsibility of ZENECA. At the same time a receivable was
recorded from ZENECA for the same amount. It is the Company's policy to record
such amounts when a liability can be reasonably estimated. No additional amounts
were recorded in 1995, 1996 or 1997.
 
     As a result of the PAI Acquisition, the ZENECA Indemnity will terminate on
April 20, 1999. The ZENECA Indemnity will continue to cover claims after the
expiration of the term of the indemnity provided that, prior to the expiration
of the indemnity, proper notice to the ZENECA Companies is given and either the
ZENECA Companies have assumed control of such claims or the Company is
contesting the legal requirements that gave rise to such claims, or has
commenced removal, remedial or maintenance work with respect to such claims, or
has commenced an investigation which results in the commencement of such work
within ninety days. The Company believes that the ZENECA Companies will continue
to honor their obligations under the ZENECA Indemnity for claims properly
presented by the Company. It is possible, however, that disputes could arise
between the parties concerning the effect of contractual language and that the
Company would have to subject its claims for clean-up expenses, which could be
substantial, to the contractually-established arbitration process.
 
     PAI Sellers' Indemnity. In the PAI Acquisition Agreement, the sellers
agreed to indemnify Pioneer, PAAC and their affiliates for certain environmental
liabilities that result from certain discharges of hazardous materials, or
violations of environmental laws, arising prior to the closing date from or
relating to the PAI plant sites or arising before or after the closing date with
respect to certain environmental liabilities relating to the Contingent Payment
Properties. Amounts payable pursuant to the PAI Sellers' Indemnity will
generally be payable as follows: (i) out of certain reserves established on PAI
balance sheet at December 31, 1994;
 
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<PAGE>   91
 
(ii) either by offset against the amounts payable under the Pioneer Seller Notes
or from amounts held in the Contingent Payment Account; and (iii) in certain
circumstances and subject to specified limitations, out of the personal assets
of the sellers. See "Business -- Basic Investments." The Company is required to
reimburse the sellers with amounts recovered under the ZENECA Indemnity or from
other third parties. The Company and the sellers have agreed that they will
cooperate in matters relating to the ZENECA Indemnity. The Company has also
agreed to indemnify the sellers for certain environmental liabilities that may
arise after the closing date. See "Risk Factors -- Environmental
Regulation -- Henderson Remediation Matters; ZENECA Indemnity; PAI Sellers'
Indemnity."
 
     OCC Tacoma Indemnity. The Tacoma Facility is located adjacent to the
Hylebos Waterway, which is connected to Commencement Bay. The Hylebos Waterway
is one of the study areas included in the Commencement Bay Nearshore/Tideflats
site which has been placed on the National Priorities List for remediation under
CERCLA. OxyChem is a member of the Hylebos Cleanup Committee ("HCC"), which has
entered into a consent agreement with the EPA under which the HCC will prepare a
pre-remedial design for cleanup of the Hylebos Waterway. OxyChem is
participating in a voluntary, non-binding mediation under which an arbitrator
will allocate liability for the waterway among approximately 30 participating
PRPs. The aggregate costs of the cleanup of the Hylebos Waterway will depend
upon cleanup levels established by the EPA. Cleanup levels have been selected by
the EPA and a remediation plan is being prepared but has not yet been finalized
or approved by the EPA. The Company believes that a remediation plan based upon
the final EPA cleanup levels may be completed within five years, and that the
voluntary mediation will be completed prior to that date. However, the Company
cannot presently determine the amount of cleanup costs that will ultimately be
allocated to OxyChem, or the timing of such final allocation.
 
     The Tacoma Facility has a RCRA treatment, storage, and disposal facility
permit which requires the plant to investigate groundwater contamination at the
site and to treat the groundwater to standards established in the permit.
Pursuant to this requirement, the plant has installed a groundwater extraction,
treatment and injection system (not included in the Tacoma Acquisition), which
withdraws the groundwater, removes volatile organic compounds (including
trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene) and returns the treated water to the
subsurface through wells that are designed to control off-site migration of
contamination. The plant has estimated that this groundwater system will operate
for at least 30 years. Certain other areas at and near the Tacoma Facility are
currently being voluntarily investigated under the oversight of the Washington
Department of Ecology ("DOE") or the EPA. OCC Tacoma has voluntarily proposed to
investigate certain substances that may exceed site-specific cleanup levels in
the embankment area of the Tacoma Facility next to the Hylebos Waterway and in a
subtidal and intertidal area adjacent to the northern portion of the Tacoma
Facility, and to submit investigation and remediation plans for consideration by
the EPA. If remediation plans are agreed upon, these areas would be remediated
either in conjunction with or prior to the general remediation of Hylebos
Waterway sediments.
 
     OxyChem has been named as a Potentially Liable Party ("PLP") under state
law for remediation of, or it is voluntarily investigating, certain off-site,
upland disposal sites used by the Tacoma Facility. OCC Tacoma has agreed to
retain responsibility for these sites. Two other properties, located immediately
adjacent to the Tacoma Facility, have allegedly been affected by operations at
the Tacoma Facility. A groundwater contamination plume under the Tacoma Facility
extends to the northwest and west. This area is being addressed by the Tacoma
Facility's groundwater treatment system. In August 1997, OCC Tacoma acquired the
neighboring property to the south of the Tacoma Facility. Waste from the Tacoma
Facility was allegedly disposed in the past on the embankment area of this
neighboring property and allegedly impacted the groundwater quality. The
embankment area of this property is currently under investigation with the
oversight of the DOE and the EPA. Remediation of this embankment area will be
conducted, if necessary, in conjunction with the remediation of the adjacent
embankment area of the Tacoma Facility. At this time, the Company is not able to
determine the cost or scope of any such remediation of this neighboring
property.
 
     In connection with the Tacoma Acquisition, OCC Tacoma agreed to indemnify
the Company with respect to certain environmental matters, which indemnity is
guaranteed by OxyChem. In general, the Company will be indemnified against
damages incurred for remediation of certain environmental conditions, for
certain environmental violations caused by pre-closing operations at the site
and for certain common law
 
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<PAGE>   92
 
claims. The conditions subject to the indemnity are sites at which hazardous
materials have been released prior to closing as a result of pre-closing
operations at the site, including Commencement Bay (outside the Hylebos area),
off-site disposal sites in areas upland of the waterways and natural resource
damages (together, the "Excluded Environmental Conditions"). In addition, OCC
Tacoma will indemnify the Company for certain costs relating to releases of
hazardous materials from pre-closing operations at the site into Hylebos
Waterway, site groundwater containing certain volatile organic compounds that
must be remediated under the RCRA permit, and historical disposal areas on the
embankment adjacent to the site for maximum periods of 24 or 30 years, depending
upon the particular condition, after which the Company will have full
responsibility for any remaining liabilities with respect to such conditions.
OCC Tacoma may obtain an early expiration date for conditions other than the
Excluded Environmental Conditions by obtaining a discharge of liability or an
approval letter from a governmental authority. Although there can be no
assurance that the presently anticipated remediation work will be completed
prior to the expiration of the indemnity, or that additional remedial
requirements will not be imposed thereafter, the Company believes that the
residual liabilities, if any, can be managed in a manner that will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
 
     OCC Tacoma will also indemnify the Company against certain other
environmental conditions and environmental violations caused by pre-closing
operations that are identified after the closing. Environmental conditions that
are subject to formal agency action within five years after closing or to an
administrative or court order within ten years after closing, and environmental
violations that are subject to formal agency action within two years after
closing or to an administrative or court order within five years after closing,
will be covered by the indemnity up to certain dollar amounts and time limits.
The Company will indemnify OCC Tacoma for environmental conditions and
environmental violations identified after the closing if (i) an order or agency
action is not imposed within the relevant time frames or (ii) applicable
expiration dates or dollar limits are reached.
 
     The Company is responsible for remediation of environmental conditions and
correction of environmental violations caused by post-closing actions at the
site (other than post-closing actions by OCC Tacoma and its representatives) and
the Company will indemnify OCC Tacoma for such conditions and violations.
Moreover, if the Company takes certain actions which increase the cost of
remediation or result in the identification of new environmental conditions
after the closing, the Company will be liable for such costs. In particular, the
Company may not, without OCC Tacoma's consent, construct new facilities within
designated areas of the site that are being or will be remediated. In addition,
the Company must consult with OCC Tacoma prior to construction or expansion in
other areas of the site that requires the disturbance, excavation or remediation
of soil, sediment or groundwater. This could limit the Company's ability to
expand production capacity or to add material new capacity at the site.
 
     The indemnity obtained from OCC Tacoma for the Excluded Environmental
Conditions, for expansion of or repairs to improvements at the site and for
certain other matters is personal to the Company and its affiliates and may not,
without OCC Tacoma's consent, be assigned to other persons.
 
     The Company has reviewed the time frames currently estimated for
remediation of the known environmental conditions associated with Commencement
Bay, the Hylebos Waterway, the plant and adjacent properties and the Company
presently believes that it will have no material liability upon the termination
of OCC Tacoma's indemnity. However, the OCC Tacoma indemnity is subject to
limitations as to dollar amount and duration, as well as certain other
conditions, and there can be no assurance that such indemnity will be adequate
to protect the Company, that remediation will proceed on the present schedule,
that it will involve the presently anticipated remedial methods, or that
unanticipated conditions will not be identified. If these or other changes
occur, the Company could incur a material liability for which it is not insured
or indemnified.
 
     PCI Canada Acquisition Indemnity. In the Purchase Agreement, ICI and its
affiliates (the "ICI Indemnitors") have agreed to indemnify the Company for
certain liabilities associated with environmental matters arising from
pre-closing operations of the PCI Canada Business. In particular, the ICI
Indemnitors will retain unlimited responsibility for environmental liabilities
associated with the Cornwall site, liabilities arising out of the discharge of
contaminants into rivers and marine sediments and liabilities arising out of
off-site disposal sites (the "Retained Environmental Liabilities"). The ICI
Indemnitors will also provide a general
 
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<PAGE>   93
 
environmental indemnity for other pre-closing environmental matters. This
indemnity will terminate on October 31, 2007, and is subject to a limit of $25
million. The Company may not recover under the environmental indemnity until it
has incurred cumulative costs of $1 million, at which point the Company may
recover costs in excess of $1 million.
 
     With respect to the Becancour and Dalhousie facilities, the ICI Indemnitors
will be responsible under the general environmental indemnity for 100% of the
costs incurred in the first five years after October 31, 1997 and for a
decreasing percentage of such costs incurred in the following five years.
Thereafter, the Company will be responsible for environmental liabilities (other
than the Retained Environmental Liabilities) at such facilities.
 
     The Company will indemnify ICI for environmental liabilities arising out of
post-closing operations and for liabilities arising out of pre-closing
operations that are not indemnified by the ICI Indemnitors.
 
     The Company believes that the indemnity provided by ICI will be adequate to
address the known environmental liabilities at the acquired facilities, and that
any residual liabilities incurred by the Company will not be material. However,
no assurance can be given that the indemnity will be adequate in the event that
new facts or conditions are identified, new or different statutory or regulatory
requirements are imposed, substantial changes in remedial or disposal techniques
or costs occur, or the anticipated timing of remedial requirements is changed.
Further, no assurance can be given that ICI or its affiliates will promptly pay
for liabilities covered by the indemnity as they arise, or that ICI and its
affiliates will have the financial resources to provide such indemnity. If these
or other changes occur, the Company could incur a material liability for which
it is not insured or indemnified.
 
  Remediation Matters
 
     General. Most of the plant sites on which the Company's manufacturing
operations are located have been used for many years. Although the Company
believes that prior operators utilized operating and disposal practices that met
industry standards at the time, state and federal laws relating to remediation
of historical disposal sites have become more stringent. As a result, to the
extent wastes have been released or disposed of at its manufacturing sites, the
Company has in the past been, and will in the future be, required to remediate
contaminated property or remove previously disposed wastes and address related
liabilities. In the past the Company has been subject to claims by neighboring
landowners and other third parties asserting claims for personal injury and
property damage allegedly caused by hazardous substances released into the
environment. However, the Company has resolved, or expects to resolve, such
claims without material liability.
 
     Basic Complex. Environmental contamination, including soil and groundwater
contamination, has been identified within and adjoining the Basic Complex,
including land owned and occupied by the Company. The Company is cooperating
with the NDEP with respect to the issues affecting such property. In 1983,
Stauffer Chemical, Montrose and the NDEP entered into a Consent Order requiring
Stauffer Chemical and Montrose to install a groundwater intercept system to
analyze for designated organic chemicals identified in the groundwater outside
Stauffer Chemical's plant site and to remove certain chemicals to levels
specified in the Consent Order. At that time, the NDEP made a finding that the
organic contamination that had migrated off site did not represent an imminent
or substantial endangerment to human health or the environment. In consideration
for the companies' implementation of the groundwater intercept system, the State
of Nevada and the NDEP granted the companies a release and covenant not to sue
under certain environmental statutes for any civil liabilities or claims arising
out of the presence of the organics covered by the Consent Order, subject to the
compliance by the companies with the Consent Order. The companies have
implemented the groundwater intercept system, and it meets the treatment levels
specified in the Consent Order. Although the Company is not a party to the
Consent Order, the Company contractually agreed, in connection with its
acquisition of the Henderson facility, to operate the system and to pay for 50%
of certain operating and maintenance costs for the system. Montrose agreed to
pay the other 50% of such costs, and ZENECA must pay for remaining obligations
arising as a result of the Consent Order. While it is possible that these costs
could increase substantially if the existing groundwater treatment system must
be modified or expanded, or additional groundwater remediation is required, the
Company believes that some of these costs would be borne
 
                                       88
<PAGE>   94
 
by Montrose and ZENECA, and the remaining costs would not have a material
adverse effect on the Company. At the present time, however, the Company cannot
reasonably estimate the scope of any other operating and maintenance
requirements or their probable cost.
 
     PCAC, along with Stauffer Management Company ("Stauffer Management") (a
ZENECA subsidiary), Montrose, Kerr McGee, Timet and Chemical Lime entered into a
Consent Agreement in 1991 with the NDEP under which the parties agreed to
provide reports summarizing documented information regarding historical waste
disposal at each of their sites at the Basic Complex. These reports were Phase I
of the "Environmental Conditions Assessment" (or "ECA") process for the Basic
Complex. PCAC and Stauffer Management submitted the required report for the PCAC
plant site in April 1993. The Phase I Report identified both present and former
waste management areas, including disposal sites for agricultural chemicals
formerly manufactured at the site and ponds used for disposal of chlor-alkali
waste water.
 
     PCAC and Stauffer Management have entered into a Phase II agreement with
the NDEP, which would cover additional investigation of the plant site,
including additional soil and groundwater sampling. The parties have received a
Letter of Understanding which identifies the areas that will be addressed in
Phase II. Montrose also filed a report covering its leased portions of the
Henderson property and has negotiated a Phase II agreement with the NDEP. In
certain instances, PCAC, Stauffer Management and Montrose will cooperate in the
preparation of information required for Phase II.
 
     PCAC and Stauffer Management also participated as members of the Henderson
Industrial Site Steering Committee in the submission in April 1993 of a report
regarding the Basic Complex common disposal areas. Historical waste management
areas identified in the report included a landfill, waste water transmission
ditches and waste water disposal ponds. These areas were used in the past for
disposal of wastes manufactured in the Basic Complex. Additional investigations
of the Basic Complex common area pursuant to a Phase II agreement are nearing
completion. Limited remediation of asbestos contamination is ongoing, and it is
likely that further remediation of soil or groundwater may follow completion of
the Phase II investigations. Because the costs of future remedial obligations
cannot be determined until the investigation is complete, it is not possible to
determine whether, if at all, such costs will exceed amounts currently reserved
with respect to such liabilities.
 
     The EPA is not a party to the various agreements with the NDEP and
therefore is not bound by the terms of such agreements, nor is it bound by the
release and covenant not to sue set forth in the Consent Order. The EPA is not
presently pursuing any enforcement action relating to remediation of historical
waste disposal at PCAC or the Basic Complex common area. There can be no
assurance, however, that the EPA will not attempt to exercise its jurisdiction
under federal environmental statutes, including CERCLA, with respect to the
Basic Complex common areas or the individual plant sites in the future. If the
EPA elects to exercise its jurisdiction over the Basic Complex or the Henderson
plant and pursue an independent enforcement action, it is possible that the
costs of remediation would substantially exceed those that the Company currently
anticipates under the terms of the NDEP Consent Agreement.
 
     The Company believes that the remediation costs related to the Company's
chlor-alkali facilities will not be material and that it will be reimbursed
under the ZENECA Indemnity or the PAI Sellers' Indemnity or by other responsible
parties for substantially all of the non-chlor-alkali related remediation costs
that may be incurred in connection with historical waste disposal at the
Henderson plant and the Basic Complex common areas. The inactive waste
management areas at the Henderson facility include a drum disposal area, ponds
and other waste disposal areas at which significant quantities of wastes from
historical non-chlor-alkali manufacturing operations were disposed of or
accumulated. Generally, these historical disposal areas have been closed by
leaving the wastes in place and capping them with a clay cover to minimize the
migration of any contaminants. Groundwater monitoring wells were installed
downgradient to detect any significant contaminant migration. To date, the
results from these wells and communications with the NDEP indicate that on-site
containment will continue to be an acceptable long-term waste management
solution for these historical wastes. However, if off-site disposal is required,
because of more stringent disposal standards in the future or unanticipated
significant groundwater impacts from these areas, the cost of such disposal
could be substantial and could, together with other remediation obligations,
approach or exceed the amount available under the
 
                                       89
<PAGE>   95
 
ZENECA Indemnity, the PAI Sellers' Indemnity or by other responsible parties. No
assurance can be given that the Company will not be required to incur
significant expenses for remedial and other liabilities under environmental laws
in connection with the Henderson facility or operations, whether at or near the
Henderson facility or at off-site locations, or that such expenses will be
reimbursed under the ZENECA Indemnity or the PAI Sellers' Indemnity or by other
responsible parties. See "Risk Factors -- Environmental Regulation."
 
     Antioch Plant. Kemwater's Antioch plant received a Clean-up and Abatement
Order from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (the "RWQCB")
relating to contaminated groundwater. The RWQCB has requested Kemwater to
prepare a work plan for additional investigation and remediation of the
groundwater. Kemwater is preparing a plan for additional investigation and is
reviewing the costs associated with remediation technologies that would meet the
state standards. In the event that treatment of the ground water is necessary,
there can be no assurance that it would not have a material adverse effect on
Kemwater.
 
INSURANCE
 
     The Company maintains general liability insurance and property and business
interruption insurance, as well as worker's compensation insurance. In
accordance with customary industry practice, the Company is not fully insured
against all risks incident to its business. Because of the nature of industry
hazards, it is possible that liabilities for pollution and other damages arising
from a major occurrence could exceed insurance coverage or policy limits or that
such insurance may not be available at reasonable rates in the future. Any such
liabilities could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     The Company has been named as a defendant in various legal proceedings
arising in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management,
none of such litigation is material to the Company's financial statements.
 
                                       90
<PAGE>   96
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF PAAC
 
     The directors and executive officers of PAAC as of November 1, 1997 are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                NAME                   AGE                      POSITION
                ----                   ---                      --------
<S>                                    <C>   <C>
William R. Berkley...................  51    Chairman of the Board
Michael J. Ferris....................  53    President and Chief Executive Officer and
                                             Director
Philip J. Ablove.....................  57    Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and
                                               Director
Jerry B. Bradley.....................  51    Vice President, Human Resources
Verrill M. Norwood...................  66    Vice President, Environmental and Regulatory
                                             Affairs
Kent R. Stephenson...................  48    Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Ronald E. Ciora......................  56    President of All-Pure
James E. Glattly.....................  50    President of PCAC
Norman E. Thogersen..................  50    President of PCI Canada and PCI Carolina
Andrew M. Bursky.....................  41    Director
Donald J. Donahue....................  73    Director
Richard C. Kellogg, Jr...............  46    Director
Paul J. Kienholz.....................  66    Director
Jack H. Nusbaum......................  57    Director
Thomas H. Schnitzius.................  55    Director
</TABLE>
 
     The Board of Directors has an Executive Committee and an Audit Committee.
The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Berkley, Bursky,
Ferris and Donahue. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs.
Donahue and Nusbaum. The current members of the Compensation and Stock Option
Committee are Messrs. Berkley, Bursky and Donahue.
 
     William R. Berkley has been a director of PAAC since its formation in March
1995 and Chairman of the Board and a director of Pioneer since its formation in
1987. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of several companies which he
controls or founded. These include W.R. Berkley Corporation, a property and
casualty insurance holding company, and Interlaken Capital, Inc., a private
investment and consulting firm. Mr. Berkley is also a director of Strategic
Distribution, Inc., a publicly traded distributor of maintenance and safety
products to industry.
 
     Michael J. Ferris has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of
PAAC and Pioneer since January 5, 1997. Prior to joining PAAC and Pioneer, he
was employed by Vulcan Materials Company, a company engaged in the production of
industrial materials and commodities, from March 1974 to January 1997, where he
served as Executive Vice President, Chemicals from 1996 to 1997. Mr. Ferris is
also a director of ChemFirst, Inc., a specialty chemical company.
 
     Philip J. Ablove has served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of PAAC and Pioneer since March 1996, after serving as Acting Chief Financial
Officer since October 1995, and has been a director of PAAC since its formation
in March 1995 and a director of Pioneer and its corporate predecessor since
January 1991. He was President and Chief Executive Officer of Pioneer's
corporate predecessor from January 1991 to July 1992, and he served as a
consultant to such entity from October 1990 to January 1991. Mr. Ablove served
as a consultant to Pioneer from October 1995 to March 1996. He has served as a
consultant to various companies since 1983.
 
     Jerry B. Bradley has served as Vice President of Human Resources of PAAC
and of Pioneer since October 1995. From May 1993 to October 1995, Mr. Bradley
was President of Tandem Partners, Inc., a human resources consulting firm. From
1978 to 1993 he was employed by Occidental Chemical Corporation, where he served
as Vice President, Human Resources from 1978 to 1993.
 
                                       91
<PAGE>   97
 
     Verrill M. Norwood has served as Vice President of Environmental and
Regulatory Affairs of PAAC since the consummation of the PAI Acquisition on
April 20, 1995, and as Vice President of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs of
PAI since 1990. Prior to joining PAI, Mr. Norwood was employed by Olin
Corporation from 1973 to 1990, where he served as Vice President, Environmental
Affairs from 1978 to 1990.
 
     Kent R. Stephenson has served as Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary of PAAC since the consummation of the PAI Acquisition on April 20,
1995, as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of PAI since June 1995,
and as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of PAI since 1993. Prior to
joining PAI, he was employed by Zapata Corporation, a publicly traded gas
services company, from 1978 to 1993. Mr. Stephenson served as Senior Vice
President, General Counsel and Secretary of Zapata from 1987 to 1993.
 
     Ronald E. Ciora has served as President of All-Pure since November 1995.
From March 1989 to November 1995, he was President and Chief Operating Officer
of DPC Industries, Inc., DX Distribution, Inc. and DXI Industries, Inc., which
are companies engaged in chemical distribution, chlorine repackaging and bleach
manufacturing.
 
     James E. Glattly has served as President of PCAC since December 1996, and
served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing of PAAC from April 1995 to
December 1996 and as Vice President of Sales and Marketing of PAI from 1988 to
December 1996. Prior to joining PAI, he was employed by Occidental Chemical
Corporation from 1985 to 1988 and from 1974 to 1983, where he served in various
capacities, including Western Regional Manager and various other sales
positions. From 1983 to 1985 Mr. Glattly served as General Manager of HCI
Chemical.
 
     Norman E. Thogersen has served as President of PCI Canada and PCI Carolina
since the consummation of the PCI Canada Acquisition on October 31, 1997. Prior
to the PCI Canada Acquisition, Mr. Thogersen served as the Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Officer of ICI Canada since 1995, and as Vice President and
General Manager of the PCI Canada Business since 1988 . He was employed by ICI
Canada for 27 years.
 
     Andrew M. Bursky has been a director of PAAC since its formation in March
1995 and a director of Pioneer since January 1994. Mr. Bursky has been Managing
Director of Interlaken Capital, Inc. since May 1980. He has been Chairman of the
Board of Strategic Distribution, Inc. since July 1988. Mr. Bursky was an
executive officer of Idle Wild Farm, Inc., a privately owned manufacturer of
frozen food, and Blue Lustre Products, Inc., a privately owned company engaged
in the sale and leasing of carpet cleaning equipment and other carpet cleaning
products, which in October 1993 and October 1995, respectively, while he was an
executive officer, filed chapter 11 petitions for reorganization under federal
bankruptcy law.
 
     Donald J. Donahue has been a director of PAAC since its formation in March
1995 and a director of Pioneer since February 1988. Mr. Donahue served as
Chairman of the Board of Magma Copper Company from 1987 to 1996 and as Chairman
of Nacolah Holding Co., a life and health insurance company, from 1990 to 1993.
From 1984 to 1985, Mr. Donahue served as Chairman and was a director of KMI
Continental Group, Inc., a natural resource conglomerate. From 1975 to 1984, he
was Vice Chairman and a director of Continental Group, Inc. Mr. Donahue is a
director of Chase Brass Industries, Inc. and a director of Counsellors Tandem
Securities Fund, Inc. and 15 other registered investment companies managed by
EMW Warburg Pincus Counsellors, Inc.
 
     Richard C. Kellogg, Jr. has been a director of PAAC and Pioneer since April
1995. He is currently Chairman of the Board of Basic Investments, a utility and
land development holding company, and is a director of Grupo Transmerquin SA, a
chemical distribution holding company. He served as Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer of PAAC and as President of Pioneer from April 1995 to
January 1997. He was a founder of PAI, serving as its Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer and a director from its inception in 1988 to January
1997. From 1983 to 1993, Mr. Kellogg also served as Vice President of Trans
Marketing Houston, Inc. ("TMHI"), an international trading company. TMHI filed
for bankruptcy in April 1993 and a liquidation plan was approved by the federal
bankruptcy court in December 1993.
 
                                       92
<PAGE>   98
 
     Paul J. Kienholz has been a director of PAAC and Pioneer since June 1996.
He served as President and Chief Operating Officer of PAAC from the consummation
of the PAI Acquisition on April 20, 1995 until his retirement in November 1996,
and as President of PAI from 1988 until his retirement. Prior to joining PAI,
Mr. Kienholz was employed by PPG Industries, Inc. from 1959 to 1988, where he
served in various capacities, including Director, Chlor-Alkali Products.
 
     Jack H. Nusbaum has been a director of PAAC since its formation in March
1995 and a director of Pioneer since 1988. Mr. Nusbaum is a Senior Partner and
Chairman of the New York law firm of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, where he has been
a partner for more than the past twenty-five years. He is a director of W.R.
Berkley Corporation, Fine Host Corporation, Strategic Distribution, Inc., The
Topps Company, Inc. and Prime Hospitality Corp.
 
     Thomas H. Schnitzius has served as a director of each of Pioneer and PAAC
since the consummation of the PAI Acquisition on April 20, 1995, and as a
director of PAI since October 1993. He has been a principal in the Houston
investment banking firm of Schnitzius & Vaughan since its formation in October
1987. Prior to 1987, he was a principal in the investment banking firm of
Schnitzius & Co., Ltd.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
     Executive officers of PAAC are compensated in their capacity as executive
officers of Pioneer or certain of its other subsidiaries. The following table
sets forth certain information concerning compensation for service to Pioneer
and its subsidiaries paid (i) during the last three fiscal years to William R.
Berkley, Chairman of the Board of Pioneer, who received no compensation for
acting in a capacity similar to that of a chief executive officer, (ii) during
the period from April 21, 1995 to December 31, 1995 and during 1996, to Richard
C. Kellogg, Jr., who acted in a capacity similar to that of a chief executive
officer during such period, (iii) during the period from April 21, 1995 to
December 31, 1995 and during 1996, to Pioneer's other four most highly
compensated executive officers serving during 1996 and (iv) during the period
from April 21, 1995 to December 31, 1995 and during 1996, to Paul J. Kienholz,
who retired as President and Chief Operating Officer of PAAC on November 30,
1996:
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            LONG TERM
                                                                                           COMPENSATION
                                          ANNUAL COMPENSATION                                 AWARDS      ALL OTHER
        NAME AND PRINCIPAL          -------------------------------      OTHER ANNUAL      ------------    COMPEN-
             POSITION               YEAR(1)   SALARY($)    BONUS($)   COMPENSATION(2)($)    OPTIONS(3)    SATION($)
        ------------------          -------   ---------    --------   ------------------   ------------   ---------
<S>                                 <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>                  <C>            <C>
William R. Berkley                   1996        8,000(4)        0          22,000                 0             0
  Chairman of the Board              1995        8,000(4)        0          22,000                 0             0
                                     1994            0           0           6,000                 0             0
Richard C. Kellogg, Jr.              1996      300,000      75,000               0                 0         3,750(6)
  President(5)                       1995      206,731     135,900               0           131,691         4,590(6)
James C. Glattly                     1996      193,336      50,000               0                 0         3,750(6)
  President, PCAC(7)                 1995      114,327      69,675               0            53,500         2,453(6)
Philip J. Ablove                     1996      183,318      40,000               0                 0         1,406(6)
  Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer
Verrill M. Norwood                   1996      172,497      25,000               0                 0        10,890(8)
  Vice President, Environmental,     1995      104,423      58,793               0            26,750       320,893(9)
  Health & Safety, PCAC
Ronald E. Ciora                      1996      165,000      50,000               0                 0         2,062(6)
  President, All-Pure                1995       18,827          --               0            16,050        45,000(10)
Paul J. Kienholz                     1996      250,000      50,000               0                 0        16,623(12)
  President, PCAC(11)                1995      172,243     124,125               0            56,175       539,092(13)
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
 (1) Each of Messrs. Kellogg, Kienholz, Glattly and Norwood were officers of PAI
     on April 20, 1995, when PAI was acquired by Pioneer. After the PAI
     Acquisition, each served as an executive officer of Pioneer (including
     service as an executive officer of one or more subsidiaries of Pioneer),
     and information with respect to 1995 compensation is provided for each only
     with respect to services provided to Pioneer and its subsidiaries during
     the portion of the year beginning on April 21, 1995. Information with
     respect to Mr. Ablove, who became Vice President and Chief Financial
     Officer of Pioneer on March 8, 1996, and
 
                                       93
<PAGE>   99
 
     Mr. Ciora, who became President of All-Pure on December 1, 1995, is
     provided for the portions of the relevant years during which each served.
 
 (2) Mr. Berkley is not an officer of Pioneer. As a director of Pioneer he
     receives an annual retainer, all or a portion of which has been paid
     through the delivery of shares under Pioneer's 1993 Non-Employee Director
     Stock Plan. The retainer for service as a director during each of 1995 and
     1996 was $22,000 per year, with payment for 1996 in the form of 2,700
     shares of Class A Common Stock and $7,994 in cash, and with payment for
     1995 in the form of 3,320 shares of Class A Common Stock. The $6,000 in
     payment of the retainer and director's meeting fees for 1994 was paid in
     the form of 4,000 shares of Class A Common Stock.
 
 (3) Expressed in terms of the numbers of shares of Pioneer's Class A Common
     Stock underlying options granted during the year. All such options were
     granted under Pioneer's 1995 Stock Incentive Plan.
 
 (4) Represents director's meeting fees.
 
 (5) Mr. Kellogg resigned as President of Pioneer and PAAC on January 4, 1997
     and no longer serves as an executive officer.
 
 (6) Represents amounts contributed to match a portion of the employee's
     contributions under a 401(k) plan.
 
 (7) Mr. Glattly served as Vice President, Sales and Marketing of PAAC and PCAC
     until December 1, 1996, when he was named President of PCAC.
 
 (8) Includes (a) $7,140, representing payment under a supplemental pension
     plan, and (b) $3,750, which was contributed to match a portion of
     contributions under a 401(k) plan.
 
 (9) Includes (a) $318,575, representing payment upon the termination of a
     salary continuation agreement in effect since 1993, together with payment
     for the resulting tax liability, and (b) $2,318, which was contributed to
     match a portion of contributions under a 401(k) plan.
 
(10) Represents an amount paid as compensation for the loss of benefits from a
     previous employer.
 
(11) Mr. Kienholz served as President of PCAC until December 1, 1996. He retired
     on January 1, 1997, and no longer serves as an executive officer
 
(12) Includes (a) $12,873, representing payment under a supplemental pension
     plan, and (b) $3,750, which was contributed to match a portion of
     contributions under a 401(k) plan.
 
(13) Includes (a) $533,206, representing payment upon the termination of a
     salary continuation agreement in effect since 1988, together with payment
     for the resulting tax liability, and (b) $5,886, which was contributed to
     match a portion of contributions under a 401(k) plan.
 
     Pioneer has adopted the 1995 Stock Incentive Plan (the "1995 Stock
Incentive Plan"), under which 802,500 shares of Class A Common Stock of Pioneer
were reserved for issuance pursuant to the grant of stock based awards to
employees of Pioneer and its subsidiaries, including PAAC. Such awards may
include incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation
rights ("SARs"), restricted stock awards, phantom stock unit awards, performance
share unit awards and other forms of equity-based incentive compensation, or
combinations of the foregoing. No more than 133,750 shares of Class A Common
Stock may be issued to any one person pursuant to awards of options or SARs
during any one year. Share numbers referred to above and in the following
discussions have each been adjusted as a result of the 7% stock dividend paid on
January 7, 1997. Applicable stock option exercise prices have also been adjusted
as a result of the stock dividend. Similar adjustments will occur as a result of
a 7% stock dividend to be paid on December 18, 1997.
 
     On April 20, 1995, options exercisable for approximately 535,000 shares of
Class A Common Stock of Pioneer were granted to the employees of PAAC and its
subsidiaries pursuant to the 1995 Stock Incentive Plan. Such options are
exercisable at a price of $6.07 per share, the fair market value of the Class A
Common Stock as of the date of grant. None of the options is exercisable prior
to April 20, 1998.
 
                                       94
<PAGE>   100
 
     In 1996 Pioneer adopted the Key Executive Stock Grant Plan, under which
535,000 shares of Class A Common Stock of Pioneer were reserved for issuance
pursuant to the grant of stock based awards to senior executives of Pioneer and
its subsidiaries, including PAAC. Such awards are to be made in the form of
phantom stock awards under Pioneer's incentive compensation bonus plan, payable
upon vesting in shares of Class A Common Stock. No awards have been made under
the Key Executive Stock Grant Plan.
 
                       OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
     In 1996, Philip J. Ablove was the only named executive officer who received
a grant of options to purchase Class A Common Stock of Pioneer. The following
table provides information with respect to such grant:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             INDIVIDUAL GRANTS                         POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
                        -----------------------------------------------------------      VALUE AT ASSUMED
                         NUMBER OF    PERCENT OF TOTAL                                 ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
                          SHARES          OPTIONS          EXERCISE                   PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
                        UNDERLYING       GRANTED TO         OR BASE                       OPTION TERM(2)
                          OPTIONS       EMPLOYEES IN         PRICE       EXPIRATION   -----------------------
       NAME(1)          GRANTED(#)          1996          (PER SHARE)       DATE        5%($)        10%($)
       -------          -----------   ----------------   -------------   ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                     <C>           <C>                <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>
Philip J. Ablove......    53,500           100.0             $5.61         6/04/06      $188,753     $478,378
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) The options were granted under Pioneer's 1995 Stock Incentive Plan at fair
    market value on the date of grant. The options granted are exercisable in
    17,833-share increments on June 4 in the years 1999 through 2001.
 
(2) These amounts represent assumed rates of appreciation in market value from
    the date of grant until the end of the option term, at the rates set by the
    Securities and Exchange Commission, and therefore are not intended to
    forecast possible future appreciation, if any, in Pioneer's stock price.
    Pioneer did not use an alternative formula for a grant date valuation, as it
    is not aware of any formula which will determine with reasonable accuracy a
    present value based on future unknown or volatile factors.
 
                AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
                       AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
 
     The following table shows with respect to the named executive officers the
number of shares covered by both exercisable and non-exercisable stock options
as of December 31, 1996, with respect to options to purchase Class A Common
Stock of Pioneer. Also reported are the values for in-the-money options which
represent the positive spread between the exercise price of any such existing
stock options and the year-end price of the Class A Common Stock of Pioneer. No
shares of Class A Common Stock of Pioneer were issued during 1996 to any
individual as the result of the exercise of stock options.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         NUMBER OF SHARES
                                      UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED            VALUE OF UNEXERCISABLE
                                     OPTIONS AT DECEMBER 31,           IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
                                             1996(#)                   DECEMBER 31, 1996($)(1)
                                   ----------------------------      ----------------------------
             NAME(1)               EXERCISABLE    UNEXERCISABLE      EXERCISABLE    UNEXERCISABLE
             -------               -----------    -------------      -----------    -------------
<S>                                <C>            <C>                <C>            <C>
Richard C. Kellogg, Jr...........    -0-             131,691           -0-            -0-
James E. Glattly.................    -0-              53,500           -0-            -0-
Philip J. Ablove.................    -0-              53,500           -0-            -0-
Verrill M. Norwood, Jr...........    -0-              26,750           -0-            -0-
Ronald E. Ciora..................    -0-              16,050           -0-            -0-
Paul J. Kienholz(2)..............    -0-              56,175           -0-            -0-
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) The closing price of the Class A Common Stock of Pioneer on December 31,
    1996, the last trading day of Pioneer's fiscal year, was $5.00 per share.
 
(2) As a result of Mr. Kienholz' retirement on December 31, 1996, the options
    held by him expired on March 31, 1997.
 
                                       95
<PAGE>   101
 
PENSION PLAN
 
     PCAC's pension plan provides defined benefit retirement coverage to the
executive officers of Pioneer and substantially all of PCAC's employees. At the
normal retirement age of 65, participants receive benefits based on their
credited service and their covered compensation for the average of their highest
five complete consecutive plan years out of their last ten complete consecutive
plan years. Covered compensation under the plan includes base pay, overtime and
shift differential pay and certain annual performance and sales incentive
programs and commissions, but excludes all other items of compensation. However,
the Internal Revenue Code limits remuneration which may be taken into account
(subject to certain grandfather rules) under the pension plan for 1995 to
$150,000. The benefits in the table set forth below are computed as a straight
life annuity at age 65. Benefits are not subject to any deduction for social
security since the basic benefit formula incorporates the average social
security breakpoint in calculating the benefit. Pioneer's other operating
subsidiaries do not have similar plans.
 
                               PENSION PLAN TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEARS OF SERVICE(1)
                                   ---------------------------------------------------
          REMUNERATION               15         20         25         30         35
          ------------             -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                                <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
$125,000.........................  $27,153    $36,204    $45,255    $54,306    $63,357
 150,000.........................   32,778     43,704     54,630     65,556     76,482
 175,000.........................   32,778     43,704     54,630     65,556     76,482
 200,000.........................   32,778     43,704     54,630     65,556     76,482
 225,000.........................   32,778     43,704     54,630     65,556     76,482
 250,000.........................   32,778     43,704     54,630     65,556     76,482
 300,000.........................   32,778     43,704     54,630     65,556     76,482
 400,000.........................   32,778     43,704     54,630     65,556     76,482
 450,000.........................   32,778     43,704     54,630     65,556     76,482
 500,000.........................   32,778     43,704     54,630     65,556     76,482
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) The estimated years of credited service for each of the named executive
    officers of PAAC as of December 31, 1996, were: Mr. Kellogg -- 5 years; Mr.
    Kienholz -- 7 years; Mr. Glattly -- 7 years; and Mr. Norwood -- 4 years.
 
     Messrs. Kienholz and Norwood also participate in a supplemental retirement
plan which was established by Pioneer in 1995 in order to fund amounts due to
such individuals under agreements reached when they were hired in 1988 and 1993,
respectively. Under such plan, Mr. Kienholz began receiving supplemental
retirement payments in the amount of $1,073 per month after he reached age 65 in
December 1995, and Mr. Norwood began receiving supplemental retirement payments
in the amount of $1,428 per month after he reached age 65 in July 1996.
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS AND SEVERANCE AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
 
     On April 20, 1995, Pioneer entered into a five-year employment agreement
with Richard C. Kellogg, Jr. pursuant to which Mr. Kellogg served as President
of Pioneer through January 1997 and continues to serve as an employee of
Pioneer. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Pioneer will continue to pay
Mr. Kellogg's annual salary of $300,000 per year through April 20, 2000.
 
     On April 20, 1995, PCAC extended its existing employment agreement with Mr.
Kienholz, pursuant to which Mr. Kienholz served as President of PCAC. The
agreement provided for an annual salary of at least $200,000, and for continuing
employment until October 31, 1996. Mr. Kienholz retired on December 31, 1996 and
thereafter he has provided consulting services to the Company under an agreement
which provides for consideration of $2,500 per month. The agreement terminates
on December 31, 1997. On April 20, 1995, Pioneer entered into three-year
employment agreements with Messrs. Glattly and Norwood. The employment
 
                                       96
<PAGE>   102
 
agreement with Mr. Glattly provides for an annual salary of at least $165,000.
The employment agreement with Mr. Norwood provides for an annual salary of at
least $143,100.
 
     On March 8, 1996, Philip J. Ablove, who is a director of Pioneer and PAAC,
was elected Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Pioneer, after serving
as acting Chief Financial Officer and a management consultant to Pioneer since
October 1995. Pioneer has agreed to pay Mr. Ablove an annual salary of $225,000.
Following any change of control during his employment by Pioneer, he would be
entitled to a severance payment equal to at least 12 months' salary.
 
     On January 4, 1997, Pioneer entered into a three-year employment agreement
with Michael J. Ferris, pursuant to which Mr. Ferris serves as President and
Chief Executive Officer of Pioneer and PAAC. The agreement provides for an
annual salary of not less than $350,000, and that during 1997 Mr. Ferris will
also receive a cash bonus of not less than $200,000, payable quarterly in
arrears.
 
     Under each of the employment agreements currently in effect, the employee
will be entitled to receive other benefits made available to executive officers
and to receive bonus compensation in accordance with any management incentive
plan established by the Board of Directors. Each of the employment agreements
provides that if the executive's employment thereunder is terminated by the
employer without "just cause" or by the employee for "good reason" (as such
terms are defined in the employment agreement), the executive shall continue to
receive his annual salary until the last date of the employment term or, if
later, the first anniversary of the termination date, subject to certain
provisions for offset, and will continue to receive certain other benefits
provided for in the agreement. Termination following a change in control does
not constitute "just cause" or "good reason", but "good reason" does include the
failure of any successor to the employer by operation of law to assume the
employment agreement.
 
     Pioneer and Mr. Ferris entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement dated
January 4, 1997, in connection with Mr. Ferris' employment as President and
Chief Executive Officer of Pioneer. In accordance with the terms of the
agreement, on February 13, 1997, Pioneer sold 150,000 shares of Pioneer's Class
A Common Stock to Mr. Ferris for $5.346 per share, or $801,900 in the aggregate.
The price paid was the average of the closing sale prices of the Common Stock as
reported on the NASDAQ National Market System on the days during which the
Common Stock was traded during the 30 consecutive trading days immediately
preceding the date of the agreement. The shares were sold to Mr. Ferris in
reliance on the exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.
 
     On January 4, 1997, Mr. Ferris was granted an incentive stock option to
purchase 133,750 shares of Class A Common Stock under Pioneer's 1995 Stock
Incentive Plan, at an exercise price of $5.00 per share, the fair market value
of a share of Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. The option is
exercisable in 20,000-share increments on January 4 in the years 1998 through
2003, with an additional 13,750 exercisable on January 4, 2004. Mr. Ferris was
also granted a non-qualified stock option to purchase 191,250 shares of Class A
Common Stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share. The option is exercisable
in 38,250-share increments on January 4 in the years 1998 through 2002. As a
part of his compensation package, it was also agreed that Mr. Ferris will
receive a future grant of a non-qualified stock option to purchase 25,000 shares
of Class A Common Stock on January 4 in each of the years 1998, 1999 and 2000.
Shares subject to the options will have exercise prices of $6.00, $7.00 and
$8.00, respectively.
 
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
 
     Directors of PAAC do not receive a fee for service as directors. Directors
of PAAC are reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in attending board and
committee meetings.
 
     All of the directors of PAAC also serve as directors of Pioneer. In 1992,
the Board of Directors of Pioneer established a policy under which each director
who is not also an employee of Pioneer receives an annual retainer and a fee for
each meeting attended. Pursuant to Pioneer's 1993 Non-Employee Director Stock
Plan, Pioneer granted each non-employee director who served throughout the year
2,700 shares of Class A Common Stock of Pioneer and $7,994 in cash in payment of
the 1996 annual retainer of $22,000, and each director was paid $2,000 for each
Board of Directors meeting attended in 1996. Mr. Ablove received 501 shares and
$1,489
 
                                       97
<PAGE>   103
 
in cash in payment of the retainer as a result of his service as a non-employee
director during a portion of the year. Mr. Bursky has been granted a
non-qualified stock option to purchase 85,000 shares of Class A Common Stock at
an exercise price of $5.56 per share. The option is exercisable in increments of
40,000 shares, 20,000 shares, 20,000 shares and 5,000 shares on May 15 in the
years 1998 to 2001, respectively.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
     William R. Berkley, a member of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee
of PAAC and Pioneer, is a director of PAAC and the Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Pioneer. Mr. Berkley (who may be deemed to beneficially own all
shares of Pioneer common stock held by the Interlaken Partnership) may be deemed
to beneficially own approximately 59.9% of the voting power of Pioneer. See
"Stock Ownership."
 
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
     PCAC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PAAC, is party to an agreement with
Basic Investments, an entity in which PCAC owns a minority interest (and which
constitutes part of the Basic Ownership held for the benefit of the sellers in
the PAI Acquisition), for the delivery of water to the Henderson production
facility. The agreement provides for the delivery of a minimum of eight million
gallons of water per day. The agreement expires on December 31, 2014, unless
terminated earlier in accordance with the provisions thereof. Basic Investments
also charges PCAC and other companies in the Basic Complex for power
distribution services. For the year ended December 31, 1996, Basic Investments
charged PCAC approximately $500,000 for the provision of such services. At
December 31, 1996, net receivables from Basic Investments were $300,000. See
"Business -- Basic Investments."
 
     PCAC sells certain services to and purchases steam from Saguaro Power. For
the year ended December 31, 1996, sales to Saguaro Power totaled $1.0 million
and purchases from Saguaro Power totaled $1.8 million; as of December 31, 1996,
Saguaro Power owed PCAC $0.1 million and PCAC owed Saguaro Power $0.2 million.
See "Business -- Saguaro Power."
 
     PCAC is also party to a development management agreement with Victory
Valley, an entity controlled by Basic Investments and in which PCAC owns a
minority interest (and which constitutes part of the Basic Ownership held for
the benefit of the sellers in the PAI Acquisition). Pursuant to the agreement,
Victory Valley manages the development of certain real property in Henderson,
Nevada which is a portion of the Excess Land owned by PCAC.
 
     PCAC sells certain products to Kemwater at market prices. Sales to Kemwater
totaled $8.8 million during the year ended December 31, 1996. Kemwater provides
transportation services to PCAC at market prices which totaled $1.8 million for
1996.
 
     PAI sold caustic soda to TMHI for export from 1988 to 1993 and participated
in certain joint insurance programs. Mr. Kellogg, who was an executive officer
and director of PAI, co-founded TMHI and served as a director and executive
officer of TMHI. PAI wrote off $1.3 million of receivables in 1992 and charged
an additional $1.1 million against income in 1993 related to sales to TMHI that
were deemed uncollectible. In April 1993, TMHI filed for bankruptcy.
 
     In connection with the consummation of the PAI Acquisition, Pioneer issued
and sold (i) to the Interlaken Partnership, 3,039,772 shares of Class A Common
Stock of Pioneer for an aggregate purchase price of $15 million, and (ii) to Mr.
Kellogg, 515,000 shares of Class A Common Stock of Pioneer for an aggregate
purchase price of approximately $2.5 million. An entity controlled by Mr.
Berkley is the sole general partner of the Interlaken Partnership, and Mr.
Berkley also owns approximately 32.3% of the limited partnership interests in
the Interlaken Partnership. The Interlaken Partnership beneficially owns
approximately 34.9% of the voting power of Pioneer, and William R. Berkley,
Chairman of Pioneer and PAAC (who may be deemed to beneficially own all shares
of Pioneer common stock held by the Interlaken Partnership), may be deemed to
beneficially own approximately 59.9% of the voting power of Pioneer. Mr. Berkley
has the right to vote and otherwise act in respect of the shares of Pioneer
beneficially owned by the Interlaken Partnership in his
 
                                       98
<PAGE>   104
 
capacity, through controlled entities, as the sole general partner of the
Interlaken Partnership. See "Stock Ownership."
 
     Upon consummation of the PAI Acquisition, Interlaken Capital, Inc., an
entity controlled by Mr. Berkley, received a fee of approximately $1.6 million
from PAAC in connection with financial advisory services with respect to the PAI
Acquisition and related financings. The firm was also paid a fee of $300,000,
plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, for services rendered
in connection with the KWT transaction. The firm was paid a fee of approximately
$1.3 million, plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, for
services rendered in connection with the Tacoma Acquisition. The firm was paid a
fee of approximately $2.36 million, plus reimbursement of reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses, for services rendered in connection with the PCI Canada
Acquisition.
 
     Upon consummation of the PAI Acquisition, Pioneer and PAI entered into
employment agreements with the executive officers of PAI, and Pioneer granted to
such executive officers options to purchase shares of Pioneer's Class A Common
Stock pursuant to its 1995 Stock Incentive Plan. See "Management -- Executive
Compensation."
 
     PAAC and its subsidiaries (the "PAAC Group") have entered into a tax
sharing agreement (the "Tax Sharing Agreement") with Pioneer and the other
members of the consolidated group (the "Pioneer Group") of which Pioneer is the
common parent. Under the Tax Sharing Agreement, (i) Pioneer is obligated to pay
the federal income tax liability of the Pioneer Group and (ii) the PAAC Group is
required to make tax sharing payments to Pioneer in an amount equal to its share
of the Pioneer Group's consolidated cash tax liability, if any. In determining
the PAAC Group's share of the Pioneer Group's consolidated cash tax liability
(x) available net operating loss carryforwards each year will be determined as
if any prior use of those carryforwards by members of the Pioneer Group other
than the PAAC Group (the "Non-PAAC Group"), except carryforwards generated by
the Non-PAAC Group after the PAI Acquisition, had not occurred ("Previously Used
NOLs") and (y) net operating loss carryforwards, except carryforwards generated
by the Non-PAAC Group after the PAI Acquisition, will first reduce the "separate
tax liability" of the PAI Group each year to the fullest extent permitted by the
Code before any net operating loss use by the Non-PAAC Group except that
Previously Used NOLs may only be utilized by the PAAC Group.
 
     Jack H. Nusbaum, a director of Pioneer and PAAC, is a Senior Partner and
Chairman of the law firm of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, which regularly acts as
counsel to Pioneer and PAAC and is acting as counsel to Pioneer and the Company
in connection with the Exchange Offer.
 
     Thomas H. Schnitzius, a director of Pioneer and PAAC, is a principal of
Schnitzius & Vaughan, an investment banking firm. PAI retained Schnitzius &
Vaughan to provide merger and acquisition and financial advisory services to
PAI. PAI paid Schnitzius & Vaughan a $250,000 fee for financial advisory
services rendered in connection with PAI's March 1995 debt refinancing. In
addition, as compensation for financial services rendered to it by Schnitzius &
Vaughan in connection with the PAI Acquisition, PAI paid that firm a fee of
approximately $1.0 million upon the consummation of the PAI Acquisition, plus
reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to such services.
The firm was also paid a fee of $300,000, plus reimbursement of reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses, for services rendered in connection with the KWT
transaction, and a fee of $150,000, plus reimbursement of reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses, for services rendered in connection with the T.C.
Products acquisition. Schnitzius & Vaughan provides financial advisory services
on an on-going basis to the Company, for which it received fees of $476,000 for
1996. The firm is currently paid a retainer for such services of $6,000 per
month. The firm was paid a fee of approximately $450,000, plus reimbursement of
reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses, for services rendered in connection
with the Tacoma Acquisition and the firm was paid a fee of approximately $1.0
million, plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, for services
rendered in connection with the PCI Canada Acquisition.
 
                                       99
<PAGE>   105
 
                                STOCK OWNERSHIP
 
     PCI Canada is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PAAC, which is a
direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Pioneer. The following table sets forth, as of
November 1, 1997, certain information regarding ownership of PAAC common stock
by (i) each person known by PAAC to be the beneficial owner of more than five
percent of the PAAC common stock, (ii) each of the directors of PAAC and the
executive officers of PAAC named in the Summary Compensation Table and (iii) all
directors and executive officers of PAAC as a group. Except as otherwise
indicated, each party has sole voting and investment power over the shares
beneficially owned.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         AMOUNT AND
   TITLE OF                          NAME OF                               NATURE             PERCENT
    CLASS                        BENEFICIAL OWNER                  OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP    OF CLASS
   --------                      ----------------                  -----------------------    --------
<S>              <C>                                               <C>                        <C>
Common Stock     Pioneer Companies, Inc..........................           1,000               100%
                 4300 NationsBank Center
                 700 Louisiana Street
                 Houston, TX 77002
                 William R. Berkley..............................           1,000(1)            100%
                 c/o Pioneer Companies, Inc.
                 165 Mason Street
                 Greenwich, CT 06830
                 All Directors and Executive Officers as a group
                 (15 persons)....................................           1,000(1)            100%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Mr. Berkley, Chairman of the Board and principal shareholder of Pioneer, may
    be deemed to beneficially own the shares of PAAC and PCI Canada common stock
    owned by Pioneer. Mr. Berkley disclaims beneficial ownership of all such
    shares.
 
     The Interlaken Partnership beneficially owns approximately 34.9% of the
voting power of Pioneer and William R. Berkley, Chairman of Pioneer and PAAC
(who may be deemed to beneficially own all shares of Pioneer common stock held
by the Interlaken Partnership), may be deemed to beneficially own approximately
59.9% of the voting power of Pioneer. As a result of Mr. Berkley's ownership of
Pioneer voting stock, Mr. Berkley is able to control the election of PAAC's
Board of Directors and thereby direct the management and policies of PAAC, PAI
and its subsidiaries.
 
     Pioneer's authorized and outstanding common stock consists of Class A
Common Stock, entitled to one vote per share, and Class B Common Stock, entitled
to one-tenth of one vote per share and convertible into Class A Common Stock on
a share-for-share basis. The Class B Common Stock of Pioneer was issued to
Pioneer's former lending banks under the plan of reorganization of Pioneer and
its subsidiaries in 1992. Information obtained from a Schedule 13G, dated July
21, 1992, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Chemical Bank
("Chemical"), Barnett Bank of South Florida, N.A. ("Barnett") and The Chase
Manhattan Bank ("Chase") indicates that (i) Chemical had acquired 616,768 shares
of Class B Common Stock of Pioneer of which it was the beneficial owner with
sole voting and dispositive power, (ii) Barnett had acquired 122,146 shares of
Class B Common Stock of which it was the beneficial owner with sole voting and
dispositive power and (iii) Chase had acquired 84,295 shares of Class B Common
Stock of which it was the beneficial owner with sole voting and dispositive
power. In September 1995, Barnett converted its Class B Common Stock into Class
A Common Stock. The holdings of Chemical and Chase represent approximately 0.7%
and 0.1%, respectively, of the voting power of Pioneer and, in the aggregate,
approximately 7.7% of the number of shares of Pioneer common stock outstanding.
 
     Upon consummation of the Tacoma Acquisition, Pioneer issued 55,000 shares
of Pioneer Preferred Stock, constituting all of the issued and outstanding
shares of Pioneer Preferred Stock, to OCC Tacoma. Each share of Pioneer
Preferred Stock is convertible at any time into eight shares of Class A Common
Stock of Pioneer (subject to adjustment). Each share of Pioneer Preferred Stock
is entitled to eight votes per share (subject to adjustment) and votes with the
Pioneer common stock on all matters. The Pioneer Preferred Stock issued to OCC
Tacoma upon consummation of the Tacoma Acquisition represents approximately 4.8%
of the voting power of Pioneer.
 
                                       100
<PAGE>   106
 
                       DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS
 
NEW CREDIT FACILITIES
 
  Term Facility
 
     Concurrent with the closing of the Initial Offering and the other
Financings, the Company entered into a nine and one-quarter year Term Facility
provided to PAI by a syndicate of financial institutions, pursuant to which PAI
borrowed $83.0 million.
 
     Quarterly amortization of the Term Loans is in an aggregate annual
principal amount equal to 1% of the initial principal amount beginning December
31, 1997, with the remaining 91% of the initial principal amount maturing on
December 5, 2006. Indebtedness under the Term Facility is subject to mandatory
prepayment provisions including, without limitation: (i) upon the occurrence of
a change of control (to be defined in a manner similar to "change of control" in
the Indenture) and (ii) with 100% of the net proceeds from asset sales permitted
under the Term Facility (provided that up to $35.0 million of such proceeds
since the closing of the Term Facility may be re-invested within 365 days of
their receipt in the Company or its subsidiaries in their current lines of
business) to the extent such proceeds are not used to pay principal outstanding
under the Existing Term Facility and the Senior Secured Notes.
 
     Borrowings under the Term Facility bear interest at a floating rate, based
at PAI's option on LIBOR or the administrative agent's alternate base rate.
 
     Indebtedness under the Term Facility is guaranteed by PAAC, the Issuer and
the Guarantors (other than PAI). The Term Facility is secured on a pari passu
basis with the Collateral securing the Notes.
 
     The Term Facility contains covenants similar to the covenants contained in
the Indenture, the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes and the Existing
Term Facility. Events of default with respect to the Term Facility include,
among others, failure to make payment when due, defaults under certain other
agreements or instruments of indebtedness and certain other events of default
similar to those contained in the Indenture.
 
  Revolving Facility
 
     Concurrent with the closing of the Initial Offering and the other
Financings, the Company entered into an amended Revolving Facility under which
the agent bank (the "Bank") and the other lenders will provide a revolving loan
and letter of credit facility to the Company, subject to the conditions set
forth therein.
 
     The Bank will extend credit to the Company on a revolving basis at any time
and from time to time for a period of five years following the Initial Offering
in an aggregate principal amount of Revolving Loans outstanding up to $65.0
million, of which a portion will be available for the issuance of letters of
credit ("Letters of Credit"), and to include an initial US$30.0 million Canadian
sub-facility available to PCI Canada; provided that the aggregate amount of the
Revolving Loans and the aggregate undrawn face amount of Letters of Credit may
not at any time exceed the borrowing base (the "Borrowing Base"), which will be
the sum of, subject to certain exceptions, (i) up to 85% of eligible accounts
receivable and (ii) up to 50% of eligible inventory, not to exceed certain
decreasing amounts. The obligations under the Revolving Facility are secured by
a first priority lien on all accounts receivables and inventory, and certain
assets related thereto, of certain operating subsidiaries, including PCI Canada,
as well as Kemwater. Borrowings under the Revolving Facility bear interest at a
rate determined by reference to the Bank's reference rate in effect from time to
time (the "Reference Rate") or, at the Company's option, the Bank's LIBOR
interest rate (the "LIBOR Rate"). The interest rate will be adjusted quarterly
based upon the ratio of total debt to earnings before interest, taxes and
depreciation and amortization for the preceding four quarters. If any borrowings
are not repaid when due, the outstanding principal amount of such borrowings
will bear interest at the then applicable rate plus 2.0%. The Company will pay
the Bank, monthly in arrears, a commitment fee based on the average difference
between $65.0 million and the aggregate of the Revolving Loans and the aggregate
undrawn face amount of the Letters of Credit outstanding. PAAC will also pay
other customary fees including a fee on Letters of
 
                                       101
<PAGE>   107
 
Credit based on the average aggregate undrawn face amount of Letters of Credit
outstanding. The Revolving Facility is guaranteed by the subsidiaries of PAAC.
 
     The Revolving Facility contains customary covenants with respect to, among
other things, (i) maintenance of a ratio of EBITDA to interest expense and (ii)
restrictions on the incurrence of additional liens or indebtedness. The Company
intends to use any borrowings under the Revolving Facility for its ongoing
working capital needs and general corporate purposes. Letters of Credit will be
used to support obligations of the Company incurred in the ordinary course of
business.
 
EXISTING TERM FACILITY
 
     Concurrent with the closing of the Tacoma Acquisition, the Company entered
into a nine and one-half year $100.0 million term facility (the "Existing Term
Facility") provided by a syndicate of financial institutions.
 
     Quarterly amortization of the loans under the Existing Term Facility (the
"Existing Term Loans") is in an aggregate annual principal amount equal to 1% of
the initial principal amount beginning September 30, 1997, with the remaining
90.75% of the initial principal amount maturing on December 5, 2006.
Indebtedness under the Existing Term Facility is subject to mandatory prepayment
provisions including, without limitation: (i) upon the occurrence of a change of
control (defined in a manner similar to "change of control" in the indenture for
the Senior Secured Notes) and (ii) with 100% of the net proceeds from asset
sales permitted under the Existing Term Facility (provided that up to $35.0
million of such proceeds since the closing of the Existing Term Facility may be
re-invested within 365 days of their receipt in the Company or its subsidiaries
in their current lines of business).
 
     Borrowings under the Existing Term Facility bear interest at a floating
rate, based at the Company's option on LIBOR or the administrative agent's
alternate base rate.
 
     Indebtedness under the Existing Term Facility is guaranteed by all
subsidiaries of the Company. The Existing Term Facility is secured on a pari
passu basis with the Senior Secured Notes, by (a) a first mortgage lien and
security interest in the real property, buildings, fixtures and equipment
relating to the Tacoma Facility, (b) a first-priority, perfected security
interest in certain agreements related to the Tacoma Acquisition, (c) first
mortgage liens on the Henderson, Nevada and St. Gabriel, Louisiana chlor-alkali
production facilities of PCAC, including real property, buildings, fixtures and
equipment, and (d) a first-priority, perfected pledge of all the capital stock
of PCAC, All-Pure, PCI Canada and PCI Carolina.
 
     The Existing Term Facility contains covenants similar to the covenants
contained in the indenture for the Senior Secured Notes. Events of default with
respect to the Existing Term Facility include, among others, failure to make
payment when due, defaults under certain other agreements or instruments of
indebtedness and certain other events of default similar to those contained in
the indenture for the Senior Secured Notes.
 
     All of the capital stock of PCI Canada is pledged for the benefit of the
Existing Term Loan lenders and holders of the Senior Secured Notes.
 
SENIOR SECURED NOTES
 
     Concurrent with the closing of the Tacoma Acquisition, the Company issued
and sold $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9 1/4% Senior Secured
Notes due 2007 (the "Senior Secured Notes"). Interest on the Senior Secured
Notes is payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15 of each year. The
Senior Secured Notes will mature on June 15, 2007, unless previously redeemed.
 
     The Senior Secured Notes are senior obligations of the Company and are
fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior basis by all subsidiaries of
the Company. In addition, the guarantee of PCAC with respect to the Senior
Secured Notes is secured by (i) a first mortgage lien on the chlor-alkali
production facility acquired in the Tacoma Acquisition, (ii) a first priority
security interest in certain agreements related to the Tacoma Acquisition and
(iii) first mortgage liens on PCAC's chlor-alkali production facilities located
in Henderson, Nevada and St. Gabriel, Louisiana, and the guarantee of PAI with
respect to the Senior
 
                                       102
<PAGE>   108
 
Secured Notes is secured by a pledge of the capital stock of PCAC, All-Pure, PCI
Canada and PCI Carolina held by PAI. The Senior Secured Notes rank pari passu
with all other existing and future senior indebtedness and senior to all
subordinated indebtedness of the Company, except that the Senior Secured Notes
are effectively subordinated to secured senior indebtedness of the Company with
respect to the assets securing such indebtedness.
 
     The Senior Secured Notes are redeemable in cash at the option of the
Company, in whole or in part, on or after June 15, 2002, at declining redemption
prices, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon and liquidated
damages, if any, to the date of redemption. In addition, the Company may also
redeem at its option at any time prior to June 15, 2000 up to 35% of the
aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes originally issued at
109.25% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest
thereon and liquidated damages, if any, to the date of redemption, with the net
proceeds of an equity offering by the Company or an equity offering by Pioneer
followed by a capital contribution from Pioneer to the Company; provided that at
least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes
originally issued must remain outstanding immediately after such redemption.
Upon a Change of Control (as defined in the indenture relating to the Senior
Secured Notes), the Company will be required to offer to repurchase the Senior
Secured Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof,
plus accrued interest thereon and liquidated damages, if any, to the date of
repurchase.
 
     The indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes contains certain covenants
with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries which will restrict, among
other things, (a) the incurrence of additional indebtedness, (b) the payment of
dividends and other restricted payments, (c) the creation of certain liens, (d)
the use of proceeds from sales of assets and subsidiary stock, (e) sale and
leaseback transactions and (f) transactions with affiliates. The indenture also
restricts the Company's ability to consolidate or merge with or into, or to
transfer all or substantially all of its assets to, another person. These
restrictions and requirements are subject to a number of important
qualifications and exceptions.
 
     All of the capital stock of PCI Canada is pledged for the benefit of the
Existing Term Loan lenders and holders of the Senior Secured Notes.
 
OTHER
 
     Other long-term debt of PAAC consists of $4.5 million of outstanding
variable rate subordinated notes, with principal payments due July 31, 2001, and
$2.3 million of an outstanding variable rate tax-exempt bond, financed through
the Economic Development Corporation of Pierce County, Washington, with
principal payments due in variable annual installments through 2014.
 
                                       103
<PAGE>   109
 
                            DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
 
GENERAL
 
     The Exchange Notes will be issued, and the Original Notes were issued,
under an Indenture (the "Indenture") among PCI Canada, as Issuer, PAAC and the
other Guarantors and United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee (the
"Trustee"). The terms and conditions of the Notes include those stated in the
Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the U.S. Trust
Indenture Act of 1939 (the "Trust Indenture Act") as in effect on the date of
the Indenture. The Notes are subject to all such terms and conditions, and
reference is made to the Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act for a statement
thereof. The following statements are summaries of the provisions of the Notes
and the Indenture and do not purport to be complete. Such summaries make use of
certain terms defined in the Indenture and are qualified in their entirety by
express reference to the Indenture. Certain of such defined terms are set forth
below under "-- Certain Definitions." For purposes of this "Description of the
Notes," the "Issuer" means PCI Chemicals Canada Inc. and "PAAC" means Pioneer
Americas Acquisition Corp. A copy of the Indenture will be available upon
request to the Issuer.
 
     The Notes will be limited to $175.0 million aggregate principal amount and
will be issued in fully registered form without coupons in denominations of
$1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000. Principal of, premium and Liquidated
Damages, if any, and interest on the Notes will be payable, and the Notes will
be transferable, at the corporate trust office or agency of the Trustee
maintained for such purposes in New York, New York. Initially, the Trustee will
act as paying agent and registrar under the Indenture. The Issuer and PAAC and
its Subsidiaries may act as paying agent and registrar under the Indenture, and
the Issuer may change any paying agent and registrar without notice to the
Persons who are registered holders ("Holders") of the Notes. The Issuer may pay
principal, premium and interest by check and may mail an interest check to a
Holder's registered address. Holders must surrender the Notes to the paying
agent to collect principal and premium payments. No service charge will be made
for any registration of transfer or exchange of the Notes, except for any tax or
other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection therewith.
 
     All of the capital stock of PCI Canada is pledged for the benefit of the
Existing Term Loan lenders and holders of the Senior Secured Notes.
 
PAYMENT TERMS
 
     Interest on the Notes will initially accrue from the respective issue date,
and thereafter from the most recent date to which interest has been paid.
Interest will be payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15, of each year
commencing April 15, 1998, at the rate of 9 1/4% per annum to Holders of the
Notes as of the close of business on April 1 and October 1 next preceding the
applicable interest payment date. Interest will be computed on the basis of a
360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. The Notes mature on October 15,
2007.
 
     Payment of the Notes is guaranteed by the Guarantors, jointly and
severally, on a senior basis. See "-- Guarantees."
 
RANKING
 
     The Notes are senior obligations of the Issuer and rank pari passu with all
existing and future Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer and senior to all
Subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuer. However, the Notes and the obligations
of the Guarantors under their guarantees of the Notes are effectively
subordinated to secured Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer and the Guarantors,
respectively, with respect to the assets securing such Indebtedness. See
"Description of Other Indebtedness."
 
     As of September 30, 1997, after giving pro forma effect to the Initial
Offering and the other Financings, the Issuer and the Guarantors would have had
outstanding approximately $557.8 million aggregate principal amount of secured
Senior Indebtedness. As of September 30, 1997, on a pro forma basis, the Issuer
and the Guarantors would have had, subject to certain restrictions (including
borrowing base limitations), the ability
 
                                       104
<PAGE>   110
 
to draw up to $62.1 million of additional secured Senior Indebtedness under the
Revolving Facility. See "Risk Factors -- Ranking of the Notes and Guarantees"
and "Description of Other Indebtedness."
 
     In addition, PAAC and its Subsidiaries may incur up to $50.0 million of
Senior Indebtedness which will be secured on a pari passu basis with the Senior
Secured Notes and the Existing Term Facility.
 
     Holders of secured Indebtedness of the Issuer or the Guarantors have claims
with respect to the assets constituting collateral for such Indebtedness that
are prior to the claims of holders of the Notes and the Guarantees,
respectively. In the event of a default on the Notes, or a bankruptcy,
liquidation or reorganization of the Issuer or the Guarantors, such assets will
be available to satisfy obligations with respect to the Indebtedness secured
thereby before any payment therefrom could be made on the Notes or the
Guarantees, as the case may be. To the extent that the value of such collateral
is not sufficient to satisfy the Indebtedness secured thereby, amounts remaining
outstanding on such Indebtedness would be entitled to share, together with the
Indebtedness under the Notes and the Guarantees, as the case may be, with
respect to any other assets of the Issuer and the Guarantors.
 
GUARANTEES
 
     The Guarantors will, jointly and severally, unconditionally guarantee the
due and punctual payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, the
Notes. Such guarantees will be senior obligations of each Guarantor, and will
rank pari passu with all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of such
Guarantor and senior to all Subordinated Indebtedness of such Guarantor.
 
     The Guarantors as of the Closing Date are set forth below:
 
          Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp.
        Pioneer Americas, Inc.
        Pioneer Chlor Alkali Company, Inc.
        Imperial West Chemical Co.
        All-Pure Chemical Co.
        Black Mountain Power Company
        All-Pure Chemical Northwest, Inc.
        Pioneer Chlor Alkali International, Inc.
        G.O.W. Corporation
        Pioneer (East), Inc.
        T.C. Holdings, Inc.
        T.C. Products, Inc.
        PCI Carolina, Inc.
        Pioneer Licensing, Inc.
 
     Guarantors will include such other Subsidiaries of PAAC that become
Guarantors as described under "-- Certain Covenants -- Certain Guarantees." The
Indenture will provide that the obligations of the Guarantors under their
respective Guarantees will be reduced to the extent necessary to prevent the
Guarantees from violating or becoming voidable under applicable law relating to
fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer or similar laws affecting the
rights of creditors generally.
 
     Upon any sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition to any Person of all
of the Issuer's, PAAC's or a Restricted Subsidiary's Equity Interests in, or all
or substantially all of the assets of, any Guarantor which is in compliance with
the Indenture, such Guarantor will be released from all its obligations under
its Guarantee.
 
     Separate financial statements of the Guarantors are not included herein
because (i) the Issuer is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of PAAC, which is a
holding company with no independent operations, (ii) the Guarantees are full and
unconditional (except to the extent necessary to comply with fraudulent
conveyance laws), (iii) such Guarantors are jointly and severally liable with
respect to the Guarantees, (iv) other than the Issuer, all of the consolidated
Subsidiaries of PAAC currently in existence are Guarantors
 
                                       105
<PAGE>   111
 
and the aggregate consolidated net assets, earnings and equity of the Issuer and
the Guarantors are substantially equivalent to the net assets, earnings and
equity of PAAC on a consolidated basis.
 
SECURITY
 
     The Issuer has granted to a collateral agent (the "Collateral Agent"), for
the benefit of itself and (x) the Holders and the Trustee, for itself and the
Holders, and (y) the Term Loan lenders and the agent under the Term Facility
(the "Term Loan Agent"), first priority liens on, and security interests in,
substantially all tangible and intangible property and assets used in the PCI
Canada Business (other than accounts receivable and inventory). All of such
property is collectively referred to herein as the "Collateral."
 
     There can be no assurance that the proceeds of any sale of the Collateral
in whole or in part pursuant to the Indenture and the related security documents
following an Event of Default would be sufficient to satisfy payments due on any
of the Notes or the other secured Indebtedness. See "Risk Factors -- Limitations
on Security Interest." In addition, the ability of the Collateral Agent, the
Trustee, any of the Holders, the Term Loan Agent or the Term Loan lenders (the
"Secured Parties") to realize upon the Collateral may be subject to certain
bankruptcy law limitations in the event of a bankruptcy. See "-- Certain
Bankruptcy Considerations."
 
     The collateral release provisions of the Indenture will permit the release
of Collateral without substitution of collateral of equal value under certain
circumstances. See "-- Release of Collateral." As described under "-- Certain
Covenants -- Limitations on Asset Sales," the Net Proceeds of certain Asset
Sales may under specified circumstances be required to be utilized to make a pro
rata offer to purchase Notes.
 
     For so long as any of the Original Notes or the Exchange Notes, as the case
may be, are outstanding, if an Event of Default occurs under the Indenture and a
declaration of acceleration of the Original Notes or the Exchange Notes, as the
case may be, occurs as a result thereof, the Trustee, on behalf of the Holders,
and as directed by Holders of a majority of the total principal amount of the
Notes, in addition to any rights or remedies available to it under the
Indenture, may, subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement (as
defined under "-- Intercreditor Agreement"), cause the Collateral Agent to take
such action as it may deem advisable to protect and enforce the rights of the
Trustee and the Holders in the Collateral, including the institution of
foreclosure proceedings. The proceeds received by the Collateral Agent from any
foreclosure with respect to the Collateral will be applied by the Collateral
Agent first to pay the expenses of such foreclosure and fees and other amounts
then payable to the Collateral Agent under the Intercreditor Agreement, and
thereafter to pay, pro rata: (i) the obligations under the Indenture, including
amounts then payable to the Trustee under the Indenture and the principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on the Notes and any Exchange Notes, and (ii) the
obligations under the Term Facility, including amounts then payable to the Term
Loan Agent and the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Term
Loans.
 
     Dispositions of Collateral may be subject to delay pursuant to the
Intercreditor Agreement. See "-- Intercreditor Agreement."
 
INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT
 
     The Issuer, the Trustee, the Term Loan Agent and the Collateral Agent have
entered into an Intercreditor and Collateral Agency Agreement (the
"Intercreditor Agreement"). The Intercreditor Agreement provides generally that
(i) with respect to administering the Collateral and amending, supplementing or
waiving the provisions of the instruments relating to the security interests
granted therein, the holders of a majority of the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of the obligations secured by the Collateral (the "Majority
Holders") may direct the Collateral Agent, provided that the Majority Holders
include the holders of a majority of the aggregate outstanding principal amount
of the Term Loans; (ii) with respect to releasing a substantial portion of the
Collateral in circumstances not otherwise permitted by the Indenture or the Term
Facility, the Majority Holders may direct the Collateral Agent, provided that
the Majority Holders include the holders of 100% of the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of the Term Loans; and (iii) with respect to foreclosing on or
otherwise pursuing remedies with respect to the Collateral, the holders of a
majority of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of either (x) the Notes
or (y) the Term Loans may direct the
 
                                       106
<PAGE>   112
 
Collateral Agent, provided that the holders taking such action hold an aggregate
principal amount of such debt representing at least 15% of the aggregate
outstanding principal amount of the obligations secured by the Collateral.
 
     All cash or cash equivalents received by the Collateral Agent (x) upon the
release of Collateral, (y) as proceeds of insurance or condemnation or other
taking awards, or (z) as proceeds of any sale (including an Asset Sale
authorized under the terms of the Indenture) or other disposition of Collateral
(collectively, "Trust Moneys") shall be subject to a lien and security interest
in favor of (i) the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, in
accordance with the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement.
 
     If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and the
obligations secured by the Collateral shall have been accelerated, then upon the
instructions of the holders of the obligations secured by the Collateral, in
accordance with the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, the Collateral Agent
shall, as soon as practicable, apply the Trust Moneys relating to the Collateral
first to pay amounts then payable to the Collateral Agent under the
Intercreditor Agreement, and thereafter to pay, pro rata; (i) the obligations
under the Indenture, including amounts then payable to the Trustee under the
Indenture and the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Original
Notes and any Exchange Notes and (ii) the obligations under the Term Facility,
including amounts then payable to the Term Loan Agent and the principal of
premium, if any, and interest on the Term Loans.
 
CERTAIN BANKRUPTCY CONSIDERATIONS
 
     The Collateral Agent's ability to realize on the security for the Notes is
limited by the following legal and regulatory restrictions. See "Risk
Factors -- Limitations on Security Interest" and "Risk Factors -- Fraudulent
Conveyance Issues."
 
  Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada). In an insolvency or bankruptcy
context, the ability of the Collateral Agent to realize on the security under
the Security Documents will be subject to the provisions of the Bankruptcy and
Insolvency Act (Canada). Under that Act the Collateral Agent will be a secured
creditor.
 
     Insolvency does not in itself prevent secured creditors from realizing upon
their security. A secured creditor that intends to realize upon its security on
all or substantially all of the property used by an insolvent company in the
carrying on of its business, must however, give to the insolvent company a
written ten day notice of its intention to do so.
 
     An insolvent company may, in certain circumstances, delay realization by a
secured creditor of its security by making a proposal in bankruptcy to all or
some of its creditors including the secured creditors, or by filing with the
official receiver a notice of intention to make such a proposal. In such
circumstances, proceedings against the insolvent company are stayed, thereby
delaying the rights of secured creditors to realize upon secured assets, unless
they obtain from the court an exemption from the stay. If the proposal made to
the secured creditors is rejected, the secured creditors may realize upon
secured assets. Furthermore, if the proposal is rejected by the unsecured
creditors, bankruptcy will automatically occur.
 
     Bankruptcy does not, in principle, prevent secured creditors from realizing
upon their security. The trustee appointed to the bankruptcy can ask the court
to postpone the right of a secured creditor to enforce its security to give the
trustee the opportunity to consider whether anything can be realized on the
property for the benefit of the estate. The Court may not, save for some
exceptions, postpone the right of a secured creditor to enforce its security for
more than six months from (i) the date the debtor becomes bankrupt, or in some
instances, (ii) the date the debt became due.
 
     The trustee appointed to the bankruptcy might also delay a secured creditor
from realizing on its security upon giving such creditor a notice of his
intention to inspect the property of the bankrupt which is subject to the
security, generally for the purpose of valuing the security. The trustee may
also request that the secured creditor assess the value of its security, and the
secured creditor be paid the secured value assessed at which time the trustee
will have the right to redeem the security or require that the property subject
to the security be sold.
 
                                       107
<PAGE>   113
 
     Secured creditors may also make an application for the appointment of a
receiver, receiver and manager or interim receiver (a "Receiver") and, where a
court appoints a Receiver, there may be a general stay of proceedings against
third parties, including secured creditors. The Collateral Agent's ability to
realize on the security for the Notes would be governed by a court order.
 
  Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada). An insolvent company, in
certain circumstances, may also obtain a stay of proceedings by placing itself
under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act ("CCAA"). Like
the proposal in bankruptcy, the CCAA allows a company to propose an arrangement
to all of its creditors, including its secured creditors, and gives the court
the power to stay all actions and proceedings against the assets of the company
including realization on security for 30 days on the initial application and
thereafter until otherwise ordered by the court. There may, in certain
circumstances, also be further postponement of creditors' rights subsequent
thereto. However, should a class of secured creditors reject the arrangement,
such class is free to act upon its security.
 
  Civil Code of Quebec. The Civil Code of Quebec provides a limited list of
hypothecary rights available to creditors. These are the taking of possession
for the purposes of administration, taking in payment, sale by judicial
authority or sale by the creditor. These rights may not be exercised
simultaneously and in order to exercise them successively, a creditor would have
to follow the applicable preliminary measures prior to the exercise of each
right. A hypothecary creditor wishing to realize on its security must publish a
notice indicating which remedy it wishes to invoke. In the case of security on
personal (moveable) property, the notice must be given 20 days prior to exercise
of the creditors' rights. In the case of security on real (immovable) property,
the delay is 60 days. However, where a creditor only intends to take possession
for purposes of temporary administration, the delay is 10 days. Rights which may
be conferred on the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Security Documents may not
be enforceable to the extent that they are inconsistent with the provisions of
the Civil Code of Quebec.
 
     Personal Property Security Act (Ontario). The Personal Property Security
Act (Ontario) ("Ontario PPSA") provides a secured creditor with remedies in
addition to those that may be provided under the creditors' security documents.
The remedies provided under the Ontario PPSA include taking possession for the
purposes of administration, disposition or satisfaction of the indebtedness. The
Ontario PPSA does impose certain limitations on the exercise of remedies under
either the creditors' security documents or the Ontario PPSA including the
requirement to give notice, to act in a commercially reasonable manner and to
account for any surplus.
 
     Personal Property Security Act (New Brunswick). The Personal Property
Security Act (New Brunswick) ("New Brunswick PPSA") provides a secured creditor
with remedies in addition to those that may be provided under the creditors'
security documents. The remedies provided under the New Brunswick PPSA include
taking possession for the purposes of administration, disposition or
satisfaction of the indebtedness. The New Brunswick PPSA does impose certain
limitations on the exercise of remedies under either the creditors' security
documents or the New Brunswick PPSA including the requirement to give notice, to
act in a commercially reasonable manner and to account for any surplus.
 
     Nova Scotia and the Personal Property Security Act (Nova Scotia). On
November 3, 1997 the Personal Property Security Act (Nova Scotia)("Nova Scotia
PPSA") became effective. The Nova Scotia PPSA provides a secured creditor with
remedies in addition to those that may be provided under the creditors' security
documents. The remedies provided under the Nova Scotia PPSA include the taking
of possession for the purposes of administration, disposition or satisfaction of
the indebtedness. The Nova Scotia PPSA imposes certain limitations on the
exercise of remedies under either the creditors' security documents or the Nova
Scotia PPSA including the requirement to give notice, to act in a commercially
reasonable manner and to account for any surplus.
 
     U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The right of the Collateral Agent to repossess and
dispose of the Collateral upon the occurrence of an Event of Default is likely
to be significantly impaired by applicable United States bankruptcy law if a
bankruptcy case were to be commenced by or against the Issuer prior to the
Collateral Agent's having repossessed and disposed of the Collateral. Under the
United States Bankruptcy Code, a
 
                                       108
<PAGE>   114
 
secured creditor such as the Collateral Agent is prohibited from repossessing
its security from a debtor in a bankruptcy case, or from disposing of security
repossessed from such debtor, without bankruptcy court approval. Moreover, the
United States Bankruptcy Code permits the debtor to continue to retain and to
use collateral even though the debtor is in default under the applicable debt
instruments, provided that the secured creditor is given "adequate protection."
The meaning of the term "adequate protection" may vary according to
circumstances, but it is intended in general to protect the value of the secured
creditor's interest in the collateral and may include cash payments or the
granting of additional security, if and as such times as the court, in its
discretion or any use of the collateral by the debtor during the pendency of the
bankruptcy case. In view of the lack of a precise definition of the term
"adequate protection" and the broad discretionary powers of a bankruptcy court,
it is impossible to predict how long payments under the Original Notes, the
Exchange Notes, if any, or the other secured indebtedness could be delayed
following commencement of a bankruptcy case, whether or when the Collateral
Agent could repossess or dispose of the Collateral or whether or to what extent
holders of such indebtedness would be compensated for any delay in payment or
loss of value of the Collateral through the requirement of "adequate
protection." Furthermore, in the event that the bankruptcy court determines the
value of the collateral is not sufficient to repay all amounts due on such
indebtedness, the holders of such indebtedness would hold "undersecured claims."
Applicable U.S. federal bankruptcy laws do not permit the payment and/or accrual
of interest, costs and attorney's fees for "undersecured claims" during the
pendency of a debtor's bankruptcy case.
 
ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS
 
     All payments made by the Issuer under or with respect to the Notes will be
made free and clear of and without withholding or deduction for or on account of
any present or future tax, duty, levy, impost, assessment or other governmental
charge (including penalties, interest and other liabilities related thereto)
imposed or levied by or on behalf of the Government of Canada or of any province
or territory thereof or by any authority or agency therein or thereof having
power to tax (hereinafter, "Taxes"), unless the Issuer is required to withhold
or deduct Taxes by law or by the interpretation or administration thereof. If
the Issuer is required to withhold or deduct any amount for or on account of
Taxes from any payment made under or with respect to the Notes, the Issuer will
pay such additional amounts ("Additional Amounts") as may be necessary so that
the net amount received by each Holder (including Additional Amounts) after such
withholding or deduction will not be less than the amount the Holder would have
received if such Taxes had not been withheld or deducted; provided that no
Additional Amounts will be payable with respect to a payment made to a Holder to
the extent solely attributable to (i) such Holder not being treated as dealing
at arm's length with the Company (within the meaning of the Income Tax Act
(Canada)) at the time of making such payment, or (ii) such Holder's being
connected with Canada or any province or territory thereof otherwise than solely
by reason of the Holder's activity in connection with purchasing the Notes, by
the mere holding of Notes or by reason of the receipt of payments thereunder.
The Issuer will also (i) make such withholding or deduction and (ii) remit the
full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant authority in accordance with
applicable law. The Company will furnish to the Holders, within 30 calendar days
after the date the payment of any Taxes is due pursuant to applicable law,
certified copies of tax receipts evidencing such payment by the Issuer. The
Issuer will, upon written request of each Holder, reimburse each such Holder for
the amount of (i) any Taxes so levied or imposed and paid by such Holder as a
result of payments made under or with respect to the Notes, and (ii) any Taxes
so levied or imposed with respect to any reimbursement under the foregoing
clause (i) so that the net amount received by such Holder (net of payments made
under or with respect to the Notes) after such reimbursement will not be less
than the net amount the Holder would have received if Taxes on such
reimbursement had not been imposed; provided, however, no reimbursement shall be
made in respect of Taxes for which no Additional Amounts would be payable by
reason of clause (i) or (ii) of the second preceding sentence.
 
     At least 30 calendar days prior to each date on which any payment under or
with respect to the Notes is due and payable, if the Issuer will be obligated to
pay Additional Amounts with respect to such payment, the Issuer will deliver to
the Trustee an officers' certificate stating the fact that such Additional
Amounts will be payable and the amounts so payable and will set forth such other
information necessary to enable the Trustee to pay such Additional Amounts to
Holders on the payment date. Whenever in the Indenture or in this
 
                                       109
<PAGE>   115
 
"Description of the Notes" there is mentioned, in any context, the payment of
principal, interest, if any, or any other amount payable under or with respect
to any Note, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of
Additional Amounts to the extent that, in such context, Additional Amounts are,
were or would be payable in respect thereof. The Holders and the Issuer agree
that the payment of any Additional Amounts by the Issuer shall be treated as
payments of interest.
 
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
 
     The Notes will not be redeemable at the option of the Issuer prior to
October 15, 2002. On or after that date, the Notes will be redeemable at the
option of the Issuer, in whole or in part from time to time, on not less than 30
nor more than 60 days' prior notice, mailed by first-class mail to the Holders'
registered addresses, in cash, at the following redemption prices (expressed as
percentages of the principal amount), if redeemed in the 12-month period
commencing October 15 in the year indicated below, in each case plus accrued and
unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date fixed for
redemption:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            YEAR                              REDEMPTION
                            ----                              ----------
<S>                                                           <C>
2002........................................................   104.625%
2003........................................................   103.084%
2004........................................................   101.542%
2005 and thereafter.........................................   100.000%
</TABLE>
 
     The Notes will not be subject to, or entitled to the benefits of, any
sinking fund.
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to October 15, 2000, the
Issuer may redeem, in part, up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the
Notes originally issued at a purchase price of 109.25% of the principal amount
thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the
date fixed for redemption, with the net proceeds of (i) any Equity Offering by
the Issuer or (ii) any Equity Offering by Pioneer or PAAC, but only to the
extent that Pioneer or PAAC contributes such net proceeds to the Issuer as a
capital contribution; provided that at least 65% of the aggregate principal
amount of the Notes originally issued remains outstanding immediately after
giving effect to such redemption. In order to effect the foregoing redemption,
the Issuer will be required to send the redemption notice not later than 60 days
after the receipt of the proceeds of such public offering.
 
     Notes may be redeemed or repurchased as set forth below under "-- Change of
Control" and "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitations on Asset Sales" in part in
multiples of $1,000. If less than all the Notes issued under the Indenture are
to be redeemed, the Trustee will select the Notes to be redeemed pro rata, by
lot or by any other method which the Trustee deems fair and appropriate. The
Indenture will provide that if any Note is to be redeemed or repurchased in part
only, the notice which relates to the redemption or repurchase of such Note will
state the portion of the principal amount of such Note to be redeemed or
repurchased and will state that on or after the date fixed for redemption or
repurchase a new Note equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued.
 
     On and after the date fixed for redemption or repurchase, interest will
cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption or
tendered for repurchase.
 
REDEMPTION FOR CHANGES IN CANADIAN WITHHOLDING TAXES
 
     The Notes will be redeemable at the option of the Issuer, as a whole, but
not in part, at any time on not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' prior
notice, mailed by first-class mail to the Holders' registered addresses, in
cash, at 100% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, together with accrued
and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date fixed for
redemption in the event the Issuer has become or would be obligated to pay, on
any date on which any amount would be payable with respect to the Notes, any
Additional Amounts as a result of a change in, or amendment to the laws
(including any regulations promulgated thereunder) of Canada (or any political
subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein), or any change in,
 
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or amendment to any official position regarding the application or
interpretation of such laws or regulations, which change is announced or becomes
effective on or after the Closing Date.
 
CHANGE OF CONTROL
 
     The Indenture provides that in the event of a Change of Control (the date
of such occurrence being the "Change of Control Date"), the Issuer will notify
the Holders in writing of such occurrence and will make an irrevocable offer
(the "Change of Control Offer") to purchase on a business day (the "Change of
Control Payment Date") not later than 60 days following the Change of Control
Date, all Notes then outstanding at a purchase price (the "Purchase Price")
equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest
and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the Change of Control Payment Date.
 
     Notice of a Change of Control Offer will be mailed by the Issuer to the
Holders at their registered addresses not less than 30 days nor more than 45
days before the Change of Control Payment Date. The Change of Control Offer is
required to remain open for at least 20 business days and until 5:00 p.m., New
York City time, on the Change of Control Payment Date. The notice will contain
all instructions and materials necessary to enable Holders to tender (in whole
or in part in a principal amount equal to $1,000 or a whole multiple thereof)
their Notes pursuant to the Change of Control Offer. Substantially
simultaneously with mailing of the notice, the Issuer will cause a copy of such
notice to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York.
 
     The notice, which governs the terms of the Change of Control Offer, will
state, among other things: (i) that the Change of Control Offer is being made
pursuant to this covenant; (ii) the Purchase Price and the Change of Control
Payment Date; (iii) that any Notes not surrendered or accepted for payment will
continue to accrue interest; (iv) that any Notes accepted for payment pursuant
to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue interest after the Change of
Control Payment Date; (v) that any Holder electing to have a Note purchased (in
whole or in part) pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to
surrender the Note, with the form entitled "Option of Holder to Elect Purchase"
on the reverse of the Note completed, to the Paying Agent at the address
specified in the notice (or otherwise make effective delivery of the Note
pursuant to book-entry procedures and the related rules of the applicable
depositories) at least five business days before the Change of Control Payment
Date; and (vi) that any Holder will be entitled to withdraw his election if the
Paying Agent receives, not later than three business days prior to the Change of
Control Payment Date, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter
setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Note the
Holder delivered for purchase, the certificate number of the Note and a
statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Note
purchased.
 
     On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuer will: (i) accept for
payment the Notes, or portions thereof, surrendered and properly tendered and
not withdrawn, pursuant to the Change of Control Offer; (ii) deposit with the
Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the Purchase Price of all the Notes, or
portions thereof, so accepted; and (iii) deliver to the Trustee the Notes so
accepted together with an officer's certificate stating that such Notes have
been accepted for payment by the Issuer. The Paying Agent will promptly mail or
deliver to Holders of Notes so accepted payment in an amount equal to the
Purchase Price. Holders whose Notes are purchased only in part will be issued
new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes
surrendered.
 
     A "Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following: (i) a
"person" or "group" (as such terms are used in Sections 14(d)(2) and 13(d)(3),
respectively, of the Exchange Act), other than any of (x) William R. Berkley and
his Affiliates and/or (y) Interlaken Capital, Inc. and its Affiliates (each
individually a "Substantial Shareholder" and collectively the "Substantial
Shareholders"), is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3
under the Exchange Act) of at least 50% of the outstanding voting power of the
fully diluted Voting Stock of Pioneer or PAAC, (ii) the adoption of a plan
relating to the liquidation or dissolution of Pioneer or PAAC, (iii) the merger,
amalgamation or consolidation of Pioneer or PAAC with or into another
corporation with the effect that the stockholders of Pioneer or PAAC immediately
prior to such merger, amalgamation or consolidation cease to be the "beneficial
owners" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of the
combined voting power of the securities of the
 
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<PAGE>   117
 
surviving corporation of such merger, amalgamation or the corporation resulting
from such merger, amalgamation or consolidation ordinarily (and apart from
rights arising under special circumstances) having the right to vote in the
election of directors outstanding immediately after such merger, amalgamation or
consolidation, (iv) during any period of two consecutive calendar years
individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board of
Directors of Pioneer or PAAC (together with any new directors whose election by
the Board of Directors of Pioneer or PAAC, or whose nomination for election by
the shareholders of Pioneer or PAAC, was approved by a vote of a majority of the
directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of
such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so
approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the directors of
Pioneer or PAAC then in office or (v) the Issuer ceases to be a wholly-owned
direct or indirect subsidiary of Pioneer or PAAC. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
a Change of Control will not be deemed to have occurred under clause (v) above
solely as a result of a merger, amalgamation, consolidation or similar
arrangement of the Issuer with or into Pioneer or PAAC provided that such
merger, amalgamation, consolidation or similar arrangement is permitted by the
covenant described below under "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitations on Mergers;
Sales of Assets."
 
     The Issuer will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of
Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, any other tender offer rules under the
Exchange Act and other securities laws or regulations in connection with the
offer to repurchase and the repurchase of the Notes as described above.
 
     The indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes also requires PAAC to make
an offer to purchase the Senior Secured Notes upon the occurrence of a change of
control pursuant to such indenture. The Issuer's ability to repurchase the Notes
pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be limited by, among other things,
PAAC's and its Subsidiaries' financial resources at the time of repurchase.
There can be no assurance that sufficient funds will be available at the time of
any Change of Control to make any required repurchases. Furthermore, there can
be no assurance that the Issuer will be able to fund the repurchase of Notes
upon a Change of Control within the limitations imposed by the terms of other
then-existing Senior Indebtedness. The Existing Term Facility and the Term
Facility require a mandatory prepayment of the loans thereunder at 100% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with respect to a
change of control under such facility. The Revolving Facility may prohibit the
Issuer from repurchasing Notes if at the time of such repurchase an event of
default under the Revolving Facility exists or would be caused thereby. The
occurrence of a Change of Control may cause an event of default under the New
Credit Facilities, the Existing Term Facility, the Senior Secured Notes or other
Indebtedness of the Issuer or the Guarantors, upon which event of default all
amounts outstanding under such Indebtedness may become due and payable. In the
event a Change of Control occurs at a time when the Issuer is prohibited from
purchasing Notes, the Issuer will be required under the Indenture, within 30
days following a Change of Control to (i) seek the consent of its lenders to the
purchase of the Notes or (ii) refinance the Indebtedness that prohibits such
purchase. If the Issuer does not obtain such a consent or refinance such
borrowings, the Issuer will remain prohibited from repurchasing Notes. The
Issuer's failure to purchase tendered Notes or make a Change of Control Offer
following a Change of Control would constitute an Event of Default under the
Indenture. An amendment of or waiver under the Indenture may not waive the
Issuer's obligation to make a Change of Control Offer without the consent of the
Holders of at least two-thirds in outstanding principal amount of the Notes.
 
     The existence of the requirement of the Issuer to make a Change of Control
Offer to purchase Notes upon the occurrence of a Change of Control may deter a
third party from acquiring Pioneer, the Issuer or PAAC in a transaction which
would constitute a Change of Control. Subject to certain limitations described
below in "-- Certain Covenants", including the limitation on incurrence of
additional Indebtedness, Pioneer, the Issuer or PAAC could, in the future, enter
into certain transactions, including acquisitions, refinancings or other
recapitalizations, that would not constitute a Change of Control under the
Indenture, but that could increase the amount of Senior Indebtedness (or any
other Indebtedness) outstanding at such time or otherwise affect Pioneer's, the
Issuer's or PAAC's capital structure or credit ratings. The Change of Control
provisions will not prevent a leveraged buyout led by Pioneer, the Issuer, PAAC
or the management, a recapitalization of Pioneer, the Issuer or PAAC or a change
in a majority of the members of the Board of
 
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<PAGE>   118
 
Directors of Pioneer, the Issuer or PAAC which is approved by its then Board of
Directors, as the case may be.
 
     The Indenture provides that the Issuer and PAAC will not, and will not
permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, create or permit to exist or
become effective any restriction (other than restrictions not more restrictive
taken as a whole (as determined in good faith by the chief financial officer of
the Issuer) than those in effect under Existing Indebtedness and the New Credit
Facilities) that would materially impair the ability of the Issuer to make a
Change of Control Offer to purchase the Notes or, if such Change of Control
Offer is made, to pay for the Notes tendered for purchase.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
     The Indenture contains, among others, the following covenants:
 
     Limitations on Indebtedness. The Indenture provides that the Issuer and
PAAC will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise
become liable with respect to or become responsible for the payment of,
contingently or otherwise ("incur"), any Indebtedness; provided, however, that
the Issuer, PAAC, or a Restricted Subsidiary may incur Indebtedness if at the
time of such incurrence and after giving pro forma effect thereto, the
Consolidated Cash Flow Coverage Ratio for the most recently ended four full
fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available
immediately preceding the date on which such Indebtedness is incurred,
calculated on a pro forma basis as if such Indebtedness was incurred on the
first day of such four full fiscal quarter period, would be at least 2.0 to 1.0.
 
     The Indenture further provides that notwithstanding the foregoing
limitations, the incurrence of the following will not be prohibited:
 
          (a) Indebtedness of the Issuer evidenced by the Original Notes, the
     Exchange Notes and Indebtedness of the Guarantors evidenced by the
     Guarantees and the guarantees with respect to the Exchange Notes;
 
          (b) Indebtedness of PAI evidenced by the Term Loans and Indebtedness
     of the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary evidenced by the
     guarantees with respect to the Term Loans;
 
          (c) Indebtedness of the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary
     constituting Existing Indebtedness, and any extension, deferral, renewal,
     refinancing or refunding thereof;
 
          (d) Indebtedness of the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary
     incurred under one or more Credit Facilities in an aggregate principal
     amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the Borrowing Base at the
     time such Indebtedness was incurred, less the aggregate amount of all
     permanent repayments of revolving loans under such Credit Facilities made
     in accordance with the second paragraph of the covenant described under
     "-- Limitations on Asset Sales";
 
          (e) Capitalized Lease Obligations of the Issuer, PAAC or any
     Restricted Subsidiary and Indebtedness of the Issuer, PAAC, or any
     Restricted Subsidiary secured by Liens that secure the payment of all or
     part of the purchase price of assets or property acquired or constructed in
     the ordinary course of business after the date of the Indenture; provided,
     however, that the aggregate principal amount of such Capitalized Lease
     Obligations plus such Indebtedness of the Issuer, PAAC and all of the
     Restricted Subsidiaries does not exceed $10.0 million outstanding at any
     time;
 
          (f) Indebtedness of the Issuer to PAAC, or of the Issuer or PAAC to
     any Restricted Subsidiary, or of PAAC to the Issuer or any Restricted
     Subsidiary or of any Restricted Subsidiary to the Issuer, PAAC or another
     Restricted Subsidiary (but only so long as such Indebtedness is held by the
     Issuer, PAAC or a Restricted Subsidiary);
 
          (g) Indebtedness under Hedging Obligations, provided, however, that,
     in the case of foreign currency exchange or similar agreements which relate
     to other Indebtedness, such agreements do not increase the Indebtedness of
     the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary outstanding other than as a
 
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<PAGE>   119
 
     result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, and in the case
     of interest rate protection agreements, only if the notional principal
     amount of such interest rate protection agreement does not exceed the
     principal amount of the Indebtedness to which such interest rate protection
     agreement relates;
 
          (h) Indebtedness in respect of performance, completion, guarantee,
     surety and similar bonds, banker's acceptances or letters of credit
     provided by the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary
     course of business;
 
          (i) In addition to any Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be Incurred
     under the Indenture, up to $10.0 million aggregate principal amount of
     Indebtedness at any one time outstanding; and
 
          (j) Any refinancing, refunding, deferral, renewal or extension (each,
     a "Refinancing") of any Indebtedness of the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted
     Subsidiary permitted by the initial paragraph of this covenant and clauses
     (a) and (b) of the second paragraph of this covenant (the "Refinancing
     Indebtedness"); provided, however, that (i) such Refinancing Indebtedness
     does not exceed the aggregate principal amount of the Indebtedness so
     refinanced, plus the amount of any premium required to be paid in
     connection with such Refinancing in accordance with the terms of such
     Indebtedness or the amount of any premium reasonably determined by the
     Board of Directors as necessary to accomplish such Refinancing, plus the
     amount of reasonable and customary out-of-pocket fees and expenses payable
     in connection therewith, (ii) the Refinancing Indebtedness does not provide
     for any mandatory redemption, amortization or sinking fund requirement in
     an amount greater than or at a time prior to the amounts and times
     specified in the Indebtedness being refinanced, refunded, deferred, renewed
     or extended and (iii) if the Indebtedness being refinanced, refunded,
     deferred, renewed or extended is subordinated to the Notes, the Refinancing
     Indebtedness incurred to refinance, refund, defer, renew or extend such
     Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes on terms at
     least as favorable to the Holders as those contained in the documentation
     governing the Indebtedness being so refinanced, refunded, deferred, renewed
     or extended.
 
     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Indenture, the
Issuer, PAAC and the Restricted Subsidiaries each may guarantee Indebtedness of
the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary that is permitted to be incurred
under the Indenture; provided that if such Indebtedness is subordinated in right
of payment to any other Indebtedness of the obligor, then such guarantee shall
be subordinated to Indebtedness of such guarantor to the same extent.
 
     Limitations on Restricted Payments. The Indenture provides that each of the
Issuer and PAAC will not, nor will it cause, permit or suffer any Restricted
Subsidiary to, (i) declare or pay any dividends or make any other distributions
(including through mergers, liquidations or other transactions commonly known as
leveraged buyouts) on any class of Equity Interests of the Issuer, PAAC or such
Restricted Subsidiary (other than dividends or distributions payable by the
Issuer or a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC on account of its Equity
Interests held by the Issuer, PAAC or another Restricted Subsidiary or payable
in shares of Capital Stock of the Issuer or PAAC other than Redeemable Stock),
(ii) make any payment on account of, or set apart money for a sinking or other
analogous fund for, the purchase, redemption or other retirement of such Equity
Interests, (iii) purchase, defease, redeem or otherwise retire any Subordinated
Indebtedness, or (iv) make any Restricted Investment, either directly or
indirectly, whether in cash or property or in obligations of the Issuer, PAAC or
any Restricted Subsidiary (all of the foregoing being called "Restricted
Payments"), unless, (x) in the case of a dividend, such dividend is payable not
more than 60 days after the date of declaration and (y) after giving effect to
such proposed Restricted Payment, all the conditions set forth in clauses (1)
through (3) below are satisfied (A) at the date of declaration (in the case of
any dividend), (B) at the date of such setting apart (in the case of any such
fund) or (C) on the date of such other payment or distribution (in the case of
any other Restricted Payment) (each such date being referred to as a
"Computation Date"):
 
          (1) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or
     would result from the making of such Restricted Payment;
 
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          (2) at the Computation Date for such Restricted Payment and after
     giving effect to such Restricted Payment on a pro forma basis, the Issuer,
     PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary could incur $1.00 of additional
     Indebtedness pursuant to the covenant described in the initial paragraph
     under "-- Limitations on Indebtedness;" and
 
          (3) the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments declared, paid or
     distributed subsequent to the Closing Date (including the proposed
     Restricted Payment) does not exceed the sum of (i) 50% of the cumulative
     Consolidated Net Income of PAAC for the period subsequent to October 1,
     1997 to and including the last day of PAAC's last fiscal quarter ending
     prior to the Computation Date (each such period to constitute a
     "Computation Period") (or, if such aggregate cumulative Consolidated Net
     Income is a loss, minus 100% of such loss of PAAC during the Computation
     Period), (ii) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds of the issuance or sale or
     the exercise (other than to PAAC or a Subsidiary of PAAC or an employee
     stock ownership plan or other trust established by the Issuer, PAAC or any
     of PAAC's Subsidiaries for the benefit of their respective employees) of
     the Issuer's or PAAC's Equity Interests (other than Redeemable Stock)
     subsequent to the Closing Date, (iii) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds of
     the issuance or sale (other than to PAAC or a Subsidiary of PAAC) of any
     debt securities of the Issuer or PAAC, respectively, that have been
     converted into or exchanged for Equity Interests (other than Redeemable
     Stock) of the Issuer or PAAC, respectively, to the extent such debt
     securities were originally issued or sold for cash, plus the aggregate Net
     Cash Proceeds received by the Issuer or PAAC, respectively, at the time of
     such conversion or exchange, in each case subsequent to the Closing Date,
     (iv) cash contributions to the Issuer's or PAAC's capital subsequent to the
     Closing Date and (v) $5.0 million.
 
     If no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would
occur as a result thereof, the prohibitions set forth above are subject to the
following exceptions: (a) Restricted Investments in obligations representing a
portion of the proceeds of any Asset Sale consummated in accordance with the
covenant described under "-- Limitations on Asset Sales", provided, however,
that such Restricted Investments will be excluded in the calculation of the
amount of Restricted Payments previously made for purposes of clause (3) of the
preceding paragraph; (b) any purchase or redemption of Equity Interests or
Subordinated Indebtedness made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the
substantially concurrent sale of, Equity Interests of the Issuer or PAAC (other
than Redeemable Stock and other than Equity Interests issued or sold to PAAC or
a Subsidiary of PAAC or an employee stock ownership plan), provided, however,
that (x) such purchase or redemption will be excluded in the calculation of the
amount of Restricted Payments previously made for purposes of clause (3) of the
preceding paragraph and (y) the Net Cash Proceeds from such sale will be
excluded for purposes of clause (3)(ii) of the preceding paragraph to the extent
utilized for purposes of such purchase or redemption; (c) any purchase or
redemption of Subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuer or PAAC made by exchange
for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of,
Subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary which
is permitted to be issued pursuant to the provisions of the covenant described
under "-- Limitation on Indebtedness," provided, however, that such purchase or
redemption will be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted
Payments previously made for purposes of clause (3) of the preceding paragraph;
(d) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of
Capital Stock of Pioneer, the Issuer or PAAC held by management or other
employees of Pioneer, the Issuer or PAAC or any Subsidiary of PAAC pursuant to
any shareholders agreement, management or employee stock option agreement or
management or employee equity subscription agreement, in accordance with the
provisions of any such arrangement, in an amount not greater than $500,000 in
any calendar year plus the portion of any such amounts which remains unused at
the end of the two prior calendar years, but in no event to exceed $1.5 million
in any calendar year; provided, however, that any such purchase, redemption,
acquisition or retirement for value will be excluded in the calculation of the
amount of Restricted Payments previously made for purposes of clause (3) of the
preceding paragraph; (e) payments to Pioneer pursuant to any tax sharing
arrangement so long as payments thereunder do not exceed the amount of PAAC and
its consolidated subsidiaries' share of U.S. Federal and state and Canadian
federal and provincial income taxes actually paid or to be paid by Pioneer,
provided, however, that such payments will be excluded in the calculation of the
amount of Restricted Payments previously made for
 
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<PAGE>   121
 
purposes of clause (3) of the preceding paragraph; (f) payments to Pioneer to
perform accounting, legal, corporate reporting and administrative functions in
the ordinary course of business in an amount not greater than $500,000 in any
calendar year, or to pay required fees in connection with the PCI Canada
Acquisition, provided, however, that such payments will be excluded in the
calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments previously made for purposes of
clause (3) of the preceding paragraph; and (g) Investments described in clause
(vi) of the definition of Permitted Investments, provided, however, that such
Investments will be included in the calculation of the amount of Restricted
Payments previously made for purposes of clause (3) of the preceding paragraph.
 
     For purposes of this covenant, (a) the amount of any Restricted Payment
declared, paid or distributed in property of the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted
Subsidiary will be deemed to be the net book value of any such property that is
intangible property and the Fair Market Value (as determined by and set forth in
a resolution of the Issuer's Board of Directors) of any such property that is
tangible property at the Computation Date, in each case, after deducting related
reserves for depreciation, depletion and amortization; (b) the amount of any
Restricted Payment declared, paid or distributed in obligations of the Issuer,
PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary will be deemed to be the principal amount of
such obligations as of the date of the adoption of a resolution by the Board of
Directors of the Issuer, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary authorizing such
Restricted Payment; and (c) a distribution to holders of the Issuer's or PAAC's
Equity Interests of (i) shares of Capital Stock or other Equity Interests of any
Restricted Subsidiary or (ii) other assets of the Issuer or PAAC, without, in
either case, the receipt of equivalent consideration therefor will be regarded
as the equivalent of a cash dividend equal to the excess of the Fair Market
Value of the Equity Interests or other assets being so distributed at the time
of such distribution over the consideration, if any, received therefor. The
Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee an officers' certificate stating that such
Restricted Payment is permitted, attaching a copy of the applicable resolution
of the Board of Directors pursuant to which the value of the Restricted Payment
to be made was determined and setting forth the basis upon which the
calculations required by this covenant were computed.
 
     Limitations on Liens. The Indenture provides that the Issuer and PAAC will
not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or
suffer to exist any Lien upon any of their respective assets or properties now
owned or acquired after the Closing Date, or any income or profits therefrom,
excluding, however, from the operation of the foregoing any of the following:
 
          (a) Liens existing as of the Closing Date or pursuant to an agreement
     or document in existence on the Closing Date, including the New Credit
     Facilities and security documents related thereto;
 
          (b) Permitted Liens;
 
          (c) Liens on assets or property of the Issuer, or on assets or
     property of PAAC or the Restricted Subsidiaries, to secure the payment of
     all or a part of the purchase price of assets or property acquired or
     constructed in the ordinary course of business after the date of the
     Indenture; provided, however, that (i) the aggregate principal amount of
     Indebtedness secured by such Liens does not exceed the original cost or
     purchase price of the assets or property so acquired (including the
     reasonable and customary costs of installation of such acquired assets) or
     constructed, (ii) the Indebtedness secured by such Liens is otherwise
     permitted to be incurred under the Indenture, (iii) such Liens do not
     encumber any other assets or property of the Issuer, PAAC or any of the
     Restricted Subsidiaries and (iv) the Indebtedness secured by such Liens may
     not be created more than 100 days after the later of the acquisition,
     completion of construction, repair, improvement, addition or commencement
     of full operation of the property subject to such Liens;
 
          (d) Liens on assets or property acquired by the Issuer, PAAC or any
     Restricted Subsidiary after the date of the Indenture; provided, however,
     that (i) such Liens existed on the date such assets or property were
     acquired and were not incurred as a result of or in anticipation of such
     acquisition and (ii) such Liens do not extend to or cover any assets or
     property of the Issuer, PAAC or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries other
     than the assets or property so acquired;
 
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<PAGE>   122
 
          (e) Liens securing Indebtedness which is incurred to refinance
     Indebtedness which has been secured by a Lien permitted under the Indenture
     and which is permitted to be refinanced under the Indenture; provided,
     however, that such Liens do not extend to or cover any assets or property
     of the Issuer, PAAC or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries not securing the
     Indebtedness so refinanced;
 
          (f) Liens on assets or property of the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted
     Subsidiary that is subject to a Sale and Leaseback Transaction, provided,
     however, that the aggregate principal amount of Attributable Indebtedness
     in respect of all Sale and Leaseback Transactions then outstanding does not
     at the time such a Lien is incurred exceed $10.0 million;
 
          (g) Liens on property or shares of Capital Stock of a Person at the
     time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that
     such Liens are not created, incurred or assumed in contemplation of the
     acquisition thereof by the Issuer, PAAC or a Restricted Subsidiary;
     provided further, that such Liens may not extend to any other property
     owned by the Issuer, PAAC or a Restricted Subsidiary;
 
          (h) Liens securing Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to
     the Issuer, PAAC or a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary;
 
          (i) Liens on inventory, accounts receivable or related general
     intangibles of any Restricted Subsidiary securing the obligations under
     clause (d) of the covenant described under "-- Limitations on
     Indebtedness";
 
          (j) pari passu Liens on the collateral which secures the Senior
     Secured Notes securing up to $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of
     Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under the initial paragraph of the
     covenant described under "-- Limitations on Indebtedness," provided that
     (i) the proceeds of such Indebtedness are used to acquire or construct
     additional property, plant and equipment that will be utilized in one or
     more Related Businesses, and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of
     Indebtedness secured by such Liens does not exceed the original cost or
     purchase price of the assets or property so acquired (including the
     reasonable and customary costs of installation of such acquired assets) or
     constructed; and
 
          (k) Liens on assets or property of the Issuer, or on assets or
     property of PAAC or the Restricted Subsidiaries, acquired or constructed
     after the date of the Indenture other than in the ordinary course of
     business and other than assets or properties constituting Collateral;
     provided, however, that (i) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness
     secured by such Liens does not exceed the original cost or purchase price
     of the assets or property so acquired (including the reasonable and
     customary costs of installation of such acquired assets) or constructed,
     (ii) the Indebtedness secured by such Liens is otherwise permitted to be
     incurred under the Indenture, and (iii) such Liens do not encumber the
     Collateral.
 
     Limitations on Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries. The
Indenture provides that the Issuer and PAAC will not, and will not permit any
Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or
suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction of
any kind on the ability of PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary to (i) pay
dividends or make any other distribution to the Issuer, PAAC or the Restricted
Subsidiaries on its Equity Interests, (ii) pay any Indebtedness owed to the
Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary, (iii) make loans or advances to the
Issuer, PAAC or any other Restricted Subsidiary or (iv) transfer any of its
property or assets to the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary, except (A)
consensual encumbrances or restrictions contained in or created pursuant to the
New Credit Facilities, other Existing Indebtedness listed on a schedule to the
Indenture and security and intercreditor documents related thereto in existence
on the Closing Date, (B) consensual encumbrances or restrictions in the Notes,
the Exchange Notes and the Indenture, (C) any restriction, with respect to a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer or PAAC that is not a Subsidiary of the
Issuer or PAAC on the Closing Date, in existence at the time such entity becomes
a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer or PAAC; provided that such encumbrance or
restriction is not created in anticipation of or in connection with such entity
becoming a Subsidiary of the Issuer or PAAC and is not applicable to any Person
or the properties or assets of
 
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any Person other than a Person that becomes a Subsidiary, (D) any encumbrances
or restrictions pursuant to an agreement effecting a refinancing of Indebtedness
referred to in clauses (A) or (C) of this covenant or contained in any amendment
to any agreement creating such Indebtedness, provided that the encumbrances and
restrictions contained in any such refinancing or amendment are not materially
more restrictive taken as a whole (as determined in good faith by the chief
financial officer of the Issuer) than those provided for in such Indebtedness
being refinanced or amended, (E) encumbrances or restrictions contained in any
other Indebtedness permitted to be incurred subsequent to the Closing Date
pursuant to the provisions of the covenant described under "-- Limitations on
Indebtedness", provided that any such encumbrances or restrictions are not
materially more restrictive taken as a whole (as determined in good faith by the
chief financial officer of the Issuer) than the most restrictive of those
provided for in the Indebtedness referred to in clause (A), (B) or (C) of this
covenant, (F) any such encumbrance or restriction consisting of customary
nonassignment provisions in leases governing leasehold interests to the extent
such provisions restrict the transfer of the lease, (G) any restriction with
respect to a Restricted Subsidiary imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into
for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Capital Stock or
assets of such Restricted Subsidiary in compliance with the Indenture pending
the closing of such sale or disposition; or (H) any encumbrance or restriction
due to applicable law.
 
     Limitations on Asset Sales. The Indenture provides that the Issuer and PAAC
will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, make any Asset Sale
(other than to the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary) unless (i) the
Issuer, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary receives consideration at the time of
such Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value of the assets sold or
otherwise disposed of, and at least 80% of the consideration received by the
Issuer, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary from such Asset Sale is in the form
of cash; provided however, that the amount of any cash equivalent or note or
other obligation received by the Issuer, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary from
the transferee in any such transaction that is converted within 90 days by the
Issuer, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash will be deemed upon such
conversion to be cash for purposes of this provision; and (ii) the Net Proceeds
received by the Issuer, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary from such Asset Sale
are applied in accordance with the following paragraphs.
 
     If all or a portion of the Net Proceeds of any Asset Sale are not required
to be applied to repay permanently any Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer, PAAC
or PAI then outstanding as required by the terms thereof, or the Issuer
determines not to apply such Net Proceeds to the permanent prepayment of any
Senior Indebtedness outstanding (in the case of any optional prepayment of Term
Loans, only if such prepayment is effected on a pro rata basis in accordance
with the Intercreditor Agreement and in the case of a revolving credit facility
or similar arrangement that makes credit available, only if the commitment
thereunder is also permanently reduced by such amount) or if no such Senior
Indebtedness is then outstanding, then the Issuer may, within 365 days of the
Asset Sale, invest the Net Proceeds in the Issuer, PAAC or in one or more
Restricted Subsidiaries in a Related Business. The Existing Term Facility
requires, and the Term Facility will require, that any cumulative Net Proceeds
(including proceeds of Collateral in the case of the Term Facility) received in
excess of $35.0 million will be used to make a mandatory prepayment of the loans
thereunder. The amount of Net Proceeds neither used to permanently repay or
prepay Senior Indebtedness nor used or invested as set forth in this paragraph
constitutes "Excess Proceeds."
 
     When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds from one or more Asset Sales
equals $10.0 million or more, the Issuer will apply 100% of such Excess Proceeds
within 365 days subsequent to the consummation of the Asset Sale which resulted
in the Excess Proceeds equalling $10.0 million or more to the purchase of Notes
tendered to the Issuer for purchase at a price equal to 100% of the principal
amount thereof, plus accrued interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the
date of purchase pursuant to an offer to purchase made by the Issuer (an "Asset
Sale Offer") with respect to the Notes. Any Asset Sale Offer may include a pro
rata offer under similar circumstances to purchase other Senior Indebtedness
requiring a similar offer. Any Asset Sale Offer will be made substantially in
accordance with the procedures for a Change of Control Offer described under
"-- Change of Control." Until such time as the Net Proceeds from any Asset Sale
are applied in accordance with this covenant, such Net Proceeds will be
segregated from the other assets of the Issuer, PAAC and the Subsidiaries of
PAAC and invested in cash or Eligible Investments, except that the Issuer,
 
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PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary may use any Net Proceeds pending the
utilization thereof in the manner (and within the time period) described above,
to repay revolving loans (under the Revolving Facility or otherwise) without a
permanent reduction of the commitment thereunder.
 
     The Issuer will cause a notice of any Asset Sale Offer to be mailed to the
Holders at their registered addresses not less than 30 days nor more than 45
days before the purchase date. Such notice will contain all instructions and
materials necessary to enable Holders to tender their Notes to the Issuer. Upon
receiving notice of an Asset Sale Offer, Holders may elect to tender their Notes
in whole or in part in integral multiples of $1,000 in exchange for cash. To the
extent that Holders properly tender Notes in an amount exceeding the Asset Sale
Offer, Notes of tendering Holders will be repurchased on a pro rata basis (based
on amounts tendered).
 
     The Issuer's ability to repurchase the Notes pursuant to an Asset Sale
Offer may be prohibited by the Existing Term Facility or the New Credit
Facilities if at the time of such repurchase an event of default under the
Existing Term Facility or the New Credit Facilities, as the case may be, exists
or would be caused thereby. Any future credit agreements to which the Issuer
becomes a party may restrict the Issuer's ability to repurchase the Notes
pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. In the event the Issuer is required to make an
Asset Sale Offer at a time when the Issuer is prohibited from making such Offer,
the Issuer will be required under the Indenture, on or prior to the date that
the Issuer is required to make an Asset Sale Offer, to (i) seek the consent of
its lenders to repurchase Notes pursuant to such Asset Sale Offer or (ii)
refinance the Indebtedness that prohibits such Asset Sale Offer. If the Issuer
does not obtain such a consent or refinance such borrowings, the Issuer will
remain prohibited from making such Offer. The Issuer's failure to purchase Notes
pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer or make such Asset Sale Offer would constitute
an Event of Default under the Indenture. See "-- Change of Control."
 
     The Issuer will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of
Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, any other tender offer rules under the
Exchange Act and other securities laws or regulations in connection with any
offer to repurchase and the repurchase of the Notes as described above.
 
     The Issuer and PAAC will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted
Subsidiaries to, create or permit to exist or become effective any consensual
restriction (other than restrictions not more restrictive taken as a whole (as
determined in good faith by the chief financial officer of the Issuer) than
those in effect under Existing Indebtedness and the New Credit Facilities) that
would materially impair the ability of the Issuer to comply with the provisions
of this "Limitations on Asset Sales" covenant.
 
     Limitations on Sale and Leaseback Transactions. The Indenture provides that
the Issuer and PAAC will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to,
enter into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction unless (i) at the time of the
occurrence of such transaction and after giving effect to such transaction and
(x) in the case of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction which is a Capitalized Lease
Obligation, giving effect to the Indebtedness in respect thereof, and (y) in the
case of any other Sale and Leaseback Transaction, giving effect to the
Attributable Indebtedness in respect thereof, the Issuer, PAAC or such
Restricted Subsidiary could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to
the covenant described in the initial paragraph under "-- Limitations on
Indebtedness," (ii) at the time of the occurrence of such transaction, the
Issuer, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary could incur Indebtedness secured by a
Lien on property in a principal amount equal to or exceeding the Attributable
Indebtedness in respect of such Sale and Leaseback Transaction pursuant to the
covenant described under "-- Limitations on Liens", and (iii) the transfer of
assets in such Sale and Leaseback Transaction is permitted by, and the Issuer
applies the proceeds of such transaction in compliance with, the covenant
described under "-- Limitations on Asset Sales."
 
     Limitations on Mergers; Sales of Assets. The Indenture provides that the
Issuer will not amalgamate with, consolidate with or merge into, or sell,
assign, convey, lease or transfer all or substantially all of its assets and
those of its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to, any Person, unless (i) the
resulting, surviving or transferee Person expressly assumes all the obligations
of the Issuer under the Notes and the Indenture; (ii) such Person is organized
and existing under the laws of Canada, any province thereof, the United States
of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; (iii) at the time of
the occurrence of such transaction and after giving effect to such transaction
on a pro forma basis, such Person could incur $1.00 of additional
 
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Indebtedness pursuant to the covenant described in the initial paragraph under
"-- Limitations on Indebtedness" (assuming a market rate of interest with
respect to such additional Indebtedness); (iv) at the time of the occurrence of
such transaction and after giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma
basis, the Consolidated Net Worth of such Person is equal to or greater than the
Consolidated Net Worth of the Issuer immediately prior to such transaction; (v)
each Guarantor, to the extent applicable, will by supplemental indenture confirm
that its Guarantee will apply to such Person's obligations under the Notes; (vi)
immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such transaction and
treating any Indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Issuer or any of
its Subsidiaries or of such Person as a result of such transaction as having
been incurred by the Issuer or such Subsidiary or such Person, as the case may
be, at the time of such transaction, no Default or Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing; and (vii) the Issuer shall have received an opinion of
outside counsel in Canada to the effect that (A) any payment of interest or
principal on the Notes by the Issuer to a Holder will, after the amalgamation,
consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other
disposition of assets, be exempt from Canadian withholding tax if the Holder is
or is deemed to be a non-resident of Canada, deals at arm's length with the
resulting, surviving or transferee Person for purposes of the Income Tax Act
(Canada) at the time of making the payment and (B) no other taxes on income
(including taxable capital gains) will be payable under the Income Tax Act
(Canada) by a Holder of the Notes who is or who is deemed to be a non-resident
of Canada in respect of the acquisition, ownership or disposition of the Notes,
including the receipt of interest, principal or premium thereon, provided that
such Holder does not use or hold, and is not deemed to use or hold the Notes in
carrying on a business in Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada)
and, in the case of a Holder of Notes who carries on an insurance business in
Canada and elsewhere, the Notes are not effectively connected with its Canadian
insurance business.
 
     No Guarantor will, and the Issuer and PAAC will not permit a Guarantor to,
in a single transaction or series of related transactions amalgamate, merge or
consolidate with or into any other corporation (other than the Issuer or any
other Guarantor) or other entity, or sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or
otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties and assets to
any entity (other than the Issuer or any other Guarantor) unless at the time and
giving effect thereto: (i) either (1) such Guarantor is the continuing
corporation or (2) the entity (if other than such Guarantor) formed by such
amalgamation, consolidation or into which such Guarantor is merged or the entity
which acquires by sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or disposition
the properties and assets of such Guarantor is a corporation duly organized and
validly existing under the laws of the United States of America, any state
thereof or the District of Columbia or of Canada or any province thereof and
expressly assumes by a supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the
Trustee, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations
of such Guarantor under the Notes and the Indenture; and (ii) immediately before
and immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing. The provisions of this paragraph will
not apply to any transaction (including any Asset Sale made in accordance with
"-- Limitations on Asset Sales" above) with respect to any Guarantor if the
Guarantee of such Guarantor is released in connection with such transaction in
accordance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture. Upon any sale,
exchange, transfer or other disposition to any Person of all of the Issuer's,
PAAC's or a Restricted Subsidiary's Equity Interests in, or all or substantially
all of the assets of, any Guarantor which is in compliance with the Indenture,
such Guarantor will be released from all its obligations under its Guarantee.
 
     In the event of any transaction (other than a lease) described in and
complying with the conditions listed in the immediately preceding paragraphs in
which the Issuer or any Guarantor is not the continuing corporation, the
successor Person formed or remaining will succeed to, and be substituted for,
and may exercise every right and power of, the Issuer or such Guarantor, as the
case may be, and the Issuer or such Guarantor, as the case may be, would be
discharged from its obligations under the Indenture, the Notes or its Guarantee,
as the case may be.
 
     The governing law of the Indenture and the Notes is New York law. New York
law offers no clear guidance as to the definition of the term "all or
substantially all" in the context of the "Limitations on Mergers; Sales of
Assets" covenant in an indenture such as the Indenture. To the extent that the
law of other jurisdictions does offer guidance as to the definition of the term,
such jurisdictions have applied a qualitative
 
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<PAGE>   126
 
test as well as quantitative tests to determine the meaning of "all or
substantially all" on a case-by-case basis. The lack of an established meaning
for the term "all or substantially all" could lead to uncertainty as to the
ability of the Holders of Notes to determine whether or not a transaction
governed by this "Limitations on Mergers; Sales of Assets" covenant has
occurred.
 
     Certain Guarantees. The Indenture provides that if (i) any Subsidiary of
PAAC becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after the Closing Date, (ii) the Issuer,
PAAC or any Subsidiary of PAAC that is a Guarantor transfers or causes to be
transferred, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, property or
assets (including, without limitation, businesses, divisions, real property,
assets or equipment) which in the aggregate have a value equal to or greater
than 15% of PAAC's and its Subsidiaries' total assets determined on a
consolidated basis as of the time of transfer to any Subsidiary or Subsidiaries
of PAAC that is not the Issuer or a Guarantor or are not Guarantors, (iii) any
Subsidiary of PAAC which has a value equal to or greater than 5% of PAAC's and
its Subsidiaries' total assets determined on a consolidated basis as of the time
of determination directly or indirectly guarantees or otherwise becomes
obligated with respect to any Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer or PAAC, or (iv)
any Subsidiary of PAAC becomes a guarantor of the Term Loans or the loans under
the Existing Term Facility after the Closing Date, the Issuer and PAAC will
cause such Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of PAAC to execute and deliver to the
Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which such Subsidiary or
Subsidiaries of PAAC will unconditionally guarantee all of the Issuer's
obligations under the Indenture and the Notes on the same terms as the other
Guarantors, which Guarantee will rank pari passu with any Senior Indebtedness of
such Subsidiary; provided, that clause (i) of this covenant will not apply to
any newly acquired or created Subsidiary organized outside of the United States
of America and conducting the majority of its business outside of the United
States of America for so long as the issuance of a guarantee by such Subsidiary
would result in a material increase in the aggregate amount of income tax
payable by PAAC on a consolidated basis and the Issuer shall deliver to the
Trustee an officers' certificate so stating.
 
     Transactions with Affiliates. The Indenture provides that the Issuer, PAAC
and the Restricted Subsidiaries will not, directly or indirectly, enter into any
transaction or series of related transactions with or for the benefit of any of
their respective Affiliates other than with the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted
Subsidiary, except on an arm's-length basis and if (x)(i) in the case of any
such transaction in which the aggregate rental value, remuneration or other
consideration (including the value of a loan), together with the aggregate
rental value, remuneration or other consideration (including the value of a
loan) of all such other transactions consummated in the year during which such
transaction is proposed to be consummated, exceeds $750,000, the Issuer delivers
board resolutions to the Trustee evidencing that the Board of Directors and the
Independent Directors that are disinterested each have (by a majority vote)
determined in good faith that the aggregate rental value, remuneration or other
consideration (including the value of any loan) inuring to the benefit of such
Affiliate from any such transaction is not greater than that which would be
charged to or extended by the Issuer, PAAC or its Subsidiaries, as the case may
be, on an arm's-length basis for similar properties, assets, rights, goods or
services by or to a Person not affiliated with the Issuer, PAAC or its
Subsidiaries, as the case may be, and (ii) in the case of any such transaction
in which the aggregate rental value, remuneration or other consideration
(including the value of any loan), together with the aggregate rental value,
remuneration or other consideration (including the value of any loan) of all
such other transactions consummated in the year during which such transactions
are proposed to be consummated, exceeds $7.5 million, the Issuer delivers to the
Trustee board resolutions as described in clause (x)(i) of this paragraph and an
opinion of an investment banking firm of national standing in the United States
of America, unaffiliated with the Issuer and the Affiliate which is party to
such transaction, to the effect that the aggregate rental price, remuneration or
other consideration (including the value of a loan) inuring to the benefit of
such Affiliate from any such transaction is not greater than that which would be
charged to or extended by the Issuer, PAAC or its Subsidiaries, as the case may
be, on an arm's-length basis for similar properties, assets, rights, goods or
services by or to a Person not affiliated with the Issuer, PAAC or its
Subsidiaries, as the case may be, and (y) all such transactions referred to in
clauses (x)(i) and (ii) are entered into in good faith. Any transaction required
to be approved by Independent Directors pursuant to the preceding paragraph must
be approved by at least one such Independent Director.
 
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     The provisions of the preceding paragraph do not prohibit (i) any
Restricted Payment permitted to be paid pursuant to the provisions of the
covenant described under "-- Limitations on Restricted Payments" other than with
respect to Investments described in the following clause (ii), (ii) any
Investment made in Kemwater during a period of three years following the Closing
Date, provided that such Investment matures or is required to be redeemed within
one year of its being made, (iii) any issuance of securities, or other payments,
awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding
of, employment arrangements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by
the Board of Directors, (iv) loans or advances to employees in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practices, not to exceed $500,000
aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time, (v) the payment of fees and
compensation paid to, and indemnity provided on behalf of, officers, directors,
employees or consultants of the Issuer, PAAC or any of their Subsidiaries, as
determined by the board of directors of the Issuer, PAAC or any of their
Subsidiaries in good faith and (vi) Existing Affiliate Agreements, including
amendments thereto entered into after the Closing Date provided that the terms
of any such amendment either (A) are not, in the aggregate, less favorable to
the Issuer than the terms of such agreement prior to such amendment, or (B) if
such terms are, in the aggregate, less favorable to the Issuer, such amendment
satisfies the requirements of the preceding paragraph.
 
     Limitation on Ownership of Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary Stock. The
Indenture provides that the Issuer and PAAC (a) will not, and will not permit
any Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC to, transfer, convey, sell or
otherwise dispose of any Capital Stock of any Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary
of PAAC (other than All-Pure and its subsidiaries) to any Person (other than the
Issuer, PAAC or a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC), unless (i) such
transfer, conveyance, sale or other disposition is of all the Capital Stock of
such Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC and (ii) the Net Proceeds from
such transfer, conveyance, sale, lease or other disposition are applied in
accordance with the covenant described under the caption "-- Limitations on
Asset Sales," and (b) will not permit any Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of
PAAC (other than All-Pure and its subsidiaries) to issue any of its Equity
Interests (other than, if necessary, Capital Stock constituting directors'
qualifying shares or interests held by directors or shares or interests required
to be held by foreign nationals, to the extent mandated by applicable law) to
any Person other than to the Issuer, PAAC or a Wholly-Owned Restricted
Subsidiary of PAAC of PAAC.
 
     Impairment of Security Interest. The Indenture provides that the Issuer and
PAAC will not, and will not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiaries to, take
or omit to take any action which action or omission might or would have the
result of affecting or impairing the Liens and security interest in favor of the
Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties with respect to the
Collateral and the Issuer will not grant to any Person, or suffer any Person to
have any interest whatsoever in the Collateral, in each case other than as
otherwise permitted by the Indenture, the Term Facility or the Security
Documents. The Issuer and PAAC will not, and will not cause or permit any
Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any agreement or instrument that by its
terms requires that the proceeds received from any sale of Collateral be applied
to repay, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire any Indebtedness of any
Person, other than pursuant to the Indenture or the Term Facility. A release of
any of the Collateral strictly in accordance with the terms and conditions of
the Indenture and the Security Documents will not be deemed for any purpose to
be an impairment of security under the Indenture.
 
     Amendment to Security Documents. The Indenture provides that the Issuer and
PAAC will not amend, modify or supplement, or permit or consent to any
amendment, modification or supplement of, the Security Documents in any manner
or to any extent that would constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture
or the Security Documents; provided that the Indenture and the Security
Documents may be amended, modified or supplemented as set forth under the
caption "Amendment, Supplement or Waiver."
 
     Stock Pledge Agreements. The Indenture provides that the Issuer and PAAC
will, and will cause the applicable Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of PAAC to,
execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent one or more stock pledge agreements
substantially in the form of the Stock Pledge Agreement securing the Senior
Secured Notes providing for the pledge to the Collateral Agent for the benefit
of itself and the Trustee, for itself and the Holders and the Term Loan Agent,
for itself and the other Term Loan Lenders, of all the Capital Stock of (i) the
Issuer and each of the Restricted Subsidiaries and (ii) each other Restricted
Subsidiary that (A) is
 
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<PAGE>   128
 
engaged in any business activity other than the holding of the Capital Stock of
one or more Subsidiaries of PAAC (or in the case of Imperial West, engaging in
any business activity other than the holding of its Investment in Kemwater) and
(B) has assets equal to or greater than 5% of PAAC's total assets determined on
a consolidated basis as of the time of determination, together with delivery to
the Collateral Agent of stock certificates evidencing such Capital Stock
(together with undated stock powers executed in blank), at such time as such
Capital Stock is not pledged for the benefit of the lenders under the Existing
Term Facility and the holders of the Senior Secured Notes. The Indenture
provides in certain limited circumstances for the release of the Issuer and PAAC
from compliance with, and the reinstatement of, this covenant.
 
     Provision of Financial Statements. The Indenture provides that, whether or
not PAAC is subject to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, PAAC will, to
the extent permitted under the Exchange Act, file with the Commission the annual
reports, quarterly reports and other documents which PAAC would have been
required to file with the Commission pursuant to such Section 13(a) or 15(d) if
PAAC were so subject, such documents to be filed with the Commission on or prior
to the respective dates (the "Required Filing Dates") by which PAAC would have
been required so to file such documents if PAAC were so subject. PAAC will also
in any event (x) within 15 days of each Required Filing Date (i) transmit by
mail to all holders of Notes, as their names and addresses appear in the
security register, without cost to such holders and (ii) file with the Trustee
copies of the annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents which PAAC
would have been required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a)
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if PAAC were subject to such Sections and (y) if
filing such documents by PAAC with the Commission is not permitted under the
Exchange Act, promptly upon written request and payment of the reasonable cost
of duplication and delivery, supply copies of such documents to any prospective
holder of Notes at PAAC's cost. Any financial statements contained in each of
such reports or other documents will be prepared in accordance with GAAP
consistently applied.
 
     Limitation on Applicability of Certain Covenants. The Indenture provides
that notwithstanding anything to the contrary therein, the covenants described
above entitled "Limitations on Indebtedness," "Limitations on Restricted
Payments," "Limitations on Liens," "Limitations on Payment Restrictions
Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries," "Limitations on Asset Sales" and
"Transactions with Affiliates" will not apply to transactions effected pursuant
to and in accordance with the Contingent Payment Agreement and amounts related
to such transactions will not be required to be included in any calculation
required by any such covenant. Such transactions include (i) any payment made by
the Issuer, PAAC or a Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) any assets or property
transferred by the Issuer, PAAC or a Restricted Subsidiary, (iii) the
application of any proceeds received by the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted
Subsidiary in connection with any transfer of assets or property made by such
Person, (iv) any escrow or segregation of moneys to be paid by the Issuer, PAAC
or a Restricted Subsidiary, (v) any Investment of such escrowed or segregated
moneys by the Issuer, PAAC or a Restricted Subsidiary or any other Investment
under the Contingent Payment Agreement, (vi) any obligation of the Issuer, PAAC
or a Restricted Subsidiary to make any such payments or to effect any such
escrow or segregation of moneys, (vii) any Indebtedness incurred by the Issuer,
PAAC or a Restricted Subsidiary that is non-recourse to the assets of the
Issuer, PAAC, such Restricted Subsidiary or any other Restricted Subsidiary,
other than the borrower's interest in Basic Investments, Victory Valley, the
Excess Land and/or any other assets or funds held under the Contingent Payment
Agreement, and as to which none of the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary
(other than the borrower) provides credit support or is directly or indirectly
liable, or (viii) any Lien incurred by the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted
Subsidiary in connection with Indebtedness described in clause (vii) above that
does not extend to assets of the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary other
than such Person's interest in Basic Investments, Victory Valley, the Excess
Land and/or any other assets or funds held under the Contingent Payment
Agreement.
 
     Additional Covenants. The Indenture also contains covenants with respect to
the following matters: (i) payment of principal, premium and interest; (ii)
maintenance of an office or agency in the City of New York; (iii) arrangements
regarding the handling of money held in trust; (iv) maintenance of corporate
existence; (v) payment of taxes and other claims; (vi) maintenance of
properties; and (vii) maintenance of insurance.
 
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<PAGE>   129
 
RELEASE OF COLLATERAL
 
     The Issuer will be permitted to sell Collateral in an Asset Sale and obtain
a release of the liens of the Security Documents in such Collateral only upon
compliance with the covenant described in "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitations
on Asset Sales" and only upon delivery to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent
of (a) a notice that, among other things, describes the interests to be
released, states the fair market value of the released interests as of a date no
later than 60 days before the date of such notice, and certifies that the
purchase price received is not less than the fair market value of such released
interest as of the date of such release, (b) the Net Proceeds of the Asset Sale,
(c) an officer's certificate certifying, among other things, the terms of the
Indenture governing Asset Sales and all other applicable terms have been
complied with, (d) an opinion of counsel as to the Asset Sale, and (e)
satisfactory title opinions confirming that the Liens of the Collateral Agent on
the remaining Collateral continue unimpaired as perfected first priority liens.
 
     To the extent Trust Moneys consist of insurance proceeds or condemnation or
other taking awards, any such moneys which may be used to effect a restoration
of the affected Collateral will be permitted to be withdrawn by the Issuer and
paid by the Collateral Agent, at the direction of the Trustee, upon a request by
the Issuer to reimburse the Issuer for expenditures made or costs incurred to
repair, rebuild or replace the destroyed, damaged, or taken Collateral, and upon
delivery of (a) an officer's certificate certifying, among other things, as to
expenditures made or costs incurred, the necessity or desirability in the
conduct of the Issuer's business of the repaired, rebuilt, replaced property,
and the fair market value of such property as of the date of the expenditures,
(b) an opinion of counsel as to the validity and perfection of the Collateral
Agent's lien on the repaired or replaced Collateral and (c) an architect's
certificate as to the costs of such restoration and compliance with law.
 
     To the extent Trust Moneys consist of proceeds of an Asset Sale involving
Collateral, and the Issuer intends to reinvest such proceeds in the Issuer or in
one or more Restricted Subsidiaries in a Related Business, such Trust Moneys
will be permitted to be withdrawn by the Issuer upon request to the Trustee and
upon receipt by the Trustee and the Collateral Agent of (a) notice of such
withdrawal, (b) an officer's certificate certifying compliance with the
Indenture, (c) instruments granting the Collateral Agent first priority liens,
for the benefit of the Secured Parties, on the real or personal property
interests in which the Issuer or Restricted Subsidiary have invested, and (d) an
opinion of counsel as to the instruments governing such liens and security
interests.
 
     Trust Moneys will be permitted to be applied from time to time (x) to the
payment of principal and interest on the Notes, or (y) to the extent otherwise
permitted by the Indenture, to redeem or repurchase Notes, including without
limitation pursuant to a Change of Control Offer or (to the extent such Trust
Moneys constitute proceeds from Asset Sales) an Asset Sale Offer, or (z) at the
direction of the Issuer to pay any other Senior Indebtedness secured by liens in
the Collateral (but only to the extent such Trust Moneys constitute proceeds
from Asset Sales), in each case upon receipt by the Trustee and the Collateral
Agent of (a) resolutions of the boards of directors of the Issuer directing such
application, (b) cash equaling the accrued interest, if any, required to be paid
in connection with such payment or purchase, (c) an officer's certificate, and
(d) an opinion of counsel. Trust Moneys received by the Collateral Agent or the
Trustee pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer remaining after the completion of such
Asset Sale Offer will be permitted to be withdrawn by the Issuer upon request of
the Issuer and delivery of an officer's certificate and an opinion of counsel.
 
     The Indenture provides that any release of Collateral, including Trust
Moneys, will be subject to the provisions of Section 314(d) of the Trust
Indenture Act relating to, among other things, the delivery of a certificate or
an opinion of an engineer, appraiser or other expert as to the fair value of
Collateral being released from the Liens of the Security Documents.
 
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
     "Affiliate" means, with respect to any party, any Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such party including any estate or trust under will of such party.
For purposes of this definition, "control" (including, with correlative
meanings, the terms "controlling,"
 
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"controlled by" and "under common control with"), as used with respect to any
Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or
cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether
through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise; provided,
however, that beneficial ownership of 5% or more of the voting securities of a
Person will be deemed to be control.
 
     "Asset Sale" means, with respect to the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted
Subsidiary, the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition (including, without
limitation, by way of merger or consolidation, and whether by operation of law
or otherwise) to any Person other than the Issuer, PAAC or a Wholly-Owned
Restricted Subsidiary of any of the Issuer's, PAAC's or such Restricted
Subsidiary's assets (including, without limitation, (x) any sale or other
disposition of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary and (y) any sale or
other disposition of any noncash consideration received by the Issuer, PAAC or
such Restricted Subsidiary from any prior transaction or series of related
transactions that constituted an Asset Sale under the Indenture), whether owned
on the date of the Indenture or subsequently acquired, in one transaction or a
series of related transactions: provided, however, that the following will not
constitute Asset Sales: (i) transactions (other than transactions described in
clause (y) above) in any calendar year with aggregate cash and/or Fair Market
Value of any other consideration received (including, without limitation, the
unconditional assumption of Indebtedness) of less than $1.0 million; (ii) a
transaction or series of related transactions that results in a Change in
Control; (iii) any sale of assets of the Issuer, PAAC and its Restricted
Subsidiaries or merger permitted under the covenant described under "Certain
Covenants -- Limitations on Mergers; Sales of Assets"; (iv) any sale or other
disposition of inventory, property (whether real, personal or mixed) or
equipment that has become worn out, obsolete or damaged or otherwise unsuitable
or no longer needed for use in connection with the business of the Issuer, PAAC
or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, in the good faith
determination of the Board of Directors; and (v) any sale of inventory to
customers in the ordinary and customary course of business.
 
     "Attributable Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Sale and Leaseback
Transaction, as at the time of determination, the greater of (i) the Fair Market
Value of the property subject to such transaction and (ii) the present value
(discounted at a rate equivalent to the Issuer's then current weighted average
cost of funds for borrowed money, compounded on a semi-annual basis) of the
total net obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the remaining
term of the lease included in such arrangement (including any period for which
such lease has been extended). As used in the preceding sentence, the "total net
obligations of the lessee for rental payments" under any lease for any such
period means the sum of rental and other payments required to be paid with
respect to such period by the lessee thereunder excluding any amounts required
to be paid by such lessee on account of maintenance and repairs, insurance,
taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges. In the case of any lease
which is terminable by the lessee upon payment of a penalty, such net amount of
rent also includes the amount of such penalty, but no rent will be considered as
required to be paid under such lease subsequent to the first date upon which it
may be so terminated.
 
     "Bankruptcy Law" means the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), the
Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada), the Winding-up Act (Canada),
Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended, or any other
Canadian federal, Canadian provincial, United States federal or United States
state law or the law of any other jurisdiction relating to bankruptcy,
insolvency, receivership, winding-up, liquidation, reorganization or relief of
debtors or any amendment to, succession to or change in any such law.
 
     "Basic Investments" means Basic Investments, Inc., a Nevada corporation.
 
     "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of the Issuer and/or PAAC
or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such Board.
 
     "Borrowing Base" means, as of any date, an amount equal to the sum of (a)
85% of the net book value of all accounts receivable of the Issuer, PAAC and the
Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date, (b) 50% of the net book value of all
inventory owned by the Issuer, PAAC and the Restricted Subsidiaries as of such
date, and (c) the lesser of (x) $10.0 million and (y) 85% of the net book value
of all accounts receivable of Kemwater as of such date plus 50% of the net book
value of all inventory as of such date owned by Kemwater, all calculated on a
consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP. To the extent that information
is not available as to the amount of accounts receivable or inventory as of a
specific date, the Issuer may utilize the
 
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<PAGE>   131
 
most recent available quarterly or annual financial report of the Issuer, PAAC
or the Restricted Subsidiaries for purposes of calculating the Borrowing Base.
 
     "Capital Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any common stock,
preferred stock and any other capital stock of such Person and shares,
interests, participations or other ownership interest (however designated), of
any Person and any rights (other than debt securities convertible into, or
exchangeable for, capital stock), warrants or options to purchase any of the
foregoing, including (without limitation) each class of common stock and
preferred stock of such Person if such Person is a corporation and each general
and limited partnership interest of such Person if such Person is a partnership.
 
     "Capitalized Lease Obligation" means Indebtedness represented by
obligations under a lease that is required to be capitalized for financial
reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP and the amount of such Indebtedness
will be the capitalized amount of such obligations determined in accordance with
GAAP.
 
     "Cash Flow" for any period means the Consolidated Net Income of PAAC, the
Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, plus the following to
the extent included in calculating such Consolidated Net Income: (i)
Consolidated Interest Expense, (ii) income tax expense and (iii) depreciation,
depletion and amortization expense.
 
     "Closing Date" means November 5, 1997.
 
     "Consolidated Cash Flow Coverage Ratio" as of any date of determination
means the ratio of (i) the aggregate amount of Cash Flow for the period of the
most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters for which internal financial
statements are available prior to the date of such determination to (ii)
Consolidated Interest Expense for such four fiscal quarters of the Issuer, PAAC
and the Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however, that (A) if the Issuer, PAAC
or any Restricted Subsidiary has incurred any Indebtedness since the beginning
of such period that remains outstanding or if the transaction giving rise to the
need to calculate the Consolidated Cash Flow Coverage Ratio is an incurrence of
Indebtedness, or both, Cash Flow and Consolidated Interest Expense for such
period will be calculated after giving effect on a pro forma basis to such
Indebtedness as if such Indebtedness had been issued on the first day of such
period and the discharge of any other Indebtedness repaid, repurchased, defeased
or otherwise discharged with the proceeds of such new Indebtedness as if such
discharge had occurred on the first day of such period, (B) if since the
beginning of such period the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary has made
any Asset Sale, the Cash Flow for such period will be reduced by an amount equal
to the Cash Flow (if positive), directly attributable to the assets which are
the subject of such Asset Sale for such period, or increased by an amount equal
to the Cash Flow (if negative), directly attributable thereto for such period
and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period will be reduced by an amount
equal to the Consolidated Interest Expense directly attributable to any
Indebtedness of the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary repaid,
repurchased, defeased or otherwise discharged with respect to the Issuer, PAAC
and its continuing Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any such sale or
other disposition for such period (or, if the Capital Stock of any Subsidiary is
sold, the Consolidated Interest Expense for such period directly attributable to
the Indebtedness of such Subsidiary to the extent the Issuer, PAAC and its
continuing Restricted Subsidiaries are no longer liable for such Indebtedness
after such sale), (C) if since the beginning of such period the Issuer, PAAC or
any Restricted Subsidiary (by merger or otherwise) has made an Investment in any
Restricted Subsidiary (or any Person which becomes a Restricted Subsidiary) or
an acquisition of assets, including any acquisition of assets occurring in
connection with a transaction causing a calculation to be made under the
Indenture, which constitutes all or substantially all of an operating unit of a
business, Cash Flow and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period will be
calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto (including the incurrence of
any Indebtedness) as if such Investment or acquisition occurred on the first day
of such period and (D) in making such computation, Consolidated Interest Expense
attributable to any Indebtedness incurred under any revolving credit facility
will be computed based on the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during
such period. For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be
given to an acquisition of assets, the amount of income or earnings relating
thereto, and the amount of Consolidated Interest Expense associated with any
Indebtedness incurred in connection therewith, the pro forma calculations will
be determined in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of
the Issuer. If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being
 
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<PAGE>   132
 
given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness will be calculated as
if the rate in effect on the date of determination had been the applicable rate
for the entire period.
 
     "Consolidated Indebtedness" means the Indebtedness of the Issuer, PAAC and
its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in
conformity with GAAP.
 
     "Consolidated Interest Expense" means, for any period, interest expense of
the Issuer, PAAC and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries, excluding
amortization of any deferred financing fees, plus, to the extent not included in
such interest expense, (i) interest expense attributable to Capitalized Lease
Obligations, (ii) amortization of debt discount and debt issuance cost, (iii)
capitalized interest, (iv) non-cash interest expense, (v) commissions, discounts
and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers'
acceptance financing, (vi) interest actually paid by the Issuer, PAAC or any
such Restricted Subsidiary under any guarantee of Indebtedness or other
obligation of any other Person, (vii) net costs associated with Hedging
Obligations (including amortization of fees), (viii) Preferred Stock dividends
in respect of all Redeemable Stock of the Issuer or PAAC held by Persons other
than the Issuer, PAAC or a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC and (ix)
the cash contributions to any employee stock ownership plan or similar trust to
the extent such contributions are used by such plan or trust to pay interest or
fees to any Person (other than the Issuer or PAAC) in connection with loans
incurred by such plan or trust to purchase newly issued or treasury shares of
the Capital Stock of the Issuer or PAAC.
 
     "Consolidated Net Income" means, for any period, and as to any Person, the
aggregate Net Income of such Person and its Subsidiaries (other than, in the
case of the Issuer or PAAC, the Unrestricted Subsidiaries) for such period
determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that (i) the Net Income of any
Person which is not a Subsidiary of such Person but which is consolidated with
such Person or is accounted for by such Person by the equity method of
accounting will be included only to the extent of the amount of cash dividends
or cash distributions paid to such Person or a Wholly-Owned Restricted
Subsidiary of such Person (other than, in the case of the Issuer or PAAC, the
Unrestricted Subsidiaries), (ii) the Net Income of any Person acquired by such
Person or a Subsidiary of such Person in a pooling of interests transaction for
any period prior to the date of such acquisition will be excluded, (iii) the Net
Income of any Subsidiary of such Person that is subject to restrictions, direct
or indirect, on the payment of dividends or the making of distributions to such
Person will be excluded to the extent of such restrictions, (iv) the Net Income
of (A) any Unrestricted Subsidiary and (B) any Subsidiary less than 80% of whose
securities having the right (apart from the right under special circumstances)
to vote in the election of directors are owned by the Issuer, PAAC or the
Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiaries of PAAC will be included only to the extent
of the amount of cash dividends or cash distributions actually paid by such
Subsidiary to the Issuer, PAAC or a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC,
(v) in the case of the Issuer or PAAC, the Net Income attributable to any
business, properties or assets acquired (by way of merger, consolidation,
purchase or otherwise) by the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary for any
period prior to the date of such acquisition will be excluded, (vi) all
extraordinary gains and losses, and any gain or loss realized upon the
termination of any employee pension benefit plan, in respect of dispositions of
assets other than in the ordinary course of business and any one-time increase
or decrease to Net Income which is required to be recorded because of the
adoption of new accounting policies, practices or standards required by GAAP
(together, in each case, with any provision for taxes) will be excluded, and
(vii) all amounts of "other income, net" classified as such on one or more lines
of such Person's statement of operations, in accordance with GAAP, net of
applicable income taxes, will be excluded from such Person's aggregate Net
Income; provided that in the case of the Issuer or PAAC the foregoing exclusion
will not apply to cash dividends or cash distributions paid to PAAC in respect
of its indirect equity interest in Saguaro Power Company, a Limited Partnership,
to the extent included in clause (i) of this definition.
 
     "Consolidated Net Worth" means, for any Person, the total of the amounts
shown on the balance sheet of such Person and its consolidated Subsidiaries,
determined on a consolidated basis without duplication in accordance with GAAP,
as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter of such Person ending at least
45 days prior to the taking of any action for the purpose of which the
determination is being made, as (i) the amount of Capital Stock (other than
Redeemable Stock) plus (ii) the amount of surplus and retained earnings (or, in
the case of a surplus or retained earnings deficit, minus the amount of such
deficit).
 
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<PAGE>   133
 
     "Contingent Payment Agreement" means the Contingent Payment Agreement dated
as of April 20, 1995 among Pioneer, PAAC and the Sellers named therein.
 
     "Credit Facility" means any revolving credit facility or similar
arrangement that makes credit available entered into by and among the Issuer,
PAAC and/or any Guarantor and the lending institutions party thereto, including
any credit agreement, related notes, guarantees, collateral documents,
instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and in each case as
amended, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced from time to time.
 
     "Eligible Investments" means, (i) securities issued or directly and fully
guaranteed or insured by Canada or the United States of America or any agency or
instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of Canada or
the United States of America is pledged in support thereof) having maturities of
not more than 90 days from the date of acquisition, (ii) time deposits and
certificates of deposit with maturities of not more than 90 days from the date
of acquisition, of any commercial banking institution to which the Bank Act
(Canada) applies or that is a member of the Federal Reserve System having
capital and surplus in excess of $500.0 million, whose debt has a rating at the
time of any such investment of at least "A-2" or the equivalent thereof by
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or at least "P-2" or the equivalent thereof by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc., or any bank or financial institution party to
the Term Facility, the Existing Term Facility or the Revolving Facility, (iii)
fully secured repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for
underlying securities of the types described in clause (i) entered into with any
bank or financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause
(ii) above, (iv) commercial paper issued by any commercial banking institution
to which the Bank Act (Canada) applies or that is a member of the Federal
Reserve System having capital and surplus in excess of $500.0 million and
commercial paper or master notes of issuers, rated at the time of any such
investment at least "A-2" or the equivalent thereof by Standard & Poor's Ratings
Group or at least "P-2" or the equivalent thereof by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc., or any bank or financial institution party to the Term Facility, the
Existing Term Facility or the Revolving Facility, and in each case maturing
within 270 days after the date of acquisition, and (v) any shares in an open-end
mutual fund organized by a bank or financial institution having combined capital
and surplus of at least $500.0 million investing solely in investments permitted
by the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iv).
 
     "Equity Interests" means shares, interests, participations or other
equivalents (however designated) of Capital Stock and all warrants, options or
other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security which is
convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).
 
     "Equity Offering" means an offering of Equity Interests (other than
Redeemable Stock) of any Person made on a primary basis by such Person
(including a rights offering to existing stockholders of such Person), which
yields gross proceeds to such Person of $15.0 million or more.
 
     "Excess Land" means certain real property adjoining the sites of PCAC's
Henderson, Nevada and St. Gabriel, Louisiana plants and the Mojave, California
property owned by Imperial West that is not used in the business conducted at
such sites, which real property is referred to and defined in the Contingent
Payment Agreement as the "Subject Parcels."
 
     "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
     "Exchange Notes" means notes issued pursuant to any Exchange Offer
Registration Statement.
 
     "Exchange Offer Registration Statement" means the registration statement to
be filed by the Issuer and the Guarantors with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") with respect to an offer to exchange the Notes for
another series of notes of the Issuer with substantially identical terms to the
Notes.
 
     "Existing Affiliate Agreements" means (i) agreements between Pioneer
Americas, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries and Saguaro Power Company, a Limited
Partnership, relating to the delivery of steam and other services, existing on
the date of the Indenture and listed on a schedule thereto, (ii) the Tax Sharing
Agreement of Pioneer and its subsidiaries, (iii) agreements between Pioneer
Americas, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries and Basic Investments relating to the
delivery of water and power, power transmission services, and other services,
existing on the date of the Indenture and listed on a schedule thereto and (iv)
any other
 
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<PAGE>   134
 
agreements with affiliates of PAAC or the Issuer, existing on the date of the
Indenture and listed on a schedule thereto.
 
     "Existing Indebtedness" means all Indebtedness (other than the Term Loans
and the Revolving Loans outstanding) of the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted
Subsidiary existing on the date of the Indenture and listed on a schedule
thereto.
 
     "Fair Market Value" means, with respect to any asset or property, the price
which could be negotiated in an arm's-length transaction, for cash, between a
willing seller and a willing buyer, neither of whom is under undue pressure or
compulsion to complete the transaction. Fair Market Value will be determined by
a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Issuer, and a
majority of the disinterested members of such Board of Directors, if any, acting
in good faith and will be evidenced by a duly and properly adopted resolution of
the Board of Directors.
 
     "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
of America set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting
Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and
statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in
such other statements by such other entity as approved by a significant segment
of the accounting profession, which are in effect from time to time.
 
     "Hedging Obligations" means the obligations of any Person or entity
pursuant to any swap or cap agreement, exchange agreement, collar agreement,
option, futures or forward hedging contract, derivative instrument or other
similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect such Person or entity
against fluctuations in interest rates or foreign exchange rates or the price of
raw materials and other chemical products used or produced in the Issuer and
PAAC's business, as the case may be.
 
     "incur" has the meaning ascribed thereto in the covenant described under
"-- Certain Covenants -- Limitations on Indebtedness"; provided that (a) with
respect to any Indebtedness of the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary
that is owing to the Issuer, PAAC or another Restricted Subsidiary, any
disposition, pledge or transfer of such Indebtedness to any Person (other than
the Issuer, PAAC or a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary) will be deemed to be
an incurrence of such Indebtedness and (b) with respect to any Indebtedness of
the Issuer, PAAC or a Restricted Subsidiary that is owing to another Restricted
Subsidiary, any transaction pursuant to which a Wholly-Owned Restricted
Subsidiary to which such Indebtedness is owing ceases to be a Wholly-Owned
Restricted Subsidiary will be deemed to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness,
and provided, further that any Indebtedness of a Person existing at the time
such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary will be deemed to be incurred by
such Restricted Subsidiary at the time it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary. The
term "incurrence" has a corresponding meaning.
 
     "Indebtedness" of any Person means, without duplication, all liabilities
with respect to (i) indebtedness for money borrowed or which is evidenced by a
bond, debenture, note or other similar instrument or agreement, but excluding
trade credit evidenced by any such instrument or agreement; (ii) reimbursement
obligations, letters of credit and bankers' acceptances; (iii) indebtedness with
respect to Hedging Obligations; (iv) Capitalized Lease Obligations; (v)
indebtedness, secured or unsecured, created or arising in connection with the
acquisition or improvement of any property or asset or the acquisition of any
business; (vi) all indebtedness secured by any Lien upon property owned by such
Person and all indebtedness secured in the manner specified in this clause even
if such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment thereof; (vii)
all indebtedness of such Person created or arising under any conditional sale or
other title retention agreement with respect to property acquired by such Person
or otherwise representing the deferred and unpaid balance of the purchase price
of any such property, including all indebtedness created or arising in the
manner specified in this clause even though the rights and remedies of the
seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to
repossession or sale of such property; (viii) guarantees, direct or indirect, of
any indebtedness of other Persons referred to in clauses (i) through (vii)
above, or of dividends or leases, taxes or other obligations of other Persons,
excluding any guarantee arising out of the endorsement of negotiable instruments
for collection in the ordinary course of business; (ix) contingent obligations
in respect of, or to purchase or otherwise acquire or be responsible or liable
for, through the purchase of products or services, irrespective of whether such
products are delivered or such services are rendered, or otherwise, any such
 
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<PAGE>   135
 
indebtedness referred to in clauses (i) through (vii) above; (x) any obligation,
contingent or otherwise, arising under any surety, performance or maintenance
bond; and (xi) Redeemable Stock of the Issuer or PAAC valued at the greater of
its voluntary or involuntary maximum fixed repurchase price plus accrued and
unpaid dividends; which indebtedness, Capitalized Lease Obligation, guarantee or
contingent or other obligation such Person has directly or indirectly created,
incurred, assumed, guaranteed or otherwise become liable or responsible for,
whether then outstanding or thereafter created in the case of clauses (i)
through (x) above, to the extent any of the foregoing indebtedness (other than
letters of credit and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability on the
balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of the
foregoing definition, the "maximum fixed repurchase price" of any Redeemable
Stock which does not have a fixed repurchase price will be calculated in
accordance with the terms of such Redeemable Stock as if such Redeemable Stock
were purchased on any date on which Indebtedness is required to be determined
pursuant to the Indenture. As used herein, Indebtedness with respect to any
Hedging Obligation means, with respect to any specified Person on any date, the
net amount (if any) that would be payable by such specified Person upon the
liquidation, close-out or early termination on such date of such Hedging
Obligation. For purposes of the foregoing, any settlement amount payable upon
the liquidation, close-out or early termination of a Hedging Obligation will be
calculated by the Issuer in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner
on the basis that such liquidation, close-out or early termination results from
an event of default or other similar event with respect to such specified
Person. Any reference in this definition to indebtedness will be deemed to
include any renewals, extensions and refundings of any such indebtedness or any
indebtedness issued in exchange for such indebtedness.
 
     "Independent Director" means a director of the Issuer and/or PAAC other
than a director (i) who (apart from being a director of the Issuer, PAAC or any
of its Subsidiaries) is an employee, insider, associate or Affiliate of the
Issuer, PAAC or any of their Subsidiaries or has held any such position during
the previous year or (ii) who is a director, an employee, insider, associate or
Affiliate of another party to the transaction in question.
 
     "Investment" means any direct or indirect advance, loan, other extension of
credit or capital contribution (by means of any transfer of cash or other
property to others or any payment for property or services for the account or
use of others) to, purchase or acquisition of Equity Interests, bonds, notes,
debentures or other securities of, or purchase or other acquisition of all or a
substantial part of the business, Equity Interests or other evidence of
beneficial ownership of, or any other investment in or guarantee of any
Indebtedness of, any Person or any other item that would be classified as an
investment on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP. Investments do
not include advances to customers and suppliers in the ordinary course of
business and on commercially reasonable terms. If the Issuer, PAAC or any
Subsidiary of either sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any
direct or indirect Subsidiary of either such that, after giving effect to any
such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Subsidiary of either, the
Issuer, PAAC or such Subsidiary shall be deemed to have made an Investment on
the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the Fair Market Value of the
Equity Interests of such Subsidiary not sold or disposed of determined as
provided in the final paragraph of the covenant described under "-- Certain
Covenants -- Limitations on Restricted Payments."
 
     "Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest, charge or
encumbrance of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention
agreement and any lease in the nature thereof).
 
     "Net Cash Proceeds" means, with respect to any issuance or sale of Equity
Interests or debt securities that have been converted into or exchanged for
Equity Interests, as referred to under "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitations on
Restricted Payments," the proceeds of such issuance or sale in the form of cash
or cash equivalents, net of attorneys' fees, accountants' fees and brokerage,
consultation, underwriting and other fees and expenses actually incurred in
connection with such issuance or sale and net of taxes paid or payable as a
result thereof.
 
     "Net Income" of any Person, for any period, means the net income (loss) of
such Person and its subsidiaries (other than, in the case of the Issuer or PAAC,
the Unrestricted Subsidiaries) determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
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<PAGE>   136
 
     "Net Proceeds" means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Issuer,
PAAC or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale
(including, without limitation, the proceeds of insurance paid on account of the
loss of or damage to any property, or compensation or other proceeds for any
property taken by condemnation, eminent domain or similar proceedings, and any
non-cash consideration received by the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary
from any Asset Sale that is converted into or sold or otherwise disposed of for
cash within 90 days after the relevant Asset Sale), net of (i) the direct costs
relating to such Asset Sale (including, without limitation, legal, accounting
and investment banking fees and sales commissions), (ii) any taxes paid or
payable as a result thereof, (iii) all amounts required to be applied to the
repayment of, or representing the amount of permanent reductions in the
commitments relating to, Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the asset or assets
the subject of such Asset Sale which Lien is permitted pursuant to the terms of
the Indenture, (iv) any reserve for adjustment in respect of the sale price of
such asset or assets required by GAAP, (v) all distributions and other payments
required to be made (including any amounts held pending distribution) to
minority interest holders in Subsidiaries or joint ventures as a result of such
Asset Sale, and (vi) all payments due under Existing Affiliate Agreements
arising out of an Asset Sale. The amount of any taxes required to be accrued as
a liability under GAAP as a consequence of an Asset Sale will be the amount
thereof as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Issuer.
 
     "Permitted Investment" means (i) any Eligible Investment, (ii) any
Investment in the Issuer, (iii) Investments in existence on the Closing Date,
and any such Investment in Basic Investments, Basic Land Company, Basic
Management, Inc., Basic Water Company or Victory Valley which has been
reclassified or converted into an alternate form of Investment in the same or a
successor entity, (iv) intercompany notes permitted under clause (f) of the
covenant described under "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitations on Indebtedness,"
(v) Investments in any Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary or any Person which,
as a result of such Investment, becomes a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary;
provided that such Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary is engaged in a Related
Business, and (vi) other Investments after the Closing Date in joint ventures,
corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships or Unrestricted
Subsidiaries engaged in a Related Business that do not at any one time
outstanding exceed $5.0 million; provided that the amount of Investments
pursuant to clause (vi) will be included in the calculation of Restricted
Payments pursuant to the covenant described under "-- Certain
Covenants -- Limitations on Restricted Payments."
 
     "Permitted Liens" means as of any particular time, any one or more of the
following:
 
          (a) Liens for taxes, rates and assessments not yet past due or, if
     past due, the validity of which is being contested in good faith by the
     Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary by appropriate proceedings
     promptly instituted and diligently conducted and against which the Issuer
     or PAAC has established appropriate reserves in accordance with GAAP;
 
          (b) the Lien of any judgment rendered which is being contested in good
     faith by the Issuer, PAAC or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries by
     appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted and
     against which the Issuer or PAAC has established appropriate reserves in
     accordance with GAAP and which does not have a material adverse effect on
     the ability of the Issuer, PAAC and the Restricted Subsidiaries to operate
     their business or operations;
 
          (c) other than in connection with Indebtedness, any Lien arising in
     the ordinary course of business (i) to secure payments of workers'
     compensation, unemployment insurance, pension or other social security or
     retirement benefits, or to secure the performance of bids, tenders, leases,
     progress payments, contracts (other than for the payment of money) or to
     secure public or statutory obligations of the Issuer, PAAC, or any
     Restricted Subsidiary, or to secure surety or appeal bonds to which the
     Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary is a party, (ii) imposed by law
     dealing with materialmen's, mechanics', workmen's, repairmen's,
     warehousemen's, landlords', vendors' or carriers' Liens created by law, or
     deposits or pledges which are not yet due or, if due, the validity of which
     is being contested in good faith by the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted
     Subsidiaries by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently
     conducted and against which the Issuer or PAAC has established appropriate
     reserves in accordance with GAAP, (iii) rights of financial institutions to
     set off and chargeback arising by operation of law and (iv) similar Liens;
 
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<PAGE>   137
 
          (d) servitudes, licenses, easements, encumbrances, restrictions,
     rights-of-way and rights in the nature of easements or similar charges
     which will not in the aggregate materially adversely impair the use of the
     subject property by the Issuer, PAAC or a Restricted Subsidiary;
 
          (e) zoning and building by-laws and ordinances, municipal bylaws and
     regulations, and restrictive covenants, which do not materially interfere
     with the use of the subject property by the Issuer, PAAC or a Restricted
     Subsidiary as such property is used as of the date of the Indenture; and
 
          (f) any extension, renewal, substitution or replacement (or successive
     extensions, renewals, substitutions or replacements), as a whole or in
     part, of any of the Liens referred to in clauses (a) through (e) of this
     definition or the Indebtedness secured thereby; provided that (i) such
     extension, renewal, substitution or replacement Lien is limited to that
     portion of the property or assets, now owned or hereafter acquired, that
     secured the Lien prior to such extension, renewal, substitution or
     replacement Lien and (ii) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien (assuming
     all available amounts were borrowed) at such time is not increased.
 
     "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability
company, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated
organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any
other entity.
 
     "Preferred Stock," as applied to the Equity Interests of any corporation,
means stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred over
shares of stock of any other class of such corporation as to the distribution of
assets on any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such
corporation or as to dividends.
 
     "Redeemable Stock" means any Equity Interest that by its terms or otherwise
(i) is required to be redeemed prior to the maturity of the Notes, (ii) matures
or is redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Issuer, PAAC, any
Subsidiary or the holder thereof or pursuant to a mandatory sinking fund at any
time prior to the maturity of the Notes, or (iii) is convertible into or
exchangeable for debt securities which provide for any scheduled payment of
principal prior to the maturity of the Notes at the option of the issuer at any
time prior to the maturity of the Notes, until the right to so convert or
exchange is irrevocably relinquished.
 
     "Related Business" means any corporation or other entity engaged in, and
any asset utilized in, the manufacture or distribution of chlorine, caustic
soda, bleach, hydrochloric acid, iron and other chlorides and aluminum sulfate,
and in lines of business reasonably related thereto.
 
     "Restricted Investment" means any Investment other than a Permitted
Investment.
 
     "Restricted Subsidiary" means (i) any Guarantor which is a Subsidiary of
PAAC (other than the Issuer), (ii) any Subsidiary of PAAC in existence on the
date hereof to which any line of business or division (and the assets associated
therewith) of any Guarantor are transferred after the date of the Indenture,
(iii) any Subsidiary of the Issuer or of PAAC organized or acquired after the
date of the Indenture, unless such Subsidiary has been designated as an
Unrestricted Subsidiary by a resolution of the Board of Directors as provided in
the definition of "Unrestricted Subsidiary" and (iv) any Unrestricted Subsidiary
which is designated as a Restricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors;
provided, that immediately after giving effect to any such designation (A) no
Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and (B) in the case
of any designation referred to in clause (iii) or (iv) hereof, the Issuer could
incur at least $1.00 of Indebtedness pursuant to the covenant described in the
initial paragraph under "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitations on Indebtedness,"
on a pro forma basis taking into account such designation. The Issuer will
evidence any such designation to the Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee
an officers' certificate certifying that such designation has been made and
complies with the requirements of the immediately preceding sentence.
Notwithstanding any provision of the Indenture to the contrary, each Guarantor
will be a Restricted Subsidiary.
 
     "Sale and Leaseback Transaction" with respect to any Person, means any
arrangement with another Person for the leasing of any real or tangible personal
property, which property has been or is to be sold or transferred by such Person
to such other Person in contemplation of such leasing.
 
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<PAGE>   138
 
     "Security Documents" means the Intercreditor Agreement and all security
agreements, deeds of trust, pledges, hypothecs, debentures, debenture pledges,
bonds, bond pledges, pledge agreements, collateral assignments or any other
instrument evidencing or creating any security interest or lien in favor of the
Collateral Agent in all or any portion of the Collateral, in each case as
amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
 
     "Senior Indebtedness" means the principal of, premium, if any, and interest
on any Indebtedness of the Issuer, PAAC or the Restricted Subsidiaries, whether
outstanding on the date of the Indenture or thereafter incurred as permitted by
the Indenture, unless, in the case of any particular Indebtedness, the agreement
or instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same is
outstanding expressly provides that such Indebtedness is junior or subordinated
in right of payment to any item of Indebtedness of the Issuer, PAAC or the
Restricted Subsidiaries. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
"Senior Indebtedness" includes the principal of, premium, if any, and interest
and all other obligations of every nature of the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted
Subsidiary from time to time owed under the New Credit Facilities, the Existing
Term Facility and the Senior Secured Notes, as the case may be. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, "Senior Indebtedness" does not include (i) in the case of the
obligation of the Issuer in respect of each Note, the obligation of PAAC in
respect of the other Notes, (ii) any liability for foreign, federal, state,
provincial, local or other taxes owed or owing by the Issuer, PAAC or any
Restricted Subsidiary to the extent that such liability constitutes
Indebtedness, (iii) Indebtedness of the Issuer to PAAC, or of the Issuer or PAAC
to any Restricted Subsidiary or of PAAC to the Issuer or any Restricted
Subsidiary or of any Restricted Subsidiary to the Issuer, PAAC or another
Restricted Subsidiary, (iv) that portion of any Indebtedness which at the time
of issuance is issued in violation of the Indenture and (v) Indebtedness and
amounts incurred in connection with obtaining goods, materials or services in
the ordinary course of business (other than such Indebtedness which is owed to
banks and other financial institutions or secured by the goods or materials
which were purchased with such Indebtedness).
 
     "Subordinated Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of the Issuer, PAAC or any
Guarantor subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or any Guarantee, as the
case may be.
 
     "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, (i) any corporation of
which the outstanding Capital Stock having at least a majority of the votes
entitled to be cast in the election of directors, under ordinary circumstances,
is at the time owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person, by such Person and
one or more of its Subsidiaries or by one or more of such Person's Subsidiaries
or (ii) any other Person or entity of which at least a majority of voting
interest, under ordinary circumstances, is at the time owned, directly or
indirectly, by such Person, by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries
or by one or more of such Person's Subsidiaries.
 
     "Trust Moneys" means all cash or Eligible Investments received by the
Collateral Agent: (a) in exchange for the release of property from the Lien of
any of the Security Documents; or (b) as compensation for or proceeds of the
sale of all or any part of the Collateral taken by eminent domain or purchased
by, or sold pursuant to any order of, a governmental authority or otherwise
disposed of or (c) as proceeds of insurance upon any, all or part of the
Collateral (other than any liability insurance proceeds payable to the
Collateral Agent for any loss, liability or expense incurred by it), or (d) as
proceeds of any other sale or other disposition of all or any part of the
Collateral by or on behalf of the Collateral Agent or any collection, recovery,
receipt, appropriation or other realization of or from all or any part of the
Collateral pursuant to the Security Documents or otherwise or (e) for
application under the Indenture as provided in the Indenture or any Security
Document, or whose disposition is not otherwise specifically provided for in the
Indenture or in any Security Document.
 
     "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means, until such time as it may be designated as
a Restricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors as provided in and in
compliance with the definition of "Restricted Subsidiary," (i) any Subsidiary of
the Issuer or PAAC organized or acquired after the date of the Indenture
designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors in which all
investments by the Issuer, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary are made only from
funds available for the making of Restricted Payments as described under
"-- Certain Covenants -- Limitations on Restricted Payments" and (ii) any
Subsidiary of an
 
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<PAGE>   139
 
Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors may designate any Subsidiary of
the Issuer or PAAC (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to
be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary owns any Equity Interests
of, or owns, or holds any Lien upon, any property of, any Subsidiary of the
Issuer or PAAC which is not a Subsidiary of such Subsidiary to be so designated;
provided that (w) each Subsidiary to be so designated and each of its
Subsidiaries has not, at the time of designation, and does not thereafter,
directly or indirectly, incur any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has
recourse to any of the assets of the Issuer, PAAC or any of the Restricted
Subsidiaries, (x) immediately after giving effect to such designation no Default
or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, (y) all outstanding
Investments by the Issuer, PAAC and Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the
extent repaid in cash) in the Subsidiary so designated will be deemed to be
Restricted Payments at the time of such designation equal in amount to the Fair
Market Value of such Investments at the time of such designation and would be
Restricted Payments permitted to be paid pursuant to the provisions of the
covenant described under "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitations on Restricted
Payments" and (z) the amount of such Restricted Payments will be included in the
calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments previously made pursuant to
such covenant. The Issuer will evidence any such designation by promptly filing
with the Trustee an officers' certificate certifying that such designation has
been made and complies with the requirements of the immediately preceding
sentence.
 
     "U.S. Government Obligations" means securities that are (i) direct
obligations of the United States of America for the payment of which its full
faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of a Person controlled or
supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of
America the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and
credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case under
clause (i) or (ii) above, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the
issuer thereof.
 
     "Victory Valley" means Victory Valley Land Company, L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership.
 
     "Voting Stock" of any Person means Capital Stock of such Person which
ordinarily has voting power for the election of directors (or Persons performing
similar functions) of such Person, whether at all times or only so long as no
senior class of securities has such voting power by reason of any contingency.
 
     "Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, a
Restricted Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or
other ownership interests of which (other than capital stock constituting
directors' qualifying shares or interests held by directors or shares or
interests required to be held by foreign nationals, to the extent mandated by
applicable law) are owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly-Owned
Restricted Subsidiaries of such Person and one or more Wholly-Owned Restricted
Subsidiaries of such Person.
 
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
 
     The Indenture provides that each of the following constitutes an Event of
Default: (i) default for 30 days in payment of interest or Additional Amounts on
the Notes; (ii) default in payment of principal of, or premium with respect to,
the Notes; (iii) failure by the Issuer or a Guarantor, if applicable, to comply
with the covenants entitled "Limitations on Restricted Payments," "Limitations
on Indebtedness," "Certain Guarantees," "Limitations on Liens," "Limitations on
Asset Sales," "Limitations on Sale and Leaseback Transactions," "Limitations on
Ownership of Restricted Subsidiary Stock," "Change of Control," and "Limitation
on Mergers; Sales of Assets;" (iv) failure by the Issuer or a Guarantor, if
applicable, to comply with any of its other agreements in the Indenture, the
Security Documents, the Notes or the Guarantees for a period that continues for
60 days after receipt of written notice from the Trustee or from the Holders of
at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding,
specifying such default; (v) the Issuer denies or disaffirms in writing its
obligations under the Indenture or the Notes; (vi) a Guarantor denies or
disaffirms in writing its obligations under its Guarantee, or any Guarantee for
any reason ceases to be, or is asserted in writing by any Guarantor or the
Company not to be, in full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with
its terms, except to the extent contemplated by the Indenture and any such
Guarantee; (vii) a default under any Indebtedness of the Issuer, PAAC or any of
the Restricted Subsidiaries, which default (A) is caused by a failure to pay the
final scheduled principal installment on such Indebtedness on the stated
maturity date
 
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<PAGE>   140
 
thereof (which failure continues beyond any applicable grace period) or (B)
results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity
and, in each case, the principal amount of such Indebtedness, together with the
principal amount of any other such Indebtedness with respect to which the
principal amount remains unpaid at its final maturity or the maturity of which
has been so accelerated, aggregates $5.0 million or more; (viii) final judgments
rendered against the Issuer, PAAC or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries (other
than any judgment as to which and only to the extent, a reputable insurance
company has acknowledged coverage of such claim in writing) of $5.0 million or
more which remain undischarged or unstayed for a period of 60 days; (ix) any of
the Security Documents ceases to be in full force and effect (other than in
accordance with their respective terms), or any of the Security Documents ceases
to give the Collateral Agent the Liens, rights, power and privileges purported
to be created thereby, or any Security Document or any Collateral becomes
subject to any Lien other than the Liens created permitted by the Indenture or
the Security Documents; and (x) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency of
the Issuer, PAAC, any Guarantor or any other Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to
or under or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law.
 
     If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders
of at least 25% in principal amount of the Notes may declare the Notes due and
payable immediately. However, if an Event of Default resulting from bankruptcy
or insolvency occurs, such amount will be due and payable without any
declaration or any act on the part of the Trustee or the Holders. Such
declaration or acceleration may be rescinded and past defaults may be waived by
the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes upon conditions
provided in the Indenture.
 
     Holders may not enforce the Indenture, the Security Documents, the Notes or
the Guarantees, except as provided therein. The Trustee may require an indemnity
satisfactory to it before enforcing the Indenture, the Security Documents, the
Notes or the Guarantees. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority
in principal amount of the Notes will have the right to direct the time, method
and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee
or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. The Trustee, however,
may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the Indenture,
that is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any Holder or that would subject the
Trustee to personal liability. The Trustee may withhold from the Holders of the
Notes notice of any continuing default (except a default in payment of
principal, premium, if any, or interest) if it determines in good faith that
withholding notice is in their interest. The Issuer is required to file periodic
reports with the Trustee as to the absence of Default. If a Default exists, the
Issuer is required to describe the Default and efforts undertaken to remedy the
Default.
 
     Directors, officers, employees or stockholders, as such, of the Issuer, the
Guarantors and any Subsidiaries of the Issuer or any of the Guarantors will not
have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or any Guarantors under the
Notes, any Guarantee or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of,
or by reason of, such obligations. Each Holder of a Note by accepting a Note
waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the
consideration for the issue of the Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to
waive liabilities under U.S. federal securities laws and it is the view of the
Commission that such a waiver is against public policy.
 
TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE
 
     A Holder may transfer or exchange Notes in accordance with the Indenture.
The Registrar may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate
endorsements and transfer documents and to pay any taxes and fees required by
law. The Registrar need not transfer or exchange any Note previously selected
for redemption. A registered Holder of a Note will be treated as the owner
thereof for all purposes. No Note will be valid until the Trustee or an
authenticating agent manually signs the certificate of authentication on the
Note. Each Note will become effective on the date upon which it is so signed.
 
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
 
     Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture or the Notes may be amended or
supplemented, and any past default or compliance with any provision may be
waived, with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Notes then outstanding. Without the consent of any Holder, the Issuer and the
 
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<PAGE>   141
 
Guarantors will be permitted to amend or supplement the Indenture, the Security
Documents, the Notes or the Guarantees to comply with the provisions of the
Indenture in the case of a consolidation, amalgamation, merger or sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole, to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of
certificated Notes, to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to comply
with any requirement of the Commission in connection with the qualification of
the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act, to comply with any requirement of
the Commission or applicable law to effectuate the Exchange Offer, to add
additional guarantees with respect to the Notes, to secure the Notes or the
Guarantees, to add to the covenants of the Issuer, PAAC or any Subsidiary for
the benefit of the holders of the Notes, to surrender any right or power
conferred upon the Company, Issuer, PAAC or any Subsidiary or to make any other
change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder.
 
     Without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment or waiver may not
(with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder) (i) reduce the
principal amount of Notes whose holders must consent to an amendment or waiver
of the Indenture, the Security Documents, the Notes or the Guarantees; (ii)
reduce the rate of, or change the time for payment of, interest, including
default interest, on any Note; (iii) reduce the principal of or change the fixed
maturity of any Note, or alter the optional redemption provision or the
provisions relating to redemption for changes in Canadian withholding or other
taxes that would result in the payment of Additional Amounts, or alter the price
at which the Issuer will offer to purchase such Note pursuant to an Asset Sale
Offer or a Change of Control Offer; (iv) make any Note payable in money other
than that stated in such Note; (v) make any change in the provisions of the
Indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of Holders of the
Notes to receive payments of principal of or interest on the Notes; (vi) waive a
Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of, premium if any, or
interest on the Notes, including any such obligation arising pursuant to an
Asset Sale Offer, a Change of Control Offer or a Guarantee (except a rescission
of acceleration of the Notes by the Holders of at least a majority (or, in the
case of the failure to make a Change of Control Offer, two-thirds) in principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding and a waiver of the payment default that
resulted from such acceleration); (vii) waive the obligation to make an Asset
Sale Offer or any payment required to be made pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer, a
Change of Control Offer or a Guarantee; (viii) affect the ranking of the Notes;
(ix) release all or substantially all of the Collateral other than pursuant to
the terms of the Indenture or the Security Documents; (x) make any change in the
provisions of the Indenture described under "-- Additional Amounts" that
adversely affects the rights of any Holder, or amend the terms of the Notes or
the Indenture in a way that would result in the loss of an exemption from any of
the Taxes; or (xi) make any change in the foregoing amendment and waiver
provisions. An amendment or waiver may not waive the Company's obligation to
make a Change of Control Offer without the consent of the Holders of at least
two-thirds in outstanding principal amount of the Notes.
 
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
 
     The Issuer may, at its option and at any time, elect to have all of the
obligations of the Issuer and each Guarantor discharged with respect to the
outstanding Notes ("Legal Defeasance") except for (i) the rights of Holders of
outstanding Notes to receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium,
if any, and interest on such Notes when such payments are due but only from
assets deposited by the Issuer pursuant to clause (i) of the following
paragraph, (ii) the Issuer's obligations with respect to the Notes concerning
issuing temporary Notes, registration or transfer of Notes, mutilated,
destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for
payment and money for security payments held in trust, (iii) the rights, powers,
trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee, and the Issuer's obligations in
connection therewith and (iv) the Legal Defeasance provisions of the Indenture.
In addition, the Issuer may, at its option and at any time, elect to have the
obligations of the Issuer and any Guarantor released with respect to certain
covenants that are described in the Indenture ("Covenant Defeasance") and
thereafter any omission to comply with such obligations will not constitute a
Default or Event of Default with respect to the Notes. In the event Covenant
Defeasance occurs, certain events (not including non-payment, bankruptcy,
receivership, rehabilitation and insolvency events) described under "Events of
Default" will no longer constitute an Event of Default with respect to the
Notes.
 
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<PAGE>   142
 
     In order to effect either a Legal Defeasance or a Covenant Defeasance, (i)
the Issuer must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit
of the Holders of the Notes, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable U.S. Government
Obligations, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in
the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants,
to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the outstanding Notes
on the stated maturity or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be,
of such principal or installment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest
on the outstanding Notes; (ii) in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Issuer will
deliver to the Trustee an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the
Trustee confirming that (A) the Issuer has received from the Internal Revenue
Service a ruling and from Revenue Canada a ruling, or (B) since the date of the
Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax
law, including by means of a Revenue Ruling published by the Internal Revenue
Service, and a ruling from Revenue Canada has been published, in either case to
the effect that, and based thereon such opinion of counsel will confirm that,
the holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for
U.S. federal income tax, Canadian federal or provincial income tax or certain
other tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to
U.S. federal income tax and Canadian federal and provincial income tax on the
same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the
case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred; (iii) in the case of Covenant
Defeasance, the Issuer will deliver to the Trustee an opinion of counsel
reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that the holders of the
outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal
income tax, Canadian federal or provincial income tax or certain other tax
purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to U.S.
federal income tax and Canadian federal and provincial income tax on the same
amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if
such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred; (iv) no Default or Event of Default
has occurred and is continuing on the date of such deposit or insofar as Events
of Default from bankruptcy or insolvency events are concerned, at any time in
the period ending on the 91st day after the date of deposit; (v) such Legal
Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of,
or constitute a default under any material agreement or instrument (other than
the Indenture) to which the Issuer or any Guarantor is a party or by which the
Issuer or any Guarantor is bound; (vi) the Issuer will deliver to the Trustee an
opinion of counsel to the effect that after the 91st day following the deposit,
the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally
and that the Trustee has a perfected security interest in such trust funds for
the ratable benefit of the Holders of the outstanding Notes; (vii) the Issuer
will deliver to the Trustee an officers' certificate stating that the deposit
was not made by the Issuer with the intent of preferring the Holders of the
Notes or any Guarantee over the other creditors of the Issuer or any Guarantor
or with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of
the Issuer or any Guarantor or others; and (viii) the Issuer will deliver to the
Trustee an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that
all conditions precedent provided for relating to the Legal Defeasance or the
Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.
 
ENFORCEABILITY OF JUDGMENTS WITH RESPECT TO THE NOTES
 
     Since all of the assets of the Issuer are outside the United States, any
judgment obtained in the United States against the Issuer, including judgments
with respect to the payment of amounts owing with respect to the Notes, may not
be collectible within the United States.
 
     The Issuer has been informed by its Canadian counsel, Stikeman, Elliott, a
general partnership, and Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales, that the laws of each
of the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia of Canada
(each, a "Province") permit an action (or, in the province of Quebec, a motion)
to be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in any Province on any final
and enforceable judgment in personam of any federal or state court located in
the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York, State of New York ("New York
Court") that is not impeachable as void or voidable under the internal laws of
the State of New York for a sum certain if (i) the New York Court rendering such
judgment had jurisdiction over the judgment debtor, as recognized by the courts
of such Province (and submission by the Issuer in the Indenture and the Security
Documents to the jurisdiction of the New York Court will be sufficient for the
purpose); (ii) such judgment was not obtained by fraud or in a manner contrary
to natural justice or in
 
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<PAGE>   143
 
contravention of the fundamental principles of procedure and, in each Province
other than Quebec, the enforcement thereof would not be inconsistent with public
policy as such term is applied by a court of competent jurisdiction in such
Province or, in Quebec, the outcome of the judgment is not manifestly
inconsistent with public order as understood in international relations; (iii)
the enforcement of such judgment in any Province other than Quebec does not
constitute, directly or indirectly, the enforcement of foreign revenue,
expropriatory or penal laws and, in Quebec, does not constitute the enforcement
of obligations arising from the taxation laws of New York unless the laws or
tribunals of New York recognize and enforce the taxation laws of Quebec; (iv)
the action to enforce such judgment must be commenced, in each Province other
than Quebec, within six years and, in Quebec within three years, of the date of
such judgment; (v) in Quebec, there has been no dispute between the same
parties, based on the same facts and having the same object, which has given
rise to a decision by a court of competent jurisdiction in Quebec, whether it
has acquired the authority of a final judgment (res judicata) or not, or is
pending before a competent authority in first instance, or has been decided in a
third country and the decision meets the necessary conditions for recognition by
such a court in Quebec; (vi) the enforcement of such judgment would not be
contrary to any order made by the Attorney General of Canada under the Foreign
Extra Territorial Measures Act (Canada) or the Competition Tribunal under the
Competition Act (Canada) in respect of certain judgments, laws and directives
having effects on competition in Canada; and (vii) in New Brunswick, the
requirements of the Foreign Judgements Act (New Brunswick) have been satisfied.
 
     To the knowledge of such counsel, there are no reasons under present laws
of any province of Canada for avoiding the recognition of such judgment of a New
York Court under the Indenture or the Notes based on public policy or public
order.
 
CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND SERVICE
 
     The Indenture provides that the Issuer will appoint CT Corporation,
currently located at 1633 Broadway, New York, New York 10019, as its agent for
service of process in any suit, action or proceeding with respect to the
Indenture, the Security Documents or the Notes and for actions brought under
federal or state securities laws brought in any Federal or state court located
in The City of New York and submit to such jurisdiction.
 
THE TRUSTEE
 
     The Indenture provides that, except during the continuance of an Event of
Default, the Trustee will perform only such duties as are specifically set forth
in the Indenture. During the existence of an Event of Default, the Trustee will
exercise such rights and powers vested in it under the Indenture and use the
same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent Person would
exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such Person's own affairs.
 
     The Indenture and provisions of the Trust Indenture Act incorporated by
reference therein contain limitations on the rights of the Trustee, should it
become a creditor of the Issuer or any Guarantor, to obtain payment of claims in
certain cases or to realize on certain property received by it in respect of any
such claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee will be permitted to engage in
other transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest, it must
eliminate such conflict or resign.
 
     The Issuer or any Guarantor may have customary banking relationships with
the Trustee in the ordinary course of business. The Trustee acts as trustee
under the indenture with respect to the Senior Secured Notes.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
     The Indenture, the Notes, the Guarantees and the Intercreditor Agreement
will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of
New York. The Security Documents will be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the province of Canada in which the particular
Collateral secured thereby is situated and the federal laws of Canada applicable
therein.
 
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<PAGE>   144
 
BOOK-ENTRY; DELIVERY; FORM AND TRANSFER
 
     The Notes sold to Qualified Institutional Buyers initially were in the form
of one or more registered global notes without interest coupons (collectively,
the "U.S. Global Notes"). Upon issuance, the U.S. Global Notes were deposited
with the Trustee, as custodian for The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), in New
York, New York, and registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, in each case
for credit to the accounts of DTC's Direct and Indirect Participants (as defined
below).
 
     Transfer of beneficial interests in any Global Notes will be subject to the
applicable rules and procedures of DTC and its Direct or Indirect Participants,
which may change from time to time.
 
     The Global Notes may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to
another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee in certain
limited circumstances. Beneficial interests in the Global Notes may be exchanged
for Notes in certificated form in certain limited circumstances. See
"-- Transfers of Interests in Global Notes for Certificated Notes."
 
     Initially, the Trustee will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Notes
may be presented for registration of transfer and exchange at the offices of the
Registrar.
 
  Depositary Procedures
 
     DTC has advised the Issuer that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company
created to hold securities for its participating organizations (collectively,
the "Direct Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of
transactions in those securities between Direct Participants through electronic
book-entry changes in accounts of Participants. The Direct Participants include
securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations
and certain other organizations. Access to DTC's system is also available to
other entities that clear through or maintain a direct or indirect, custodial
relationship with a Direct Participant (collectively, the "Indirect
Participants"). DTC may hold securities beneficially owned by other persons only
through the Direct Participants or Indirect Participants and such other persons'
ownership interest and transfer of ownership interest will be recorded only on
the records of the Direct Participant and/or Indirect Participant, and not on
the records maintained by DTC.
 
     DTC has also advised the Issuer that, pursuant to DTC's procedures, (i)
upon deposit of the Global Notes, DTC will credit the accounts of the Direct
Participants designated by the Initial Purchasers with portions of the principal
amount of the Global Notes allocated by the Initial Purchasers to such Direct
Participants, and (ii) DTC will maintain records of the ownership interests of
such Direct Participants in the Global Notes and the transfer of ownership
interests by and between Direct Participants. DTC will not maintain records of
the ownership interests of, or the transfer of ownership interests by and
between, Indirect Participants or other owners of beneficial interests in the
Global Notes. Direct Participants and Indirect Participants must maintain their
own records of the ownership interests of, and the transfer of ownership
interests by and between, Indirect Participants and other owners of beneficial
interests in the Global Notes.
 
     Investors in the U.S. Global Notes may hold their interests therein
directly through DTC if they are Direct Participants in DTC or indirectly
through organizations that are Direct Participants in DTC.
 
     The laws of some states require that certain persons take physical delivery
in definitive, certificated form, of securities that they own. This may limit or
curtail the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global Note to such
persons. Because DTC can act only on behalf of Direct Participants, which in
turn act on behalf of Indirect Participants and others, the ability of a person
having a beneficial interest in a Global Note to pledge such interest to persons
or entities that are not Direct Participants in DTC, or to otherwise take
actions in respect of such interests, may be affected by the lack of physical
certificates evidencing such interests. For certain other restrictions on the
transferability of the Notes, see "-- Transfers of Interests in Global Notes for
Certificated Notes."
 
     EXCEPT AS DESCRIBED IN "-- TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS IN GLOBAL NOTES FOR
CERTIFICATED NOTES," OWNERS OF BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTES WILL NOT
HAVE NOTES REGISTERED IN THEIR NAMES, WILL NOT RECEIVE PHYSICAL
 
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<PAGE>   145
 
DELIVERY OF NOTES IN CERTIFICATED FORM AND WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED THE REGISTERED
OWNERS OR HOLDERS THEREOF UNDER THE INDENTURE FOR ANY PURPOSE.
 
     Under the terms of the Indenture, the Issuer, PAAC, the Guarantors and the
Trustee will treat the persons in whose names the Notes are registered
(including Notes represented by Global Notes) as the owners thereof for the
purpose of receiving payments and for any and all other purposes whatsoever.
Payments in respect of the principal, premium, Liquidated Damages, if any, and
interest on Global Notes registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be
payable by the Trustee to DTC or its nominee as the registered holder under the
Indenture. Consequently, neither the Issuer, the Trustee nor any agent of the
Issuer or the Trustee has or will have any responsibility or liability for (i)
any aspect of DTC's records or any Direct Participant's or Indirect
Participant's records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial
ownership interests in the Global Notes or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing any of DTC's records or any Direct Participant's or Indirect
Participant's records relating to the beneficial ownership interests in any
Global Note or (ii) any other matter relating to the actions and practices of
DTC or any of its Direct Participants or Indirect Participants.
 
     DTC has advised the Issuer that its current payment practice (for payments
of principal, interest and the like) with respect to securities such as the
Notes is to credit the accounts of the relevant Direct Participants with such
payment on the payment date in amounts proportionate to such Direct
Participant's respective ownership interests in the Global Notes as shown on
DTC's records. Payments by Direct Participants and Indirect Participants to the
beneficial owners of the Notes will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practices between them and will not be the responsibility of DTC, the
Trustee, the Issuer, PAAC or the Guarantors. Neither the Issuer, PAAC, the
Guarantors nor the Trustee will be liable for any delay by DTC or its Direct
Participants or Indirect Participants in identifying the beneficial owners of
the Notes, and the Issuer and the Trustee may conclusively rely on and will be
protected in relying on instructions from DTC or its nominee as the registered
owner of the Notes for all purposes.
 
     The Global Notes will trade in DTC's Same-Day Funds Settlement System and,
therefore, transfers between Direct Participants in DTC will be effected in
accordance with DTC's procedures, and will be settled in immediately available
funds. Transfers between Indirect Participants who hold an interest through a
Direct Participant will be effected in accordance with the procedures of such
Direct Participant but generally will settle in immediately available funds.
 
     DTC has advised the Issuer that it will take any action permitted to be
taken by a holder of Notes only at the direction of one or more Direct
Participants to whose account interests in the Global Notes are credited and
only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes
as to which such Direct Participant or Direct Participants has or have given
direction. However, if there is an Event of Default under the Notes, DTC
reserves the right to exchange Global Notes (without the direction of one or
more of its Direct Participants) for legended Notes in certificated form, and to
distribute such certificated forms of Notes to its Direct Participants. See
"-- Transfers of Interests in Global Notes for Certificated Notes."
 
     Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers
of interests in the U.S. Global Notes among Direct Participants, it is under no
obligation to perform or to continue to perform such procedures, and such
procedures may be discontinued at any time. None of the Issuer, PAAC, the
Guarantors, the Initial Purchasers or the Trustee will have any responsibility
for the performance by DTC or its respective Direct and Indirect Participants of
their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing any of
their operations.
 
     The information in this section concerning DTC and its book-entry system
has been obtained from sources that the Issuer believes to be reliable, but the
Issuer takes no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.
 
  Transfers of Interests in Global Notes for Certificated Notes
 
     An entire Global Note may be exchanged for definitive Notes in registered,
certificated form without interest coupons ("Certified Notes") if (i) DTC (x)
notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for
the Global Notes and the Issuer thereupon fails to appoint a successor
depositary within 90 days or (y) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered
under the Exchange Act, (ii) the Issuer, at
 
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<PAGE>   146
 
its option, notifies the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance
of Certificated Notes or (iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing a
Default or an Event of Default with respect to the Notes. In any such case, the
Issuer will notify the Trustee in writing that, upon surrender by the Direct and
Indirect Participants of their interest in such Global Note, Certificated Notes
will be issued to each person that such Direct and Indirect Participants and the
DTC identify as being the beneficial owner of the related Notes.
 
     Beneficial interests in Global Notes held by any Direct or Indirect
Participant may be exchanged for Certificated Notes upon request to DTC, by such
Direct Participant (for itself or on behalf of an Indirect Participant), to the
Trustee in accordance with customary DTC procedures. Certificated Notes
delivered in exchange for any beneficial interest in any Global Note will be
registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by
DTC on behalf of such Direct or Indirect Participants (in accordance with DTC's
customary procedures).
 
     Neither the Issuer, the Guarantors nor the Trustee will be liable for any
delay by the holder of the Global Notes or the DTC in identifying the beneficial
owners of Notes, and the Issuer and the Trustee may conclusively rely on, and
will be protected in relying on, instructions from the holder of the Global Note
or the DTC for all purposes.
 
  Transfers of Certificated Notes for Interests in Global Notes
 
     Certificated Notes may only be transferred if the transferor first delivers
to the Trustee a written certificate (and in certain circumstances, an opinion
of counsel) confirming that, in connection with such transfer, it has complied
with the restrictions on transfer described under "Notice to Investors."
 
  Same Day Settlement and Payment
 
     The Indenture requires that payments in respect of the Notes represented by
the Global Notes (including principal, premium, if any, interest and Liquidated
Damages, if any) be made by wire transfer of immediately available same day
funds to the accounts specified by the holder of interests in such Global Note.
With respect to Certificated Notes, the Issuer will make all payments of
principal, premium, if any, interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, by wire
transfer of immediately available same day funds to the accounts specified by
the holders thereof or, if no such account is specified, by mailing a check to
each such holder's registered address. The Issuer expects that secondary trading
in the Certificated Notes will also be settled in immediately available funds.
 
                                       141
<PAGE>   147
 
                       ORIGINAL NOTES REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 
     The Issuer, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers entered into the
Registration Rights Agreement on the Closing Date pursuant to which the Issuer
and the Guarantors agreed, for the benefit of holders of the Original Notes, to,
at their expense (i) on or prior to the 30th day following the Closing Date
(provided that if the 30th day is not a business day, the first business day
thereafter), file the Exchange Offer Registration Statement with the Commission
with respect to the Exchange Offer pursuant to which the Original Notes will be
exchanged for the Exchange Notes, which will have terms identical to the
Original Notes and will be guaranteed by the Guarantors on the same terms as the
Guarantees (except that the Exchange Notes will not contain terms with respect
to transfer restrictions or any provision relating to this paragraph) and (ii)
use their best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be
declared effective under the Securities Act by the 150th day after the Closing
Date (provided that if the 150th day is not a business day, the first business
day thereafter). Upon effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement, the Issuer and the Guarantors agreed to offer to all holders of the
Notes an opportunity to exchange their securities for a like principal amount of
the Exchange Notes. The Issuer and the Guarantors agreed to keep the Exchange
Offer open for acceptance for not less than 20 business days after the date the
Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective, and to comply with
Regulation 14E and Rule 13e-4 under the Exchange Act (other than the filing
requirements of Rule 13e-4). For each Original Note surrendered to the Issuer
and the Guarantors for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer, the holder of
such Original Note will receive an Exchange Note having a principal amount at
maturity equal to that of the surrendered Original Note. Interest on each
Exchange Note will accrue from the last interest payment date on which interest
was paid on the Original Note surrendered in exchange therefor or, if no
interest has been paid on such Original Note, from the date of original
issuance.
 
     Under existing interpretations of the staff of the Commission's Division of
Corporation Finance (the "Staff"), the Exchange Notes will generally be freely
transferable after the Exchange Offer without further registration under the
Securities Act; provided that broker-dealers ("Participating Broker-Dealers")
receiving Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer will be subject to a prospectus
delivery requirement with respect to resales of such Exchange Notes. To date,
the Staff has taken the position that Participating Broker-Dealers may fulfill
their prospectus delivery requirements with respect to transactions involving an
exchange of securities such as the exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer
(other than a resale of an unsold allotment from the sale of the Notes to the
Initial Purchasers) with the prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the
Issuer and the Guarantors will agree to permit Participating Broker-Dealers and
other persons, if any, subject to similar prospectus delivery requirements to
use the prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in
connection with the resale of such Exchange Notes for a period of 180 days.
 
     Each holder of the Original Notes who wishes to exchange its Original Notes
for Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer will be required to make certain
representations to the Issuer and the Guarantors, including that (i) any
Exchange Notes to be received by it will be acquired in the ordinary course of
its business, (ii) it has no arrangement with any person to participate in a
public distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the Exchange
Notes and (iii) it is not an "affiliate," as defined in Rule 405 of the
Securities Act, of the Issuer or the Guarantors, or if it is such an affiliate,
that it will comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements
of the Securities Act to the extent applicable to it.
 
     In addition, each holder who is not a broker-dealer will be required to
represent that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a public
distribution of the Exchange Notes. Each holder who is a broker-dealer and who
receives Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Original Notes that
were acquired by it as a result of market-making activities or other trading
activities, will be required to acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in
connection with any resale by it of such Exchange Notes.
 
     If (i) the Exchange Offer is not permitted by applicable law or (ii) any
holder of Transfer Restricted Securities notifies the Issuer and the Guarantors
prior to the 20th business day following consummation of the Exchange Offer that
(A) it is prohibited by law or Commission policy from participating in the
Exchange Offer or (B) that it may not resell the Exchange Notes acquired by it
in the Exchange Offer to the public
 
                                       142
<PAGE>   148
 
without delivering a prospectus and the prospectus contained in the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement is not appropriate or available for such resales or
(C) that it is a broker-dealer and owns Notes acquired directly from the Issuer
or an affiliate of the Issuer, the Issuer and the Guarantors will, at their
expense, (a) promptly file a shelf registration statement (a "Shelf Registration
Statement" and together with the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, the
"Registration Statements") permitting resales from time to time of the Notes,
(b) use their best efforts to cause such registration statement to become
effective and (d) use their best efforts to keep such registration statement
current and effective until two years from the date it becomes effective or such
shorter period that will terminate when all the Notes covered by such
registration statement have been sold pursuant thereto. For purposes of the
foregoing, "Transfer Restricted Securities" means each Original Note until (i)
the date on which such Original Note has been exchanged by a person other than a
broker-dealer for an Exchange Note in the Exchange Offer, (ii) following the
exchange by a broker-dealer in the Exchange Offer of an Original Note for an
Exchange Note, the date on which such Exchange Note is sold to a purchaser who
receives from such broker-dealer on or prior to the date of such sale a copy of
the prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, (iii) the
date on which such Note has been effectively registered under the Securities Act
and disposed of in accordance with the Shelf Registration Statement or (iv) the
date on which such Note is distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under
the Securities Act. The Issuer and the Guarantors, at their expense, will
provide to each holder of the Original Notes copies of the prospectus, which is
a part of the Shelf Registration Statement, notify each such holder when the
Shelf Registration Statement has become effective and take certain other actions
as are required to permit unrestricted resales of the Original Notes from time
to time. A holder of Original Notes who sells such Original Notes pursuant to
the Shelf Registration Statement generally will be required to be named as a
selling securityholder in the related prospectus and to deliver a prospectus to
purchasers, will be subject to certain of the civil liability provisions under
the Securities Act in connection with such sales and will be bound by the
provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement which are applicable to such
holder (including certain indemnification obligations).
 
     In the event that (i) the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not
filed with the Commission on or prior to the 30th day after the Closing Date or
declared effective on or prior to the 150th day after the Closing Date, (ii) the
Exchange Offer is not consummated on or prior to the 30th business day following
the date the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective, (iii)
the Shelf Registration Statement is not filed or declared effective within the
required time periods or (iv) any of the Registration Statements required by the
Registration Rights Agreement is declared effective but thereafter ceases to be
effective (except as specifically permitted therein) for a period of 15
consecutive days without being succeeded immediately by any additional
Registration Statement filed and declared effective (each such event, a
"Registration Default"), then the Issuer and the Guarantors will pay liquidated
damages ("Liquidated Damages") to each holder of Original Notes, with respect to
the first 90-day period immediately following the occurrence of such
Registration Default in an amount equal to $.05 per week per $1,000 principal
amount of Original Notes held by such holder. The amount of the Liquidated
Damages will increase by an additional $.05 per week per $1,000 principal amount
of Original Notes at the beginning of each subsequent 90-day period, up to a
maximum amount of $.50 per week per $1,000 principal amount of Original Notes;
provided, that the Issuer and the Guarantors shall in no event be required to
pay Liquidated Damages for more than one Registration Default at any given time.
Following the cure of all Registration Defaults, the accrual of Liquidated
Damages will cease.
 
     The summary herein of certain provisions of the Registration Rights
Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the Registration Rights
Agreement, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement
of which this Prospectus is a part.
 
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<PAGE>   149
 
                            CERTAIN TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
                                     CANADA
 
     The Issuer has received the opinion of Stikeman, Elliott, a general
partnership, with respect to Canadian federal law regarding certain tax
consequences of an investment in the Notes.
 
     This summary is general in nature and is not exhaustive of all possible
Canadian tax consequences. Accordingly, prospective investors should consult
with their own tax advisors for advice with respect to their particular
circumstances, including any consequences of an investment in the Notes arising
under tax laws of any province or territory of Canada or tax laws of any
jurisdiction other than Canada.
 
INCOME TAX
 
     The following is a summary of the principal Canadian federal income tax
considerations under the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Income Tax Act")
generally applicable to purchasers of Notes who, for the purpose of the Income
Tax Act, are not resident or deemed to be resident in Canada, hold their Notes
as capital property, deal at arm's length with the Issuer, do not use or hold
and are not deemed to use or hold the Notes in carrying on business in Canada
and are not insurers that carry on an insurance business in Canada and
elsewhere.
 
     The summary is based on the current provisions of the Income Tax Act, the
regulations thereunder, specific proposals to amend the Income Tax Act or the
regulations publicly announced by the Minister of Finance before the date of
this Prospectus, counsel's understanding of the current administrative practice
of Revenue Canada, and the current provisions of the international tax
convention entered into by Canada with the United States, but does not otherwise
take into account or anticipate changes in the law, whether by judicial,
governmental or legislative decisions or action, nor is it exhaustive of all
possible Canadian federal tax consequences. It furthermore does not take into
account or consideration tax legislation of any province or territory of Canada
or any jurisdiction other than Canada. This summary is of a general nature only
and is not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as, legal or tax advice
to any particular holder of an Original Note or Exchange Note.
 
     The Issuer is not required to withhold tax from interest paid by it on the
Notes to any non-resident of Canada with whom it is dealing at arm's length
within the meaning of the Income Tax Act.
 
     Under the Income Tax Act, related persons (as defined therein) are deemed
not to deal at arm's length and it is a question of fact whether persons not
related to each other deal at arm's length. No other tax on income (including
taxable capital gains) is payable in respect of the purchase, holding,
redemption or disposition of the Notes or the receipt of interest or any premium
thereon by holders with whom the Issuer deals at arm's length, except that in
certain circumstances holders who are non-resident insurers carrying on an
insurance business in Canada and elsewhere may be subject to such taxes.
 
ESTATE AND GIFT TAX
 
     Neither Canada nor the province of New Brunswick currently imposes any
estate or gift tax in connection with an interest in the Notes.
 
                                 UNITED STATES
 
     The following summary describes certain United States federal income tax
consequences of the ownership and disposition of the Notes as of the date hereof
and represents the opinion of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, United States counsel to
the Company, insofar as it relates to matters of law or legal conclusions.
Except where noted, it deals only with Notes held as capital assets by United
States Holders (as defined) and does not deal with special situations, such as
those of dealers in securities or currencies, financial institutions, life
insurance companies, persons holding Notes as a part of a hedging or conversion
transaction or a straddle or United States Holders whose "functional currency"
is not the U.S. dollar. Furthermore, the discussion below is based upon the
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and
 
                                       144
<PAGE>   150
 
regulations, rulings and judicial decisions thereunder as of the date hereof,
and such authorities may be repealed, revoked or modified so as to result in
federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. Persons
considering the purchase, ownership or disposition of Notes should consult their
own tax advisors concerning the federal income tax consequences in light of
their particular situations as well as any consequences existing under the laws
of any other existing jurisdiction.
 
     As used herein, a "United States Holder" of a Note means a holder that is a
citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation, partnership or other
entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any
political subdivision thereof, an estate the income of which is subject to
United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, or a trust if a
court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the
administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the
authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust.
 
PAYMENT OF INTEREST
 
     Interest (including Additional Amounts) on a Note will generally be taxable
to a United States Holder as ordinary income at the time it is paid or accrued
in accordance with the United State Holder's method of accounting for tax
purposes. Interest will be from sources outside the United States.
 
MARKET DISCOUNT; ACQUISITION PREMIUM
 
     If a United States Holder purchases Notes for an amount that is less than
the stated redemption price at maturity of such Notes, the amount of the
difference will be treated as "market discount" for federal income tax purposes,
unless such difference is less than a specified de minimis amount. Under the
market discount rules, a United States Holder will be required to treat any
principal payment on, or any gain on the sale, exchange, retirement or other
disposition of Notes as ordinary income to the extent of the market discount
which has not previously been included in income and is treated as having
accrued on such Notes at the time of such payment or disposition. In addition,
the United States Holder may be required to defer, until the maturity of the
Notes or the earlier disposition of the Notes in a taxable transaction, the
deduction for a portion of the interest expense on any indebtedness incurred or
continued to purchase or carry such Notes.
 
     Any market discount will be considered to accrue on a straight-line basis
during the period from the date of acquisition to the maturity date of the
Notes, unless the United States Holder elects to accrue on a constant yield
method. A United States Holder of Notes may elect to include market discount in
income currently as it accrues (on either a straight-line basis or constant
yield method), in which case the rule described above regarding deferral of
interest deductions will not apply. This election to include market discount in
income currently, once made, applies to all market discount obligations acquired
on or after the first taxable year to which the election applies and may not be
revoked without the consent of the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS").
 
     A United States Holder that purchases Notes for an amount that is greater
than the sum of all amounts payable on the Notes after the purchase date other
than stated interest will be considered to have purchased such Notes at a
"premium." A United States Holder generally may elect to amortize the premium
over the remaining term of the Notes on a constant yield method. The amount
amortized in any year will be treated as a reduction of the United States
Holder's interest income from the Note. Premiums on Notes held by a United
States Holder that does not make such an election will decrease the gain or
increase the loss otherwise recognized on disposition of the Notes. The election
to amortize premium on a constant yield method once made applies to all debt
obligations held or subsequently acquired by the electing United States Holder
on or after the first day of the first taxable year to which the election
applies and may not be revoked without the consent of the IRS. Because the Notes
may be redeemed at the option of the Issuer at a price in excess of their
principal amount, a United States Holder may be required to amortize any bond
premium based on the earlier call date and the call price payable at that time.
 
                                       145
<PAGE>   151
 
SALE, EXCHANGE AND RETIREMENT OF NOTES
 
     A United States Holder's tax basis in a Note will, in general, be the
United States Holder's cost therefor increased by any market discount included
in income by such United States Holder and reduced by any amortized premium.
Upon the sale, exchange or retirement of a Note, a United States Holder will
recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized upon
the sale, exchange or retirement (less any accrued stated interest, which will
be taxable as such) and the adjusted tax basis of a Note. Except with respect to
market discount, such gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss. Under current
law, net capital gain of individuals are, under certain circumstances, taxed at
lower rates than items of ordinary income. The deductibility of capital losses
is subject to limitations.
 
EXCHANGE OFFER
 
     The exchange of Original Notes for Exchange Notes by holders will not be a
taxable event for United States federal income tax purposes, and holders should
not recognize any taxable gain or loss or any interest income as a result of
such exchange.
 
                                       146
<PAGE>   152
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
     Based on interpretations by the Staff set forth in no-action letters issued
to third parties, the Registrants believe that Exchange Notes issued pursuant to
the Exchange Offer in exchange for the Original Notes may be offered for resale,
resold and otherwise transferred by holders thereof (other than any holder which
is (i) an "affiliate" of the Registrants within the meaning of Rule 405 under
the Securities Act, (ii) a broker-dealer who acquired Original Notes directly
from the Registrants or (iii) broker-dealers who acquired Original Notes as a
result of market-making or other trading activities) without compliance with the
registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act provided
that such Exchange Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such holders'
business, and such holders are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in,
and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a
distribution of such Exchange Notes; provided that broker-dealers
("Participating Broker-Dealers") receiving Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer
will be subject to a prospectus delivery requirement with respect to resales of
such Exchange Notes. To date, the Staff has taken the position that
Participating Broker-Dealers may fulfill their prospectus delivery requirements
with respect to transactions involving an exchange of securities such as the
exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer (other than a resale of an unsold
allotment from the sale of the Original Notes to the Initial Purchasers) with
the prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement. Pursuant
to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Registrants have agreed to permit
Participating Broker-Dealers and other persons, if any, subject to similar
prospectus delivery requirements to use this Prospectus in connection with the
resale of such Exchange Notes. The Registrants have agreed that, for a period
not to exceed 180 days after the Exchange Date, they will make this Prospectus,
and any amendment or supplement to this Prospectus, available to any
broker-dealer that requests such documents in the Letter of Transmittal.
 
     Each holder of the Original Notes who wishes to exchange its Original Notes
for Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer will be required to make certain
representations to the Company as set forth in "The Exchange Offer -- Terms and
Conditions of the Letter of Transmittal." In addition, each holder who is a
broker-dealer and who receives Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange
for Original Notes that were acquired by it as a result of market-making
activities or other trading activities, will be required to acknowledge that it
will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale by it of such Exchange
Notes.
 
     The Registrants will not receive any proceeds from any sale of Exchange
Notes by broker-dealers. Exchange Notes received by broker-dealers for their own
account pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be sold from time to time in one or
more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions,
through the writing of options on the Exchange Notes or a combination of such
methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices
related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. Any such
resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers
who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any
such broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any such Exchange Notes. Any
broker-dealer that resells Exchange Notes that were received by it for its own
account pursuant to the Exchange Offer and any broker or dealer that
participates in a distribution of such Exchange Notes may be deemed to be an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any
such resale of Exchange Notes and any commissions or concessions received by any
such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities
Act. The Letter of Transmittal states that by acknowledging that it will deliver
and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that
it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
 
     The Issuer has agreed to pay all expenses incidental to the Exchange Offer
other than commissions and concessions of any brokers or dealers and will
indemnify holders of the Notes (including any broker-dealers) against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, as set forth in the
Registration Rights Agreement.
 
                                       147
<PAGE>   153
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     Certain legal matters with respect to the Exchange Notes will be passed
upon for PCI Canada by Stikeman, Elliott, Montreal, Quebec, a general
partnership, and Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales, Saint John, New Brunswick,
with respect to matters of Canadian law, and by Willkie Farr & Gallagher, New
York, New York with respect to matters of United States law. Jack H. Nusbaum, a
Senior Partner and Chairman of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, is a director of
Pioneer and PAAC and beneficially owns 13,652 shares of Pioneer's Class A Common
Stock.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated financial statements of Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp.
as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for the year ended December 31, 1996 and
for the period from March 6, 1995 through December 31, 1995, included in this
prospectus, and the related financial statement schedule included elsewhere in
the registration statement have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their report appearing herein and elsewhere
in the registration statement, and have been so included in reliance upon the
report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.
 
     The consolidated financial statements and schedule of Pioneer Americas,
Inc. (the Predecessor Company) for the period from January 1, 1995 through April
20, 1995 and for the year ended December 31, 1994, included in this Prospectus,
have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their
reports, which are included herein, which are based in part on the reports of
Piercy, Bowler, Taylor & Kern, independent auditors of Basic Investments, Inc.
The consolidated financial statements and schedule of Pioneer Americas, Inc.
(the Predecessor Company) are included in reliance upon such reports given upon
the authority of such firms and experts in accounting and auditing.
 
     The financial statements of the PCI Canada Business as of December 31, 1996
and December 31, 1995 and for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996, included in this Prospectus, have been audited by KPMG,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports, which are included herein.
 
     The financial statements of the Tacoma Plant as of December 31, 1996 and
December 31, 1995 and for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1996, included in this Prospectus, have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports, which are included herein.
 
                     CHANGE IN INDEPENDENT PUBLIC AUDITORS
 
     Effective October 16, 1995, each of the Guarantors that are subsidiaries of
PAAC, by action of its board of directors, engaged Deloitte & Touche LLP as its
independent auditors. Deloitte & Touche LLP has acted as independent auditors of
PAAC since the inception of PAAC and it was determined that, following the
acquisition of the Subsidiary Guarantors by PAAC, Deloitte & Touche LLP should
act as independent auditors of the Subsidiary Guarantors as well.
 
     Ernst & Young LLP had been the independent auditors for PAI prior to their
dismissal, effective October 16, 1995. The reports of Ernst & Young LLP on the
financial statements of PAI for the fiscal years 1993 and 1994 did not contain
an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified
as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. In connection with the
audits of the financial statements of PAI for each of the two fiscal years ended
December 31, 1994, and in the subsequent interim period, there were no
disagreements with Ernst & Young LLP on any matters of accounting principles or
practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope and procedures
which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Ernst & Young LLP, would have
caused Ernst & Young LLP to make reference to the matter in their report.
 
                                       148
<PAGE>   154
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
                                                              -----
<S>                                                           <C>
(1) Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp. and subsidiary
  companies:
          Report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent
          auditors..........................................    F-2
          Report of Ernst & Young LLP, independent
          auditors..........................................    F-3
          Report of Piercy, Bowler, Taylor & Kern,
          independent public accountants....................    F-4
          Consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of
          December 31, 1996 and 1995........................    F-5
          Consolidated statements of operations of the
          Company for the year ended December 31, 1996 and
          the period from March 6, 1995 ("Inception")
          through December 31, 1995 and of the Predecessor
          Company for the period from January 1, 1995
          through April 20, 1995 and for the year ended
          December 31, 1994.................................    F-6
          Consolidated statements of stockholders' equity of
          the Company for the period from Inception through
          December 31, 1995 and for the year ended December
          31, 1996 and of the Predecessor Company for the
          year ended December 31, 1994 and for the period
          from January 1, 1995 through April 20, 1995.......    F-7
          Consolidated statements of cash flows of the
          Company for the year ended December 31, 1996 and
          the period from Inception through December 31,
          1995 and of the Predecessor Company for the period
          from January 1, 1995 through April 20, 1995 and
          for the year ended December 31, 1994..............    F-8
          Notes to consolidated financial statements........    F-9
          Consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of
          September 30, 1997 (unaudited) and December 31,
          1996..............................................   F-25
          Unaudited consolidated statements of operations of
          the Company for the three months and nine months
          ended September 30, 1997 and September 30, 1996...   F-26
          Unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows of
          the Company for the nine months ended September
          30, 1997 and September 30, 1996...................   F-27
          Notes to unaudited consolidated financial
          statements........................................   F-28
 
(2) PCI Canada Business:
          Report of KPMG, Chartered Accountants.............   F-32
          Combined Balance Sheets of the PCI Canada Business
          as of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and
          September 30, 1997 and 1996 (unaudited)...........   F-33
          Combined Statements of Operations of the PCI
          Canada Business for the years ended December 31,
          1996, 1995 and 1994 and for the nine months ended
          September 30, 1997 and 1996 (unaudited)...........   F-34
          Combined Statements of Head Office Account of the
          PCI Canada Business for the years ended December
          31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and for the nine months
          ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 (unaudited).....   F-35
          Combined Statements of Change in Financial
          Position of the PCI Canada Business for the years
          ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and for the
          nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996
          (unaudited).......................................   F-36
          Notes to combined financial statements............   F-37
 
(3) Tacoma Plant:
          Report of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
          accountants.......................................   F-46
          Balance sheets for the Tacoma Plant at December
          31, 1996 and 1995.................................   F-47
          Statements of operations and changes in owner's
          investment for the Tacoma Plant for the years
          ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994............   F-48
          Statements of cash flows of the Tacoma Plant for
          the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
          1994..............................................   F-49
          Notes to financial statements.....................   F-50
          Balance sheets for the Tacoma Plant at June 16,
          1997 (unaudited) and December 31, 1996............   F-60
          Unaudited statements of operations and changes in
          owner's investment for the Tacoma Plant for the
          year-to-date periods ended June 16, 1997 and June
          30, 1996..........................................   F-61
          Unaudited statements of cash flows of the Tacoma
          Plant for the year-to-date periods ended June 16,
          1997 and June 30, 1996............................   F-62
          Notes to unaudited financial statements...........   F-63
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   155
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
To the Board of Directors of
Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp.
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Pioneer
Americas Acquisition Corp. and its subsidiaries (the "Company"), as of December
31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31,
1996 and for the period from March 6, 1995 (Inception) through December 31,
1995. Our audit also includes the consolidated financial statement schedule II.
These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and schedule based on our audit.
 
     We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
the Company at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1996 and the period from
Inception through December 31, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. Also, in our opinion the related consolidated financial
statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects,
the information set forth therein.
 
                                            DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Houston, Texas
March 7, 1997
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   156
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
The Board of Directors
Pioneer Americas, Inc.
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders' equity, and cash flows of Pioneer Americas, Inc. (the "Predecessor
Company") for the period from January 1, 1995 through April 20, 1995 and for the
year ended December 31, 1994. Our audits also included the related financial
statement schedule II. These financial statements and schedule are the
responsibility of the Predecessor Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our
audits. The financial statements of certain of the Predecessor Company's
investments (as described in Note 5) have been audited by other auditors whose
report has been furnished to us; insofar as our opinion on the consolidated
financial statements relates to data included for these investments, it is based
solely on their report.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits and the report of other auditors provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of other auditors, the
consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the consolidated results of operations and cash flows of the
Predecessor Company for the period from January 1, 1995 through April 20, 1995
and for the year ended December 31, 1994, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. Also, in our opinion the related financial statement
schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as
a whole, presents fairly in all material respects, the information set forth
therein.
 
                                            ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Houston, Texas
June 26, 1995
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   157
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
Board of Directors
Basic Investments, Inc.
Henderson, Nevada
 
     We have audited the combined statements of income, equity and cash flows of
Basic Investments, Inc. and affiliates (the Company) for the year ended December
31, 1994. These combined financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the combined financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the combined financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall combined
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the results of combined operations and cash
flows of Basic Investments, Inc. and affiliates for the year ended December 31,
1994 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                            Piercy, Bowler, Taylor & Kern
                                            Certified Public Accountants and
                                            Business Advisors
                                            A Professional Corporation
 
Las Vegas, Nevada
January 30, 1995
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   158
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                                              --------------------
                                                                1996        1995
                                                              --------    --------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash......................................................  $ 14,417    $ 11,218
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts:
     1996, $1,311; 1995, $1,424.............................    18,830      27,825
  Due from parent...........................................     2,547         574
  Inventories...............................................     6,247      11,347
  Prepaid expenses..........................................     1,156       3,766
                                                              --------    --------
          Total current assets..............................    43,197      54,730
  Property, plant, and equipment, at cost:
     Land...................................................     3,735       1,711
     Buildings and improvements.............................    17,062      13,997
     Machinery and equipment................................    71,704      67,587
     Cylinders and tanks....................................     4,540       4,503
     Construction in progress...............................    11,871       9,394
                                                              --------    --------
                                                               108,912      97,192
     Less accumulated depreciation..........................   (16,429)     (7,795)
                                                              --------    --------
                                                                92,483      89,397
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated subsidiary.....    28,586          --
Other assets, net of accumulated amortization: 1996, $2,458;
  1995, $1,068..............................................    19,621      11,664
Excess cost over the fair value of net assets acquired, net
  of accumulated amortization: 1996, $7,556; 1995, $3,311...   107,123     108,940
                                                              --------    --------
          Total assets......................................  $291,010    $264,731
                                                              ========    ========
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable..........................................  $ 17,221    $ 20,183
  Accrued liabilities.......................................    19,276      20,660
  Returnable deposits.......................................     3,238       3,437
  Current portion of long-term debt.........................       128          --
                                                              --------    --------
          Total current liabilities.........................    39,863      44,280
Long-term debt, less current maturities.....................   141,629     135,000
Returnable deposits.........................................     3,272       3,281
Accrued pension and other employee benefits.................    14,100      13,573
Other long-term liabilities.................................    17,823      13,170
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Stockholder's equity:
  Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 1,000 shares,
     issued and outstanding 1,000 shares....................         1           1
  Additional paid-in capital................................    61,124      49,652
  Retained earnings.........................................    13,198       5,774
                                                              --------    --------
          Total stockholder's equity........................    74,323      55,427
                                                              --------    --------
          Total liabilities and stockholder's equity........  $291,010    $264,731
                                                              ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   159
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                PREDECESSOR COMPANY
                                                                          -------------------------------
                                                          PERIOD FROM       PERIOD FROM
                                                           INCEPTION      JANUARY 1, 1995
                                           YEAR ENDED       THROUGH           THROUGH         YEAR ENDED
                                          DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,       APRIL 20,       DECEMBER 31,
                                              1996            1995             1995              1994
                                          ------------    ------------    ---------------    ------------
<S>                                       <C>             <C>             <C>                <C>
Revenues................................    $183,326        $142,908          $57,848          $167,217
Cost of sales...........................     126,739          98,175           37,400           134,556
                                            --------        --------          -------          --------
Gross profit............................      56,587          44,733           20,448            32,661
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses..............................      23,528          19,836            7,047            22,529
                                            --------        --------          -------          --------
Operating income........................      33,059          24,897           13,401            10,132
Equity in net loss of unconsolidated
  subsidiary............................      (2,607)             --               --                --
Interest expense, net...................     (17,290)        (12,905)          (1,665)           (6,407)
Settlement of litigation and insurance
  claims, net...........................          --              --               --             3,326
Other income (expense), net.............       1,684             637             (115)            1,337
                                            --------        --------          -------          --------
Income before taxes and extraordinary
  item..................................      14,846          12,629           11,621             8,388
Income tax provision....................       6,735           6,208            4,809             3,242
                                            --------        --------          -------          --------
Income before extraordinary item........       8,111           6,421            6,812             5,146
Extraordinary item, early extinguishment
  of debt (net of income tax benefit of
  $2,140)...............................          --              --            3,420                --
                                            --------        --------          -------          --------
Net income..............................       8,111           6,421            3,392             5,146
Accretion of dividends on preferred
  stock and adjustment to redeemable
  stock put warrants....................          --              --               --            (1,824)
                                            --------        --------          -------          --------
Net income applicable to common stock...    $  8,111        $  6,421          $ 3,392          $  3,322
                                            ========        ========          =======          ========
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   160
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           NUMBER OF
                                            COMMON               ADDITIONAL
                                            SHARES      COMMON    PAID-IN     RETAINED
                                          OUTSTANDING   STOCK     CAPITAL     EARNINGS     TOTAL
                                          -----------   ------   ----------   ---------   -------
<S>                                       <C>           <C>      <C>          <C>         <C>
Post Acquisition
Balance at Acquisition..................         1       $ 1      $46,062      $    --    $46,063
  Recognition of the NOL benefit........        --        --        3,590           --      3,590
  Dividend paid to parent...............        --        --           --         (647)      (647)
  Net income............................        --        --           --        6,421      6,421
                                             -----       ---      -------      -------    -------
Balance at December 31, 1995............         1         1       49,652        5,774     55,427
  Recognition of the NOL benefit........        --        --       11,472           --     11,472
  Dividend paid to parent...............        --        --           --         (687)      (687)
  Net income............................        --        --           --        8,111      8,111
                                             -----       ---      -------      -------    -------
Balance at December 31, 1996............         1       $ 1      $61,124      $13,198    $74,323
                                             =====       ===      =======      =======    =======
Predecessor Company
Balance at December 31, 1993............     1,453       $14      $ 4,028      $15,679    $19,721
  Common Stock issuance.................        56         1          158           --        159
  Adjust carrying value of stock
     warrants...........................        --        --           --       (1,424)    (1,424)
  Accretion of excess redemption value
     of redeemable preferred stock over
     carrying value and amount of
     dividends not declared or paid.....        --        --           --         (500)      (500)
  Net income............................        --        --           --        5,146      5,146
                                             -----       ---      -------      -------    -------
Balance at December 31, 1994............     1,509        15        4,186       18,901     23,102
  Accretion of excess redemption value
     of redeemable preferred stock over
     carrying value and amount of
     dividends not declared or paid.....        --        --           --         (124)      (124)
  Net income............................        --        --           --        3,392      3,392
                                             -----       ---      -------      -------    -------
Balance at April 20, 1995...............     1,509       $15      $ 4,186      $22,169    $26,370
                                             =====       ===      =======      =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   161
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               PREDECESSOR COMPANY
                                                         PERIOD FROM     -------------------------------
                                                          INCEPTION        PERIOD FROM
                                          YEAR ENDED       THROUGH       JANUARY 1, 1995     YEAR ENDED
                                         DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,        THROUGH        DECEMBER 31,
                                             1996            1995        APRIL 20, 1995         1994
                                         ------------    ------------    ---------------    ------------
<S>                                      <C>             <C>             <C>                <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income.............................    $  8,111       $   6,421         $   3,392         $  5,146
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
  net cash provided by operating
  activities:
  Depreciation and amortization........      15,695          12,274             4,490           13,595
  Provision for bad debts..............          --             138                47            1,235
  Write-off of previous finance
     costs.............................          --              --             1,282               --
  Gain on disposal of property, plant
     and equipment.....................          --              --                13               (4)
  Provision for SAR's..................          --              --                --              968
  Equity in net loss (earnings) of
     unconsolidated subsidiaries.......       2,607              --              (204)            (183)
  Net change in deferred taxes.........       4,339           3,590            (2,086)          (1,256)
  Net effect of changes in operating
     assets and liabilities (net of
     acquisitions).....................       1,701           5,865            (4,323)           2,918
                                           --------       ---------         ---------         --------
Net cash flows from operating
  activities...........................      32,453          28,288             2,611           22,419
                                           --------       ---------         ---------         --------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Acquisitions of businesses...........      (5,459)       (152,318)               --               --
  Investment in and advances to
     unconsolidated subsidiaries.......      (6,645)             --                --               --
  Capital expenditures.................     (17,121)        (13,556)           (3,447)          (5,681)
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant
     and equipment.....................          --              --                58              694
                                           --------       ---------         ---------         --------
Net cash flows from investing
  activities...........................     (29,225)       (165,874)           (3,389)          (4,987)
                                           --------       ---------         ---------         --------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Borrowings:
     Proceeds..........................          --         153,500           106,000           83,900
     Repayments........................         (70)        (27,500)         (103,971)         (99,961)
  Dividends paid to parent.............        (687)           (416)               --               --
  Dividends paid on preferred stock and
     purchase of stock put warrant.....          --              --            (2,341)              --
  Proceeds from issuance of common
     stock.............................          --          21,000                --              170
                                           --------       ---------         ---------         --------
Net cash flows from financing
  activities...........................        (757)        146,584              (312)         (15,891)
                                           --------       ---------         ---------         --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash........       2,471           8,998            (1,090)           1,541
Cash at beginning of period............      11,218              --             3,310            1,769
Cash acquired in acquisition...........         728           2,220                --               --
                                           --------       ---------         ---------         --------
Cash at end of period..................    $ 14,417       $  11,218         $   2,220         $  3,310
                                           ========       =========         =========         ========
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   162
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
     Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp. (Pioneer) is a Delaware corporation
formed on March 6, 1995 (Inception). Pioneer is 100% owned by Pioneer Companies,
Inc. (PCI).
 
     On April 20, 1995, Pioneer acquired Pioneer Americas, Inc. (Pioneer
Americas or the Predecessor Company) for approximately $177 million (the
Acquisition). Pioneer Americas manufactured chlorine, caustic soda and related
products used in a variety of applications including water treatment, plastics,
detergents, and agricultural chemicals. Consideration for the Acquisition
included cash, assumption of certain liabilities and repayment of debt of the
Predecessor Company, redemption of preferred stock of the Predecessor Company
and fees and expenses related to the Acquisition. In connection with the
Acquisition, PCI sold common stock, issued long-term debt and entered into a new
bank revolving credit facility. The Acquisition was accounted for as a purchase;
accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed based upon their fair market value and the operations of the
Predecessor Company were included in the consolidated financial statements from
the date acquired. The Acquisition resulted in $112 million of excess cost over
the fair value of the net assets acquired, which is being amortized on a
straight line basis over 25 years.
 
     In February 1996, Pioneer acquired an interest in Kemwater North America
Company (Kemwater) for $0.3 million of cash and a contribution of the assets and
liabilities of its subsidiary Imperial West Chemical Co. (Imperial West).
Kemwater was formed to conduct the operations of Imperial West and KWT, Inc.
(acquired by PCI in February 1996). Kemwater, which manufactures and supplies
iron chlorides that are used to remove solids from water streams and to control
hydrogen sulfide emissions by the potable and waste water markets, is owned 50%
by Pioneer and 50% by PCI. Since it does not own a controlling interest in
Kemwater, Pioneer accounts for Kemwater using the equity method. In the 1996
consolidated financial statements, Pioneer's investment in Kemwater is presented
as Investment in and advances to unconsolidated subsidiary and its equity in the
loss of Kemwater is shown as Equity in net loss of unconsolidated subsidiary. In
the 1995 consolidated financial statements of Pioneer, Imperial West is
consolidated and includes the following: total assets of $25.7 million, total
revenues of $23.7 million and net loss of $0.6 million. Had the acquisition been
made as of January 1, 1996 and 1995, it would not have had a significant impact
on the consolidated financial statements for 1996 and 1995. The acquisition did
not have a material impact on Pioneer s financial statements, and therefore pro
forma information is not presented.
 
     Pioneer acquired T.C. Products in July 1996 for $10.0 million. T.C.
Products manufactures bleach and related products. The acquisitions was
accounted for as a purchase; accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to
the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their fair market value
and the operations for the acquired company was included in the consolidated
financial statements from the date acquired. The acquisition resulted in $7.0
million of excess cost over the fair value of the net assets acquired, which is
being amortized on a straight line basis over 25 years. Had the acquisition been
made as of January 1, 1996 and 1995, it would not have had a significant impact
upon the consolidated financial statements for 1996 and 1995. The acquisition
did not have a material impact on Pioneer's financial statements, and therefore
pro forma information is not presented.
 
     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Pioneer and
its consolidated subsidiaries (the Company). All significant intercompany
balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All dollar
amounts in tabulations in the notes to the consolidated financial statements are
stated in thousands of dollars unless otherwise indicated.
 
     Amounts presented in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for
the Predecessor Company are based upon its historical accounting basis for the
periods presented. Such amounts do not include effects of the purchase of the
Predecessor Company by Pioneer. Amounts presented in the notes to the
consolidated financial statements for the Predecessor Company for the period
from January 1, 1995 through April 20, 1995
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   163
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
and for the year ended December 31, 1994 are included under the captions
Predecessor Company, 1995 and Predecessor Company, 1994, respectively.
 
     The Company operates in one industry segment and one geographic area.
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
     All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when
purchased are considered to be cash equivalents. Interest income is netted
against interest expense for the periods presented. The Company had interest
income for the year ended December 31, 1996 and the period from Inception
through December 31, 1995 of $0.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The
Predecessor Company had interest income of $0.1 million for each of the period
from January 1, 1995 through April 20, 1995 and the year ended December 31,
1994.
 
  Inventories
 
     Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Finished goods and
work-in-process costs are calculated under the average cost method, which
includes appropriate elements of material, labor, and manufacturing overhead
costs, while the first-in, first-out method is utilized for raw materials,
supplies, and parts. The Company enters into agreements with other companies to
exchange chemical inventories in order to minimize working capital requirements
and to facilitate distribution logistics. Balances related to quantities due to
or payable by the Company are included in inventory. The results of operations
for the period from Inception through December 31, 1995 include the effects of
an increase of $1.7 million to cost of sales due to the step-up in value of
inventory in connection with the Acquisition.
 
  Property, Plant, and Equipment
 
     Depreciation for financial reporting purposes is computed primarily under
the straight-line method over the estimated remaining useful lives of the
assets. Asset lives range from 5 years to 15 years with a predominant life of 10
years.
 
  Other Assets
 
     Other assets include amounts for deferred financing costs which are being
amortized on a straightline basis over the term of the related debt.
Amortization of such costs using the interest method would not result in
material differences in the amounts amortized during the periods presented.
Amortization expense for other assets for the year ended December 31, 1996 was
$1.3 million and for the period from Inception through December 31, 1995 was
approximately $1.1 million.
 
     Other assets of the Predecessor Company included amounts for organization
costs, deferred financing costs, non-compete agreements, permits, licenses, and
customer lists obtained in conjunction with the acquisitions of All-Pure
Chemical Co. ("All-Pure"), GPS Pool Supply, Inc. ("GPS") and Imperial West,
which were being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful
lives. The Predecessor Company's deferred financing costs were being amortized
on a straight-line basis over the term of the related debt. Amortization of such
costs using the interest method would not result in material differences in the
amounts amortized during the periods presented. Amortization expense for other
assets was approximately $0.8 million for the period from January 1, 1995
through April 20, 1995 and $1.7 million for the year ending December 31, 1994.
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   164
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Excess Cost Over the Fair Value of Net Assets Acquired
 
     Excess cost over the fair value of net assets acquired of approximately
$115 million is amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to 25
years. The carrying value of excess cost over the fair value of net assets
acquired is reviewed annually and if this review indicates that such excess cost
will not be recoverable, as determined based on the estimated future
undiscounted cash flows of the entity acquired over the remaining amortization
period, the Company's carrying value of excess cost over the fair value of net
assets acquired will be reduced by the estimated shortfall of discounted cash
flows or the fair value of the related entity. No such reductions were made in
1996 or 1995. Amortization expense for excess cost over the fair value of net
assets acquired was approximately $4.7 million for the year ended December 31,
1996 and $3.3 million for the period from Inception through December 31, 1995.
 
     The Predecessor Company's excess cost over the fair value of net assets
acquired of approximately $12.8 million and is amortized on a straight-line
basis over 20 years. Amortization expense was approximately $0.2 million for the
period from January 1, 1995 through April 20, 1995 and $0.6 million for 1994.
 
  Environmental Expenditures
 
     Remediation costs are accrued based on estimates of known environmental
remediation exposure. Such accruals are based upon management's best estimate of
the ultimate cost and are recorded even if significant uncertainties exist over
the ultimate cost of the remediation. Ongoing environmental compliance cost,
including maintenance and monitoring costs, are charged to operations as
incurred.
 
  Returnable Deposits
 
     Customers are required to pay a security deposit on cylinders, tanks, and
containers. These deposits are refunded to the customer upon the termination of
service and return of cylinders, tanks, and containers.
 
  Income Taxes
 
     The Company files a consolidated tax return with PCI. Pioneer has entered
into a tax sharing agreement with PCI whereby the Company will make tax sharing
payments to PCI with respect to federal cash income taxes reflecting the
consolidated cash tax liability of PCI. The tax sharing agreement has the effect
of presenting the income tax provision on a separate return basis. For financial
reporting purposes, deferred income taxes are determined utilizing an asset and
liability approach. This method gives consideration to the future tax
consequences associated with differences between the financial accounting basis
and tax basis of the assets and liabilities, and the ultimate realization of any
deferred tax asset resulting from such differences. State income taxes are
included in income taxes payable.
 
  Use of Estimates
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
  Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
     During 1996, the Company adopted a new accounting standard for the
impairment of long-lived assets. This standard requires that certain assets be
reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of the assets may not be recovered. If it is determined that the
asset's carrying amount is not recoverable, the new accounting standard requires
that the carrying value be reduced to
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   165
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
the fair value of the assets. Implementation of this standard did not have a
significant impact on the Company's 1996 consolidated financial statements.
 
  Reclassification
 
     Certain amounts have been reclassified in prior years to conform to the
current year presentation. All reclassifications have been applied consistently
for the periods presented.
 
3. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
     Net effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of
acquisitions) are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     PREDECESSOR COMPANY
                                                                     -------------------
                                                  1996      1995       1995       1994
                                                 -------   -------   --------   --------
<S>                                              <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
Accounts receivable............................  $ 5,228   $   802    $(3,617)   $(4,889)
Due from parent................................   (1,973)      111         --        535
Receivable from insurance carriers and
  agents.......................................       --        --         --       (102)
Income taxes receivable........................       --        --         --      2,738
Inventories....................................    3,151     1,541       (638)      (876)
Prepaid expenses...............................       76    (1,404)       722       (371)
Other assets...................................   (1,254)   (3,104)    (1,342)      (305)
Accounts payable...............................   (4,168)   (1,030)     4,899        862
Accrued liabilities............................   (4,457)    8,777     (3,784)     3,783
Returnable deposits............................     (199)     (234)      (259)      (323)
Other long-term liabilities....................    4,770       (71)      (726)     1,079
Accrued pension and other employee benefits....      527       477        422        787
                                                 -------   -------    -------    -------
Net change in operating accounts...............  $ 1,701   $ 5,865    $(4,323)   $ 2,918
                                                 =======   =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
     Following is supplemental cash information:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         PREDECESSOR
                                                                           COMPANY
                                                                       ---------------
                                                   1996       1995      1995     1994
                                                  -------   --------   ------   ------
<S>                                               <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>
Cash paid during the period for:
  Interest......................................  $18,297   $  8,288   $3,067   $4,482
                                                  -------   --------   ------   ------
  Income taxes..................................  $ 3,556   $  1,707   $1,852   $3,730
                                                  =======   ========   ======   ======
Investing activities of acquisitions during the
  period:
  Cash paid for acquisition.....................  $ 5,459   $152,318   $   --   $  238
  Long-term debt issued.........................    4,500     11,463       --    3,254
  Liabilities assumed...........................    3,994     90,596       --       --
  NOL benefit recognized........................       --     13,600       --       --
                                                  -------   --------   ------   ------
  Fair value of assets acquired.................  $13,953   $267,977   $   --   $3,492
                                                  =======   ========   ======   ======
</TABLE>
 
     Included in the above table are the acquisitions of T.C. Products in 1996;
Pioneer Americas, Inc. in 1995; and GPS in 1994 by the Predecessor Company.
 
     Other non-cash items included in the consolidated financial statements
include: increase in stockholders' equity of $11.5 million and $3.6 million in
1996 and 1995, respectively, due to recognizing the benefit of the net operating
loss carryforward; and exchange of $135 million of 13 3/8% First Mortgage Notes
for $135 million of 13 3/8% First Mortgage Notes in 1996.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   166
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
4. INVENTORIES
 
     Inventories consisted of the following at December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996       1995
                                                              -------    -------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
Raw materials, supplies and parts...........................  $ 7,512    $ 9,849
Finished goods and work-in-process..........................    2,668      3,155
Inventories under exchange agreements.......................   (3,933)    (1,657)
                                                              -------    -------
                                                              $ 6,247    $11,347
                                                              =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
5. INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO UNCONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
  Kemwater
 
     Pioneer and PCI each own a 50% interest in Kemwater which was formed in
February 1996 to continue the business activities previously conducted by
Pioneer's subsidiary, Imperial West and to operate the business acquired by PCI
through the acquisition of KWT, Inc. At December 31, 1996, Pioneer's investment
in and advances to Kemwater aggregated $28.6 million. Advances to Kemwater are
primarily for purchase of product and to fund Kemwater's current operations and
capital requirements. Pioneer and PCI have funded, and intend to continue
funding in the foreseeable future, Kemwater's operations and capital
requirements; accordingly, Pioneer has reduced its investment at December 31,
1996 to a deficit of $0.3 million. Following is a summary of selected items from
Kemwater's balance sheet at December 31, 1996 and operations for the year ended
December 31, 1996 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                          <C>
Current assets.............................................  $13,004
Non-current assets.........................................   32,224
Current liabilities........................................    7,294
Non-current liabilities....................................   40,498
Revenues...................................................   36,142
Gross profit...............................................    1,865
Net loss...................................................   (5,214)
</TABLE>
 
  BII and VVLC
 
     The Company, through its subsidiary Pioneer Chlor Alkali Company, Inc.
("PCAC"), owns approximately 32% of the common stock of Basic Investments, Inc.
( BII ), which owns and maintains the water and power distribution network
within the Henderson, Nevada industrial complex and which is a large landowner
in Clark County, Nevada. The remainder of the common stock of BII is owned by
other companies located in the industrial complex. Prior to the Acquisition, the
investment in BII was accounted for by the Predecessor Company under the equity
method after adjustment to reflect PCAC's basis.
 
     PCAC has an approximate 21% limited partnership interest in Victory Valley
Land Company ("VVLC"). The purpose of the business is to receive, hold and
develop the lands, water rights, and other assets contributed by the partners
for investment. A wholly owned subsidiary of BII, acting as general partner with
a 50% interest in VVLC, contributed all rights, title, and interest in and to
certain land to VVLC. PCAC assigned certain water rights to VVLC. Prior to the
Acquisition, the investment in VVLC was accounted for by the Predecessor Company
under the equity method.
 
     The Company's interests in BII and in VVLC (referred to as the Basic
Ownership) constitute assets that, pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement and a
related Contingent Payment Agreement, will be held for the economic benefit of
the Sellers for a period of 20 years. Dividends and distributions received by
the Company on account of the Basic Ownership (including amounts payable as a
result of sales of land or other assets
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   167
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
owned by BII or VVLC) are deposited into a Contingent Payment Account and used
to satisfy certain obligations of the Sellers under environmental and other
indemnities in favor of the Company. After payment or provision for payment of
such obligations in accordance with the provisions of the Contingent Payment
Agreement, amounts received by the Company subsequent to April 20, 1995 on
account of the Basic Ownership will be remitted to the Sellers under the
Contingent Payment Agreement for such 20-year period. The Sellers also have
certain rights during such period with respect to determinations affecting the
Basic Ownership, including the right (subject to certain limited conditions) to
direct the sales or disposition of interests constituting the Basic Ownership
and the right (with certain limited exceptions) to vote the interests
constituting the Basic Ownership, notwithstanding the ownership of such
interests by the Company. Since the Sellers maintain the economic benefit of the
Basic Ownership, and the Company has not received, nor expects to receive in the
future, any economic benefit from BII or VVLC, the Company has not maintained
these balances in its consolidated financial statements since the Acquisition.
 
     The BII financial information includes the accounts of VVLC. The following
is a summary of financial information pertaining to BII and VVLC for the
Predecessor Company for the year ended December 31, 1994:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Revenues....................................................  $5,659
Costs and expenses..........................................   4,834
                                                              ------
Income before taxes.........................................     825
Income tax expenses.........................................    (274)
                                                              ------
          Net income........................................  $  551
                                                              ======
          Equity in earnings (included in other income).....  $  183
                                                              ======
</TABLE>
 
6. ACCRUED LIABILITIES
 
     Accrued liabilities consist of the following at December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996       1995
                                                              -------    -------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
Payroll, benefits, and pension..............................  $ 2,371    $ 5,371
Interest and bank fees......................................    4,595      4,941
Future tax effects..........................................    2,237      2,293
Miscellaneous accrued liabilities...........................   10,073      8,055
                                                              -------    -------
  Accrued liabilities.......................................  $19,276    $20,660
                                                              =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
7. PENSION AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
 
     Annual pension costs and liabilities for the Company under its two
defined-benefit plans covering all of its employees are determined by actuaries
using various methods and assumptions. The Company has agreed to voluntarily
contribute such amounts as are necessary to provide assets sufficient to meet
the benefits to be paid to its employees. The Company's present intent is to
make annual contributions, which are actuarially computed, in amounts not more
than the maximum nor less than the minimum allowable under the Internal Revenue
Code. For purposes of determining annual expenses and funding contributions, the
following assumptions were used for the years ended December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1996    1995    1994
                                                              ----    ----    ----
<S>                                                           <C>     <C>     <C>
Rate of return of plan assets...............................  8.0%    8.0%    8.0%
Discount rate...............................................  7.5%    7.5%    7.5%
Annual compensation increase................................  4.0%    4.0%    5.0%
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   168
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Pension expense for the periods presented was comprised of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        PREDECESSOR
                                                                          COMPANY
                                                                      ---------------
                                                   1996      1995     1995      1994
                                                  -------    -----    -----    ------
<S>                                               <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>
Service cost....................................  $   597    $ 410    $ 178    $  571
Interest cost...................................      892      566      260       770
Return on plan assets...........................   (1,132)    (394)    (149)     (537)
Amortization of prior service and other.........      462       56       (7)      225
                                                  -------    -----    -----    ------
          Total pension expense.................  $   819    $ 638    $ 282    $1,029
                                                  =======    =====    =====    ======
</TABLE>
 
     The funded status of the pension plans for which assets exceed accumulated
benefits and the plan for which accumulated benefits exceed assets as of the
actuarial valuation dates of December 31, 1996 and 1995 were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1996                       1995
                                            --------------------------------    ---------------
                                              ACCUMULATED      ASSETS EXCEED      ACCUMULATED
                                            BENEFITS EARNED     ACCUMULATED     BENEFITS EARNED
                                                ASSETS           BENEFITS           ASSETS
                                            ---------------    -------------    ---------------
<S>                                         <C>                <C>              <C>
Actuarial present value of benefits based
  on service to date and present pay
  levels:
  Vested benefit obligation...............      $ 3,823           $ 6,122           $ 8,488
  Non-vested benefit obligation...........          212               389             1,513
                                                -------           -------           -------
  Accumulated benefit obligation..........        4,035             6,511            10,001
  Plan assets at fair value...............        3,318             6,963             7,293
                                                -------           -------           -------
  Plan assets in excess (less than)
     accumulated benefit obligation.......          717              (452)           (2,708)
  Additional amounts related to projected
     salary increases.....................        2,171               911             2,199
                                                -------           -------           -------
  Plan assets less than total projected
     benefit obligation...................       (1,454)           (1,363)           (4,907)
  Unrecognized gain.......................          236             1,254               185
  Unrecognized prior service cost.........         (372)              220              (202)
                                                -------           -------           -------
  Pension obligation......................      $ 1,318           $ 2,837           $ 4,890
                                                =======           =======           =======
</TABLE>
 
     Plan assets at December 31, 1996 and 1995 consist primarily of fixed income
investments and equity investments.
 
     The Company offers defined-contribution plans for its employees with the
employees generally contributing from 1% to 15% of their compensation. Aggregate
contributions by the Company to such plans were $0.4 million and $0.2 million in
1996 and 1995, respectively. Aggregate contributions by the Predecessor Company
for such plans were $0.1 million for the period from January 1, 1995 through
April 20, 1995 and none for 1994.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   169
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     In addition to providing pension benefits, PCAC provides certain health
care and life insurance benefits for retired employees. Substantially all of
PCAC's employees may become eligible for those benefits if they reach normal
retirement age while working for the Company. The following table presents the
plan's funded status reconciled with amounts recognized in the Company's balance
sheet at December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996      1995
                                                              -------   ------
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>
Accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation:
  Retirees..................................................  $ 3,737   $3,669
  Fully eligible active plan participants...................    1,483    1,380
  Other active plan participants............................    4,986    4,169
                                                              -------   ------
                                                               10,206    9,218
Unrecognized net loss.......................................     (125)      --
                                                              -------   ------
  Accrued post retirement benefit cost......................  $10,081   $9,218
                                                              =======   ======
</TABLE>
 
     Net periodic post-retirement benefit cost for the periods presented
includes the following components:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         PREDECESSOR
                                                                           COMPANY
                                                                         -----------
                                                          1996    1995   1995   1994
                                                         ------   ----   ----   ----
<S>                                                      <C>      <C>    <C>    <C>
Service cost...........................................  $  369   $243   $109   $324
Interest cost..........................................     693    449    176    519
Amortization of transition obligation over 20 years....      --     15      8     32
Other components.......................................      --     48     --     --
                                                         ------   ----   ----   ----
          Net periodic post-retirement benefit cost....  $1,062   $755   $293   $875
                                                         ======   ====   ====   ====
</TABLE>
 
     The weighted-average annual assumed rate of increase in the per capita cost
of covered benefits (i.e., health care cost trend rate) is 10.0% for 1996 (the
same as the rate previously assumed for 1995 and 1994) and is assumed to
decrease gradually to 6% for 2010 and remain at that level thereafter. The
health care cost trend rate assumption has a significant effect on the amounts
reported. For example, increasing the assumed health care cost trend rates by
one percentage point in each year would increase the accumulated post-retirement
benefit obligation as of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 by $0.8 million, $0.7
million, and $0.6 million, respectively, and the aggregate of the service and
interest cost components of the net periodic post-retirement benefit cost for
each of 1996, 1995 and 1994 by $0.1 million.
 
     The weighted-average discount rate used in determining the accumulated
post-retirement benefit obligation was 7.5% at December 31, 1996, 1995, and
1994.
 
     As a result of the Acquisition, the unrecognized net loss and unrecognized
transition obligation amounts as of that date were recognized.
 
8. BANK CREDIT FACILITY
 
     In April 1995, the Company entered into a credit agreement which provides
for the three-year Bank Credit Facility with Bank of America, Illinois ("BAI").
The Company may borrow up to $30.0 million, subject to certain borrowing base
limitations. At December 31, 1996, no amounts were outstanding under the Bank
Credit Facility. The revolving loans bear interest at a rate equal to, at the
Company's option, (i) the reference rate set by BAI or (ii) the LIBOR Base Rate.
The Bank Credit Facility requires the Company to pay a fee equal to one half of
one percent per annum on the total unused balance. Indebtedness outstanding
under the Bank Credit Facility is collateralized by a security interest in all
of the inventory, accounts receivable and certain other assets of PCAC and
All-Pure. Up to $10.0 million of the Borrowing Base, as
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   170
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
defined by the Bank Credit Facility, can be utilized for letters of credit. The
Borrowing Base at December 31, 1996 was approximately $18.6 million. After
consideration of applicable outstanding letters of credit of approximately $2.9
million, the unused availability of the Borrowing Base was approximately $15.7
million at December 31, 1996.
 
     The Bank Credit Facility contains restrictive covenants that, among other
things and under certain conditions, limit the ability of the Company to incur
additional indebtedness, to acquire or dispose of assets or operations and to
pay dividends or redeem shares of stock.
 
9. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
     Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1996        1995
                                            ----        ----
<S>                                       <C>         <C>
13 3/8% First Mortgage Notes, due
  2005..................................  $135,000    $135,000
Subordinated notes payable to sellers of
  T.C. Products, principal payments due
  July 31, 2001, with a variable
  interest rate based on a bank's prime
  rate plus 1%, interest is paid
  monthly...............................     4,500          --
Tax-exempt bond financed through the
  Economic Development Corporation of
  Pierce County, Washington, principal
  payments due in variable annual
  installments through 2014, with a
  variable interest rate based on
  current market values of comparable
  securities, interest is paid
  monthly...............................     2,257          --
                                          --------    --------
Total...................................   141,757     135,000
Current maturities of long-term debt....      (128)         --
                                          --------    --------
Long-term debt..........................  $141,629    $135,000
                                          ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
     Long-term debt matures as follows: $0.1 million in 1997; $0.1 million in
1998; $0.1 million in 1999; $0.1 million in 2000; $4.6 million in 2001; and
$136.6 million thereafter.
 
     As part of the Acquisition in April 1995, the Company issued and sold $135
million of 13 3/8% Senior Notes due in 2005. In January 1996, the Company
exchanged, as part of a public offering, the $135 million of Notes for $135
Million of 13 3/8% First Mortgage Notes due in 2005. Like the Senior Notes, the
Mortgage Notes are senior secured obligations of the Company, ranking senior in
right of payment to all subordinated indebtedness. The Mortgage Notes are fully
and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by all of the
Company's direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries and are secured by the
first mortgage liens on certain manufacturing facilities. The Company is a
holding company with no operating assets or operations. Financial statements of
the Company's direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries are not separately
included as the Company's management does not believe this information would be
material to investors.
 
     The Mortgage Notes are redeemable at the Company's option starting in 2000.
Before 1998, the Company may redeem a maximum of $35 million of the Mortgage
Notes at 113% of the principal amount due with funds from a public offering of
common stock of the Company or PCI (to the extent such funds are contributed to
the Company). Upon a change of control, as defined in the agreement, the Company
is required to offer to purchase the Mortgage Notes for 101% of the principal
due.
 
     The Mortgage Notes and other long-term debt contain various restrictions on
the Company, which, among other things, limit the ability of the Company to
incur additional indebtedness, to acquire or dispose of assets or operations and
to pay dividends or redeem shares of stock.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   171
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
10. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
  Concentration of Credit Risk
 
     The Company manufactures and sells chlorine and caustic-based products to
companies in diverse industries. The Company performs periodic credit
evaluations of its customers' financial condition and generally does not require
collateral. The Company's sales are primarily to customers in the western and
southeastern regions of the United States. Credit losses relating to these
customers have been within management's expectations.
 
     The Company maintains cash deposits with major banks, which from time to
time may exceed federally insured limits. The Company periodically assesses the
financial condition of the institutions and believes that any possible loss is
minimal.
 
     Net sales of the Company included sales to a major customer of
approximately $23.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. Net sales of
the Predecessor Company included sales to a major customer of approximately $7.5
million for the period from January 1, 1995 through April 20, 1995 and $18.7
million in 1994.
 
  Investments
 
     It is the policy of the Company to invest its excess cash in investment
instruments or securities whose value is not subject to market fluctuations such
as master notes of issuers rated at the time of such investment of at least A-2
or the equivalent thereof by S&P or at least P-2 or the equivalent thereof by
Moody's or any bank or financial institution party to the Company's Bank Credit
Facility with Bank of America.
 
  Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
     In preparing disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments, the
Company has assumed that the carrying amount approximates fair value for cash
and cash equivalents, receivables, short-term borrowings, accounts payable and
certain accrued expenses because of the short maturities of those instruments.
The fair values of long-term debt instruments are estimated based upon quoted
market values (if applicable), or on the current interest rates available to the
Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. Considerable
judgment is required in developing these estimates and, accordingly, no
assurance can be given that the estimated values presented herein are indicative
of the amounts that would be realized in a free market exchange. The Company
held no derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 1996 and 1995.
 
     At December 31, 1996, the fair market value of all of the Company's
financial instruments approximated the book value, except its 13 3/8% First
Mortgage Notes Due 2005, which had a book value of $135 million and a fair value
based upon its current quoted market price of $153 million.
 
11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
  Letters of Credit
 
     At December 31, 1996 the Company had letters of credit and performance
bonds outstanding of approximately $5.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively.
These letters of credit and performance bonds were issued for the benefit of:
customers under sales agreements securing delivery of products sold, a power
company as a deposit for the supply of electricity, and a state environmental
agency as required for manufacturers in the state. The letters of credit expire
at various dates in 1997 and 1998. No amounts were drawn on the letters of
credit at December 31, 1996.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   172
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Purchase Commitments
 
     The Company has committed to purchase salt used in the production process
under contracts which continue through December 31, 2003. Based on the contract
terms, a minimum of 563,111 tons of salt are to be purchased in 1997, 280,000
tons in 1998 and 225,000 tons in each of the years 1999 through 2003. The future
minimum salt commitments are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                          <C>
1997.......................................................  $ 4,402
1998.......................................................    2,480
1999.......................................................    1,903
2000.......................................................    1,960
2001.......................................................    2,019
Thereafter.................................................    4,221
                                                             -------
          Total purchase commitments.......................  $16,985
                                                             =======
</TABLE>
 
  Operating Leases
 
     The Company leases certain manufacturing and distribution facilities,
computer equipment, and administrative offices under noncancelable leases.
Minimum future rental payments on such leases with terms in excess of one year
in effect at December 31, 1996 are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>
1997....................................  $ 8,318
1998....................................    7,960
1999....................................    7,916
2000....................................    6,267
2001....................................    5,786
Thereafter..............................    4,685
                                          -------
          Total minimum obligations.....  $40,932
                                          =======
</TABLE>
 
     Lease expense charged to operations for the year ended December 31, 1996
and for the period from Inception through December 31, 1995 was approximately
$7.8 million and $6.3 million, respectively. Lease expense charged to the
Predecessor Company's operations for the period from January 1, 1995 through
April 20, 1995 and the year ended December 31, 1994 was approximately $3.3
million and $8.4 million, respectively.
 
  Litigation
 
     During 1993, Imperial West was awarded $1.4 million as the result of a
breach of contract claim it had asserted against the lessor of one of the
Imperial West plants. Appeals of the judgment were upheld and the award together
with interest was paid in January 1996. The consolidated financial statements at
December 31, 1995 included a receivable for the award. The lessor also filed
suit alleging that Imperial West was required to remediate alleged contamination
prior to the termination of the lease in July 1995. The parties settled that
action under terms pursuant to which (i) Imperial West paid the lessor $900,000
upon the termination of the lease in July 1995, and (ii) the lessor transferred
title to the property to Imperial West. In addition, Imperial West agreed to
indemnify the lessor against any future environmental liability with respect to
the property. Certain insurers paid a portion of Imperial West's defense costs
in connection with the lawsuit by the lessor.
 
     In 1994, the trustee in the bankruptcy of a company which was a customer of
the Predecessor Company filed suit against the Predecessor Company, seeking the
recovery of up to $2.2 million in payments made to the Predecessor Company on a
basis which the trustee alleges was preferential to other creditors' claims.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>   173
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Management has been advised by counsel that the range of any loss which may be
incurred as the result of the suit will be substantially below the amount
claimed, and the Company is vigorously contesting the action. The Company does
not believe this action will have a significant effect on its financial position
or results of operations.
 
     The Company is party to other legal proceedings and potential claims
arising in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management,
the Company has adequate legal defenses and/or insurance coverage with respect
to these matters and management does not believe that they will materially
affect the Company's operations or financial position.
 
12. INCOME TAXES
 
     Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of
the deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows at December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           1996        1995
                                          -------    --------
<S>                                       <C>        <C>
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Tax over book basis -- property, plant
     and equipment......................  $20,006    $ 22,063
  Other -- net..........................      399       1,435
                                          -------    --------
          Total deferred tax
            liabilities.................   20,405      23,498
                                          -------    --------
Deferred tax assets:
  Post employment benefits..............    5,552       5,791
  Alternative minimum tax credit
     carryforward.......................      671          --
  Allowance for doubtful accounts.......      511         569
  Other accrued liabilities.............    6,165       6,530
  Net operating loss carry forward of
     PCI................................   14,391      22,091
                                          -------    --------
          Total deferred tax assets.....   27,290      34,981
Valuation allowance for deferred tax
  assets................................       --     (11,433)
                                          -------    --------
Net deferred tax assets.................   27,290      23,498
                                          -------    --------
Net deferred taxes......................  $ 6,885    $     --
                                          =======    ========
</TABLE>
 
     Significant components of the provision for income taxes for the periods
presented are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PREDECESSOR COMPANY
                                                              --------------------
                                           1996      1995       1995        1994
                                          ------    ------    --------    --------
<S>                                       <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>
Current:
  Federal...............................  $  614    $  799     $ 5,938     $ 3,930
  State.................................   1,528     1,830         957         568
                                          ------    ------     -------     -------
          Total current.................   2,142     2,629       6,895       4,498
                                          ------    ------     -------     -------
Deferred:
  Federal...............................   5,032     4,180      (1,816)     (1,010)
  State.................................    (439)     (601)       (270)       (246)
                                          ------    ------     -------     -------
          Total current.................   4,593     3,579      (2,086)     (1,256)
                                          ------    ------     -------     -------
          Total income tax provision....  $6,735    $6,208     $ 4,809     $ 3,242
                                          ======    ======     =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>   174
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PREDECESSOR COMPANY
                                                                                -----------------------------------
                                                1996               1995               1995               1994
                                          ----------------   ----------------   ----------------   ----------------
                                          AMOUNT   PERCENT   AMOUNT   PERCENT   AMOUNT   PERCENT   AMOUNT   PERCENT
                                          ------   -------   ------   -------   ------   -------   ------   -------
<S>                                       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
Tax at U.S. statutory rates.............  $4,390     35%     $4,420     35%     $4,068     35%     $2,936     35%
State income taxes, net of federal tax
  benefits..............................     708      6         799      6         407      3         321      4
Amortization of excess cost over the
  fair value of net assets acquired.....   1,591     14       1,159      9          69      1         221      2
Adjustment of previously provided
  taxes.................................      --     --          --     --          --     --        (285)    (3)
Other, net..............................      46     --        (170)    (1)        265      2          49      1
                                          ------     --      ------     --      ------     --      ------     --
                                          $6,735     55%     $6,208     49%     $4,809     41%     $3,242     39%
                                          ======     ==      ======     ==      ======     ==      ======     ==
</TABLE>
 
     At December 31, 1996, PCI had available to it on a consolidated tax return
basis approximately $35.6 million of net operating loss carryforward ("NOL") for
income tax purposes (expiring 2003 to 2010). The NOL is available for offset
against future taxable income if generated during the carryforward period. A tax
sharing agreement provides that the Company will be liable to PCI for its
separate tax liability only to the extent the consolidated group has a tax
liability. However as long as PCI's NOL is available to the consolidated group
to reduce taxable income, the Company's tax liability to PCI will be
substantially reduced. As a result of the tax sharing agreement, the NOL is
reflected by the Company for financial reporting purposes.
 
     For the year ended December 31, 1996 and the period from Inception through
December 31, 1995, the benefit of the utilization of the NOL of $11.5 million
and $3.6 million, respectively was recognized as an increase to additional
paid-in capital. Approximately $13.6 million was recognized as an increase to
additional paid-in capital as part of the purchase price allocation of the
Acquisition.
 
13. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES -- ENVIRONMENTAL
 
     The Company's operations are subject to extensive environmental laws and
regulations related to protection of the environment, including those applicable
to waste management, discharge of pollutants into the air and water, clean-up
liability from historical waste disposal practices, and employee health and
safety. At several of the Company's facilities, investigations or remediations
are underway and at some of these locations regulatory agencies are considering
whether additional actions are necessary to protect or remediate surface or
groundwater resources, and the Company could be required to incur additional
costs to construct and operate remediation systems in the future. In addition,
at several of its facilities, the Company is in the process of replacing or
closing ponds for the collection of wastewater. The Company plans to spend
approximately $1.3 million during the next fifteen years for closure of eight
chlor-alkali waste water disposal ponds at the Henderson plant. The Company
believes that it is in substantial compliance with existing governmental
regulations.
 
     PCAC's Henderson plant is located within what is known as the "Basic
Complex." Soil and groundwater contamination have been identified within and
adjoining the Basic Complex, including land owned by PCAC. A groundwater
treatment system was installed at the facility in 1983 and, pursuant to a
Consent Agreement with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, a study
is being conducted to further evaluate soil and groundwater contamination at the
facility and other properties within the Basic Complex and to determine whether
additional remediation will be necessary with respect to PCAC's property.
 
     In connection with the October 1988 acquisition of the chlor-alkali
business by the Predecessor Company, ICI Delaware Holdings, Inc. and ICI
Americas, Inc. (such companies or their successors, the
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>   175
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
"ZENECA Companies") agreed to indemnify the Predecessor Company for certain
environmental liabilities (the "ZENECA Indemnity"), including liabilities
associated with operations at the Company's plant located in Henderson, Nevada
(the "Henderson Plant"). In general, the ZENECA Companies agreed to indemnify
the Predecessor Company from environmental costs which arise from or relate to
pre-closing actions which involved disposal, discharge, or release of materials
resulting from non-chlor-alkali manufacturing operations at the Henderson Plant
and at other properties within the same industrial complex. Payments under the
indemnity cannot exceed approximately $65 million.
 
     Due to the change in ownership resulting from the Acquisition, the ZENECA
Indemnity will terminate on April 20, 1999. The ZENECA Indemnity will continue
to cover claims after the expiration of the term of the indemnity provided that,
prior to the expiration of the indemnity, proper notice to the ZENECA Companies
is given and the Company has taken certain other actions. The Company believes
that the ZENECA Companies will continue to honor their obligations under the
ZENECA Indemnity for claims properly presented by the Company. It is possible,
however, that disputes could arise between the parties and that the Company
would have to subject its claims for clean-up expenses, which could be
substantial, to the contractually established arbitration process. In the
opinion of management, any environmental liability in excess of the amount
indemnified and accrued on the consolidated balance sheet, if any, would not
have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements.
 
     In the Acquisition Agreement, the Sellers agreed to indemnify the Company
for certain environmental liabilities that result from certain discharges of
hazardous materials, or violations of environmental laws, arising prior to April
20, 1995 (the "Closing Date") from or relating to the Pioneer plant sites or
arising before or after the Closing Date with respect to certain environmental
liabilities relating to certain properties held for the benefit of the Sellers
("Sellers' Indemnity"). Amounts payable pursuant to the Sellers' Indemnity will
generally be payable as follows: (i) out of certain reserves established on the
Predecessor Company s balance sheet at December 31, 1994; (ii) either by offset
against the amounts payable under the Seller Notes or from amounts held pursuant
to the Contingent Payment Agreement, and (iii) in certain circumstances and
subject to specified limitations, out of the personal assets of the Sellers.
Subject to certain exceptions and limitations set forth in the Acquisition
Agreement, a claim notice with respect to amounts payable pursuant to the
Sellers' Indemnity must generally be given within 15 years of the Closing Date.
PCI is required to reimburse the Sellers for amounts paid under the Sellers'
Indemnity with amounts recovered under the ZENECA Indemnity or from other third
parties. PCI and the Sellers have agreed that they will cooperate in matters
relating to the ZENECA Indemnity.
 
     Remediation costs are accrued based on estimates of known environmental
remediation exposure. Such accruals are based upon management's best estimate of
the ultimate cost and are recorded even if significant uncertainties exist over
the ultimate cost of the remediation. Ongoing environmental compliance cost,
including maintenance and monitoring costs, are charge to operations as
incurred. The liabilities are based upon all available facts, existing
technology, past experience and cost-sharing arrangements, including the
viability of other parties. Charges made against income for recurring
environmental matters, included in "cost of sales" on the statements of
operations, totaled approximately $1.7 million and $1.2 million for the year
ended December 31, 1996 and for the period from Inception through December 31,
1995, respectively, and $0.4 million and $1.8 million for the Predecessor
Company for the period from January 1, 1995 through April 20, 1995 and the year
ended December 31, 1994, respectively. Capital expenditures for
environmental-related matters at existing facilities were approximately $4.3
million and $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 and for the period
from Inception through December 31, 1995, respectively, and $0.2 million and
$0.5 million for the Predecessor Company for the period from January 1, 1995
through April 20, 1995 and the year ended December 31, 1994, respectively.
Future environmental-related capital expenditures will depend upon regulatory
requirements, as well as timing related to obtaining necessary permits and
approvals.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>   176
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Estimates of future environmental restoration and remediation costs are
inherently imprecise due to currently unknown factors such as the magnitude of
possible contamination, the timing and extent of such restoration and
remediation, the extent to which such costs are recoverable from third parties,
and the extent to which environmental laws and regulations may change in the
future. The Predecessor Company established a reserve of approximately $9.0
million at the time of its acquisition of its Henderson, Nevada and St. Gabriel,
Louisiana facilities with respect to potential remediation costs relating to
matters not covered by the ZENECA Indemnity, consisting primarily of remediation
costs that may be incurred by the Company for chlor-alkali-related remediation
of the Henderson and St. Gabriel facilities. The recorded accrual included
certain amounts related to anticipated closure and post-closure actions that may
be required in the event that operation of the present chlor-alkali plants
ceases. Such accrual is recorded in the Company's consolidated balance sheets at
December 31, 1996 and 1995. However, complete analysis and study has not been
completed and therefore additional future charges may be recorded at the time a
decision for closure is made.
 
     In 1994, the Predecessor Company recorded an additional $3.2 million
environmental reserve related to pre-closing actions at sites that are the
responsibility of the ZENECA Companies. Such accrual is reflected in the
Company's consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995. Other
assets include an account receivable of the same amount from the ZENECA
Companies. The Company believes it will be reimbursed by the ZENECA Companies
for substantially all of such costs that are incurred at the Henderson Plant and
other properties within the same industrial complex. Additionally, certain other
environmental matters exist which have been assumed directly by the ZENECA
Companies. No assurance can be given that actual costs will not exceed accrued
amounts or the amounts currently estimated. The imposition of more stringent
standards or requirements under environmental laws or regulations, new
developments or changes respecting site cleanup costs, or a determination that
the Company is potentially responsible for the release of hazardous substances
at other sites could result in expenditures in excess of amounts currently
estimated by the Company to be required for such matters. Further, there can be
no assurance that additional environmental matters will not arise in the future.
 
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     The Company has a 15% partnership interest in Saguaro Power Company
("Saguaro"), which owns a cogeneration plant located in Henderson, Nevada. The
Company's interest in Saguaro is accounted for using the cost method of
accounting. The Company sells certain products and services to and purchases
steam from Saguaro at market prices. Transactions with Saguaro are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        PREDECESSOR
                                                                          COMPANY
                                                                       --------------
                                                    1996      1995     1995     1994
                                                   ------    ------    ----    ------
<S>                                                <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>
Sales to Saguaro.................................  $1,005    $  754    $353    $1,286
Purchases from Saguaro...........................   1,840     1,388     616     2,096
Partnership distribution from Saguaro (included
  in
  other income)..................................     735       637      --     1,290
</TABLE>
 
     Accounts receivable from and accounts payable to Saguaro are at the
Company's normal terms and are generally not significant to the Company's
consolidated balance sheet.
 
     The Company is a party to an agreement negotiated on an arms-length basis
with BII for the delivery of the Company's water to the Henderson production
facility. The agreement provides for the delivery of a minimum of eight million
gallons of water per day. The agreement expires on December 31, 2014, unless
terminated earlier in accordance with the provisions of the agreement. For the
year ended December 31, 1996 and the period from Inception through December 31,
1995, BII charged expenses to the Company of approximately $0.2 million and $0.2
million, respectively. For the period from January 1, 1995 through
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>   177
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
April 20, 1995 and the year ended December 31, 1994, BII charged expenses to the
Predecessor Company of approximately $0.2 million and $0.5 million,
respectively.
 
     The Company sells certain products to Kemwater at market prices. Sales to
Kemwater totaled $8.8 million during the year ended December 31, 1996. Kemwater
provides transportation services to the Company at market prices which totaled
$1.8 million for 1996.
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>   178
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              SEPTEMBER 30,     DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  1997              1996
                                                              -------------     ------------
                                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                           <C>               <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.................................    $ 35,799          $ 14,417
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
     of $1,357 at September 30, 1997 and $1,311 at December
     31, 1996...............................................      37,039            18,830
  Due from parent...........................................       5,003             2,547
  Inventories...............................................      15,341             6,247
  Prepaid expenses..........................................       2,467             1,156
                                                                --------          --------
          Total current assets..............................      95,649            43,197
Property, plant and equipment:
  Land......................................................       4,885             3,735
  Buildings and improvements................................      26,523            17,062
  Machinery and equipment...................................     137,154            71,704
  Cylinders and tanks.......................................       4,541             4,540
  Construction in progress..................................      25,135            11,871
                                                                --------          --------
                                                                 198,238           108,912
  Less accumulated depreciation.............................     (26,339)          (16,429)
                                                                --------          --------
                                                                 171,899            92,483
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated subsidiary.....      30,297            28,586
Other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $2,288 at
  September 30, 1997 and $2,458 at December 31, 1996........      40,902            19,621
Excess cost over fair value of net assets acquired, net of
  accumulated amortization of $11,408 at September 30, 1997
  and $7,556 at December 31, 1996...........................     125,104           107,123
                                                                --------          --------
          Total assets......................................    $463,851          $291,010
                                                                ========          ========
 
                            LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable..........................................    $ 28,976          $ 17,221
  Accrued liabilities.......................................      27,298            19,276
  Returnable deposits.......................................       3,287             3,238
  Current portion of long-term debt.........................       1,163               128
                                                                --------          --------
          Total current liabilities.........................      60,724            39,863
Long-term debt..............................................     305,370           141,629
Returnable deposits.........................................       3,271             3,272
Accrued pension and other employee benefits.................      18,511            14,100
Other long-term liabilities.................................      16,733            17,823
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholder's equity:
  Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 1,000 shares,
     issued and outstanding 1,000 shares....................           1                 1
  Additional paid-in capital................................      66,624            61,124
  Retained earnings (deficit)...............................      (7,383)           13,198
                                                                --------          --------
          Total stockholder's equity........................      59,242            74,323
                                                                --------          --------
          Total liabilities and stockholder's equity........    $463,851          $291,010
                                                                ========          ========
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>   179
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          THREE MONTHS ENDED     NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                             SEPTEMBER 30,         SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                          -------------------   -------------------
                                                            1997       1996       1997       1996
                                                          --------   --------   --------   --------
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Revenues................................................   $65,242    $48,872   $150,073   $140,835
Cost of sales...........................................    46,894     34,257    112,553     98,600
                                                           -------    -------   --------   --------
Gross profit............................................    18,348     14,615     37,520     42,235
Selling, general and administrative expenses............     7,300      6,767     19,580     19,142
                                                           -------    -------   --------   --------
Operating income........................................    11,048      7,848     17,940     23,093
Equity in net loss of unconsolidated subsidiary.........      (779)      (689)    (2,552)      (912)
Interest expense, net...................................     6,750      4,417     16,189     12,766
Other income, net.......................................       446        403        882        507
                                                           -------    -------   --------   --------
Income before taxes and extraordinary item..............     3,965      3,145         81      9,922
Income tax provision....................................     2,090        981      1,779      4,868
                                                           -------    -------   --------   --------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item.................     1,875      2,164     (1,698)     5,054
Extraordinary item from early extinguishment of
  debt (net of income tax benefit of $12,439)...........        --         --    (18,658)        --
                                                           -------    -------   --------   --------
Net income (loss).......................................   $ 1,875    $ 2,164   $(20,356)  $  5,054
                                                           =======    =======   ========   ========
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>   180
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                              ---------------------
                                                                1997         1996
                                                              ---------    --------
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>
Operating activities:
  Net income (loss).........................................  $ (20,356)   $  5,054
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
     provided by operating activities:
     Extraordinary item (net of tax)........................     18,658          --
     Depreciation and amortization..........................     14,792      13,558
     Equity in net loss of unconsolidated subsidiaries......      2,552         912
     Net change in deferred taxes...........................      1,486       2,882
     Net effect of changes in operating assets and
      liabilities (net of acquisitions) (Note 2)............     (6,329)      4,987
                                                              ---------    --------
  Net cash flows from operating activities..................     10,803      27,393
  Investing activities:
     Acquisition of businesses..............................    (97,000)     (5,459)
     Investment in and advances to unconsolidated
      subsidiary............................................     (2,490)     (2,436)
     Capital expenditures...................................    (10,977)    (15,796)
                                                              ---------    --------
  Net cash flows used in investing activities...............   (110,467)    (23,691)
  Financing activities:
     Payments on long-term debt.............................   (162,342)        (33)
     Proceeds from long-term debt...........................    300,000
     Debt issuance and related costs........................    (16,362)
     Dividends paid to parent...............................       (250)       (456)
                                                              ---------    --------
  Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities........    121,046        (489)
  Net increase in cash......................................     21,382       3,213
  Cash acquired in purchase.................................         --         728
  Cash at beginning of period...............................     14,417      11,218
                                                              ---------    --------
  Cash at end of period.....................................  $  35,799    $ 15,159
                                                              =========    ========
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>   181
 
                    PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP., INC.
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
     The consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 1997 and the statements
of operations and cash flows for all periods presented are unaudited and reflect
all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, which in the opinion of
management are necessary for a fair presentation. Operating results for the
first nine months of 1997 are not necessarily indicative of results to be
expected for the year ended December 31, 1997. The consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp. and its
consolidated subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Company"). All
significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation. All dollar amounts in the notes to the financial statements are
stated in thousands of dollars unless otherwise indicated.
 
     The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 1996 is derived from the
December 31, 1996 audited consolidated financial statements, but does not
include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles,
since certain information and disclosures normally included in the notes to the
financial statements have been condensed or omitted as permitted by the rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The accompanying
unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996.
 
  Accounting Changes
 
     In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No.
130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," (SFAS No. 130) and Statement No. 131,
"Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," (SFAS No.
131). SFAS No. 130 and SFAS No. 131 are effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for reporting and
displaying of comprehensive income and its components. SFAS No. 131 establishes
standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about
operating segments in interim and annual financial statements. These two
statements have no effect on the Company's 1997 financial statements, but
management is currently evaluating what, if any, additional disclosures may be
required when these two statements are adopted for periods beginning with the
first quarter of the year ending December 31, 1998.
 
  Acquisition
 
     On June 17, 1997, Pioneer Companies, Inc. ("PCI") and the Company
consummated the acquisition of a chlor-alkali production facility and related
business located in Tacoma, Washington (the "Tacoma Acquisition") from OCC
Tacoma, Inc. ("OCC Tacoma"), a subsidiary of Occidental Chemical Corporation.
Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of May 14, 1997, the Company
acquired substantially all of the assets and properties used by OCC Tacoma in
the chlor-alkali business at Tacoma, Washington. The purchase price consisted of
(i) $97,000, payable in cash; (ii) 55,000 shares of Convertible Redeemable
Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share, of PCI, having a liquidation
preference of $100 per share, and (iii) the assumption of certain obligations
related to the acquired chlor-alkali business. The Tacoma acquisition was
accounted for in accordance under the purchase method of accounting. The
acquired goodwill of approximately $15,000 is being amortized straight-line over
25 years. Results of operations of the acquired business have been reflected in
the Company's financial statements since June 17, 1997.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>   182
 
                    PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP., INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
  Pro Forma Financial Data
 
     The following pro forma financial data presents the consolidated financial
results of operations as if the Tacoma Acquisition had occurred at the beginning
of the period presented and does not purport to be indicative of either further
results of operations or results that would have occurred had the Tacoma
Acquisition actually been made as of such date.
 
                   PRO FORMA COMBINED SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                 SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                              --------------------
                                                                1997        1996
                                                              --------    --------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
Revenues....................................................  $187,094    $210,364
Income before extraordinary item............................       193       5,675
Extraordinary item, early extinguishment of debt
  (net of income tax benefit of $12,439)....................    18,658          --
                                                              --------    --------
Net income (loss)...........................................  $(18,465)   $  5,675
                                                              ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
     Earnings per share has not been presented as the Company is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of PCI and per share data would not provide any additional useful
information.
 
2. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
     Net effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of
acquisitions) are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                 SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                              -------------------
                                                                1997       1996
                                                              --------    -------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
Accounts receivable.........................................  $(17,818)   $ 4,447
Due from parent.............................................    (2,456)    (1,628)
Inventories.................................................    (1,873)     1,865
Prepaid expenses............................................    (3,249)      (208)
Other assets................................................      (187)     1,005
Accounts payable............................................    11,755     (1,784)
Accrued liabilities.........................................     8,022      3,342
Returnable deposits.........................................        48         45
Other long-term liabilities.................................      (571)    (2,097)
                                                              --------    -------
          Net change in operating accounts..................  $ (6,329)   $ 4,987
                                                              ========    =======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>   183
 
                    PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP., INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
     Following is supplemental cash flow information:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                 SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                              -------------------
                                                                1997       1996
                                                              --------    -------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
Cash payments for:
  Interest..................................................  $ 15,791    $ 9,269
  Income taxes..............................................       543      3,664
Acquisition of OCC Tacoma facility:
  Cash paid for acquisition.................................  $ 97,000
  Equity contribution by parent.............................     5,500
  Liabilities assumed.......................................     2,955
                                                              --------
  Fair value of assets acquired.............................  $105,455
                                                              ========
Acquisition of T.C. Products, Inc.:
  Cash paid for acquisition.................................              $ 5,459
  Long-term debt issued.....................................                4,500
  Liabilities assumed.......................................                3,994
                                                                          -------
  Fair value of assets acquired.............................              $13,953
                                                                          =======
</TABLE>
 
     Other non-cash items included in the consolidated financial statements
include an increase in stockholder's equity of $3,805 for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 due to the recognition of the net operating loss
carryforward.
 
3. INVENTORIES
 
Inventories consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             SEPTEMBER 30,    DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 1997             1996
                                                             -------------    ------------
<S>                                                          <C>              <C>
Raw materials, supplies and parts........................       $ 7,562          $7,512
Finished goods and work-in process.......................        12,047           2,668
Inventories under exchange agreements....................        (4,268)         (3,933)
                                                                -------          ------
                                                                $15,341          $6,247
                                                                =======          ======
</TABLE>
 
4. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
     The manufacturing operations of the Company are subject to United States
federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to protection of the
environment, including those applicable to waste management, discharge of
pollutants into the air and water, cleanup liability from historical waste
disposal practices and employee health and safety. Each of the United States
federal environmental programs typically has a state counterpart. The state
environmental programs generally must be at least as stringent as the federal
requirements, and some state regulations are more onerous than the federal
requirements. Both federal and state environmental programs allow the imposition
of substantial civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance. Although the
company believes that its operations are in general compliance with applicable
environmental laws and regulations, risks of substantial costs and liabilities
are inherent in chemical manufacturing operations, and there can be no assurance
that significant costs and liabilities will not be incurred. Moreover, it is
possible that other developments, such as new environmental laws and regulations
or stricter enforcement and cleanup policies, could result in substantial costs
and liabilities to the Company. The
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>   184
 
                    PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP., INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
Company has accrued $11.9 million related to expected future environmental
restoration and remediation costs, computed on an undiscounted basis. In the
opinion of management, there is currently no material estimable range of loss in
excess of the amount recorded. However, it is possible that new information
about the sites for which the reserve has been established, new technology or
future developments could require the Company to reassess its potential exposure
related to environmental matters.
 
     The Company relies on indemnification from the previous owners in
connection with certain environmental liabilities at its chlor-alkali plants and
other facilities. There can be no assurance, however, that such indemnification
arrangements will be adequate to protect the Company from environmental
liabilities at these sites or that such third parties will perform their
obligations under the respective indemnification arrangements, in which case the
Company would be required to incur significant expenses for environmental
liabilities, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
     The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and potential claims
arising in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management,
the Company has adequate legal defenses and/or insurance coverage with respect
to these matters and management does not believe that they will materially
affect the Company's operations or financial position.
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>   185
 
                    PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP., INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
                   AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
     We have audited the combined balance sheets of ICI Forest Products -- North
America (the "Division") as at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and the combined
statements of operations, head office account and changes in financial position
for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996. These
combined financial statements are the responsibility of the Division's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit.
 
     We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain
reasonable assurance whether the combined financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the combined financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation.
 
     In our opinion, these combined financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Division as at December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994 and the results of its operations and the changes in its
financial position for each of the years in the three-year period ended December
31, 1996 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
 
KPMG
Chartered Accountants
 
Montreal, Canada
September 5, 1997
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>   186
 
                      ICI FOREST PRODUCTS - NORTH AMERICA
 
                            COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
                       (IN THOUSANDS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS)
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             SEPTEMBER 30,               DECEMBER 31,
                                          -------------------   ------------------------------
                                            1997       1996       1996       1995       1994
                                          --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                              (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Current assets:
Cash....................................  $     --   $ 19,026   $ 16,210   $     --   $    771
  Accounts receivable (note 3)..........    31,455     31,271     29,573     31,382     35,272
  Inventories (note 4)..................     9,754     10,738      8,856     16,397     12,855
  Prepaid expenses......................       302        761        604        555        709
                                          --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                            41,511     61,796     55,243     48,334     49,607
Property, plant and equipment (note
  5)....................................    88,110     69,822     78,407     67,053     72,610
Other assets (note 6)...................     3,443      5,079      7,505      5,856      6,879
                                          --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                          $133,064   $136,697   $141,155   $121,243   $129,096
                                          ========   ========   ========   ========   ========
                             LIABILITIES AND HEAD OFFICE ACCOUNT
Current liabilities:
  Bank indebtedness.....................  $  3,857   $     --   $     --   $     --   $     --
  Accounts payable......................    26,575     22,129     23,321     20,228     25,478
  Other current liabilities.............     7,323      6,136      7,097     10,727     14,902
                                          --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                            37,755     28,265     30,418     30,955     40,380
Long-term debt (note 7).................     2,500      2,500      2,500      2,500      2,500
Other non-current liabilities (note
  8)....................................     9,929     13,249     12,641     16,323     15,461
                                          --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                            50,184     44,014     45,559     49,778     58,341
Head office account.....................    82,745     92,670     95,531     71,439     70,576
Cumulative translation adjustment (note
  9)....................................       135         13         65         26        179
                                          --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Commitments and contingent liabilities
  (note 13)
                                          $133,064   $136,697   $141,155   $121,243   $129,096
                                          ========   ========   ========   ========   ========
</TABLE>
 
            See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
 
                                      F-33
<PAGE>   187
 
                      ICI FOREST PRODUCTS -- NORTH AMERICA
 
                       COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                       (IN THOUSANDS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                             SEPTEMBER 30          YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                          -------------------   ------------------------------
                                            1997       1996       1996       1995       1994
                                          --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                              (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Sales...................................  $203,428   $203,210   $268,877   $271,338   $225,714
Less freight............................    35,549     33,976     44,910     44,878     46,564
                                          --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net sales...............................   167,879    169,234    223,967    226,460    179,150
Cost of sales...........................   110,114    111,011    149,043    149,409    137,614
                                          --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Gross profit............................    57,765     58,223     74,924     77,051     41,536
Other expenses (income):
  Selling, general and administrative
     expenses...........................     9,690      9,558     12,213     15,092     13,241
  Amortization of deferred investment
     tax credits........................      (594)      (594)      (792)      (792)      (792)
  Research expenditures (note 11).......     1,070      1,278      1,683      1,753      1,503
  Restructuring (note 12)...............       362        450        650        910     16,310
                                          --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                            10,528     10,692     13,754     16,963     30,262
                                          --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Income before the undernoted item.......    47,237     47,531     61,170     60,088     11,274
Other income, net.......................       931      2,086      2,045      1,546        875
                                          --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Income before interest and income
  taxes.................................  $ 48,168   $ 49,617   $ 63,215   $ 61,634   $ 12,149
                                          ========   ========   ========   ========   ========
</TABLE>
 
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
 
                                      F-34
<PAGE>   188
 
                    PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP., INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
                      ICI FOREST PRODUCTS -- NORTH AMERICA
 
                   COMBINED STATEMENTS OF HEAD OFFICE ACCOUNT
                       (IN THOUSANDS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                         SEPTEMBER 30,            YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                      --------------------    --------------------------------
                                        1997        1996        1996        1995        1994
                                      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                          (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                   <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Head office account, beginning of
  period............................  $ 95,531    $ 71,439    $ 71,439    $ 70,576    $ 99,744
Income before interest and income
  taxes.............................    48,168      49,617      63,215      61,634      12,149
Transfer to head office.............   (60,954)    (28,386)    (39,123)    (60,771)    (41,317)
                                      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Head office account, end of
  period............................  $ 82,745    $ 92,670    $ 95,531    $ 71,439    $ 70,576
                                      ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
            See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
 
                                      F-35
<PAGE>   189
 
                    PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP., INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
                      ICI FOREST PRODUCTS -- NORTH AMERICA
 
              COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION
                       (IN THOUSANDS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                           SEPTEMBER 30,           YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                        --------------------    ------------------------------
                                          1997        1996       1996       1995        1994
                                        ---------    -------    -------    -------    --------
<S>                                     <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                 )(UNAUDITED
Cash provided by (used in):
Operations:
  Income before interest and income
     taxes..........................    $  48,168    $49,617    $63,215    $61,634    $ 12,149
  Add (deduct) items not affecting
     cash:
     Loss (gain) on disposal of
       property, plant and
       equipment....................           45        126        259      2,682          30
     Depreciation and
       amortization.................        6,141      5,756      7,701      7,712       8,514
     Amortization of deferred
       investment tax credits.......         (594)      (594)      (792)      (792)       (792)
  Net change in non-cash working
     capital balances...............        2,946      1,171      4,225     (6,246)      8,511
  Cumulative translation
     adjustment.....................           70        (13)        39       (153)        179
                                        ---------    -------    -------    -------    --------
                                           56,776     56,063     74,647     64,837      28,591
Financing:
  Transfer to head office...........      (60,954)   (28,386)   (39,123)   (60,771)    (41,317)
Investments:
  Investments in property, plant and
     equipment......................      (15,889)    (8,672)   (19,335)    (4,837)     (5,567)
  Proceeds on disposal of property,
     plant and equipment............           --         21         21         --          --
                                        ---------    -------    -------    -------    --------
                                          (15,889)    (8,651)   (19,314)    (4,837)     (5,567)
                                        ---------    -------    -------    -------    --------
Increase (decrease) in cash.........      (20,067)    19,026     16,210       (771)    (18,293)
Cash, beginning of period...........       16,210         --         --        771      19,064
                                        ---------    -------    -------    -------    --------
Cash (bank indebtedness), end of
  period............................    $  (3,857)   $19,026    $16,210    $    --    $    771
                                        =========    =======    =======    =======    ========
</TABLE>
 
            See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
 
                                      F-36
<PAGE>   190
 
                    PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP., INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
                      ICI FOREST PRODUCTS -- NORTH AMERICA
 
                     NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
               (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS)
 
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
 
     The financial statements of ICI Forest Products -- North America (the
"Division") represent the combined financial position and results of operations
of the Forest Products divisions of ICI Canada Inc. and ICI Americas Inc. Both
of these companies are indirectly wholly-owned subsidiaries of Imperial Chemical
Industries PLC (a UK corporation) ("ICI").
 
     The combined statements of operations disclose income before interest and
income taxes. Management has not attempted to record interest income or expense
arising from intercompany balances, nor has a provision for income taxes been
recorded for the Division. Further, remediation costs for the Cornwall plant
cellroom, which has been shut down, and the related below ground environmental
restoration costs have been recorded by ICI Canada Inc. and not the Division.
 
     In all other respects, these combined financial statements are in
accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles expressed in
Canadian dollars.
 
     Unaudited combined financial statements of the Division for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 have been presented for information purposes
only.
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
  (a) Principles of combination:
 
     The balance sheet and results of operations of the two divisions have been
combined to present the financial position and results of operations of the ICI
North American Forest Products business. All significant intercompany balances
and transactions have been eliminated on combination. Because the Division does
not represent a separate legal entity with issued share capital, the equivalent
of shareholders' equity is represented by a "Head office account".
 
  (b) Foreign exchange:
 
     Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are
translated at the rates of exchange at the balance sheet dates. Other balance
sheet items are translated at the rates prevailing at the respective transaction
dates. Income and expenses are translated at average rates prevailing during the
period. Gains or losses on foreign exchange are recorded in the statements of
operations.
 
     The Forest Products division of ICI Americas Inc. is considered to be a
self-sustaining foreign operation and its assets and liabilities have been
translated into Canadian dollars at the rate of exchange in effect at the
balance sheet dates. Revenue and expense items (including depreciation) have
been translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the period.
Exchange gains and losses arising from the translation of the financial
statements are accumulated in the cumulative translation adjustment account. The
balance in this account will be recognized in earnings in proportion to any
reduction in the net investment in the US division.
 
       (c) Inventories:
 
     Inventories are valued at the lower of average actual cost and net
realizable value. Manufactured goods include the cost of raw materials, variable
labor and manufacturing overheads, including depreciation.
 
       (d) Property, plant and equipment:
 
     Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation on plant
and equipment and buildings is provided on a straight-line basis over the
estimated useful lives of the assets. Annual reviews are made of the
 
                                      F-37
<PAGE>   191
 
                      ICI FOREST PRODUCTS -- NORTH AMERICA
 
             NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
               (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS)
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (CONTINUED)
residual lives of all productive assets, taking into account commercial and
technological obsolescence as well as physical condition. Depreciation is not
provided for on construction in progress.
 
       (e) Research expenditures:
 
     All expenditures for research, except property, plant and equipment used
for this purpose, are charged to earnings as incurred, net of investment tax
credits earned.
 
       (f) Provision for environmental liabilities:
 
     Provision is made for environmental expenditures that are required to
comply with governmental regulations, to meet contractual obligations, or to
improve the health and welfare of employees on a best estimate basis.
 
       (g) Pensions:
 
     The estimated present value of accrued pension benefits is based on
actuarial valuations and the net assets available to provide for these benefits
are at market related values. The pension expense is determined by ICI Canada
Inc. and ICI Americas Inc. for the respective divisions and allocated to the
Division based on its proportionate number of active employees and retirees.
This allocation might differ from the calculation that would be obtained if
performed on the population of the Division alone.
 
       (h) Post-retirement benefits other than pensions:
 
     The Division accrues the estimated present value of retirement benefits
which include medical, dental, and life insurance provided to qualifying
employees upon retirement over the employees' periods of service to their dates
of full entitlement. The expense is determined by ICI Canada Inc. and ICI
Americas Inc. for the respective divisions and allocated to the Division based
on its proportionate number of active employees and retirees. This allocation
might differ from the calculation that would be obtained if performed on the
population of the Division alone.
 
       (i) Use of estimates:
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent liabilities at the dates of the financial statements
and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
  (j) Investment in joint venture:
 
     The Division's investment in a joint venture has been accounted for using
the cost method under which the investment is recorded at cost and the net
earnings of the joint venture are recognized as income only to the extent of
dividends received from the joint venture.
 
  (k) Financial instruments:
 
     The Division uses derivative financial instruments, principally forward
foreign exchange contracts, to manage risks from fluctuations in exchange rates
related to sales and purchases in foreign currencies. Derivative financial
instruments are not used for trading purposes. Gains and losses on forward
foreign exchange contracts, which have been designated as hedges of anticipated
future transactions, are deferred and recognized upon completion of the
underlying hedged transaction.
 
                                      F-38
<PAGE>   192
 
                      ICI FOREST PRODUCTS -- NORTH AMERICA
 
             NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
               (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS)
 
3. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 SEPTEMBER 30,            DECEMBER 31,
                                               -----------------   ---------------------------
                                                1997      1996      1996      1995      1994
                                               -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
                                                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                            <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Accounts receivable..........................  $32,188   $32,011   $30,386   $32,008   $34,989
Amounts receivable from related entities.....      119       107        36       221     1,140
Less allowance for doubtful accounts.........     (852)     (847)     (849)     (847)     (857)
                                               -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
                                               $31,455   $31,271   $29,573   $31,382   $35,272
                                               =======   =======   =======   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
4. INVENTORIES:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,            DECEMBER 31,
                                                 ----------------   --------------------------
                                                  1997     1996      1996     1995      1994
                                                 ------   -------   ------   -------   -------
                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                              <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>
Raw materials..................................  $3,245   $ 3,734   $2,656   $ 7,744   $ 1,496
Finished goods.................................   3,458     3,957    3,452     5,403     5,734
Stores and supplies............................   3,051     3,047    2,748     3,250     5,625
                                                 ------   -------   ------   -------   -------
                                                 $9,754   $10,738   $8,856   $16,397   $12,855
                                                 ======   =======   ======   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                               -------------------
                                                                                 1997       1996
                                                                               --------   --------
                                                                ACCUMULATED    NET BOOK   NET BOOK
                                                       COST     DEPRECIATION    VALUE      VALUE
                                                     --------   ------------   --------   --------
                                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                  <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>
Plant and equipment................................  $269,527     $186,971     $82,556    $60,973
Construction in progress...........................     4,562           --       4,562      7,782
Buildings..........................................       874          634         240        270
Land...............................................       752           --         752        797
                                                     --------     --------     -------    -------
                                                     $275,715     $187,605     $88,110    $69,822
                                                     ========     ========     =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                                      ------------------------------
                                                                        1996       1995       1994
                                                       ACCUMULATED    NET BOOK   NET BOOK   NET BOOK
                                              COST     DEPRECIATION    VALUE      VALUE      VALUE
                                            --------   ------------   --------   --------   --------
<S>                                         <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>        <C>
Plant and equipment.......................  $240,932     $181,059     $59,873    $61,840    $67,830
Construction in progress..................    17,476           --      17,476      4,161      3,665
Buildings.................................       873          612         261        292        389
Land......................................       797           --         797        760        726
                                            --------     --------     -------    -------    -------
                                            $260,078     $181,671     $78,407    $67,053    $72,610
                                            ========     ========     =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-39
<PAGE>   193
 
                      ICI FOREST PRODUCTS -- NORTH AMERICA
 
             NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
               (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS)
 
6. OTHER ASSETS:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     SEPTEMBER 30,          DECEMBER 31,
                                                    ---------------   ------------------------
                                                     1997     1996     1996     1995     1994
                                                    ------   ------   ------   ------   ------
                                                      (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                 <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Investment in joint venture (note 10).............  $  674   $  674   $  674   $  674   $  674
Deferred pension asset............................   2,769    4,405    4,456    5,182    6,205
Deposit...........................................      --       --    2,375       --       --
                                                    ------   ------   ------   ------   ------
                                                    $3,443   $5,079   $7,505   $5,856   $6,879
                                                    ======   ======   ======   ======   ======
</TABLE>
 
     As at December 31, 1996, the Division made $2.375 million in advance
payments towards the acquisition of plant and equipment.
 
7. LONG-TERM DEBT:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     SEPTEMBER 30,          DECEMBER 31,
                                                    ---------------   ------------------------
                                                     1997     1996     1996     1995     1994
                                                    ------   ------   ------   ------   ------
                                                      (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                 <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Province of New Brunswick, non-interest bearing
  loan, due December 31, 2000.....................  $2,500   $2,500   $2,500   $2,500   $2,500
                                                    ======   ======   ======   ======   ======
</TABLE>
 
8. OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 SEPTEMBER 30,            DECEMBER 31,
                                                ----------------   ---------------------------
                                                 1997     1996      1996      1995      1994
                                                ------   -------   -------   -------   -------
                                                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                             <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Post-retirement benefits......................  $6,120   $ 5,769   $ 5,906   $ 5,644   $ 5,499
Unfunded pension liability....................     196       150       168       189       220
Restructuring provisions......................      49     2,974     2,409     5,540     4,000
Deferred investment tax credits...............   3,564     4,356     4,158     4,950     5,742
                                                ------   -------   -------   -------   -------
                                                $9,929   $13,249   $12,641   $16,323   $15,461
                                                ======   =======   =======   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
9. CUMULATIVE TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           SEPTEMBER 30,      DECEMBER 31,
                                                           -------------   -------------------
                                                           1997    1996    1996   1995    1994
                                                           -----   -----   ----   -----   ----
                                                            (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                        <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>
Balance, beginning of period.............................   $ 65    $ 26   $26    $ 179   $  0
Effect of changes in exchange rates during the period on
  the net assets of the US division......................     70     (13)   39     (153)   179
                                                            ----    ----   ---    -----   ----
                                                            $135    $ 13   $65    $  26   $179
                                                            ====    ====   ===    =====   ====
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-40
<PAGE>   194
 
                      ICI FOREST PRODUCTS -- NORTH AMERICA
 
             NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
               (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS)
 
10. INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE:
 
     The Division owns 33 1/3% of the issued common shares of Canso Chemicals
Limited. The following information is submitted with respect to the Division's
investment in Canso Chemicals Limited:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   SEPTEMBER 30,      DECEMBER 31,
                                                   -------------   -------------------
                                                   1997    1996    1996   1995   1994
                                                   -----   -----   ----   ----   -----
                                                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>
Division's equity in earnings (losses) of the
  joint venture for the period...................   $ 63    $120   $128   $ 90   $(147)
Division's equity in the net assets of the joint
  venture........................................    951     880    888    760     670
                                                    ====    ====   ====   ====   =====
</TABLE>
 
11. RESEARCH EXPENDITURES:
 
     Research expenditures are net of the following tax credits:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30,      DECEMBER 31,
- -------------   ------------------
1997    1996    1996   1995   1994
- -----   -----   ----   ----   ----
 (UNAUDITED)
<S>     <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>
 $260    $180   $199   $207   $251
 ====    ====   ====   ====   ====
</TABLE>
 
12. RESTRUCTURING:
 
     During 1994, a decision was made to restructure the operations of the
Division. The restructuring charge of $16,310,000 related primarily to
severance, demolition and decommissioning costs, and a write-down of fixed
assets.
 
     During 1995, the Division recorded a provision of $910,000 representing
future minimum lease payments and related expenses attributed to excess office
space which arose from restructuring of the operations.
 
     During 1996, an additional $650,000 was recorded for restructuring
activities primarily affecting the research center.
 
     During 1997, a reserve of $362,000 was recorded for restructuring
activities at the Becancour plant.
 
13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES:
 
  (a) Environmental liabilities:
 
     It is the Division's policy to provide, on a best estimate basis, for
environmental site clean-up costs when actions are required to comply with
government environmental regulations, to meet contractual obligations, or to
improve the health and welfare of employees.
 
     Given the uncertainties inherent in estimating total costs involved because
of the expenses and effectiveness of alternate remedial technologies, the extent
of pollution, the interpretation of complex regulations and the degree to which
the Division itself is involved, it is reasonably possible that actual costs
will differ from amounts accrued and the differences could be material to the
Division.
 
     Remediation costs associated with the Cornwall plant cellroom as well as
below ground environmental restoration costs for the site have not been accrued
for by the Division. These costs have been provided for by ICI Canada Inc.
 
                                      F-41
<PAGE>   195
 
                      ICI FOREST PRODUCTS -- NORTH AMERICA
 
             NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
               (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS)
 
13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES: (CONTINUED)
  (b) Lease commitments:
 
     The future minimum lease payments under operating leases, primarily for
premises and transportation equipment, are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>
1997...............................................  $ 6,768
1998...............................................    4,755
1999...............................................    4,143
2000...............................................    3,207
2001...............................................    2,398
Thereafter.........................................    1,860
                                                     -------
                                                     $23,131
                                                     =======
</TABLE>
 
14. PENSIONS:
 
     ICI Canada Inc. and ICI Americas Inc. have various non-contributory defined
benefit pension plans which cover virtually all employees including those of the
Division. The plans provide pensions based on length of service and final
average earnings.
 
     The estimated present value of accrued pension benefits based on actuarial
valuations and the net assets available to provide for these benefits at market
related values for the entire plans, without allocation for that portion
relating solely to the Division's employees, are shown below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                     --------------------------------
                                                       1996        1995        1994
                                                     --------    --------    --------
<S>                                                  <C>         <C>         <C>
ICI Canada Inc.:
  Accrued pension benefits.........................  $264,000    $257,000    $224,000
  Pension fund assets..............................   265,000     246,000     233,000
ICI Americas Inc.:
  Accrued pension benefits.........................   287,000     287,000     235,000
  Pension fund assets..............................   294,000     251,000     207,000
                                                     ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
 
     Related party transactions occurred in the normal course of business with
the Division's affiliated companies. These transactions were entered into at
normal market-related terms and prices.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             SEPTEMBER 30,          DECEMBER 31,
                                            ---------------   ------------------------
                                             1997     1996     1996     1995     1994
                                            ------   ------   ------   ------   ------
                                              (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                         <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Transactions:
  Sales...................................  $  658   $  491   $  659   $1,102   $  694
  Purchases...............................   8,428    3,666    6,215    8,368    5,105
  Charges from head office................   1,062    1,279    1,632    1,823    2,881
  Purchases of plant and equipment........   4,400    2,099    4,500       --       --
  Research fee income.....................     162      169      217      250       82
  Insurance expense.......................     448      480      620      742      716
Balances:
  Accounts receivable.....................     119      107       36      221    1,140
  Accounts payable........................   1,430    1,634    3,110      951      537
                                            ======   ======   ======   ======   ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-42
<PAGE>   196
 
                      ICI FOREST PRODUCTS -- NORTH AMERICA
 
             NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
               (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS)
 
15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS: (CONTINUED)
     The Division is charged for corporate administrative costs incurred by the
head office. These expenses are allocated to the Division based on a combination
of negotiated rates and allocation formulas using sales and the number of
employees as a base.
 
16. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
 
  (a) Foreign currency risk management:
 
     A portion of the Division's sales and purchases are transacted in foreign
currencies. The Division uses various forward foreign exchange contracts to
manage its foreign exchange risk. The following table summarizes the Division's
commitments to buy and sell foreign currency at December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  NOTIONAL       FAIR
                           NOTIONAL         EXCHANGE                              CANADIAN      MARKET
                            AMOUNT            RATE              MATURITY         EQUIVALENT      VALUE
                         -------------   --------------   --------------------   ----------   -----------
<S>                      <C>             <C>              <C>                    <C>          <C>
Sell contracts:
  December 1996........      US$18,000   average 1.3584        up to June 1997    $24,552       $24,509
  December 1995........      US$27,000   average 1.3804   up to September 1996     37,270        36,857
  December 1994........      US$36,000   average 1.3503    up to December 1995     48,610        50,644
Purchase contracts:
  December 1996........   (pound)1,000   average 2.0204       up to March 1997      2,091         2,427
</TABLE>
 
     The forward foreign exchange contracts represent an obligation to exchange
principal amounts between the Division and counterparties. Credit risk exists in
the event of failure by counterparties to meet their obligations. The Division
reduces this risk by dealing with only highly-rated counterparties, normally
major Canadian financial institutions.
 
  (b) Fair value disclosure:
 
     Fair value estimates are made as of a specific point in time, using
available information about the financial instrument. These estimates are
subjective in nature and often cannot be determined with precision.
 
     The Division has determined that the carrying value of its short-term
financial assets and liabilities approximates fair values at the balance sheet
dates because of the short-term maturity of those instruments. The fair value of
pension assets is considered to approximate the carrying value.
 
     The fair value of the Division's long-term debt with the government could
not be determined because an independently verifiable market value for a similar
debt instrument is not available.
 
  (c) Credit and concentration of credit risk:
 
     The Division sells to the Canadian and US market in approximately the same
proportions. Six of its customers represent 30% (1995 - 20%; 1994 - 27%) of the
combined total sales for fiscal 1996 and 28% (1995 - 27%; 1994 - 20%) of the
accounts receivable as at the December 31 balance sheet dates.
 
     The Division regularly monitors the credit risk exposures and takes steps
to mitigate the likelihood of these exposures resulting in actual loss. The
Division's extension of credit is based on an evaluation of each customer's
financial condition. Credit losses are provided for in the financial statements
and actual losses in each of the three years ended December 31, 1996 have been
nominal.
 
                                      F-43
<PAGE>   197
 
                      ICI FOREST PRODUCTS -- NORTH AMERICA
 
             NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
               (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS)
 
17. RECONCILIATION OF CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING
    PRINCIPLES:
 
     The combined financial statements of ICI Forest Products -- North America,
presented before accounting for interest and income taxes, are expressed in
Canadian dollars and are prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted
accounting principles ("GAAP"), which conform, in all material respects, with
those generally accepted in the United States except as described below:
 
  (a) Reconciliation of income before interest and income taxes:
 
     (i)   Pension costs and post retirement benefits other than pensions:
 
        Canadian GAAP requires that the discount rate used should represent
        management's best estimate of the long-term rate of return on the
        pension fund assets. Under US GAAP, the discount rate to be used should
        reflect the rate at which the pension benefits can be effectively
        settled at the date of the financial statements.
 
        For US GAAP purposes, the expenses relating to pensions and post
        retirement benefits other than pensions have been determined using the
        actual demographics of the employees of the Division itself.
 
     (ii)  Joint venture:
 
        The investment in joint venture is recognized using the cost method.
        Under US GAAP, the investment in joint venture is accounted for using
        the equity method.
 
     (iii) Restructuring costs:
 
        Included in restructuring costs are estimates of severance payments to
        be paid to employees. Under US GAAP, the liability and expense related
        to these costs are only recognized when the benefit arrangement has been
        communicated to employees.
 
     (iv) Investment and other tax credits:
 
        Under Canadian GAAP, investment and other tax credits are recorded as a
        reduction of the cost of the expenses incurred or as a reduction of the
        assets acquired either as a direct reduction or recorded as a deferred
        credit and amortized on the same basis as the related assets. Under US
        GAAP, tax credits are recorded as a reduction of the provision for
        income taxes. As these combined financial statements present income
        before interest and income taxes, no adjustment has been made for this
        difference.
 
     (v)  Foreign exchange contracts:
 
        Under Canadian GAAP, where foreign exchange contracts are identified as
        a hedge against an anticipated revenue stream denominated in a foreign
        currency, any exchange gain or loss is deferred. Under US GAAP,
        anticipated revenue streams do not qualify for hedge accounting and any
        exchange gain or loss is recorded in income for the period.
 
                                      F-44
<PAGE>   198
 
                      ICI FOREST PRODUCTS -- NORTH AMERICA
 
             NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
               (TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS)
 
17. RECONCILIATION OF CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING
    PRINCIPLES:
 
  (a) Reconciliation of income before interest and income taxes: (Continued)
     (vi)  The application of US GAAP would have the following effect on the
           income before interest and income taxes as reported:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                         SEPTEMBER 30,      YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                       -----------------   ---------------------------
                                        1997      1996      1996      1995      1994
                                       -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
                                          (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                    <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Income before interest and income
  taxes -- Canadian GAAP.............  $48,168   $49,617   $63,215   $61,634   $12,149
Adjustments in respect of:
  Pension and post retirement
     costs...........................    1,189       300       462     1,687       586
  Equity in joint venture............       63       120       128        90      (147)
  Restructuring costs................      (88)      650       650    (3,800)    3,800
  Foreign exchange...................       --        --        --     2,034    (2,034)
                                       -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
                                         1,164     1,070     1,240        11     2,205
                                       -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Income before interest and income
  taxes -- US GAAP...................  $49,332   $50,687   $64,455   $61,645   $14,354
                                       =======   =======   =======   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
  (b) Reconciliation of significant balance sheet items:
 
     (i) The application of US GAAP would have a significant effect on the
         following balance sheet item as reported:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        SEPTEMBER 30,             DECEMBER 31,
                                      -----------------   ----------------------------
                                       1997      1996       1996      1995      1994
                                      -------   -------   --------   -------   -------
                                         (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                   <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
Head office account -- Canadian
  GAAP..............................  $82,745   $92,670   $ 95,531   $71,439   $70,576
Adjustments:
  Pension and post retirement
     costs..........................    5,941     4,590      4,752     4,290     2,603*
  Equity in joint venture...........      277       206        214        86        (4)**
  Restructuring costs...............      562       650        650        --     3,800
  Foreign exchange..................       --        --         --        --    (2,034)
                                      -------   -------   --------   -------   -------
                                        6,780     5,446      5,616     4,376     4,365
                                      -------   -------   --------   -------   -------
Head office account -- US GAAP......  $89,525   $98,116   $101,147   $75,815   $74,941
                                      =======   =======   ========   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
 * includes cumulative adjustment for pension and post retirement costs of
   $2,017,000
 
** includes cumulative adjustment of equity in opening retained earnings in
   joint venture of $143,000
 
  (c) The combined statements of changes in financial position reconcile the
      changes in cash and bank indebtedness. Under US GAAP, bank indebtedness of
      $3,857,000 would have been disclosed as financing activities.
 
                                      F-45
<PAGE>   199
 
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors,
  OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION:
 
     We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of the Tacoma Plant (as
defined in Note 1) of Occidental Chemical Corporation, an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum Corporation, as of December 31, 1996 and
1995, and the related statements of operations and changes in owner's investment
and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of Occidental Chemical
Corporation's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of the Tacoma Plant of
Occidental Chemical Corporation as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
                                            ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Dallas, Texas
February 28, 1997
 
                                      F-46
<PAGE>   200
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996       1995
                                                              -------    -------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
CURRENT ASSETS
 
Cash........................................................  $     6    $     6
Inventories.................................................    4,818      4,790
Deferred income taxes.......................................    1,287      2,389
Other current assets........................................    1,009         95
                                                              -------    -------
          Total current assets..............................    7,120      7,280
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at cost, net of accumulated
  depreciation of $80,650 in 1996 and $74,768 in 1995.......   61,512     62,857
OTHER ASSETS, net...........................................      795        973
                                                              -------    -------
          TOTAL ASSETS......................................  $69,427    $71,110
                                                              =======    =======
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
Accounts payable............................................  $ 2,720    $ 2,919
Accrued liabilities.........................................    4,510      8,248
                                                              -------    -------
          Total current liabilities.........................    7,230     11,167
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES.......................................    1,961      2,727
ACCRUED ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES...........................   20,481     21,242
OTHER LIABILITIES...........................................    7,791      8,244
                                                              -------    -------
          Total liabilities.................................   37,463     43,380
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Note 6)
OWNER'S INVESTMENT..........................................   31,964     27,730
                                                              -------    -------
          TOTAL LIABILITIES AND OWNER'S INVESTMENT..........  $69,427    $71,110
                                                              =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-47
<PAGE>   201
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
           STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN OWNER'S INVESTMENT
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996      1995      1994
                                                              -------   -------   -------
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
EXTERNAL SALES, net.........................................  $61,848   $60,871   $40,588
SALES TO OWNER AT MARKET VALUE..............................   11,867     9,270    10,069
                                                              -------   -------   -------
TOTAL SALES, net............................................   73,715    70,141    50,657
 
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES:
  Cost of Sales.............................................   52,420    53,252    53,420
  Selling, general and administrative expenses..............    1,782     1,995     1,782
  Other operating expense...................................    2,209     2,607     2,254
                                                              -------   -------   -------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES...........................   17,304    12,287    (6,799)
  Income tax expense (benefit)..............................    6,059     4,301    (2,377)
                                                              -------   -------   -------
NET INCOME (LOSS)...........................................   11,245     7,986    (4,422)
PENSION LIABILITY ADJUSTMENT................................      439       643      (105)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN OWNER'S INVESTMENT...................   (7,450)   (4,567)    8,646
OWNER'S INVESTMENT, beginning of year.......................   27,730    23,668    19,549
                                                              -------   -------   -------
OWNER'S INVESTMENT, end of year.............................  $31,964   $27,730   $23,668
                                                              =======   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-48
<PAGE>   202
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996       1995       1994
                                                              -------    -------    -------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income (loss).........................................  $11,245    $ 7,986    $(4,422)
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
     provided (used) by operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization of assets................    6,247      5,928      5,587
     Deferred income taxes..................................       99      1,088      1,073
     Other noncash charges to income........................    1,941      2,039      1,630
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
     Increase in inventories................................      (28)      (851)      (193)
     Decrease (increase) in other current assets............     (914)       (93)         3
     Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities...   (3,937)      (204)    (3,588)
  Other, net................................................   (2,589)    (4,794)    (3,723)
                                                              -------    -------    -------
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities............   12,064     11,099     (3,633)
                                                              -------    -------    -------
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital expenditures......................................   (4,614)    (6,532)    (5,011)
                                                              -------    -------    -------
Net cash used by investing activities.......................   (4,614)    (6,532)    (5,011)
                                                              -------    -------    -------
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Increase (decrease) in owner's investment.................   (7,450)    (4,567)     8,646
                                                              -------    -------    -------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities............   (7,450)    (4,567)     8,646
                                                              -------    -------    -------
Change in cash..............................................       --         --          2
Cash -- beginning of year...................................        6          6          4
                                                              -------    -------    -------
Cash -- end of year.........................................  $     6    $     6    $     6
                                                              =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-49
<PAGE>   203
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES --
 
  Organization, business and basis of presentation --
 
     The accompanying financial statements present the financial position,
results of operations and cash flows of the Tacoma plant (the Tacoma Plant) of
Occidental Chemical Corporation (OCC), a New York corporation. The financial
statements are prepared for a proposed acquisition by Pioneer Companies, Inc.
(Pioneer) of the Tacoma Plant (see Note 11).
 
     All of the outstanding common shares of OCC are owned indirectly by
Occidental Petroleum Corporation (Occidental). Certain amounts in the
accompanying financial statements have been allocated in a reasonable and
consistent manner in order to depict the financial position, results of
operations and cash flows of the Tacoma Plant on a stand-alone basis.
 
     The Tacoma Plant, located in Tacoma, Washington, consists of a chlor-alkali
process which manufactures chlorine, sodium hydroxide and related products, and
a discontinued ammonia process that has not operated since 1992. The Tacoma
Plant's products are sold to national and international markets as well as to
other plants and affiliates of OCC. The accompanying financial statements
exclude the previously discontinued manufacturing processes associated with
unrelated product lines, including chlorinated organic compounds. Additionally,
the Tacoma Plant does business as OCC and enters into operating and sales
contracts administered by OCC. These include national sales agreements as well
as purchase and energy agreements.
 
     Occidental utilizes a centralized cash management system for its
operations, including the Tacoma Plant. Cash distributed to or advanced from
Occidental has been reflected in Owner's investment in the accompanying balance
sheets. In addition, settlements of transactions with OCC and other Occidental
affiliates are recorded through Owner's investment.
 
  Supplemental cash flow information --
 
     For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, all cash payments for
income taxes were made by Occidental. For the same periods, there were no cash
payments for interest.
 
     As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, net trade receivables of $7,604,000 and
$8,952,000, respectively, were transferred to an affiliate (see Note 2).
 
  Property, plant and equipment --
 
     Property, plant and equipment additions, major renewals and improvements
are capitalized at cost. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as
incurred. The cost and related accumulated depreciation, depletion and
amortization of property, plant and equipment sold or retired are removed from
the property, plant and equipment accounts and any resulting gain or loss is
recorded.
 
     Depreciation of plant and equipment is primarily provided using the
units-of-production method.
 
     Costs incurred during the construction period of major projects are
capitalized and accumulated in Construction in progress (see Note 5). Upon
completion, the costs are transferred to the appropriate Property, plant and
equipment accounts. Interest costs incurred during the construction period of
major projects which extend longer than one year are capitalized and amortized
over the lives of the related assets. There were no such major projects during
1996, 1995 or 1994.
 
                                      F-50
<PAGE>   204
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)
  Income taxes --
 
     The Tacoma Plant is included in the consolidated U.S. federal income tax
return of Occidental. The Tacoma Plant uses the asset and liability method
required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.
109 -- "Accounting for Income Taxes." Deferred income taxes are recorded at
enacted rates to recognize the future effects of temporary differences which
arise between financial statement assets and liabilities and their basis for
income tax reporting purposes. A portion of the income tax provision for this
return is allocated to the Tacoma Plant on the basis of a tax sharing
arrangement between OCC and Occidental Chemical Holding Corporation (OCHC), an
indirect parent of OCC. Current and deferred income tax provisions allocated by
OCC are based on taxable income determined as though the Tacoma Plant filed as
an independent company, making the same tax return elections used in
Occidental's consolidated return. However, this arrangement also permits the
Tacoma Plant to recognize income tax benefits for current year operating losses
and deductible temporary differences without limiting such benefits. Amounts due
to Occidental for current income tax provisions are netted in Owner's investment
in the accompanying balance sheets.
 
  Risks and uncertainties --
 
     The process of preparing financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions
regarding certain types of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Such
estimates primarily relate to unsettled transactions and events as of the date
of the financial statements. Accordingly, upon settlement, actual results may
differ from estimated amounts, generally not by material amounts. Management
believes that these estimates and assumptions provide a reasonable basis for the
fair presentation of the Tacoma Plant's financial position and results of
operations.
 
     Included in the accompanying balance sheets are deferred income tax assets
of $11,061,000 and $12,555,000 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively,
consisting of the current portion of $1,287,000 and $2,389,000, shown as current
deferred income tax assets and the noncurrent portion which is netted against
deferred income tax liabilities (see Note 7). Realization of that asset is
dependent upon the generation of sufficient future taxable income. It is
expected that the recorded deferred income tax asset will be realized through
future operating income and reversal of taxable temporary differences.
 
     Since the Tacoma Plant's two principal products are commodities,
significant changes in the prices of chlorine and sodium hydroxide could have a
significant impact on the Tacoma Plant's results of operations for any
particular year.
 
  Fair value of financial instruments --
 
     The Tacoma Plant values financial instruments as required by SFAS No. 107
 -- "Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments." The carrying value
of on-balance sheet financial instruments approximates fair value.
 
(2) RECEIVABLES --
 
     As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, OCC transferred, with limited recourse,
to an Occidental affiliate net trade receivables of the Tacoma Plant under a
revolving sale program, in connection with the ultimate sale for cash of such
receivables. The net trade receivables transferred amounted to $7,604,000 and
$8,952,000 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. OCC transferred the
receivables to the affiliate in a noncash transaction that was reflected as a
reduction in the Tacoma Plant's Owner's investment. OCC has retained the
 
                                      F-51
<PAGE>   205
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
(2) RECEIVABLES -- (CONTINUED)
collection responsibility with respect to the receivables sold. An interest in
newly created receivables is transferred monthly, net of collections made from
customers. Fees related to the sales of receivables under this program, which
are allocated from OCC, were $377,000, $425,000 and $333,000 for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, and are included in Other
operating expense.
 
(3) INVENTORIES --
 
     Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. The last-in,
first-out (LIFO) cost method was used in determining the costs of raw materials
and finished goods. Materials and supplies inventories were determined using the
weighted-average cost method. Inventories consisted of the following as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996       1995
                                                              -------    -------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
Raw materials...............................................  $ 1,291    $ 1,653
Materials and supplies......................................    3,338      3,152
Finished goods..............................................    2,071      2,519
                                                              -------    -------
                                                                6,700      7,324
LIFO reserve................................................   (1,882)    (2,534)
                                                              -------    -------
Inventory at lower of cost or market........................  $ 4,818    $ 4,790
                                                              =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
     During the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1994, certain inventory
quantities carried at LIFO were reduced. These reductions resulted in a
liquidation of LIFO inventory quantities, the effect of which did not have a
material impact on Cost of sales.
 
(4) CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE --
 
     In December 1992, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
112 -- "Employers' Accounting for Postemployment Benefits," which substantially
changed the existing method of accounting for employer benefits provided to
inactive or former employees after active employment but before retirement. This
statement requires that the cost of postemployment benefits (principally medical
benefits for inactive employees) be recognized in the financial statements
during employees' active working careers. OCC adopted SFAS No. 112 effective
January 1, 1994, but the adoption did not have a material impact on the Tacoma
Plant's financial position or results of operations.
 
(5) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT --
 
     Property, plant and equipment at December 31, 1996 and 1995 consisted of
the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996        1995
                                                              --------    --------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
Land and land improvements..................................  $  2,951    $  2,875
Buildings...................................................     9,173       8,915
Machinery and equipment.....................................   118,212     114,530
Construction in progress....................................    11,826      11,305
                                                              --------    --------
                                                               142,162     137,625
Accumulated depreciation....................................   (80,650)    (74,768)
                                                              --------    --------
                                                              $ 61,512    $ 62,857
                                                              ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-52
<PAGE>   206
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
(6) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES --
 
  Commitments --
 
     The Tacoma Plant leases railcars as well as certain machinery and equipment
under noncancelable operating leases. The operating lease for machinery and
equipment expires in 2001, at which time the property can be purchased for the
then fair market value or the lease can be renewed at the then fair rental value
for two years.
 
     At December 31, 1996, future minimum lease payments under noncancelable
operating leases were as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
1997........................................................  $ 3,784
1998........................................................    3,561
1999........................................................    3,412
2000........................................................    3,560
2001........................................................    3,178
Thereafter..................................................   16,582
                                                              -------
  Total minimum lease payments..............................  $34,077
                                                              =======
</TABLE>
 
     Rental expense totaled approximately $4,156,000, $4,164,000 and $4,262,000
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
     OCC purchases the entire requirement of salt for the Tacoma Plant from
Mitsubishi International Corporation (MIC) under the terms of a contract ending
on December 31, 1996. The contract requires OCC to purchase a predetermined
annual quantity of salt at an established price. Payments are made to MIC each
month in the amount of one-twelfth of the annual quantity at the established
price for that year. Total purchases under this contract were $8,202,000,
$7,712,000 and $6,339,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. In May 1996, OCC entered into a new contract with MIC to purchase
salt for the Tacoma Plant under similar terms for 1997 through 1999.
 
     OCC purchases electric power for the Tacoma Plant from the City of Tacoma,
Department of Public Utilities, Light Division (the City) under the terms of a
contract expiring in September 2001. The contract has three monthly levels of
commitment. The first two take-or-pay levels are for fixed quantities of power
at predetermined prices. The third level is for power consumed above the
take-or-pay quantities at market prices. Under the terms of the contract, any
power committed to but not consumed by the Tacoma Plant can be resold by the
City, the proceeds of which will be applied against the Tacoma Plant's
commitment. Total purchases under this contract were $13,621,000, $13,894,000
and $13,643,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
 
  Lawsuits --
 
     An individual brought a lawsuit in 1995 against OCC alleging personal
injury from exposure to chlorine gas released from the Tacoma Plant in 1994.
Although a release did occur, the alleged causation and damages are denied. It
is impossible at this time to determine the ultimate legal liabilities that may
arise from this lawsuit. However, in management's opinion, the lawsuit should
not have a material adverse effect upon the financial position or results of
operations of the Tacoma Plant.
 
                                      F-53
<PAGE>   207
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
(7) INCOME TAXES --
 
     Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
and 1994 consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1996      1995      1994
                                                          ------    ------    -------
<S>                                                       <C>       <C>       <C>
Current U.S. federal....................................  $5,960    $3,213    $(3,450)
Deferred U.S. federal...................................      99     1,088      1,073
                                                          ------    ------    -------
                                                          $6,059    $4,301    $(2,377)
                                                          ======    ======    =======
</TABLE>
 
     The following table reconciles the maximum statutory U.S. federal income
tax rate multiplied by the Tacoma Plant's income (loss) before income taxes to
the recorded income tax expense (benefit) (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1996      1995      1994
                                                          ------    ------    -------
<S>                                                       <C>       <C>       <C>
U.S. federal income tax at 35%..........................  $6,056    $4,300    $(2,380)
Nondeductible expenses and other........................       3         1          3
                                                          ------    ------    -------
                                                          $6,059    $4,301    $(2,377)
                                                          ======    ======    =======
</TABLE>
 
     Pension liability adjustments charged directly to Owner's investment in
1996, 1995 and 1994 were net of tax charges (benefits) of $237,000, $347,000 and
($23,000), respectively.
 
     Deferred income taxes reflect the future tax consequences of temporary
differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial
reporting amounts. Temporary differences are associated with the financial
statement assets and liabilities shown in the table below. Deferred income tax
assets and liabilities have been recorded in the following amounts as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1996                      1995
                                             ----------------------    ----------------------
                                                  DEFERRED TAX              DEFERRED TAX
                                             ASSETS     LIABILITIES    ASSETS     LIABILITIES
                                             -------    -----------    -------    -----------
<S>                                          <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>
Inventories................................  $   371      $    --      $   340      $    --
Property, plant and equipment, net.........       --       11,565           --       12,592
Other assets...............................       --          170           --          301
Accrued liabilities........................      916           --        2,049           --
Other liabilities..........................    9,774           --       10,166           --
                                             -------      -------      -------      -------
                                             $11,061      $11,735      $12,555      $12,893
                                             =======      =======      =======      =======
</TABLE>
 
(8) RETIREMENT PLANS AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS --
 
     The Tacoma Plant participates in various defined contribution retirement
plans sponsored by Occidental for its salaried, union and nonunion hourly
employees that provide for periodic contributions by OCC based on plan-specific
criteria, such as base pay, age level, and employee contributions. OCC
contributed and the Tacoma Plant expensed $250,000, $255,000 and $240,000 under
the provisions of these plans during the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively.
 
     Also, the Tacoma Plant's retirement and postretirement defined benefit
plans for union hourly employees are accrued based on various assumptions and
discount rates, as described below. The actuarial assumptions
 
                                      F-54
<PAGE>   208
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
(8) RETIREMENT PLANS AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS -- (CONTINUED)
used could change in the near term as a result of changes in expected future
trends and other factors which, depending on the nature of the changes, could
cause increases or decreases in the liabilities accrued.
 
     Pension costs for the Tacoma Plant defined benefit pension plan, for union
hourly employees determined by independent actuarial valuations, are funded by
payments to trust funds that are administered by independent trustees. The
components of the net pension cost for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
and 1994 were as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1996       1995      1994
                                                           -------    -------    -----
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>        <C>
Service cost -- benefits earned during the period........  $   374    $   389    $ 347
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation............      660        676      674
Estimated return on plan assets..........................   (1,492)    (1,699)    (252)
Net amortization and deferral............................      891      1,348     (133)
                                                           -------    -------    -----
          Net pension cost...............................  $   433    $   714    $ 636
                                                           =======    =======    =====
</TABLE>
 
     The Tacoma Plant recorded adjustments to Owner's investment of an increase
of $439,000 in 1996 and $643,000 in 1995 and a decrease of $105,000 in 1994 to
reflect the net-of-tax difference between the additional liability required
under pension accounting provisions and the corresponding intangible asset.
 
     The following table sets forth the defined benefit plan's funded status and
amounts recognized in the Tacoma Plant balance sheets at December 31, 1996 and
1995 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              ACCUMULATED BENEFITS
                                                                  EXCEED ASSETS
                                                              ---------------------
                                                                1996        1995
                                                              --------    ---------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
Present value of the estimated pension benefits to be paid
  in the future:
  Vested benefits...........................................    $9,043      $ 8,473
  Nonvested benefits........................................       437          410
                                                                ------      -------
Accumulated benefit obligation..............................     9,480        8,883
  Excess of projected benefit obligation over accumulated
     benefit obligation.....................................       426          399
                                                                ------      -------
Total projected benefit obligations.........................     9,906        9,282
Plan assets at fair value...................................     9,701        8,085
                                                                ------      -------
 
Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.......    $  205      $ 1,197
                                                                ======      =======
Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.......    $  205      $ 1,197
Unrecognized net asset......................................       160          192
Unrecognized prior service cost.............................      (195)        (215)
Unrecognized net loss.......................................      (363)      (1,266)
Additional minimum liability(a).............................        --          891
                                                                ------      -------
Pension liability (prepaid pension).........................    $ (193)     $   799
                                                                ======      =======
</TABLE>
 
(a) A related amount up to the limit allowable under SFAS No. 87 -- "Employers'
    Accounting for Pensions" has been included in Other assets. Amounts
    exceeding such limits have been charged to Owner's investment.
 
                                      F-55
<PAGE>   209
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
(8) RETIREMENT PLANS AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS -- (CONTINUED)
     In 1996 and 1995, the discount rate used in determining the actuarial
present value of the projected benefit obligations was 7.5 percent. The rate of
increase in future compensation levels used in determining the actuarial present
value of the projected benefit obligations was 4.5 percent in 1996 and 1995. The
expected long-term rate of return on assets was 8 percent in 1996 and 1995.
 
     OCC provides medical, dental and life insurance for certain active,
retired, and disabled employees of the Tacoma Plant and their eligible
dependents. Beginning in 1993, certain salaried participants pay for all medical
cost increases in excess of increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The
benefits generally are funded by OCC as the benefits are paid during the year.
The cost of providing these benefits is based on claims filed and insurance
premiums paid for the period.
 
     To reflect the Tacoma Plant's participation in the OCC plan, the net
periodic postretirement benefit costs and the postretirement benefit obligations
are based on an allocation of the OCC actuarial study using participant counts
at the Tacoma Plant for each of the years presented in the tables below. This
allocation excludes amounts attributable to salaried retirees and surviving
spouses because nonunion retiree information is not maintained for such
participants by plant location.
 
     The OCC postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 1996 and 1995
was determined by application of the terms of medical, dental, and life
insurance plans, including the effect of established maximums on covered costs,
together with relevant actuarial assumptions and health care cost trend rates
projected at a CPI increase of 3 percent and 4 percent in 1996 and 1995,
respectively (except for union employees). For union employees, the health care
cost trend rates were projected at annual rates ranging ratably from 9 percent
in 1996 to 6 percent through the year 2002 and level thereafter. The effect of a
one percent annual increase in these assumed cost trend rates would increase the
allocated accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by approximately
$660,000 and the allocated annual service and interest costs by approximately
$95,000 in 1996. The weighted average discount rate used in determining the
accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 1996 and 1995
was 7.5 percent. The plans are unfunded.
 
     The following table sets forth the allocation of OCC postretirement plans'
combined status, reconciled with the amounts included in the accompanying
balance sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996      1995
                                                              ------    ------
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
  Retirees..................................................  $3,924    $3,820
  Fully eligible active plan participants...................     642       630
  Other active plan participants............................   3,573     3,310
                                                              ------    ------
Total accumulated postretirement benefit obligation.........   8,139     7,760
Unrecognized prior service cost.............................    (109)     (156)
Unrecognized net loss.......................................    (586)     (691)
                                                              ------    ------
Allocated accrued postretirement benefit cost...............  $7,444    $6,913
                                                              ======    ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-56
<PAGE>   210
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
(8) RETIREMENT PLANS AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS -- (CONTINUED)
     The allocated net periodic postretirement benefit cost included the
following components for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1996    1995    1994
                                                              ----    ----    ----
<S>                                                           <C>     <C>     <C>
Service cost -- benefits attributed to service during the
  period....................................................  $202    $194    $190
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit
  obligation................................................   582     572     570
Net amortization and deferral...............................    47      47      47
                                                              ----    ----    ----
Allocated net periodic postretirement benefit cost..........  $831    $813    $807
                                                              ====    ====    ====
</TABLE>
 
(9) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS --
 
     The Tacoma Plant has been charged for certain financial and operational
support services provided by OCC, such as marketing, sales and customer service,
transportation and distribution, and technical services. Charges for such
support services included in the accompanying statements of operations totaled
$8,759,000, $8,806,000 and $10,151,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively. These charges were allocated based on ratios
including such factors as revenues, operating income, fixed assets, and working
capital in a reasonable and consistent manner.
 
     Included in the above allocations are research and development costs, which
are charged to operations by OCC as incurred, and were $70,000, $96,000 and
$143,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
These charges are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in
the accompanying statements of operations.
 
     See Note 1 regarding the centralized cash management system of Occidental.
 
     See Note 2 regarding the transfer of receivables to an affiliate.
 
(10) ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS --
 
  General --
 
     Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations are expensed
or capitalized as appropriate. Expenditures that relate to existing conditions
caused by past operations, and that do not contribute to current or future
revenue generation, are expensed. Reserves for estimated costs are recorded when
environmental remedial efforts are probable and the costs can be reasonably
estimated. In determining the reserves, the Tacoma Plant uses the most current
information available, including similar past experiences, available technology,
regulations in effect, the timing of remediation and cost-sharing arrangements.
The environmental reserves are based on management's estimate of the most likely
costs to be incurred and are reviewed periodically and adjusted as additional or
new information becomes available.
 
     In October 1996, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
issued Statement of Position (SOP) 96-1 "Environmental Remediation Liabilities,"
which provides authoritative guidance on specific accounting issues that are
present in the recognition, measurement, display, and disclosure of
environmental remediation liabilities. The provisions of this SOP are effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1996. OCC plans to adopt the
provisions of this SOP in 1997. The impact of adopting this SOP, if any, on the
financial statements of the Tacoma Plant has not been determined.
 
                                      F-57
<PAGE>   211
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
(10) ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS -- (CONTINUED)
  Tacoma Plant site --
 
     Historic operations of various discontinued processes and equipment at the
Tacoma Plant site, including past activities of other owners or operators of all
or a portion of the Tacoma Plant site, have resulted in releases of certain
hazardous and nonhazardous substances and materials into the soil, surface
water, groundwater and intertidal and subtidal sediments at and in the vicinity
of the Tacoma Plant site.
 
     The Tacoma Plant is permitted under the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (RCRA). Although permitted waste management units at the Tacoma Plant site
have been closed in accordance with RCRA, the current RCRA permit requires the
owner and operator of the Tacoma Plant to take corrective action to address the
presence of certain substances in groundwater associated with past practices at
the Tacoma Plant site. The Tacoma Plant is controlling migration of and
remediating substances in groundwater through extraction, treatment and
reinjection (see Reserves and expenditures for the Tacoma Plant site section of
Note 10 below).
 
     In addition, governmental authorities have identified OCC as a "potentially
responsible party" for the Commencement Bay Nearshore/Tideflats Superfund Site
(the CB/NT site), which includes the Hylebos Waterway, pursuant to the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. The CB/NT
site covers in excess of ten square miles and includes the Tacoma Plant site and
other properties along the Hylebos Waterway and in the vicinity of Commencement
Bay. More than 100 potentially responsible parties have been identified with
respect to the Hylebos Waterway area of the CB/NT site. OCC is participating
with a group of entities in performing a pre-remedial design investigation to
evaluate potential alternatives for remediation of sediments in the Hylebos
Waterway.
 
     It is reasonably possible that the activities of the Tacoma plant
chlor-alkali process and discontinued processes have contributed to the presence
of hazardous and nonhazardous substances and materials at and in the vicinity of
the Tacoma Plant site. It is impossible at this time to determine the quantity
of such substances and materials, if any, attributable to these processes, and
OCC does not have sufficient information available to determine a range of
potential liability.
 
  Reserves and expenditures for the Tacoma Plant site --
 
     At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the current portion of the reserve for
groundwater remediation at the Tacoma Plant site included in Accrued liabilities
was $2,550,000 and $5,200,000, respectively. The reserve for remediation was
originally established in 1990. Additions to the remediation reserve of
$1,932,000, $2,030,000 and $1,530,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively, are included in Other operating expense.
 
     The Tacoma Plant's estimated operating expenses relating to compliance with
environmental laws and regulations governing ongoing operations on the Tacoma
Plant site were approximately $901,000, $983,000 and $958,000 for the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. In addition, estimated
capital expenditures for environmental compliance on the Tacoma Plant site for
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were approximately $1,175,000,
$693,000 and $82,000, respectively.
 
                                      F-58
<PAGE>   212
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
(11) SALE OF TACOMA PLANT --
 
     Pioneer is currently negotiating to purchase selected assets, liabilities
and operations of the Tacoma Plant primarily including, but not limited to,
property, plant and equipment and inventories. As of February 1, 1997, OCC
transferred substantially all of the Tacoma Plant's assets and liabilities into
OCC Tacoma, Inc., a newly created, wholly-owned subsidiary of OCC.
 
     The assets, liabilities and operations included in these financial
statements are those required to present the Tacoma Plant as a stand-alone
entity and include certain assets, liabilities and operations that are not
included in the proposed sale to Pioneer, such as certain railcar and equipment
leases. Excluded operations include, among other things, support services such
as marketing, sales and customer service, transportation and distribution, and
technical services. In addition, OCC will retain various chlorine and caustic
soda account contracts which will be supplied in part by a proposed arrangement
between Pioneer and OCC.
 
     Negotiations are ongoing concerning a mutually acceptable method of
acquisition by Pioneer. As currently contemplated, in addition to the primary
asset conveyance instrument, related agreements would allocate responsibility,
as between OCC and Pioneer, for environmental costs and obligations associated
with the Tacoma Plant site arising from pre-closing events or occurrences,
including any investigation, monitoring, treatment or remediation of substances
and materials in water, soils and sediments at and in the vicinity of the Tacoma
Plant site, the Hylebos Waterway and the CB/NT site. This allocation of
responsibility is expected to include cost and time limitations, above or after
which OCC's responsibility for environmental costs and obligations associated
with the Tacoma Plant site between the parties would terminate.
 
                                      F-59
<PAGE>   213
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               JUNE 16,      DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 1997            1996
                                                              -----------    ------------
                                                              (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash......................................................    $     6        $     6
  Inventories...............................................      5,018          4,818
  Deferred income taxes.....................................      1,256          1,287
  Other current assets......................................      1,408          1,009
                                                                -------        -------
          Total current assets..............................      7,688          7,120
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at cost, net of accumulated
  depreciation of $83,551 in 1997 and $80,650 in 1996.......     80,406         61,512
OTHER ASSETS, net...........................................        784            795
                                                                -------        -------
          TOTAL ASSETS......................................    $88,878        $69,427
                                                                =======        =======
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Accounts payable..........................................    $ 2,384        $ 2,720
  Accrued liabilities.......................................      3,121          4,510
                                                                -------        -------
          Total current liabilities.........................      5,505          7,230
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES.......................................      2,485          1,961
ACCRUED ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES...........................     20,078         20,481
OTHER LIABILITIES...........................................      7,961          7,791
                                                                -------        -------
          Total liabilities.................................     36,029         37,463
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Note 5)
OWNER'S INVESTMENT..........................................     52,849         31,964
                                                                -------        -------
          TOTAL LIABILITIES AND OWNER'S INVESTMENT..........    $88,878        $69,427
                                                                =======        =======
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-60
<PAGE>   214
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
           STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN OWNER'S INVESTMENT
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            PERIOD FROM                      PERIOD FROM
                                           APRIL 1, 1997   THREE MONTHS    JANUARY 1, 1997    SIX MONTHS
                                                TO             ENDED             TO              ENDED
                                           JUNE 16, 1997   JUNE 30, 1996    JUNE 16, 1997    JUNE 30, 1996
                                           -------------   -------------   ---------------   -------------
<S>                                        <C>             <C>             <C>               <C>
EXTERNAL SALES, net......................     $10,757         $16,632          $24,527          $31,691
SALES TO OWNER AT MARKET VALUE...........       4,996           2,400            9,964            4,845
                                              -------         -------          -------          -------
          TOTAL SALES, net...............      15,753          19,032           34,491           36,536
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES:
  Cost of sales..........................      13,551          14,702           27,141           27,767
  Selling, general and administrative
     expenses............................         270             429              539              875
  Other operating (income) expense.......          87             579             (455)           1,178
                                              -------         -------          -------          -------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES...............       1,845           3,322            7,266            6,716
  Income tax expense.....................         647           1,163            2,545            2,352
                                              -------         -------          -------          -------
NET INCOME...............................       1,198           2,159            4,721            4,364
PENSION LIABILITY ADJUSTMENT.............          --              --               --                8
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN OWNER'S
  INVESTMENT.............................      18,434          (2,475)          16,164           (1,954)
OWNER'S INVESTMENT, beginning of
  period.................................      33,217          30,464           31,964           27,730
                                              -------         -------          -------          -------
OWNER'S INVESTMENT, end of period........     $52,849         $30,148          $52,849          $30,148
                                              =======         =======          =======          =======
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-61
<PAGE>   215
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
                                   UNAUDITED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                PERIOD FROM      SIX MONTHS
                                                              JANUARY 1, 1997      ENDED
                                                                TO JUNE 16,       JUNE 30,
                                                                   1997             1996
                                                              ---------------    ----------
<S>                                                           <C>                <C>
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income................................................     $  4,721         $ 4,364
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
     by operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization of assets................        3,091           3,032
     Deferred income taxes..................................          555             610
     Other noncash charges to income........................           43           1,010
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
     Decrease (increase) in inventories.....................         (200)             56
     Increase in other current assets.......................         (399)           (548)
     Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities...       (1,725)         (3,506)
  Other, net................................................         (139)         (1,000)
                                                                 --------         -------
Net cash provided by operating activities...................        5,947           4,018
                                                                 --------         -------
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital expenditures......................................       (1,577)         (2,064)
  Buyout of operating lease.................................      (20,534)             --
                                                                 --------         -------
Net cash provided by investing activities...................      (22,111)         (2,064)
                                                                 --------         -------
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Increase (decrease) in owner's investment.................       16,164          (1,954)
                                                                 --------         -------
Net cash provided by financing activities...................       16,164          (1,954)
                                                                 --------         -------
Change in cash..............................................           --              --
Cash -- beginning of period.................................            6               6
                                                                 --------         -------
Cash -- end of period.......................................     $      6         $     6
                                                                 ========         =======
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-62
<PAGE>   216
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   UNAUDITED
                        JUNE 16, 1997 AND JUNE 30, 1996
 
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES --
 
  Organization and sale of Tacoma plant --
 
     The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements present the
financial position, results of operations and changes in owner's investment and
cash flows of the Tacoma plant (the Tacoma Plant) of Occidental Chemical
Corporation (OCC-NY), a New York corporation, and of OCC Tacoma Inc., a Delaware
corporation (OCC-NY alone or together with its subsidiary, OCC Tacoma, Inc.
herein referred to as OCC). As of February 1, 1997, OCC-NY transferred
substantially all of the Tacoma Plant's assets and liabilities into OCC Tacoma
Inc., a newly created, wholly-owned subsidiary of OCC-NY.
 
     On June 17, 1997 Pioneer Companies, Inc. (Pioneer) purchased selected
assets, liabilities and operations of the Tacoma Plant primarily including, but
not limited to, property, plant and equipment and inventories for $97 million
plus 55,000 shares of convertible Series A Preferred Stock of Pioneer with a
liquidation value of $5.5 million.
 
     The assets, liabilities and operations included in these financial
statements are those required to present the Tacoma Plant as a stand-alone
entity and include certain assets, liabilities and operations that were not
included in the sale to Pioneer, such as certain railcar leases. Excluded
operations include, among other things, support services such as marketing,
sales and customer service, transportation and distribution, and technical
services. In addition, OCC-NY retained various chlorine and sodium hydroxide
account contracts which will be supplied in part by an arrangement between
Pioneer and OCC-NY.
 
     In addition to the primary asset conveyance instrument, related agreements
allocate responsibility, between OCC Tacoma, Inc. and Pioneer, for environmental
costs and obligations associated with the Tacoma Plant site, including any
investigation, monitoring, treatment or remediation of substances and materials
in water, soils and sediments at and in the vicinity of the Tacoma Plant site,
the Hylebos Waterway and the Commencement Bay Nearshore/Tideflats Superfund site
(the CB/NT site). This allocation of responsibility includes cost and time
limitations, above or after which OCC's responsibility for environmental costs
and obligations associated with the Tacoma Plant site would terminate between
OCC and Pioneer.
 
     In connection with the sale to Pioneer, on June 12, 1997, OCC terminated a
machinery and equipment lease by purchasing the equity of the owner trust which
owned the leased machinery and equipment and prepaying the related debt for an
aggregate expenditure of approximately $20.5 million.
 
  Business and basis of presentation
 
     Certain information and disclosures normally included in the notes to
financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and
regulations, but resultant disclosures are in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles as they apply to interim reporting. These interim
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Tacoma Plant's
audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1996 (1996
Financial Statements).
 
     The Tacoma Plant, located in Tacoma, Washington, consists of a chlor-alkali
process which manufactures chlorine, sodium hydroxide and related products, and
a discontinued ammonia process that has not operated since 1992. The Tacoma
Plant's products are sold to national and international markets as well as to
other plants and affiliates of OCC. The accompanying financial statements
exclude the previously discontinued manufacturing processes associated with
unrelated product lines, including chlorinated organic compounds. Additionally,
prior to the sale to Pioneer, the Tacoma Plant did business as OCC and entered
into
 
                                      F-63
<PAGE>   217
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   UNAUDITED
                        JUNE 16, 1997 AND JUNE 30, 1996
 
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)
operating and sales contracts administered by OCC. These included national sales
agreements as well as purchase and energy agreements.
 
     In the opinion of OCC's management, the accompanying interim financial
statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments)
necessary to present fairly the Tacoma Plant's financial position as of June 16,
1997 and June 30, 1996 and the results of operations and changes in owner's
investment and cash flows for the periods then ended. The results of operations
and cash flows for the period ended June 16, 1997 are not necessarily indicative
of the results of operations or cash flows to be expected for the full year.
 
     Reference is made to Note 1 to the 1996 Financial Statements for a summary
of significant accounting policies.
 
  Supplemental cash flow information --
 
     For the periods ended June 16, 1997 and June 30 1996, all cash payments for
income taxes were made by Occidental Petroleum Corporation (Occidental). For the
same periods, there were no cash payments for interest.
 
     As of June 16, 1997 and June 30 1996, net trade receivables of $4,621,000
and $10,217,000, respectively, were transferred to an affiliate (see Note 2).
 
  Risks and uncertainties --
 
     The process of preparing financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions
regarding certain types of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Such
estimates primarily relate to unsettled transactions and events as of the date
of the financial statements. Accordingly, upon settlement, actual results may
differ from estimated amounts, generally not by material amounts. Management
believes that these estimates and assumptions provide a reasonable basis for the
fair presentation of the Tacoma Plant's financial position and results of
operations.
 
     Included in the accompanying balance sheets are deferred income tax assets
of $10,791,000 and $11,689,000 as of June 16, 1997 and June 30, 1996,
respectively, consisting of a current portion of $1,256,000 and $1,470,000,
shown as current deferred income tax assets and the noncurrent portion which is
netted against deferred income tax liabilities. Realization of that asset is
dependent upon the generation of sufficient future taxable income. It is
expected that the recorded deferred income tax asset will be realized through
future operating income and reversal of taxable temporary differences.
 
     Since the Tacoma Plant's two principal products are commodities,
significant changes in the prices of chlorine and sodium hydroxide could have a
significant impact on the Tacoma Plant's results of operations for any
particular period.
 
(2) RECEIVABLES --
 
     As of June 16, 1997 and June 30, 1996, OCC transferred, with limited
recourse, to an Occidental affiliate net trade receivables of the Tacoma Plant
under a revolving sale program, in connection with the ultimate sale for cash of
such receivables. The net trade receivables transferred amounted to $4,621,000
and $10,217,000 as of June 16, 1997 and June 30, 1996, respectively. OCC
transferred the receivables to the affiliate in a noncash transaction that was
reflected as a reduction in the Tacoma Plant's Owner's investment. OCC has
retained the
 
                                      F-64
<PAGE>   218
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   UNAUDITED
                        JUNE 16, 1997 AND JUNE 30, 1996
 
(2) RECEIVABLES -- (CONTINUED)
collection responsibility with respect to the receivables sold. An interest in
newly created receivables is transferred monthly, net of collections made from
customers. Fees related to the sales of receivables under this program, which
are allocated from OCC, were $138,000 and $191,000 for the year-to-date periods
ended June 16, 1997 and June 30, 1996, respectively, and are included in Other
operating expense.
 
(3) INVENTORIES --
 
     Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. The last-in,
first-out (LIFO) cost method was used in determining the costs of raw materials
and finished goods. Materials and supplies inventories were determined using the
weighted-average cost method. Inventories consisted of the following as of June
16, 1997 and June 30, 1996 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1997       1996
                                                              -------    -------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
Raw materials...............................................  $ 1,443    $ 1,155
Materials and supplies......................................    3,336      3,090
Finished goods..............................................    2,676      3,352
                                                              -------    -------
                                                                7,455      7,597
LIFO reserve................................................   (2,437)    (2,863)
                                                              -------    -------
Inventory at lower of cost or market........................  $ 5,018    $ 4,734
                                                              =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
     During the year-to-date periods ended June 16, 1997 and June 30, 1996,
certain inventory quantities carried at LIFO were reduced. These reductions
resulted in a liquidation of LIFO inventory quantities, the effect of which did
not have a material impact on Cost of sales.
 
(4) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT --
 
     Property, plant and equipment at June 16, 1997 and June 30, 1996 consisted
of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1997        1996
                                                              --------    --------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
Land and land improvements..................................  $  3,017    $  2,875
Buildings...................................................     9,733       8,915
Machinery and equipment.....................................   139,164     114,518
Construction in progress....................................    12,043      13,376
                                                              --------    --------
                                                               163,957     139,684
Accumulated depreciation....................................   (83,551)    (77,582)
                                                              --------    --------
                                                              $ 80,406    $ 62,102
                                                              ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
(5) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES --
 
  Commitments --
 
     The Tacoma Plant leases railcars under noncancelable operating leases.
 
                                      F-65
<PAGE>   219
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   UNAUDITED
                        JUNE 16, 1997 AND JUNE 30, 1996
 
(5) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES -- (CONTINUED)
     At June 16, 1997, future minimum lease payments under noncancelable
operating leases were as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
1997........................................................  $ 1,042
1998........................................................    1,905
1999........................................................    1,756
2000........................................................    1,872
2001........................................................    1,491
Thereafter..................................................   14,190
Total minimum lease payments................................  $22,256
</TABLE>
 
     Rental expense totaled approximately $1,947,000 and $2,086,000 for the
year-to-date periods ended June 16, 1997 and June 30, 1996, respectively.
 
     Reference is made to Note 6 to the 1996 Financial Statements for a
description of salt and electric power purchase commitments.
 
     Total purchases under the salt contract were $3,447,000 and $4,101,000 for
the year-to-date periods ended June 16, 1997 and June 30, 1996, respectively.
 
     Total purchases under the electric power contract were $5,688,000 and
$6,475,000 for the year-to-date periods ended June 16, 1997 and June 30, 1996,
respectively.
 
  Lawsuits --
 
     Reference is made to Note 6 to the 1996 Financial Statements for a
description of lawsuits.
 
(6) INCOME TAXES --
 
     Income tax expense for the year-to-date periods ended June 16, 1997 and
June 30, 1996 consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1997       1996
                                                              ------     ------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
Current U.S. federal........................................  $1,990     $1,742
Deferred U.S. federal.......................................     555        610
                                                              ------     ------
                                                              $2,545     $2,352
                                                              ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
     Reference is made to Note 7 to the 1996 Financial Statements for a
description of income taxes.
 
(7) RETIREMENT PLANS AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS --
 
     Reference is made to Note 8 to the 1996 Financial Statements for a
description of retirement plans and postretirement benefits.
 
(8) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS --
 
     The Tacoma Plant has been charged for certain financial and operational
support services provided by OCC-NY, such as marketing, sales and customer
service, transportation and distribution, and technical services. Charges for
such support services included in the accompanying statements of operations
totaled
 
                                      F-66
<PAGE>   220
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   UNAUDITED
                        JUNE 16, 1997 AND JUNE 30, 1996
 
(8) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS -- (CONTINUED)
$5,035,000 and $4,749,000 for the year-to-date periods ended June 16, 1997 and
June 30, 1996, respectively. These charges were allocated based on ratios
including such factors as revenues, operating income, fixed assets, and working
capital in a reasonable and consistent manner.
 
     Included in the above allocations are research and development costs, which
are charged to operations by OCC-NY as incurred, and were $6,000 and $12,000 for
the year-to-date periods ended June 16, 1997 and June 30, 1996, respectively.
These charges are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in
the accompanying statements of operations.
 
     Reference is made to Note 1 to the 1996 Financial Statements regarding the
centralized cash management system of Occidental.
 
     See Note 2 regarding the transfer of receivables to an affiliate.
 
(9) ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS --
 
  General --
 
     Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations are expensed
or capitalized as appropriate. Expenditures that relate to existing conditions
caused by past operations, and that do not contribute to current or future
revenue generation, are expensed. Reserves for estimated costs are recorded when
environmental remedial efforts are probable and the costs can be reasonably
estimated. In determining the reserves, the Tacoma Plant uses the most current
information available, including similar past experiences, available technology,
regulations in effect, the timing of remediation and cost-sharing arrangements.
The environmental reserves are based on management's estimate of the most likely
costs to be incurred and are reviewed periodically and adjusted as additional or
new information becomes available.
 
  Tacoma Plant site
 
     Historic operations of various discontinued processes and equipment at the
Tacoma Plant site, including past activities of other owners or operators of all
or a portion of the Tacoma Plant site, have resulted in releases of certain
hazardous and nonhazardous substances and materials into the soil, surface
water, groundwater and intertidal and subtidal sediments at and in the vicinity
of the Tacoma Plant site.
 
     The Tacoma Plant is permitted under the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (RCRA). Although permitted waste management units at the Tacoma Plant site
have been closed in accordance with RCRA, the current RCRA permit requires the
owner and operator of the Tacoma Plant to take corrective action to address the
presence of certain substances in groundwater associated with past practices at
the Tacoma Plant site. The Tacoma Plant is controlling migration of and
remediating substances in groundwater through extraction, treatment and
reinjection (see Reserves and expenditures for the Tacoma Plant site section of
Note 9 below).
 
     In addition, governmental authorities have identified OCC as a "potentially
responsible party" for the CB/NT site, which includes the Hylebos Waterway,
pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act. The CB/NT site covers in excess of ten square miles and includes
the Tacoma Plant site and other properties along the Hylebos Waterway and in the
vicinity of Commencement Bay. More than 100 potentially responsible parties have
been identified with respect to the Hylebos Waterway area of the CB/NT site. OCC
is participating with a group of entities in performing a pre-
 
                                      F-67
<PAGE>   221
 
                        OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION
                                  TACOMA PLANT
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   UNAUDITED
                        JUNE 16, 1997 AND JUNE 30, 1996
 
(9) ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS -- (CONTINUED)
remedial design investigation to evaluate potential alternatives for remediation
of sediments in the Hylebos Waterway.
 
     It is reasonably possible that the activities of the Tacoma plant
chlor-alkali process and discontinued processes have contributed to the presence
of hazardous and nonhazardous substances and materials at and in the vicinity of
the Tacoma Plant site. It is impossible at this time to determine the quantity
of such substances and materials, if any, attributable to these processes, and
OCC does not have sufficient information available to determine a range of
potential liability.
 
  Reserves and expenditures for the Tacoma Plant site --
 
     At June 16, 1997 and June 30, 1996, the current portion of the reserve for
groundwater remediation at the Tacoma Plant site included in Accrued liabilities
was $2,055,000 and $2,570,000, respectively. The reserve for remediation was
originally established in 1990. An addition to the remediation reserve of
$966,000 for the year-to-date period ended June 30, 1996 is included in Other
operating expense.
 
     In October 1996, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
issued Statement of Position No. 96-1 "Environmental Remediation Liabilities"
(SOP 96-1), which provides authoritative guidance on specific accounting issues
that are present in the recognition, measurement, display and disclosure of
environmental remediation liabilities. OCC implemented SOP 96-1 effective
January 1, 1997. The implementation of SOP 96-1 resulted in a $672,000 increase
in Income before taxes for the Tacoma Plant for the year-to-date period ended
June 16, 1997.
 
                                      F-68
<PAGE>   222
 
                           PCI CHEMICALS CANADA INC.
 
     All tendered Original Notes, executed Letters of Transmittal, and other
related documents should be directed to the Exchange Agent. Requests for
assistance and for additional copies of the Prospectus, the Letter of
Transmittal and other related documents should be directed to the Exchange
Agent.
 
                               The Exchange Agent
                           for the Exchange Offer is
 
                    UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK
 
                                 By Facsimile:
                                 (212) 780-0592
                          ATTENTION: CUSTOMER SERVICE
 
                             Confirm by telephone:
                                 (800) 548-6565
 
                        By Registered or Certified Mail:
                    UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK
                          P.O. BOX 844 COOPER STATION
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10276
 
                                    By Hand:
                    UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK
                                  111 BROADWAY
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10006
                     ATTENTION: CORPORATE TRUST OPERATIONS
 
                             By Overnight Courier:
                    UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK
                                  770 BROADWAY
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10003
                     ATTENTION: CORPORATE TRUST OPERATIONS
<PAGE>   223
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
     PCI Canada is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PAAC. PAAC, which is a Delaware
corporation, is empowered by the Delaware General Corporation Law, subject to
the procedures and limitations stated therein, to indemnify any person against
expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding in which such person
is made a party by reason of his being or having been a director, officer,
employee or agent of PAAC. The statute provides that indemnification pursuant to
its provisions is not exclusive of other rights of indemnification to which a
person may be entitled under any by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or
disinterested directors, or otherwise. The Certificate of Incorporation and
by-laws of PAAC provide for indemnification of the directors and officers of
such entities to the full extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation
Law.
 
     PAAC maintains an insurance policy providing for indemnification of its
officers, directors and certain other persons against liabilities and expenses
incurred by any of them in certain stated proceedings and under certain stated
conditions.
 
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
  (a) Exhibits
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<C>                      <S>
          2.1            -- Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 22, 1997,
                            by and among PCI Canada, PCI Carolina, Pioneer, ICI, ICI
                            Canada and ICI Americas (incorporated by reference to
                            Exhibit 2 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q, for the
                            quarter ended September 30, 1997).
          2.2            -- First Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of
                            October 31, 1997, among PCI Canada, PCI Carolina,
                            Pioneer, ICI, ICI Canada and ICI Americas (incorporated
                            by reference to Exhibit 2(b) to the Company's Current
                            Report on Form 8-K, dated November 5, 1997).
          3.1            -- Certificate of Incorporation of PCI Canada.
          3.2            -- By-laws of PCI Canada.
          3.3            -- Certificate of Incorporation of PAAC (incorporated by
                            reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration
                            Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-98828) declared
                            effective by the Commission on December 22, 1995).
          3.4            -- By-laws of PAAC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2
                            to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
                            No. 33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
          3.5            -- Certificate of Incorporation of PAI (incorporated by
                            reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Registration
                            Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-98828) declared
                            effective by the Commission on December 22, 1995).
          3.6            -- By-laws of PAI (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4
                            to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
                            No. 33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
          3.7            -- Certificate of Incorporation of PCAC (incorporated by
                            reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Company's Registration
                            Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-98828) declared
                            effective by the Commission on December 22, 1995).
          3.8            -- By-laws of PCAC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6
                            to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
                            No. 33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
          3.9            -- Certificate of Incorporation of Imperial West
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   224
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<C>                      <S>
          3.10           -- By-laws of Imperial West (incorporated by reference to
                            Exhibit 3.8 to the Company's Registration Statement on
                            Form S-4 (File No. 33-98828) declared effective by the
                            Commission on December 22, 1995).
          3.11           -- Certificate of Incorporation of All-Pure (incorporated by
                            reference to Exhibit 3.9 to the Company's Registration
                            Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-98828) declared
                            effective by the Commission on December 22, 1995).
          3.12           -- By-laws of All-Pure (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                            3.10 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4
                            (File No. 33-98828) declared effective by the Commission
                            on December 22, 1995).
          3.13           -- Certificate of Incorporation of Black Mountain Power
                            Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.11 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
          3.14           -- By-laws of Black Mountain Power Company (incorporated by
                            reference to Exhibit 3.12 to the Company's Registration
                            Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-98828) declared
                            effective by the Commission on December 22, 1995).
          3.15           -- Certificate of Incorporation of All-Pure Chemical
                            Northwest, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                            3.13 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4
                            (File No. 33-98828) declared effective by the Commission
                            on December 22, 1995).
          3.16           -- By-laws of All-Pure Chemical Northwest, Inc.
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.14 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
          3.17           -- Certificate of Incorporation of Pioneer Chlor Alkali
                            International, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                            3.15 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4
                            (File No. 33-98828) declared effective by the Commission
                            on December 22, 1995).
          3.18           -- By-laws of Pioneer Chlor Alkali International, Inc.
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.16 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
          3.19           -- Certificate of Incorporation of G.O.W. Corporation
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.17 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
          3.20           -- By-laws of G.O.W. Corporation (incorporated by reference
                            to Exhibit 3.18 to the Company's Registration Statement
                            on Form S-4 (File No. 33-98828) declared effective by the
                            Commission on December 22, 1995).
          3.21           -- Certificate of Incorporation of Pioneer (East), Inc.
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.19 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            333-30683) declared effective by the Commission on
                            October 17, 1997).
          3.22           -- By-laws of Pioneer (East), Inc. (incorporated by
                            reference to Exhibit 3.20 to the Company's Registration
                            Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-30683) declared
                            effective by the Commission on October 17, 1997).
          3.23           -- Certificate of Incorporation of T.C. Holdings, Inc.
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.21 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            333-30683) declared effective by the Commission on
                            October 17, 1997).
          3.24           -- By-laws of T.C. Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference
                            to Exhibit 3.22 to the Company's Registration Statement
                            on Form S-4 (File No. 333-30683) declared effective by
                            the Commission on October 17, 1997).
          3.25           -- Certificate of Incorporation of T.C. Products, Inc.
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.23 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            333-30683) declared effective by the Commission on
                            October 17, 1997).
          3.26           -- By-laws of T.C. Products, Inc. (incorporated by reference
                            to Exhibit 3.24 to the Company's Registration Statement
                            on Form S-4 (File No. 333-30683) declared effective by
                            the Commission on October 17, 1997).
          3.27           -- Certificate of Incorporation of PCI Carolina, Inc.
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   225
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          3.28           -- By-laws of PCI Carolina, Inc.
          3.29           -- Certificate of Incorporation of Pioneer Licensing, Inc.
 
<C>                      <S>
          3.30           -- By-laws of Pioneer Licensing, Inc.
          4.1            -- Indenture, dated as of October 30, 1997, by and among PCI
                            Canada, the Guarantors and United States Trust Company of
                            New York, as Trustee, relating to $175,000,000 principal
                            amount of 9 1/4% Series A Senior Notes due 2007,
                            including form of Note and Guarantees.
         *4.2            -- Deed of Hypothec, dated as of October 30, 1997, by PCI
                            Canada in favor of United States Trust Company of New
                            York, as Collateral Agent.
         *4.3            -- Affiliate Security Agreement, dated as of October 30,
                            1997, among PCI Carolina, Inc., Pioneer Licensing, Inc.
                            and United States Trust Company of New York, as
                            Collateral Agent.
         *4.4            -- Borrower (Canadian) Security Agreement, dated as of
                            October 30, 1997, between PCI Canada and United States
                            Trust Company of New York, as Collateral Agent.
         *4.5(a)         -- Demand Debenture (Ontario), dated as of October 30, 1997,
                            by PCI Canada in favor of United States Trust Company of
                            New York, as Collateral Agent.
         *4.5(b)         -- Bond (Quebec), dated October 30, 1997, issued by PCI
                            Canada in favor of United States Trust Company of New
                            York, as Collateral Agent.
         *4.5(c)         -- Demand Debenture (New Brunswick), dated October 30, 1997,
                            by PCI Canada in favor of United States Trust Company of
                            New York, as Collateral Agent.
         *4.6(a)         -- Debenture Pledge Agreement (Ontario), dated October 30,
                            1997, by PCI Canada in favor of United States Trust
                            Company of New York, as Collateral Agent.
         *4.6(b)         -- Bond Pledge Agreement (Quebec), dated October 30, 1997,
                            between PCI Canada and United States Trust Company of New
                            York, as Collateral Agent.
         *4.6(c)         -- Debenture Pledge Agreement (New Brunswick), dated October
                            30, 1997, by PCI Canada in favor of United States Trust
                            Company of New York, as Collateral Agent.
         *4.7            -- Subsidiary Security Agreement, dated as of October 30,
                            1997, by PCI Canada in favor of United States Trust
                            Company of New York, as Collateral Agent.
          4.8(a)         -- Term Loan Agreement, dated as of October 30, 1997, among
                            PAI, PAAC, Various Financial Institutions, as Lenders,
                            DLJ Capital Funding, Inc. as the Syndication Agent,
                            Salomon Brothers Holding Company Inc, as the
                            Documentation Agent, Bank of America National Trust and
                            Savings Association, as the Administrative Agent and
                            United States Trust Company of New York, as Collateral
                            Agent.
          4.8(b)         -- Affiliate Guaranty, dated as of October 30, 1997, among
                            the Affiliate Guarantors named therein.
          4.9            -- Consent and Amendment No. 1, dated November 5, 1997, to
                            Loan and Security Agreement, dated June 17, 1997, among
                            PAAC, Bank of America National Trust and Savings
                            Association, as Agent and Lender and the other Lenders
                            Party thereto.
          4.10           -- Intercreditor and Collateral Agency Agreement, dated as
                            of October 30, 1997 by and among United States Trust
                            Company of New York, as Trustee and Collateral Agent,
                            Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association,
                            as Agent, PCI Canada, PAAC and PAI.
          4.11           -- Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of
                            October 30, 1997, by and among PCI Canada, the Guarantors
                            and the Initial Purchasers.
         *5.1            -- Opinion of Willkie Farr & Gallagher.
         *5.2            -- Opinion of Kent R. Stephenson, Esq.
         *5.3            -- Opinion of Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales, St. John,
                            New Brunswick.
         *8.1            -- Opinion of Willkie Farr & Gallagher with respect to
                            certain tax matters.
         *8.2            -- Opinion of Stikeman, Elliot, Montreal, Quebec with
                            respect to certain tax matters.
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   226
<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
         10.1            -- Contingent Payment Agreement, dated as of April 20, 1995,
                            by and among Pioneer (formerly, GEV corporation), PAAC
                            and the Sellers defined therein (incorporated by
                            reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form
                            8-K of Pioneer, dated April 20, 1995).
         10.2            -- Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of April 20, 1995, by and
                            among Pioneer, PAAC and the Subsidiary Guarantors defined
                            therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
         10.3            -- Pioneer Companies, Inc. 1995 Stock Incentive Plan
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
         10.4            -- Pioneer Companies, Inc. Key Executive Stock Grant Plan
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
                            Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Pioneer for the
                            quarterly period ended June 30, 1996).
         10.5            -- Pioneer Chlor Alkali Company, Inc. Supplemental
                            Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                            10.5 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Pioneer for the
                            fiscal year ended December 31, 1995).
         10.6            -- Employment Agreement, dated as of April 20, 1995, between
                            Pioneer and Richard C. Kellogg, Jr. (incorporated by
                            reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form
                            10-Q of Pioneer for the quarterly period ended June 30,
                            1995).
         10.7            -- Employment Agreement, dated April 20, 1995, between
                            Pioneer Americas, Inc. and James E. Glattly (incorporated
                            by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Pioneer's Annual Report
                            on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995).
         10.8            -- Employment Agreement, dated April 20, 1995, between
                            Pioneer Americas, Inc. and Verrill M. Norwood, Jr.
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Pioneer's
                            Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
                            31, 1995).
         10.9            -- Executive Employment Agreement, dated January 4, 1997,
                            between Pioneer Companies, Inc. and Michael J. Ferris
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Annual
                            Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year
                            ended December 31, 1996).
         10.10           -- Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 4, 1997, between
                            Pioneer Companies, Inc. and Michael J. Ferris
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Annual
                            Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year
                            ended December 31, 1996).
         10.11           -- Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement, dated May 15, 1997,
                            between Pioneer Companies, Inc. and Andrew M. Bursky.
         10.12           -- Noncompetition Agreement, dated as of October 31, 1997,
                            between ICI, ICI Canada, ICI Americas, PCI Canada and PCI
                            Carolina.
         12.1            -- Statement Regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to
                            Fixed Charges.
         16.1            -- Letter from Ernst & Young LLP regarding change in
                            independent accountants (incorporated by reference to
                            Exhibit 16.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on
                            Form S-4 (File No. 33-98828) declared effective by the
                            Commission on December 22, 1995).
         21.1            -- Subsidiaries of the Registrants.
         23.1            -- Independent Auditors' Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
         23.2            -- Independent Auditors' Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
         23.3            -- Independent Auditors' Consent of Piercy, Bowler, Taylor &
                            Kern.
         23.4            -- Independent Public Accountants' Consent of Arthur
                            Andersen LLP.
         23.5            -- Independent Auditor's Consent of KPMG.
        *23.6            -- Consents of Willkie Farr & Gallagher (included in their
                            opinions filed as Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1).
        *23.7            -- Consent of Kent R. Stephenson, Esq. (included in his
                            opinion filed as Exhibit 5.2).
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   227
<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
        *23.8            -- Consent of Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales, St. John,
                            New Brunswick (included in their opinion filed as Exhibit
                            5.3).
        *23.9            -- Consent of Stikeman, Elliot, Montreal, Quebec (included
                            in their opinion filed as Exhibit 8.2).
         24.1            -- Powers of Attorney (included in the signature pages
                            hereto).
         25.1            -- Statement on Form T-1 of Eligibility of Trustee.
        *99.1            -- Form of Letter of Transmittal.
        *99.2            -- Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
        *99.3            -- Form of Letter to Clients.
        *99.4            -- Form of Letter to Nominees.
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
* To be filed by amendment.
 
(b) Financial Statement Schedules:
 
SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS.
 
     All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or
not required or the required information is included in the financial statements
or notes thereto.
 
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     The undersigned Registrants hereby undertake that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of PAAC's annual
report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 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 the 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 Registrants
pursuant to the provisions, described under Item 20 above, or otherwise, the
Registrants have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
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
Registrants of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrants 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 Registrants will, unless in
the opinion of their counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by them is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
     The undersigned Registrants hereby undertake that:
 
     (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   228
 
contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule
424(b)(1) 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
of 1933, 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.
 
     The undersigned Registrants hereby undertake to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the
date of responding to the request.
 
     The undersigned Registrants hereby undertake to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in this Registration Statement when it became effective.
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>   229
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas,
on the 26th day of November, 1997.
 
                                            PCI CHEMICALS CANADA INC.
 
                                            By:   /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name: Kent R. Stephenson
                                              Title: Vice President
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Philip J. Ablove and Kent R. Stephenson, and each
of them, with full power to act without the other, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person thereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or
substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     SIGNATURE                                       TITLE                         DATE
                     ---------                                       -----                         ----
<C>                                                  <S>                                    <C>
 
              /s/ NORMAN E. THOGERSEN                President and Director (principal       November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    executive officer)
                Norman E. Thogersen
 
               /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE                  Vice President, Chief Financial         November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    Officer and Director (principal
                 Philip J. Ablove                      financial officer)
 
               /s/ PIERRE PRUD'HOMME                 Vice President and Controller           November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    (principal accounting officer)
                 Pierre Prud'homme
 
               /s/ MICHAEL J. FERRIS                 Chairman of the Board                   November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 Michael J. Ferris
 
              /s/ RAYMOND E. BOUCHER                 Director                                November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                Raymond E. Boucher
 
                 /s/ G.P. DONNINI                    Director                                November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                   G.P. Donnini
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>   230
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas,
on the 26th day of November, 1997.
 
                                            PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
                                            By:    /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name: Philip J. Ablove
                                              Title: Vice President
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Philip J. Ablove and Kent R. Stephenson, and each
of them, with full power to act without the other, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person thereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or
substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      SIGNATURE                                        TITLE                         DATE
                      ---------                                        -----                         ----
<C>                                                    <S>                                    <C>
 
                /s/ MICHAEL J. FERRIS                  President, Chief Executive Officer      November 26, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------    and Director (principal executive
                  Michael J. Ferris                      officer)
 
                /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE                   Vice President, Chief Financial         November 26, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------    Officer and Director (principal
                  Philip J. Ablove                       financial officer)
 
                 /s/ JOHN R. BEAVER                    Controller (principal accounting        November 26, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------    officer)
                   John R. Beaver
 
               /s/ WILLIAM R. BERKLEY                  Director                                November 26, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
                 William R. Berkley
 
                /s/ ANDREW M. BURSKY                   Director                                November 26, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
                  Andrew M. Bursky
 
                /s/ DONALD J. DONAHUE                  Director                                November 26, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
                  Donald J. Donahue
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-8
<PAGE>   231
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      SIGNATURE                                        TITLE                         DATE
                      ---------                                        -----                         ----
<C>                                                    <S>                                    <C>
 
             /s/ RICHARD C. KELLOGG, JR.               Director                                November 26, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
               Richard C. Kellogg, Jr.
 
                /s/ PAUL J. KIENHOLZ                   Director                                November 26, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
                  Paul J. Kienholz
 
                 /s/ JACK H. NUSBAUM                   Director                                November 26, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
                   Jack H. Nusbaum
 
              /s/ THOMAS H. SCHNITZIUS                 Director                                November 26, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
                Thomas H. Schnitzius
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-9
<PAGE>   232
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas,
on the 26th day of November, 1997.
 
                                            PIONEER AMERICAS, INC.
 
                                            By:   /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name: Kent R. Stephenson
                                              Title: Vice President
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Philip J. Ablove and Kent R. Stephenson, and each
of them, with full power to act without the other, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person thereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or
substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     SIGNATURE                                       TITLE                        DATE
                     ---------                                       -----                        ----
<C>                                                  <S>                                    <C>
 
               /s/ MICHAEL J. FERRIS                 Chairman of the Board and President    November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    (principal executive officer)
                 Michael J. Ferris
 
               /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE                  Vice President, Chief Financial        November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    Officer, Treasurer and Director
                 Philip J. Ablove                      (principal financial officer)
 
                /s/ JOHN R. BEAVER                   Controller (principal accounting       November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    officer)
                  John R. Beaver
 
               /s/ WILLIAM L. MAHONE                 Title Director                         November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 William L. Mahone
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-10
<PAGE>   233
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas,
on the 26th day of November, 1997.
 
                                            PIONEER CHLOR ALKALI COMPANY, INC.
 
                                            By:   /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name: Kent R. Stephenson
                                              Title: Vice President
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Philip J. Ablove and Kent R. Stephenson, and each
of them, with full power to act without the other, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person thereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or
substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     SIGNATURE                                       TITLE                        DATE
                     ---------                                       -----                        ----
<C>                                                  <S>                                    <C>
 
               /s/ JAMES E. GLATTLY                  President and Director (principal      November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    executive officer)
                 James E. Glattly
 
               /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE                  Vice President and Chief Financial     November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    Officer and Director (principal
                 Philip J. Ablove                      financial officer)
 
                /s/ JOHN R. BEAVER                   Controller (principal accounting       November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    officer)
                  John R. Beaver
 
               /s/ MICHAEL J. FERRIS                 Chairman of the Board                  November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 Michael J. Ferris
 
               /s/ WILLIAM L. MAHONE                 Director                               November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 William L. Mahone
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-11
<PAGE>   234
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas,
on the 26th day of November, 1997.
 
                                            IMPERIAL WEST CHEMICAL CO.
 
                                            By:   /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name: Kent R. Stephenson
                                              Title: Vice President
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Philip J. Ablove and Kent R. Stephenson, and each
of them, with full power to act without the other, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person thereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or
substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     SIGNATURE                                       TITLE                        DATE
                     ---------                                       -----                        ----
<C>                                                  <S>                                    <C>
 
               /s/ JAMES M. WINGARD                  President and Director (principal      November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    executive officer)
                 James M. Wingard
 
               /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE                  Vice President and Chief Financial     November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    Officer and Director (principal
                 Philip J. Ablove                      financial officer)
 
                /s/ JOHN R. BEAVER                   Controller (principal accounting       November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    officer)
                  John R. Beaver
 
               /s/ MICHAEL J. FERRIS                 Chairman of the Board                  November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 Michael J. Ferris
 
               /s/ WILLIAM L. MAHONE                 Director                               November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 William L. Mahone
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-12
<PAGE>   235
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas,
on the 26th day of November, 1997.
 
                                            ALL-PURE CHEMICAL CO.
 
                                            By:   /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name: Kent R. Stephenson
                                              Title: Vice President
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Philip J. Ablove and Kent R. Stephenson, and each
of them, with full power to act without the other, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person thereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or
substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     SIGNATURE                                       TITLE                         DATE
                     ---------                                       -----                         ----
<C>                                                  <S>                                    <C>
 
                /s/ RONALD E. CIORA                  President and Director (principal                  , 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    executive officer)
                  Ronald E. Ciora
 
               /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE                  Vice President and Chief Financial                 , 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    Officer and Director (principal
                 Philip J. Ablove                      financial officer)
 
                /s/ JOHN R. BEAVER                   Controller (principal accounting                   , 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    officer)
                  John R. Beaver
 
               /s/ MICHAEL J. FERRIS                 Chairman of the Board                              , 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 Michael J. Ferris
 
               /s/ WILLIAM L. MAHONE                 Director                                           , 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 William L. Mahone
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-13
<PAGE>   236
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas,
on the 26th day of November, 1997.
 
                                            BLACK MOUNTAIN POWER COMPANY
 
                                            By:   /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name: Kent R. Stephenson
                                              Title: Vice President
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Philip J. Ablove and Kent R. Stephenson, and each
of them, with full power to act without the other, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person thereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or
substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     SIGNATURE                                       TITLE                         DATE
                     ---------                                       -----                         ----
<C>                                                  <S>                                    <C>
 
                /s/ TERRY K. GRAVES                  President and Director (principal       November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    executive officer)
                  Terry K. Graves
 
               /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE                  Vice President and Chief Financial      November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    Officer and Director (principal
                 Philip J. Ablove                      financial officer)
 
                /s/ JOHN R. BEAVER                   Controller (principal accounting        November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    officer)
                  John R. Beaver
 
               /s/ MICHAEL J. FERRIS                 Chairman of the Board                   November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 Michael J. Ferris
 
               /s/ JAMES E. GLATTLY                  Director                                November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 James E. Glattly
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-14
<PAGE>   237
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas,
on the 26th day of November, 1997.
 
                                            ALL-PURE CHEMICAL NORTHWEST, INC.
 
                                            By:   /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name: Kent R. Stephenson
                                              Title: Vice President
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Philip J. Ablove and Kent R. Stephenson, and each
of them, with full power to act without the other, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person thereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or
substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     SIGNATURE                                       TITLE                         DATE
                     ---------                                       -----                         ----
<C>                                                  <S>                                    <C>
 
                /s/ RONALD E. CIORA                  President and Director (principal       November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    executive officer)
                  Ronald E. Ciora
 
               /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE                  Vice President and Chief Financial      November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    Officer and Director (principal
                 Philip J. Ablove                      financial officer)
 
                /s/ JOHN R. BEAVER                   Controller (principal accounting        November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    officer)
                  John R. Beaver
 
               /s/ MICHAEL J. FERRIS                 Chairman of the Board                   November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 Michael J. Ferris
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-15
<PAGE>   238
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas,
on the 26th day of November, 1997.
 
                                     PIONEER CHLOR ALKALI INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 
                                     By:       /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Kent R. Stephenson
                                        Title: Vice President
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Philip J. Ablove and Kent R. Stephenson, and each
of them, with full power to act without the other, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person thereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or
substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     SIGNATURE                                       TITLE                         DATE
                     ---------                                       -----                         ----
<C>                                                  <S>                                    <C>
 
               /s/ MICHAEL J. FERRIS                 Chairman of the Board (principal        November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    executive officer)
                 Michael J. Ferris
 
               /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE                  Vice President (principal financial     November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    officer)
                 Philip J. Ablove
 
                /s/ JOHN R. BEAVER                   Controller (principal accounting        November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    officer)
                  John R. Beaver
 
              /s/ DAVID F. CALLAGHAN                 Director                                November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                David F. Callaghan
 
                /s/ JAMES A. FIELDS                  Director                                November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                  James A. Fields
 
                /s/ DAVID A. LESLIE                  Director                                November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                  David A. Leslie
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-16
<PAGE>   239
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas,
on the 26th day of November, 1997.
 
                                            G. O. W. CORPORATION
 
                                            By:   /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name: Kent R. Stephenson
                                              Title: Vice President
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Philip J. Ablove and Kent R. Stephenson, and each
of them, with full power to act without the other, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person thereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or
substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     SIGNATURE                                       TITLE                         DATE
                     ---------                                       -----                         ----
<C>                                                  <S>                                    <C>
<->Y
 
                /s/ TERRY K. GRAVES                  President and Director (principal       November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    executive officer)
                  Terry K. Graves
 
               /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE                  Vice President and Chief Financial      November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    Officer (principal financial
                 Philip J. Ablove                      officer)
 
                /s/ JOHN R. BEAVER                   Controller (principal accounting        November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    officer)
                  John R. Beaver
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-17
<PAGE>   240
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas,
on the 26th day of November, 1997.
 
                                            PIONEER (EAST), INC.
 
                                            By:   /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name: Kent R. Stephenson
                                              Title: President
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Philip J. Ablove and Kent R. Stephenson, and each
of them, with full power to act without the other, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person thereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or
substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     SIGNATURE                                       TITLE                         DATE
                     ---------                                       -----                         ----
<C>                                                  <S>                                    <C>
 
              /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON                 President, Secretary and Chairman of    November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    the Board (principal executive
                Kent R. Stephenson                     officer)
 
              /s/ ROBERT C. WILLIAMS                 Treasurer and Director (principal       November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    financial and accounting officer)
                Robert C. Williams
 
              /s/ VICTORIA L. GARRETT                Director                                November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                Victoria L. Garrett
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-18
<PAGE>   241
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas,
on the 26th day of November, 1997.
 
                                            T.C. HOLDINGS, INC.
 
                                            By:   /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name: Kent R. Stephenson
                                              Title: Vice President
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Philip J. Ablove and Kent R. Stephenson, and each
of them, with full power to act without the other, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person thereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or
substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     SIGNATURE                                       TITLE                         DATE
                     ---------                                       -----                         ----
<C>                                                  <S>                                    <C>
 
                /s/ RONALD E. CIORA                  President and Director (principal       November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    executive officer)
                  Ronald E. Ciora
 
               /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE                  Vice President and Chief Financial      November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    Officer and Director (principal
                 Philip J. Ablove                      financial officer)
 
                /s/ JOHN R. BEAVER                   Controller (principal accounting        November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    officer)
                  John R. Beaver
 
               /s/ MICHAEL J. FERRIS                 Chairman of the Board                   November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 Michael J. Ferris
 
               /s/ WILLIAM L. MAHONE                 Director                                November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 William L. Mahone
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-19
<PAGE>   242
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas,
on the 26th day of November, 1997.
 
                                            T.C. PRODUCTS, INC.
 
                                            By:   /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name: Kent R. Stephenson
                                              Title: Vice President
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Philip J. Ablove and Kent R. Stephenson, and each
of them, with full power to act without the other, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person thereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or
substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     SIGNATURE                                       TITLE                         DATE
                     ---------                                       -----                         ----
<C>                                                  <S>                                    <C>
 
                /s/ RONALD E. CIORA                  President and Director (principal       November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    executive officer)
                  Ronald E. Ciora
 
               /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE                  Vice President and Chief Financial      November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    Officer and Director (principal
                 Philip J. Ablove                      financial officer)
 
                /s/ JOHN R. BEAVER                   Controller (principal accounting        November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    officer)
                  John R. Beaver
 
               /s/ MICHAEL J. FERRIS                 Chairman of the Board                   November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 Michael J. Ferris
 
               /s/ WILLIAM L. MAHONE                 Director                                November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 William L. Mahone
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-20
<PAGE>   243
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas,
on the 26th day of November, 1997.
 
                                            PCI CAROLINA, INC.
 
                                            By:   /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name: Kent R. Stephenson
                                              Title: Vice President
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Philip J. Ablove and Kent R. Stephenson, and each
of them, with full power to act without the other, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person thereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or
substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     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>
                     SIGNATURE                                       TITLE                         DATE
                     ---------                                       -----                         ----
<C>                                                  <S>                                    <C>
 
              /s/ NORMAN E. THOGERSEN                President and Director                  November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    (principal executive officer)
                Norman E. Thogersen
 
               /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE                  Vice President, Chief Financial         November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    Officer and Director
                 Philip J. Ablove                      (principle financial and accounting
                                                       Officer)
 
               /s/ MICHAEL J. FERRIS                 Chairman of the Board                   November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 Michael J. Ferris
 
                 /s/ G. P. DONNINI                   Director                                November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                   G. P. Donnini
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-21
<PAGE>   244
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas,
on the 26th day of November, 1997.
 
                                            PIONEER LICENSING, INC.
 
                                            By:   /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name: Kent R. Stephenson
                                              Title: President
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Philip J. Ablove and Kent R. Stephenson, and each
of them, with full power to act without the other, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person thereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or
substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     SIGNATURE                                       TITLE                         DATE
                     ---------                                       -----                         ----
<C>                                                  <S>                                    <C>
 
              /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON                 President, Secretary and Chairman of    November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    the Board (principal executive
                Kent R. Stephenson                     officer)
 
              /s/ ROBERT C. WILLIAMS                 Treasurer and Director (principal       November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------    financial and accounting officer)
                Robert C. Williams
 
              /s/ VICTORIA L. GARRETT                Director                                November 26, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
                Victoria L. Garrett
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-22
<PAGE>   245
 
                                                                     SCHEDULE II
 
                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
 
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             BALANCE AT   CHARGED TO                             BALANCE AT
                                             BEGINNING    COSTS AND                                END OF
                DESCRIPTION                  OF PERIOD     EXPENSE     ADDITIONS   DEDUCTIONS      PERIOD
                -----------                  ----------   ----------   ---------   ----------    ----------
<S>                                          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>
Year Ended December 31, 1996:
     Allowance for doubtful accounts.......    $1,424        $ --       $   --       $(113)(A)     $1,311
Year Ended December 31, 1995:
     Allowance for doubtful accounts.......        --         138        1,416(B)     (130)(A)      1,424
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(A) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
 
(B) Allowance balance established on April 20, 1995 in connection with the
    acquisition of Pioneer Americas, Inc.
 
                             PIONEER AMERICAS, INC.
 
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             BALANCE AT   CHARGED TO                             BALANCE AT
                                             BEGINNING    COSTS AND                                END OF
                DESCRIPTION                  OF PERIOD     EXPENSE     ADDITIONS   DEDUCTIONS      PERIOD
                -----------                  ----------   ----------   ---------   ----------    ----------
<S>                                          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>
Period from January 1, 1995 through April
  20, 1995:
     Allowance for doubtful accounts.......    $2,038       $   47       $ --        $(169)(A)     $1,916
Year ended December 31, 1994:
     Allowance for doubtful accounts.......       521        1,235        300(B)       (18)(A)      2,038
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(A) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
 
(B) Allowance balance established in May 1994 in connection with the acquisition
    of GPS.
<PAGE>   246
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        EXHIBIT                                  DESCRIPTION
        -------                                  -----------
<C>                      <S>
          2.1            -- Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 22, 1997,
                            by and among PCI Canada, PCI Carolina, Pioneer, ICI, ICI
                            Canada and ICI Americas (incorporated by reference to
                            Exhibit 2 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q, for the
                            quarter ended September 30, 1997).
          2.2            -- First Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of
                            October 31, 1997, among PCI Canada, PCI Carolina,
                            Pioneer, ICI, ICI Canada and ICI Americas (incorporated
                            by reference to Exhibit 2(b) to the Company's Current
                            Report on Form 8-K, dated November 5, 1997).
          3.1            -- Certificate of Incorporation of PCI Canada.
          3.2            -- By-laws of PCI Canada.
          3.3            -- Certificate of Incorporation of PAAC (incorporated by
                            reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration
                            Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-98828) declared
                            effective by the Commission on December 22, 1995).
          3.4            -- By-laws of PAAC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2
                            to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
                            No. 33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
          3.5            -- Certificate of Incorporation of PAI (incorporated by
                            reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Registration
                            Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-98828) declared
                            effective by the Commission on December 22, 1995).
          3.6            -- By-laws of PAI (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4
                            to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
                            No. 33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
          3.7            -- Certificate of Incorporation of PCAC (incorporated by
                            reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Company's Registration
                            Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-98828) declared
                            effective by the Commission on December 22, 1995).
          3.8            -- By-laws of PCAC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6
                            to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
                            No. 33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
          3.9            -- Certificate of Incorporation of Imperial West
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
          3.10           -- By-laws of Imperial West (incorporated by reference to
                            Exhibit 3.8 to the Company's Registration Statement on
                            Form S-4 (File No. 33-98828) declared effective by the
                            Commission on December 22, 1995).
          3.11           -- Certificate of Incorporation of All-Pure (incorporated by
                            reference to Exhibit 3.9 to the Company's Registration
                            Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-98828) declared
                            effective by the Commission on December 22, 1995).
          3.12           -- By-laws of All-Pure (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                            3.10 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4
                            (File No. 33-98828) declared effective by the Commission
                            on December 22, 1995).
          3.13           -- Certificate of Incorporation of Black Mountain Power
                            Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.11 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
          3.14           -- By-laws of Black Mountain Power Company (incorporated by
                            reference to Exhibit 3.12 to the Company's Registration
                            Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-98828) declared
                            effective by the Commission on December 22, 1995).
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   247
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        EXHIBIT                                  DESCRIPTION
        -------                                  -----------
<C>                      <S>
          3.15           -- Certificate of Incorporation of All-Pure Chemical
                            Northwest, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                            3.13 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4
                            (File No. 33-98828) declared effective by the Commission
                            on December 22, 1995).
          3.16           -- By-laws of All-Pure Chemical Northwest, Inc.
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.14 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
          3.17           -- Certificate of Incorporation of Pioneer Chlor Alkali
                            International, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                            3.15 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4
                            (File No. 33-98828) declared effective by the Commission
                            on December 22, 1995).
          3.18           -- By-laws of Pioneer Chlor Alkali International, Inc.
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.16 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
          3.19           -- Certificate of Incorporation of G.O.W. Corporation
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.17 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
          3.20           -- By-laws of G.O.W. Corporation (incorporated by reference
                            to Exhibit 3.18 to the Company's Registration Statement
                            on Form S-4 (File No. 33-98828) declared effective by the
                            Commission on December 22, 1995).
          3.21           -- Certificate of Incorporation of Pioneer (East), Inc.
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.19 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            333-30683) declared effective by the Commission on
                            October 17, 1997).
          3.22           -- By-laws of Pioneer (East), Inc. (incorporated by
                            reference to Exhibit 3.20 to the Company's Registration
                            Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-30683) declared
                            effective by the Commission on October 17, 1997).
          3.23           -- Certificate of Incorporation of T.C. Holdings, Inc.
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.21 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            333-30683) declared effective by the Commission on
                            October 17, 1997).
          3.24           -- By-laws of T.C. Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference
                            to Exhibit 3.22 to the Company's Registration Statement
                            on Form S-4 (File No. 333-30683) declared effective by
                            the Commission on October 17, 1997).
          3.25           -- Certificate of Incorporation of T.C. Products, Inc.
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.23 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            333-30683) declared effective by the Commission on
                            October 17, 1997).
          3.26           -- By-laws of T.C. Products, Inc. (incorporated by reference
                            to Exhibit 3.24 to the Company's Registration Statement
                            on Form S-4 (File No. 333-30683) declared effective by
                            the Commission on October 17, 1997).
          3.27           -- Certificate of Incorporation of PCI Carolina, Inc.
          3.28           -- By-laws of PCI Carolina, Inc.
          3.29           -- Certificate of Incorporation of Pioneer Licensing, Inc.
          3.30           -- By-laws of Pioneer Licensing, Inc.
          4.1            -- Indenture, dated as of October 30, 1997, by and among PCI
                            Canada, the Guarantors and United States Trust Company of
                            New York, as Trustee, relating to $175,000,000 principal
                            amount of 9 1/4% Series A Senior Notes due 2007,
                            including form of Note and Guarantees.
         *4.2            -- Deed of Hypothec, dated as of October 30, 1997, by PCI
                            Canada in favor of United States Trust Company of New
                            York, as Collateral Agent.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   248
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        EXHIBIT                                  DESCRIPTION
        -------                                  -----------
<C>                      <S>
         *4.3            -- Affiliate Security Agreement, dated as of October 30,
                            1997, among PCI Carolina, Inc., Pioneer Licensing, Inc.
                            and United States Trust Company of New York, as
                            Collateral Agent.
         *4.4            -- Borrower (Canadian) Security Agreement, dated as of
                            October 30, 1997, between PCI Canada and United States
                            Trust Company of New York, as Collateral Agent.
         *4.5(a)         -- Demand Debenture (Ontario), dated as of October 30, 1997,
                            by PCI Canada in favor of United States Trust Company of
                            New York, as Collateral Agent.
         *4.5(b)         -- Bond (Quebec), dated October 30, 1997, issued by PCI
                            Canada in favor of United States Trust Company of New
                            York, as Collateral Agent.
         *4.5(c)         -- Demand Debenture (New Brunswick), dated October 30, 1997,
                            by PCI Canada in favor of United States Trust Company of
                            New York, as Collateral Agent.
         *4.6(a)         -- Debenture Pledge Agreement (Ontario), dated October 30,
                            1997, by PCI Canada in favor of United States Trust
                            Company of New York, as Collateral Agent.
         *4.6(b)         -- Bond Pledge Agreement (Quebec), dated October 30, 1997,
                            between PCI Canada and United States Trust Company of New
                            York, as Collateral Agent.
         *4.6(c)         -- Debenture Pledge Agreement (New Brunswick), dated October
                            30, 1997, by PCI Canada in favor of United States Trust
                            Company of New York, as Collateral Agent.
         *4.7            -- Subsidiary Security Agreement, dated as of October 30,
                            1997, by PCI Canada in favor of United States Trust
                            Company of New York, as Collateral Agent.
          4.8(a)         -- Term Loan Agreement, dated as of October 30, 1997, among
                            PAI, PAAC, Various Financial Institutions, as Lenders,
                            DLJ Capital Funding, Inc. as the Syndication Agent,
                            Salomon Brothers Holding Company Inc, as the
                            Documentation Agent, Bank of America National Trust and
                            Savings Association, as the Administrative Agent and
                            United States Trust Company of New York, as Collateral
                            Agent.
          4.8(b)         -- Affiliate Guaranty, dated as of October 30, 1997, among
                            the Affiliate Guarantors named therein.
          4.9            -- Consent and Amendment No. 1, dated November 5, 1997, to
                            Loan and Security Agreement, dated June 17, 1997, among
                            PAAC, Bank of America National Trust and Savings
                            Association, as Agent and Lender and the other Lenders
                            Party thereto.
          4.10           -- Intercreditor and Collateral Agency Agreement, dated as
                            of October 30, 1997 by and among United States Trust
                            Company of New York, as Trustee and Collateral Agent,
                            Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association,
                            as Agent, PCI Canada, PAAC and PAI.
          4.11           -- Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of
                            October 30, 1997, by and among PCI Canada, the Guarantors
                            and the Initial Purchasers.
         *5.1            -- Opinion of Willkie Farr & Gallagher.
         *5.2            -- Opinion of Kent R. Stephenson, Esq.
         *5.3            -- Opinion of Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales, St. John,
                            New Brunswick.
         *8.1            -- Opinion of Willkie Farr & Gallagher with respect to
                            certain tax matters.
         *8.2            -- Opinion of Stikeman, Elliot, Montreal, Quebec with
                            respect to certain tax matters.
         10.1            -- Contingent Payment Agreement, dated as of April 20, 1995,
                            by and among Pioneer (formerly, GEV corporation), PAAC
                            and the Sellers defined therein (incorporated by
                            reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form
                            8-K of Pioneer, dated April 20, 1995).
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   249
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        EXHIBIT                                  DESCRIPTION
        -------                                  -----------
<C>                      <S>
         10.2            -- Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of April 20, 1995, by and
                            among Pioneer, PAAC and the Subsidiary Guarantors defined
                            therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
         10.3            -- Pioneer Companies, Inc. 1995 Stock Incentive Plan
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the
                            Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
                            33-98828) declared effective by the Commission on
                            December 22, 1995).
         10.4            -- Pioneer Companies, Inc. Key Executive Stock Grant Plan
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
                            Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Pioneer for the
                            quarterly period ended June 30, 1996).
         10.5            -- Pioneer Chlor Alkali Company, Inc. Supplemental
                            Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                            10.5 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Pioneer for the
                            fiscal year ended December 31, 1995).
         10.6            -- Employment Agreement, dated as of April 20, 1995, between
                            Pioneer and Richard C. Kellogg, Jr. (incorporated by
                            reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form
                            10-Q of Pioneer for the quarterly period ended June 30,
                            1995).
         10.7            -- Employment Agreement, dated April 20, 1995, between
                            Pioneer Americas, Inc. and James E. Glattly (incorporated
                            by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Pioneer's Annual Report
                            on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995).
         10.8            -- Employment Agreement, dated April 20, 1995, between
                            Pioneer Americas, Inc. and Verrill M. Norwood, Jr.
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Pioneer's
                            Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
                            31, 1995).
         10.9            -- Executive Employment Agreement, dated January 4, 1997,
                            between Pioneer Companies, Inc. and Michael J. Ferris
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Annual
                            Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year
                            ended December 31, 1996).
         10.10           -- Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 4, 1997, between
                            Pioneer Companies, Inc. and Michael J. Ferris
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Annual
                            Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year
                            ended December 31, 1996).
         10.11           -- Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement, dated May 15, 1997,
                            between Pioneer Companies, Inc. and Andrew M. Bursky.
         10.12           -- Noncompetition Agreement, dated as of October 31, 1997,
                            between ICI, ICI Canada, ICI Americas, PCI Canada and PCI
                            Carolina.
         12.1            -- Statement Regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to
                            Fixed Charges.
         16.1            -- Letter from Ernst & Young LLP regarding change in
                            independent accountants (incorporated by reference to
                            Exhibit 16.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on
                            Form S-4 (File No. 33-98828) declared effective by the
                            Commission on December 22, 1995).
         21.1            -- Subsidiaries of the Registrants.
         23.1            -- Independent Auditors' Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
         23.2            -- Independent Auditors' Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
         23.3            -- Independent Auditors' Consent of Piercy, Bowler, Taylor &
                            Kern.
         23.4            -- Independent Public Accountants' Consent of Arthur
                            Andersen LLP.
         23.5            -- Independent Auditor's Consent of KPMG.
        *23.6            -- Consents of Willkie Farr & Gallagher (included in their
                            opinions filed as Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1).
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   250
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        EXHIBIT                                  DESCRIPTION
        -------                                  -----------
<C>                      <S>
        *23.7            -- Consent of Kent R. Stephenson, Esq. (included in his
                            opinion filed as Exhibit 5.2).
        *23.8            -- Consent of Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales, St. John,
                            New Brunswick (included in their opinion filed as Exhibit
                            5.3).
        *23.9            -- Consent of Stikeman, Elliot, Montreal, Quebec (included
                            in their opinion filed as Exhibit 8.2).
         24.1            -- Powers of Attorney (included in the signature pages
                            hereto).
         25.1            -- Statement on Form T-1 of Eligibility of Trustee.
        *99.1            -- Form of Letter of Transmittal.
        *99.2            -- Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
        *99.3            -- Form of Letter to Clients.
        *99.4            -- Form of Letter to Nominees.
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
* To be filed by amendment.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.1


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            NEW BRUNSWICK                                          NOUVEAU BRUNSWICK
       BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT                               LOI SUR LES CORPORATIONS
                                                                      COMMERCIALES
                FORM 1                                                 FORMULA 1
       ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION                                  STATUTS CONSTITUTIVS
             (SECTION 4)                                               (ARTICLE 4)                       
<S>                                                     <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-Name of Corporation                                    Raison sociale de la corporation

  PCI Chemicals Canada, Inc./Produits Chimiques PCI Canada Inc.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-The classes and any maximum number of                 Les categories et le nombre maximal
  shares that the corporation is authorized             d'actions que la corporation peut emettre
  to issue and any maximum aggregate amount             ainsi que le montant maximal global pour
  for which shares may be issued including              lequel les actions pauvent etre amises y
  shares without par value and/or with par              compris les actions sans valeur au pair ou
  value and the amount of the par value.                avec valeur au pair ou les deux et le 
                                                        montant de la valeur au pair.

  One class of shares without nominal or par value, unlimited as to number.


- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-Restrictions if any on share transfers                Restrictions, s'il y en a, au transfert
                                                        d'actions

  The shares of the Corporation shall not be transferred without the consent of either (i) the 
  directors evidenced by a resolution passed or signed by them and recorded in the books of the 
  Corporation or (ii) the holders of a majority in number of the outstanding voting shares of
  the Corporation.

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4-Number (or minimum and maximum number)                Nombre (ou nombre minimum et
  of directors                                          maximum) d'administrateurs

  Minimum of one and a maximum of ten as determined from time to time by resolution of the
  board of directors.

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5-Restrictions if any on business the                   Restricions, s'il y en a, a
  corporation may carry on                              l'activite que peut exacer la
                                                        corporation
  None
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6-Other provisions if any                               D'autres dispositions, le cas echeant

  The annexed Schedule "I" is incorporated in this form.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7-Incorporators                                         Fondateurs
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S>             <C>             <C>                                     <C>
Date            Name-Noms       Address (include postal code)                   Signature
                              Adresses (y compris la code postal)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sept.           Darrell J.      P.O. Box 7389, Stn. "A", 44 Chipman      /s/ Darrell J. Stephenson 
6th 1997        Stephenson      Hill, Saint John, N.B., E2L 4S6
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<S>                                                     <C>
FOR DEPARTMENT USE ONLY                                 RESERVE A L'URAGE DU MINSTERE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporation No.-Corporation No.                         Filed-Depose
                          505548                                Filed/Depose Sep 17 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   2
          PCI CHEMICALS CANADA INC./PRODUCTS CHIMIOUES PCI CANADA INC.
                              (the "Corporation")

                      Schedule "I" to the Foregoing Form 1
        Under the Business Corporations Act (New Brunswick) (the "Act")


          Other provisions applicable to the Corporation and incorporated into
the Articles of Incorporation are as set forth below.

1.        The number of shareholders of the Corporation is limited to fifty
(50), not including persons who are in the employment of the Corporation and
persons, who, having been formerly in the employment of the Corporation, were,
while in that employment, and have continued after the termination of that
employment to be, shareholders of the Corporation, two or more persons holding
one or more shares jointly being counted as a single shareholder.

2.        Any distribution of securities of the Corporation to the public or
any invitation to the public to subscribe for securities of the Corporation is
prohibited. 


3.        The directors of the Corporation may, without authorization of the
shareholders:

     (a)   borrow money upon the credit of the Corporation;

     (b)   issue, re-issue, sell or pledge any bonds, debentures, debenture
           stock or other debt obligations of the Corporation;

     (c)   subject to the Act, give a guarantee on behalf of the Corporation 
           to secure the performance of an obligation of any person; and

     (d)   mortgage, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise create a security
           interest in all or any moveable or personal, immoveable or real,
           or other property of the Corporation including book debts, rights,
           powers, franchises, goodwill and undertaking, owned or subsequently
           acquired, present or future, to secure any debt or obligation,
           including contingent obligations, of the Corporation, in such 
           amounts and  on such terms and conditions as they deem expedient.

      The directors may, by resolution or by-law for the delegation of such
powers by the directors to such officer or officers or director or directors of
the Corporation, to such extent and in such a manner as may be set out in the
resolution or by-law, as the case may be.

4.    Notwithstanding subsection 87(1) of the Act (as from time to time in
force) notice of the time and place of a meeting of shareholders of the
Corporation shall be deemed to be properly given if sent not less than (5) days
before the meeting:
       
<PAGE>   3
                                      -2-

          (a) to each shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting;
          
          (b) to each director; and
          
          (c) to the auditor, if any.


5.        Notwithstanding subsections 84(1) and (2) of the Act (as from time to
time in force), meetings of shareholders of the Corporation may be held at
any place outside of the Province of New Brunswick including, without
limitation, the Cities of Montreal and Toronto, Canada and in any location
in the United States of America.

6.        Meetings of the board of directors of the Corporation may be held at
any place within or outside the Province of New Brunswick.

7.        Notwithstanding any provision in the Act (as from time to time in
force), the Corporation or any corporation with which it is affiliated may,
directly or indirectly, give financial assistance by means of a loan,
guarantee or otherwise;

          (a)  to any shareholder, director, officer or employee of the
               Corporation or of an affiliated corporation; or

          (b)  to any associate of a shareholder, director, officer or 
               employee of the Corporation or of an affiliated corporation;

          even if there are reasonable grounds for believing that

          (c)  the Corporation is, or after giving the financial assistance
               would be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due; or

          (d)  the realizable value of the corporation's assets, excluding the 
               amount of any financial assistance in the form of a loan or in 
               the form of assets pledged or encumbered to secure a guarantee, 
               after giving the financial assistance in the form of a loan or 
               in the form of assets pledged or encumbered to secure a
               guarantee, after giving the financial assistance, would be less 
               than the aggregate of the Corporation's liabilities and stated 
               capital of all classes.


8.        (a)  Notwithstanding Section 2 of Section 27 of the BUSINESS
               CORPORATIONS ACT as from time to time in force, the holders of
               equity shares of any class, in the case of the proposed issuance
               by the Corporation of, or the proposed granting by the
               Corporation of rights or options to purchase, its equity shares
               of any class or any shares or other securities convertible into
               or carrying rights or options to purchase its equity shares of
               any class, shall not as such, even if the issuance of the
               equity shares proposed to be issued or issuable upon exercise
               of such

          
<PAGE>   4
          rights or options or upon conversion of such other securities would
          adversely affect the unlimited dividend rights of such holders, have 
          the right to purchase such shares or other securities.

     (b)  Notwithstanding Sections 3 of Section 27 of the Business Corporations
          Act as from time to time in force, the holders of voting shares of any
          class in the case of the proposed issuance by the Corporation of, or 
          the proposed granting by the Corporation of rights or options to 
          purchase, its voting shares of any class or any shares or other 
          securities convertible into or carrying rights or options to purchase 
          its voting shares of any class, shall not as such, even if the 
          issuance of the voting shares proposed to be issued or issuable upon 
          exercise of such rights or options or upon conversion of such other 
          securities would adversely affect the voting rights of such holders, 
          have the right to purchase such shares or other securities.
<PAGE>   5
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          NEW BRUNSWICK                                         NOUVEAU BRUNSWICK
     BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT                                LOI SUR LES CORPORATIONS
                                                                   COMMERCIALES
              FORM 2                                                 FORMULE 2
     NOTICE OF REGISTERED OFFICE                              AVIS DE DESIGNATION OU
  NOTICE OF CHANGE OF REGISTERED OFFICE                 AVIS DE CHANGEMENT DU DUREAD ENREGISTRE
           (SECTION 17)                                            (ARTICLE 17)
<S>                                                    <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-Name of Corporation/Raison sociale de la              2-Corporation No./No. de corporation
  corporation

  PCI Chemicals Canada Inc./Produits Chimiques PCI Canada Inc.            505548
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-Place and address of the registered office/Lieu et adresse du bureau enregistre

        44  Chipman Hill
        Suite 1000
        P.O. Box 7289, Stn. "A"
        Saint John, NB
        E2L 4S6
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4-Effective date of change                              Date d'entree en vigueur du changement
                                        N/A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5-Previous place and address of the                     Derniers lieu et adresse du bureau
  registered office                     N/A             enregistre
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Date                     Signature               Description of office - Function
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  September [ ]         /s/ Illegible                   Incorporator
  1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT                           LOI SUR LES CORPORATIONS
                                                             COMMERCIALES
           FORM 4                                              FORMULE 4
 NOTICE OF DIRECTORS OR NOTICE OF                       LISTE DES ADMINISTRATEURS OU
       CHANGE OF DIRECTORS                          AVIS DE CHANGEMENT D'ADMINISTRATEURS
       (SECTION 64, 71)                                     (ARTICLE 64, 71)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-Name of Corporation - Raison sociale de la corporation
  
  PCI Chemicals Canada Inc./Produits Chimiques PCI Canada Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-The following persons became directors                Liste des personnes devenues administrateurs
  of this corporation                                   de la corporation
  Effective Date                                        Date d'entree en  vigueur
         Upon the issuance of the Certificate of Incorporation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<S>                     <C>                                             <C>                     <C>
  Name/Nom              Residential Address or Address for Service      Occupation             Telephone
                        Adresse residentelle ou adresse pour fin de                            Telephone
                        signification
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        See attached Schedule "A"

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-The following persons ceased to be directors          Liste des personnes qui ont cesse
  of the corporation                                    d'etre administrateure de la corporation
  Effective Date / Date d'entree en vigueur     Upon the Issuance of the Certificate of Incorporation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Name/Nom              Residential Address or Address for Service
                        Addresse residentialle ou adresse pour fin de signification
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  N/A                                           N/A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4-The directors of the corporation now are              Administrateurs actuale de la corporation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Name/Nom              Residential Address or address for service      Occupation             Telephone
                        Adresse residentielle ou adresse pour fin de                           Telephone
                        signification
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        See attached Schedule "A"
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Date                     Signature               Description of Office / Function
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  September 16th                /s/ Illegible                   Incorporator
  1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  For Department Use Only/Reserve a l'usage du          Forms 2 and 4/Formules 2 et 4
  ministers                                             Filed/Depose            Filed [Illegible], 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: TO BE USED FOR NEW INCORPORATIONS ONLY            REM: A N'UTILISER QUE POUR UNE NOUVELLE CONSTITUTION
                                                        EN CORPORATION
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   6
                                  SCHEDULE "A"

                                   DIRECTORS


Michael J. Ferris             700 Louisiana Street
                              Suite 4300
                              Houston, Texas
                              U.S.A. 77002

                              Tel:  (713) 225-3831

Philip J. Ablove             700 Louisiana Street
                              Suite 4300
                              Houston, Texas
                              U.S.A. 77002

                              Tel:  (713) 225-3831

Kent R. Stephenson            700 Louisiana Street
                              Suite 4300
                              Houston, Texas
                              U.S.A.  77002
          
                              Tel: (713) 225-3831


                                     


<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 3.2
               
                           PCI CHEMICALS CANADA INC.
                       PRODUITS CHIMIQUES PCI CANADA INC.
               
                                 BY-LAW NO. ONE
               
         A by-law relating generally to the regulation of the affairs of PCI
CHEMICALS CANADA INC. - PRODUITS CHIMIQUES PCI CANADA INC.
               
         BE IT ENACTED AND IT IS HEREBY ENACTED as By-Law No. One of CHEMICALS
CANADA INC. - PRODUITS CHIMIQUES PCI CANADA INC. (hereinafter called the
"CORPORATION") as follows:

                                  DEFINITIONS

1.       In this by-law and all other by-laws of the Corporation, unless the 
context otherwise specifies or requires:

         (a)     "ACT" means the Business Corporations Act, Statutes of New
                 Brunswick, 1981, c. B-9.1, as from time to time amended, and
                 every statute that may be substituted therefor and, in the
                 case of such amendment or substitution, any reference in the
                 by-laws of the Corporation shall be read as referring to the
                 amended or substituted provisions therefor;

         (b)     "ARTICLES" means the articles, as from time to time amended,
                 of the Corporation;

         (c)     "BY-LAW" means any by-law of the Corporation from time to time
                 in force and effect;

         (d)     "DIRECTOR" means an individual occupying the position of
                 director of the Corporation and "directors", "board of
                 directors" and "board" includes a single director;

         (a)     "UNANIMOUS SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT" means an agreement as
                 described in subsection 99(2) of the Act or a declaration of a
                 shareholder described in subsection 99(3) of the Act;

         (f)     words importing the singular number only shall include the
                 plural and vice versa; words importing the masculine gender
                 shall include the feminine and neuter genders and vice versa;
                 words importing persons shall include bodies corporate,
                 corporations, companies, partnerships, syndicates, trusts and
                 any number or aggregate of individuals;
<PAGE>   2
                                      -2-

         (g)     the headings used in any by-law are inserted for reference
                 purposes only and are not to be considered or taken into
                 account in construing the terms or provisions thereof or to be
                 deemed in any way to clarify, modify or explain the effect of
                 any such terms or provisions; and

         (h)     any term contained in any by-law which is defined in the Act
                 shall have the meaning given to such term in the Act.

                               REGISTERED OFFICE

2.       The Corporation may from time to time by resolution of the board of
directors change the location of the registered office of the Corporation to
another place within New Brunswick.

3.       The Corporation may have one or more corporate seals which shall be
such as the board of directors may adopt by resolution from time to time,

                                   DIRECTORS

4.       Number and Powers. There shall be a board of directors consisting of
such fixed number, or minimum and maximum number, of directors as may be set
out in the articles or as may be determined as prescribed by the articles, or
failing that, as specified by by-law. Subject to any unanimous shareholder
agreement, the directors shall manage the business and affairs of the
Corporation and may exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as
may be exercised or done by the Corporation and are not by the Act, the
articles, the by-laws, any special resolution of the Corporation, any unanimous
shareholder agreement or by statute expressly directed or required to be done
in some other manner.

5.       Vacancies.   If the number of directors is increased, the resulting 
vacancies shall be filled at a meeting of shareholders duly called for that
purpose. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 7 of this by-law and
subject to the provisions of the Act, if a vacancy should otherwise occur in
the board, the remaining directors, if constituting a quorum, may appoint a
qualified person to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term. In the
absence of a quorum the remaining directors shall forthwith call a meeting of
shareholders to fill the vacancy pursuant to subsection 69(2) of the Act. Where
a
<PAGE>   3
                                      -3-

vacancy or vacancies exist in the board, the remaining directors may exercise
all of the powers of the board so long as a quorum remains in office.

6.       Duties. Every director and officer of the Corporation in exercising
his powers and discharging his duties shall

 (a)     act honestly and in good faith; and

 (b)     exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent
         person would exercise in comparable circumstances, in the best
         interests of the Corporation.

7.       Qualification. Every director shall be an individual nineteen (19) or
more years of age and no one who is of unsound mind and has been so found by a
court in Canada or elsewhere or who has the status of a bankrupt or who has
been convicted of an offence under the Criminal Code, chapter C-34 of the
Revised Statutes of Canada, 1970, as amended from time to time, or the criminal
law of any jurisdiction outside of Canada, in connection with the promotion,
formation or management of a corporation or involving fraud (unless three (3)
years have elapsed since the expiration of the period fixed for suspension of
the passing of sentence without sentencing or since a fine was imposed, or
unless the term of imprisonment and probation imposed, if any, was concluded,
whichever is the latest, but the disability imposed hereby ceases upon a pardon
being granted) shall be a director.

8.       Term of Office. A director's term of office shall be from the meeting
at which he is elected or appointed until the annual meeting next following or
until his successor is elected or appointed, or until, if earlier, he dies or
resigns, or is removed or disqualified pursuant to the provisions of the Act.

9.       Vacation of Office. The office of a director shall ipso facto be
vacated if

         (a)     he dies;

         (b)     by notice in writing to the Corporation he resigns his office
                 and such resignation, if not effective immediately, becomes
                 effective in accordance with its terms;

         (c)     he is removed from office in accordance with section 67 of the
                 Act; or

         (d)     he ceases to be qualified to be a director.
<PAGE>   4
                                      -4-

10.      Election and Removal. (1) Directors shall be elected by the
shareholders by ordinary resolution in general meeting on a show of hands
unless a poll is demanded and if a poll is demanded such election shall be by
ballot. All the directors then in office shall cease to hold office at the
close of the meeting of shareholders at which directors are to be elected. A
director if qualified, is eligible for re-election.

         (2)     Subject to sections 65 and 67 of the Act, the shareholders of
the Corporation may by ordinary resolution at a special meeting remove any
director before the expiration of his term of office and may, by a majority of
the votes cast at the meeting, elect any person in his stead for the remainder
of his term.

         (3)     Each shareholder entitled to vote at an election of directors
has the right to cast a number of votes equal to the number of votes attached
to the shares held by him multiplied by the number of directors to be elected,
and he may cast all such votes in favour of one candidate or distribute them
among the candidates in any manner.

         (4)     A separate vote of shareholders shall be taken with respect to
each candidate nominated for director unless a resolution is passed unanimously
permitting two (2) or more persons to be elected by a single resolution.

         (5)     If a shareholder has voted for more than one candidate without
specifying the distribution of his votes among the candidates, he shall be
deemed to have distributed his votes equally among the candidates for whom he
voted.

         (6)     If the number of candidates nominated for director exceeds the
number of positions to be filled, the candidates who receive the least number
of votes shall be eliminated until the number of candidates remaining equals
the number of positions to be filled.

         (7)     A retiring director shall retain office until the adjournment
or termination of the meeting at which his successor is elected unless such
meeting was called for the purpose of removing him from office as a director in
which case the director so removed shall vacate office forthwith upon the
passing of the resolution for his removal.

11.      Validity of Acts. An act by a director or officer is valid
notwithstanding an irregularity in his election or appointment or a defect in
his qualification.

                             MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS

12.      Place of Meeting. Subject to the articles, meetings of directors may
be held at any place within or outside New Brunswick as the directors may from
time to time
<PAGE>   5
                                      -5-

determine or as the person convening the meeting may give notice. A meeting of
the directors may be convened by the chairman of the board (if any), the
president or any director at any time. The secretary shall upon direction of
any of the foregoing officers or director convene a meeting of the directors.

13.      Notice. (1) Notice of the time and place for the holding of any such
meeting shall be delivered, mailed, telegraphed, cabled, telexed or transmitted
by facsimile to each director at his latest address as shown on the records of
the Corporation not less than two (2) days (exclusive of the day on which the
notice is delivered, mailed, telegraphed, cabled, telexed or transmitted by
facsimile but inclusive of the day for which notice is given) before the date
of the meeting, provided that meetings of the directors may be held at any time
without notice if all the directors have waived notice.

    (2)  For the first meeting of the board of directors to be held immediately
following the election of directors at an annual or special meeting of the
shareholders, no notice of such meeting need be given to the newly elected or
appointed director or directors in order for the meeting to be duly
constituted, provided a quorum of the directors is present.

    (3)  A notice of a meeting of directors shall specify any matter referred
to in subsection 73(2) of the Act that is to be dealt with at the meeting but,
unless a by-law otherwise provides, need not otherwise specify the purpose of
or the business to be transacted at the meeting.

14.      Waiver of Notice. Notice of any meeting of the directors or any
irregularity in any meeting or in the notice thereof may be waived by any
director in writing or by telegram, cable, telex or facsimile transmission
addressed to the Corporation or in any other manner, and such waiver may be
validly given either before or after the meeting to which such waiver relates.
The attendance of a director at a meeting of directors is a waiver of notice of
the meeting except where a director attends a meeting for the express purpose
of objecting to the transaction of any business on the grounds that the meeting
is not lawfully called.

15.      Telephone Participation. A director may participate in a meeting of
directors or of a committee of directors by means of such telephone or other
communication facilities that permit all persons participating in the meeting
to hear each other, and a director participating in such a meeting by such
means shall be deemed to be present at that meeting.

16.      Adjournment. Any meeting of the directors may be adjourned from time
to time by the chairman of the meeting, with the consent of the meeting, to a
fixed time and place and no notice of the time and place for the continuance of
the adjourned meeting
<PAGE>   6
                                      -6-

need be given to any director if the time and place of the adjourned meeting is
announced at the original meeting. Any adjourned meeting shall be duly
constituted if held in accordance with the terms of the adjournment and a
quorum is present thereat. The directors who formed a quorum at the original
meeting are not required to form the quorum at the adjourned meeting. If there
is no quorum present at the adjourned meeting, the original meeting shall be
deemed to have terminated forthwith after its adjournment.

17.      Quorum and Voting.  Subject to the articles, a majority of directors 
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of
directors. No business shall be transacted by the directors except at a meeting
of directors at which a quorum of the board is present. Questions arising at
any meeting of the directors shall be decided by a majority of votes cast.
Where the Corporation has only one director, that director may constitute a
meeting.

18.      Resolution in lieu of meeting. A resolution in writing, signed by all
the directors or signed counterparts of such resolution by all the directors
entitled to vote on that resolution at a meeting of directors or a committee of
directors, is as valid as if it had been passed at a meeting of directors or
committee of directors duly called, constituted and held. A copy of every such
resolution or counterpart thereof shall be kept with the minutes of the
proceedings of the directors or such committee of directors.

                           REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS

19.      Subject to the articles or any unanimous shareholder agreement, the
remuneration to be paid to the directors shall be such as the board of
directors shall from time to time determine and such remuneration shall be in
addition to the salary paid to any officer of the Corporation who is also a
member of the board of directors. The directors may also by resolution award
special remuneration to any director undertaking any special services on the
Corporation's behalf other than the routine work ordinarily required of a
director by the Corporation. The confirmation of any such resolution or
resolutions by the shareholders shall not be required. The directors shall also
be entitled to be paid their travelling and other expenses properly incurred by
them in connection with the affairs of the Corporation.

                    SUBMISSION OF CONTRACTS OR TRANSACTIONS
                          TO SHAREHOLDERS FOR APPROVAL

20.      The directors in their discretion may submit any contract, act or
transaction for approval, ratification or confirmation at any annual meeting of
the shareholders or at any
<PAGE>   7
                                      -7-

special meeting of the shareholders called for the purpose of considering the
same and any contract, act or transaction that shall be approved, ratified or
confirmed by resolution passed by a majority of the votes cast at any such
meeting (unless any different or additional requirement is imposed by the Act
or by the articles or any other by-law) shall be as valid and as binding upon
the Corporation and upon all the shareholders as though it had been approved,
ratified and/or confirmed by every shareholder of the Corporation.

                  FOR THE PROTECTION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

21.      No director or officer for the time being of the Corporation shall be
liable for the acts, receipts, neglects or defaults of any other director or
officer or employee of the Corporation or for joining in any receipt or act for
conformity or for any loss, damage or expense happening to the Corporation
through the insufficiency or deficiency of title to any property acquired by
order of the board of directors for or on behalf of the Corporation or for the
insufficiency or deficiency of any security in or upon which any of the moneys
of or belonging to the Corporation shall be placed out or invested or for any
loss or damage arising from the bankruptcy, insolvency or tortious act of any
person, firm or corporation including any person, firm or corporation with whom
or which any moneys, securities or effects of the Corporation shall be lodged
or deposited or for any loss, conversion, misapplication or misappropriation of
or any damage resulting from any dealings with any moneys, securities or other
assets belonging to the Corporation or for any other loss, damage or misfortune
whatever which may happen to the Corporation in the execution of the duties of
his respective office of trust or in relation thereto, unless the same shall
happen by or through his failure to exercise the powers and to discharge the
duties of his office honestly, in good faith with a view to the best interests
of the Corporation, and in connection therewith to exercise the care, diligence
and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable
circumstances, provided that nothing herein contained shall relieve a director
or officer from the duty to act in accordance with the Act or regulations made
thereunder or relieve him from liability for a breach thereof. The directors
for the time being of the Corporation shall not be under any duty or
responsibility in respect of any contract, act or transaction whether or not
made, done or entered into in the name or on behalf of the Corporation, except
such as shall have been submitted to and authorized or approved by the board of
directors. If any director or officer of the Corporation shall be employed by
or shall perform services for the Corporation, the fact of his being a
shareholder, director or officer of the Corporation shall not disentitle such
director or officer or such firm or body corporate, as the case may be, from
receiving proper remuneration for such services.
<PAGE>   8
                                      -8-

                      INDEMNITIES TO DIRECTORS AND OTHERS

22.      Subject to section 81 of the Act, except in respect of an action by or
on behalf of the Corporation or Another Body Corporate (as hereinafter defined)
to procure a judgement in its favor, the Corporation shall indemnify each
director and officer of the Corporation and each former director and officer of
the Corporation and each person who acts or acted at the Corporation's request
as a director or officer of Another Body Corporate, and his heirs and legal
representatives, against all costs, charges and expenses, including any amount
paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgment, reasonably incurred by him in
respect of any civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding to which
he is made a party by reason of being or having been a director or officer of
the Corporation or Another Body Corporate, as the case may be, if

         (a)     he acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best
                 interests of the Corporation; and

         (b)     in the case of a criminal or administrative action or
                 proceeding that is enforced by a monetary penalty, he had
                 reasonable grounds for believing that his conduct was lawful.

"Another Body Corporate" as used herein means a body corporate of which the
Corporation is or was a shareholder or creditor.

                                    OFFICERS

23.      Appointment of Officers. Subject to the articles or any unanimous
shareholder agreement, the directors may appoint a chairman of the board, a
president and a secretary and, if deemed advisable, may also appoint one or
more vice-presidents, a treasurer and one or more assistant secretaries and/or
one or more assistant treasurers. None of such officers, except the chairman of
the board, need be a director of the Corporation. Any two or more of such
offices may be held by the same person. In case and whenever the same person
holds the offices of secretary and treasurer he may, but need not, be known as
the secretary-treasurer. The directors may from time to time designate such
other offices and appoint such other officers, employees and agents as it shall
deem necessary who shall have such authority and shall perform such functions
and duties as may from time to time be prescribed by resolution of the
directors.

24.      Remuneration and Removal of Officers. Subject to the articles or any 
unanimous shareholder agreement, the remuneration of all officers, employees
and agents appointed by the directors may be determined from time to time by
resolution of the directors. The fact that any officer, employee or agent is a
director or shareholder of
<PAGE>   9
                                      -9-

the Corporation shall not disqualify him from receiving such remuneration as
may be so determined. The directors may by resolution remove any officer,
employee or agent at any time, with or without cause.

25.      Duties of Officers may be Delegated. In case of the absence or
inability or refusal to act of any officer of the Corporation or for any other
reason that the directors may deem sufficient, the directors may delegate all
or any of the powers of such officer to any other officer or to any director
for the time being.

26.      Chairman of the Board. The chairman of the board (if any) shall, if
present, preside at all meetings of the director. He shall sign such
contracts, documents or instruments in writing as require his signature and
shall have such other powers and duties as may from time to time be assigned to
him by resolution of the directors.

27.      President. The president shall be the chief executive officer of the
Corporation and shall exercise general supervision over the business and
affairs of the Corporation. The president, in the absence of the chairman of
the board, or if a chairman of the board be not appointed, shall preside at all
meetings of the directors, and he shall act as chairman at all meetings of the
shareholders of the Corporation; he shall sign such contracts, documents or
instruments in writing as require his signature and he shall have such other
powers and shall perform such other duties as may from time to time be assigned
to him by resolution of the directors or as are incident to his office.

28.      Vice-President. The vice-president (if any) or, if more than one, the
vice-presidents in order of seniority, shall be vested with all the powers and
shall perform all the duties of the president in the absence or inability or
refusal to act of the president.

The vice-president or, if more than one, the vice-presidents in order of
seniority, shall sign such contracts, documents or instruments in writing as
require his or their signatures and shall also have such other powers and
duties as may from time to time be assigned to him or them by resolution of the
directors.

29.      Secretary. The secretary shall give or cause to be given notices for
all meetings of the directors or committees thereof (if any) and of
shareholders when directed to do so, and shall have charge, subject to the
provisions of paragraphs 30 and 50 hereof, of the records referred to in
section 18 of the Act and of the corporate seal or seals (if any). He shall
sign such contracts, documents or instruments in writing as require his
signature and shall have such other powers and duties as may from time to time
be assigned to him by resolution of the directors or as are incident to his
office.
<PAGE>   10
                                      -10-

30.      Treasurer. Subject to the provisions of any resolution of the
directors, the treasurer (if any) shall have the care and custody of all the
funds and securities of the Corporation and shall deposit the same in the name
of the Corporation in such bank or banks or with such other depositary or
depositaries as the directors may by resolution direct. He shall prepare,
maintain and keep or cause to be kept adequate books of accounts and accounting
records. He shall sign such contracts, documents or instruments in writing as
require his signature and shall have such other powers and duties as may from
time to time be assigned to him by resolution of the directors or as are
incident to his office.  He may be required to give such bond for the faithful
performance of his duties as the directors in their uncontrolled discretion may
require, but no director shall be liable for failure to require any such bond
or for the insufficiency of any such bond or for any loss by reason of the
failure of the Corporation to receive any indemnity thereby provided.

31.      Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer. The assistant secretary
or, if more than one, the assistant secretaries in order of seniority, and the
assistant treasurer or, if more than one, the assistant treasurers in order of
seniority (if any), shall respectively perform all the duties of the secretary
and treasurer, respectively, in the absence or inability to act of the
secretary or treasurer as the case may be. The assistant secretary or assistant
secretaries, if more than one, and the assistant treasurer or assistant
treasurers, if more than one, shall sign such contracts, documents or
instruments in writing as require his or their signatures respectively and
shall have such other powers and duties as may from time to time be assigned to
them by resolution of the directors.

32.      Managing Director. The directors may from time to time appoint from
their number a managing director and may delegate to him any of the powers of
the directors except as provided in subsection 73(2) of the Act. The managing
director shall conform to all lawful orders given to him by the directors and
shall at all reasonable times give to the directors or any of them all
information they may require regarding the affairs of the Corporation. Any
agent or employee appointed by the managing director shall be subject to
discharge by the directors.

33.      Vacancies. If the office of chairman of the board, president,
vice-president, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer, assistant treasurer,
or any other office created by the directors pursuant to paragraph 23 hereof,
shall be or become vacant by reason of death, resignation, removal or in any
other manner whatsoever, the directors may, subject to paragraph 23 hereof,
appoint another person to fill such vacancy.
<PAGE>   11
                                      -11-

                            COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS

34.      The directors may from time to time appoint from their number one or
more committees of directors consisting of one or more individuals and delegate
to such committee or committees any of the powers of the directors except as
provided in subsection 73(2) of the Act. Unless otherwise ordered by the
directors, a committee of directors shall have power to fix its quorum, elect
its chairman and regulate its proceedings. All such committees shall report to
the directors as required by them.

                             SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING

35.      Annual Meeting. Subject to compliance with section 85 of the Act, the
annual meeting of the shareholders shall be convened on such day in each year
and at such time as the directors may by resolution determine.

36.      Special Meetings. (1) Special meetings of the shareholders may be
convened by order of the chairman of the board, the president or a
vice-president or by the directors, to be held at such time and place as may be
specified in such order.

   (2)   Shareholders holding between them not less then ten percent (10%) of
the issued shares of the Corporation that carry the right to vote at a meeting
sought to be held may requisition the directors to call a meeting of
shareholders.  Such requisition shall state the business to be transacted at
the meeting and shall be sent to each director and the registered office of the
Corporation.

   (3)   Except as otherwise provided in subsection 96(3) of the Act, it shall
be the duty of the directors on receipt of such requisition, to cause such
meeting to be called by the secretary of the Corporation.

   (4)   If the directors do not, within twenty-one (21) days after receiving
such requisition call such meeting, any shareholder who signed the requisition
may call the meeting.

37.      Place of Meetings. Meetings of shareholders of the Corporation shall
be held at the registered office of the Corporation or at such other place
within New Brunswick as the directors by resolution may determine.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a meeting of shareholders of the Corporation may
be held outside New Brunswick if all the shareholders entitled to vote at that
meeting so agree, and a shareholder who attends a meeting of shareholders held
outside New Brunswick is deemed to have so agreed except when he attends the
meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business
on the grounds that the meeting is not lawfully held. Notwithstanding either of
the foregoing sentences, meetings of shareholders may be held outside New
Brunswick at one or more places as specified in the articles.
<PAGE>   12
                                      -12-

38.      Notice. (1) Subject to the articles or a unanimous shareholder
agreement, a printed, written or typewritten notice stating the day, hour,
place of meeting, the general nature of the business to be transacted and, if
special business is to be transacted thereat, stating

         (a)     the nature of that business in sufficient detail to permit the
                 shareholder to form a reasoned judgment thereon; and

         (b)     the text, of any special resolution to be submitted to the
                 meeting,

shall be sent to each person who is entitled to notice of such meeting and who
on the record date for notice appears on the records of the Corporation or its
transfer agent as a shareholder and to each director of the Corporation and the
auditor of the Corporation, if any, personally, by sending such notice by
prepaid mail or in such other manner as provided by-law for the giving of
notice, not less than twenty-one (21) days nor more than fifty (50) days before
the meeting. If such notice is sent by mail it shall be addressed to the latest
address of each such person as shown in the records of the Corporation or its
transfer agent, or if no address is shown therein, then to the last address of
each such person known to the secretary.

   (2)   The auditor of the Corporation, if any, is entitled to attend any
meeting of shareholders of the Corporation and to receive all notices and other
communications relating to any such meeting that a shareholder is entitled to
receive.

39.      Waiver of Notice. A meeting of shareholders may be held for any
purpose at any time and, subject to section 84 of the Act, at any place without
notice if all the shareholders entitled to notice of such meeting are present
in person or represented by proxy at the meeting (except where the shareholder
attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of
any business on the grounds that the meeting is not lawfully called) or if all
the shareholders entitled to notice of such meeting and not present in person
nor represented by proxy thereat waive notice of the meeting. Notice of any
meeting of shareholders or any irregularity in any such meeting or in the
notice thereof may be waived by any shareholder, the duly appointed proxy of
any shareholder, any directors or the auditor of the Corporation in writing, by
telegram, cable, telex or facsimile addressed to the Corporation or by any
other manner, and any such waiver may be validly given either before or after
the meeting to which such waiver relates.

40.      Omission of Notice. The accidental omission to give notice of any
meeting to or the non-receipt of any notice by any person shall not invalidate
any resolution passed or any proceeding taken at any meeting of shareholders.
<PAGE>   13
                                      -13-

41.      Record Date. (1) The directors may by resolution fix in advance a date
as the record date for the determination of shareholders

         (a)     entitled to receive payment of a dividend;

         (b)     entitled to participate in a liquidation distribution; or

         (c)     for any other purpose except the right to receive notice of or
                 to vote at a meeting of shareholders,

but such record date shall not precede by more than fifty (50) days the
particular action to be taken.

   (2)   The directors may by resolution also fix in advance the date as the
record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of
a meeting of shareholders, but such record date shall not precede by more than
fifty (50) days or by less than twenty-one (21) days the date on which the
meeting is to be held.

   (3)   If no record date is fixed,

         (a)     the record date for the determination of shareholders
                 entitled to receive notice of a meeting of shareholders shall
                 be

                 (i)      at the close of business on the day immediately
                          preceding the day on which the notice is given; or

                 (ii)     if no notice is given, the day on which the meeting
                          is held; and

         (b)     the record date for the determination of shareholders for any
                 purpose, other than that specified in subparagraph (a) above
                 or to vote, shall be at the close of business on the day on
                 which the directors pass the resolution relating thereto.

42.      Voting.  (1) Votes at meetings of the shareholders may be given either
personally or by proxy. At every meeting at which he is entitled to vote, every
shareholder present in person and every proxyholder shall have one (1) vote on
a show of hands. Upon a poll at which he is entitled to vote, every
shareholder present in person or by proxy shall (subject to the provisions, if
any, of the articles) have one (1) vote for every share registered in his name.

   (2)   Voting at a meeting of shareholders shall be by show of hands except
where a ballot is demanded by a shareholder or proxyholder entitled to vote at
the meeting. A shareholder or proxyholder may demand a ballot either before or
after any vote by show of hands.
<PAGE>   14
                                      -14-

   (3)   At any meeting, unless a ballot is demanded, a declaration by the
chairman of the meeting that a resolution has been carried or carried
unanimously or by a particular majority or lost or not carried by a particular
majority shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number
or proportion of votes recorded in favour of or against the motion.

   (4)   In the absence of the chairman of the board, the president and every
vice-president, the shareholders present entitled to vote shall choose another
director as chairman of the meeting and if no director is present or if all the
directors present decline to take the chair then the shareholders or
proxyholders present shall choose one of their number to be chairman.

   (5)   If at any meeting a ballot is demanded on the election of a chairman
or on the question of adjournment or termination it shall be taken forthwith
without adjournment. If a ballot is demanded on any other question or as to the
election of directors it shall be taken in such manner and either at once or
later at the meeting or at an adjourned meeting as the chairman of the meeting
directs. The result of a ballot shall be deemed to be the resolution of the
meeting at which the ballot was demanded. A demand for a ballot may be
withdrawn.

   (6)   Where a person holds shares as a personal representative, such person
or his proxy is the person entitled to vote at all meetings of shareholders in
respect of the shares so held by him.

   (7)   Where a person mortgages or hypothecates his shares, such person or
his proxy is the person entitled to vote at all meetings of shareholders in
respect of such shares unless, in the instrument creating the mortgage or
hypothec, he has expressly empowered the person holding the mortgage or
hypothec to vote in respect of such shares, in which case, and subject to the
articles, such holder or his proxy is the person entitled to vote in respect of
the shares.

   (8)   Where two or more persons hold the same share or shares jointly, any
one of such persons present at a meeting of shareholders has the right, in the
absence of the other or others, to vote in respect of such share or shares, but
if more then one of such persons are present or represented by proxy and vote,
they shall vote together as one on the share or shares jointly held by them.

43.      Proxies. (1) A shareholder, including a shareholder that is a body
corporate, entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders may by means of a
proxy appoint a proxyholder or one or more alternate proxyholders, none of whom
are required to be a shareholder of the Corporation, which proxyholders shall
have all the rights of the shareholder to attend and act at the meeting in the
place and stead of the shareholder except to the extent limited by the proxy.
<PAGE>   15
                                      -15-

   (2)   An instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing and shall be
executed by the shareholder or by his attorney authorized in writing or, if the
shareholder is a body corporate, either under its seal or by an officer or
attorney thereof, duly authorized. A proxy is valid only at the meeting in
respect of which it is given or any adjournment thereof.

   (3)   Unless the Act requires another form, an instrument appointing a
proxyholder may be in the following form:

         "The undersigned shareholder of          hereby appoints          of or
         failing him,                of              as the proxy of the
         undersigned to attend and act for and on behalf of the undersigned at
         the meeting of the shareholders of the said corporation to be held on
         the day of  , 19  , and at any adjournment thereof to the same extent
         and with the same power and authority as if the undersigned were
         personally present at the said meeting or such adjournment thereof.

                 Dated the        day of           , 19  .

                            Signature of Shareholder

         NOTE:

         This form of proxy must be signed by a shareholder or his attorney
         authorized in writing or, if the shareholder is a body corporate,
         either under its seal or by an officer or attorney thereof duly
         authorized."

44.      Adjournment. (1) The chairman of the meeting may with the consent of
the meeting adjourn any meeting of shareholders from time to time to a fixed
time and place. If a meeting of shareholders is adjourned for less than sixty
(60) days, it is not necessary to give notice of the adjourned meeting other
than by announcement at the earlier meeting that is adjourned. If a meeting of
shareholders is adjourned by one or more adjournments for an aggregate of sixty
(60) days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given as for an
original meeting.

   (2)   Any adjourned meeting shall be duly constituted if held in accordance
with the terms of the adjournment and a quorum is present at the opening
thereat. The persons who formed a quorum at the original meeting are not
required to form the quorum at the adjourned meeting. If there is no quorum
present at the opening of the adjourned meeting, the original meeting shall be
deemed to have terminated forthwith after its adjournment. Any business may be
brought before or dealt with at any
<PAGE>   16
                                      -16-

adjourned meeting which might have been brought before or dealt with at the
original meeting in accordance with the notice calling the same.

45.      Quorum. (1) Except as hereinafter provided, a quorum for any meeting
of shareholders shall be two (2) or more shareholders or proxyholders holding
or representing not less than a majority of the shares entitled to be voted at
such meeting.

   (2)   If a quorum is present at the opening of a meeting of shareholders,
the shareholders present in person or represented by proxy may proceed with the
business of the meeting notwithstanding that a quorum is not present throughout
the meeting.

   (3)   If a quorum is not present at the opening of a meeting of
shareholders, the shareholders present in person or represented by proxy may
adjourn the meeting to a fixed time and place but not transact any other
business.

   (4)   Where the Corporation has only one shareholder or only one holder of
any class or series of shares, or if only one person is present at a meeting
holding or representing sufficient shares to constitute a quorum, the
shareholder present in person or by proxy constitutes a meeting.

46.      Resolution in Lieu of meeting.    A resolution in writing signed by
all the shareholders or signed counterparts of such resolution by all the
shareholders entitled to vote on that resolution at a meeting of shareholders
is as valid as if it had been passed at a meeting of the shareholders duly
called, constituted and held. A copy of every such resolution or counterpart
thereof shall be kept with the minutes of the meetings of shareholders.

47.      Telephone Participation. A shareholder may participate in a meeting of
shareholders or of a committee of shareholders by means of such telephone or
other communication facilities that permit all persons participating in the
meeting to hear each other, and a shareholder participating in such a meeting
by such means shall be deemed to be present at that meeting.

                              SHARES AND TRANSFERS

48.      Issuance. Subject to the articles, any unanimous shareholder agreement
and to section 27 of the Act, shares in the Corporation may be issued at such
times and to such persons or classes of persons and, subject to sections 23 and
24 of the Act, for such consideration as the directors may determine.
<PAGE>   17
                                      -17-

49.      Certificates. Share certificates (and the form of stock transfer power
on the reverse side thereof shall (subject to compliance with section 47 of the
Act) be in such form and be signed by such director(s) or officer(s) as the
directors may from time to time by resolution determine. Such certificates
shall be signed manually by at least one director or officer of the Corporation
or by or on behalf of a registrar, transfer agent or branch transfer agent of
the Corporation, and any additional signatures required on a share certificate
may be printed or otherwise mechanically reproduced thereon. If a share
certificate contains a printed or mechanically reproduced signature of a
person, the Corporation may issue the share certificate notwithstanding that
the person has ceased to be a director or an officer of the Corporation, and
the share certificate is as valid as if he were a director or an officer at the
date of its issue.

50.      Registrar and Transfer Agent. The directors may from time to time by
resolution appoint or remove one or more registrars and/or branch registrars
(which may but need not be the same person) to keep the share register and/or
one or more transfer agents and/or branch transfer agents (which may but need
not be the same person) to keep the register of transfers, and (subject to
section 48 of the Act) may provide for the registration of issues and the
registration of transfers of the shares of the Corporation in one or more
places and such registrars and/or branch registrars and/or transfer agents
and/or branch transfer agents shall keep all necessary books and registers of
the Corporation for the registration of the issuance and the registration of
transfers of the shares of the Corporation for which they are so appointed. All
certificates issued after any such appointment representing shares issued by
the Corporation shall be countersigned by or on behalf of one of the said
registrars and/or branch registrars and/or transfer agents and/or branch
transfer agents, as the case may be.

51.      Surrender of Share Certificates.  No transfer of a share issued by the
Corporation shall be recorded or registered unless or until the certificate
representing the share to be transferred has been surrendered and cancelled or,
if no certificate has been issued by the Corporation in respect of such share,
unless or until a duly executed share transfer power in respect thereof has
been presented for registration.

52.      Defaced, Destroyed, Stolen or Lost Certificates. If the defacement,
destruction or apparent destruction, theft, or, other wrongful taking or loss
of a share certificate is reported by the owner thereof to the Corporation or
to a registrar, branch registrar, transfer agent or branch transfer agent of
the Corporation (hereinafter, in this paragraph, called the "Corporation's
transfer agent") and such owner gives to the Corporation or the Corporation's
transfer agent a written statement verified by oath or statutory declaration as
to the defacement, destruction or apparent destruction, theft, or other
wrongful taking or loss and the circumstances concerning the same, a request
for the issuance of a new certificate to replace the one so defaced, destroyed,
wrongfully taken or lost and a bond of a surety company (or other security
approved by the directors) in such form as is approved by the directors or by
the chairman of the board,
<PAGE>   18
                                      -18-

the president, a vice-president, the secretary or the treasurer of the
Corporation, indemnifying the Corporation (and the Corporation's transfer
agent, if any), against all loss, damage or expense, which the Corporation
and/or the Corporation's transfer agent may suffer or be liable for by reason
of the issuance of a new certificate to such shareholder, a new certificate may
be issued in replacement of the one defaced, destroyed or apparently destroyed,
stolen or otherwise wrongfully taken or lost, if such issuance is ordered and
authorized by any one of the chairman of the board, the president, a
vice-president, the secretary or the treasurer of the Corporation or by
resolution of the directors.

                                   DIVIDENDS

53.      Declaration and Payment of Dividends.  (1) Subject to the following
subparagraph (2), the directors may from time to time by resolution declare and
the Corporation may pay dividends on its issued shares, subject to the
provisions (if any) of the articles.

   (2)   The directors shall not declare and the Corporation shall not pay a
dividend if there are reasonable grounds for believing that:

   (a)   the Corporation is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its
         liabilities as they become due; or

   (b)   the realizable value of the Corporation's assets would thereby be less
         than the aggregate of its liabilities and stated capital of all
         classes.

   (3)   Subject to section 41 of the Act, the Corporation may pay a dividend
in money or property or by issuing fully paid shares of the Corporation.

54.      Receipt of Dividends by Joint Holders.    In case two or more persons
are registered as the joint holders of any securities of the Corporation, any
one of such persons may give effectual receipts for all dividends and payments
on account of dividends, principal, interest and/or redemption payments on
redemption of securities (if any) subject to redemption in respect of such
securities.

                  VOTING SECURITIES IN OTHER BODIES CORPORATE

55.      All securities of any other body corporate carrying voting rights held
from time to time by the Corporation may be voted at all meetings of
shareholders, bondholders debenture holders or holders of such securities, as
the case may be, of such other body corporate in such manner and by such person
or persons as the directors of the
<PAGE>   19
                                      -19-

Corporation shall from time to time determine and authorize by resolution. The
duly authorized signing officers of the Corporation may also from time to time
execute and deliver for and on behalf of the Corporation proxies and/or arrange
for the issuance of voting certificates and/or other evidence of the right to
vote in such names as they may determine without the necessity of a resolution
or other action by the directors.

                                     NOTICE

56.      Service. (1) Any notice or other document required to be given or sent
by the Corporation to any shareholder, director or auditor of the Corporation
shall be delivered personally or sent by prepaid mail or by telegram, telex,
cablegram or facsimile addressed to:

         (a)     the shareholder at his latest address as shown on the records
                 of the Corporation or its transfer agent; and

         (b)     the director at his latest address as shown in the records of
                 the Corporation or in the last notice filed under section 64
                 or 71 of the Act.

With respect to every notice or other document sent by prepaid mail it shall be
sufficient to prove that the envelope or wrapper containing the notice or other
document was properly addressed and put into a post office letter box.

         (2)     If the Corporation sends a notice or document to a shareholder
in accordance with the provisions of the foregoing subparagraph (2) and the
notice or document is returned on three (3) consecutive occasions because the
shareholder cannot be found, the Corporation is not required to send any
further notices or documents to the shareholder until he informs the
Corporation in writing of his now address.

57.      Shares registered in more than one name. All notices or other
documents required to be sent to a shareholder by the Act, the regulations
under the Act, the articles or the by-laws of the Corporation shall, with
respect to any shares in the capital of the Corporation registered in more then
one name, be given to whichever of such persons is named first in the records
of the Corporation and any notice or other document so given shall be
sufficient notice or delivery of such document to all the holders of such
shares.

58.      Persons becoming entitled by operation of law. Every person who by
operation of law, transfer or by any other means whatsoever shall become
entitled to any shares in the capital of the Corporation shall be bound by
every notice or other document in respect of such shares which prior to his
name and address being entered on the
<PAGE>   20
                                      -20-

records of the Corporation shall have been duly given to the person or persons
from whom he derives his title to such shares.

59.      Deceased Shareholder. Any notice or other document delivered or sent
by post or left at the address of any shareholder as the same appears in the
records of the Corporation shall, notwithstanding that such shareholder be then
deceased and whether or not the Corporation has notice of his decease, be
deemed to have been duly served in respect of the shares held by such
shareholder (whether held solely or with other persons) until some other person
be entered in his stead in the records of the Corporation as the holder or one
of the holders thereof and such service shall for all purposes be deemed a
sufficient service of such notice or other document on his heirs, executors or
administrators and all persons (if any) interested with him in such shares.

60.      Signatures to Notices. The signature of any director or officer of the
Corporation to any notice may be written, stamped, typewritten or printed or
partly written, stamped, typewritten or printed.

61.      Computation of Time. Where a given number of days' notice or notice
extending over any period is required to be given under any provisions of the
articles or by-laws of the Corporation, the day of service or posting of the
notice shall, unless it is otherwise provided, be counted in such number of
days or other period and such notice shall be deemed to have been given or sent
on the day of service or posting.

62.      Proof of Service. A certificate of any officer of the Corporation in
office at the time of the making of the certificate or of a transfer officer of
any transfer agent or branch transfer agent of shares of any class of the
Corporation as to facts in relation to the mailing or delivery or service of
any notice or other documents to any shareholder, director, officer or auditor
or publication of any notice or other document shall be conclusive evidence
thereof and shall be binding on every shareholder, director, officer or auditor
of the Corporation, as the case may be.

                           CHEQUES, DRAFTS NOTES, ETC

63.      All cheques, drafts or orders for the payment of money and all notes,
acceptances and bills of exchange shall be signed by such officer or officers
or other person or persons, whether or not officers of the Corporation, and in
such manner as the directors may from time to time designate by resolution.

<PAGE>   21
                                      -21-


                             CUSTODY OF SECURITIES


64.      (1) All securities (including warrants) owned by the Corporation shall
be lodged (in the name of the Corporation) with a chartered bank or a trust
company or in a safety deposit box or, if so authorized by resolution of the
directors, with such other depositaries or in such other manner as may be
determined from time to time by the directors.

   (2)   All securities (including warrants) belonging to the Corporation may
be issued and held in the name of a nominee or nominees of the Corporation (and
if issued or held in the names of more than one nominee shall be held in the
names of the nominees jointly with right of survivorship) and shall be endorsed
in blank with endorsement guaranteed in order to enable transfer thereof to be
completed and registration thereof to be effected.

                          EXECUTION OF CONTRACTS, ETC,

65.      (1) Contracts, documents or instruments in writing requiring the
signature of the Corporation may be signed by any one of the directors or
officers. All contracts, documents or instruments in writing so signed shall be
binding upon the Corporation without any further authorization or formality,
The directors are authorized from time to time by resolution to appoint any
officer or officers or any other person or persons on behalf of the Corporation
either to sign contracts, documents or instruments in writing generally or to
sign specific contracts, documents or instruments in writing. Where the
Corporation has only one director and officer, being the same person, that
person may sign all such contracts, documents or other written instruments.

   (2)   The corporate seal (if any) may, when required, be affixed to
contracts, documents or instruments in writing signed as aforesaid by an
officer or officers, person or persons appointed as aforesaid by resolution of
the directors.

   (3)   The term "contracts, documents or instruments in writing" as used in
this by-law shall include deeds, mortgages, hypothecs, charges, conveyances,
transfers and assignments of property, real or personal, immoveable or
moveable, agreements, releases, receipts and discharges for the payment of
money or other obligations, conveyances, transfers and assignments of shares,
warrants, bonds, debentures or other securities and all paper writings.

   (4)   In particular, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any
one of the directors or officers of the Corporation are hereby authorized to
sell, assign, transfer, exchange, convert or convey all shares, bonds,
debentures, rights, warrants or other securities owned by or registered in the
name of the Corporation and to sign and execute (under the seal of the
Corporation or otherwise) all assignments, transfers, conveyances, powers of
attorney and other instruments that may be necessary for the




<PAGE>   22

                                    -22-



purpose of selling, assigning, transferring, exchanging, converting or
conveying or enforcing or exercising any voting rights in respect of any such
shares, bonds, debentures, rights, warrants or other securities. Where the
Corporation has only one director and officer, being the same person, that
person may perform the functions and exercise the powers herein contemplated.

                                    AUDITOR

66.    At each annual meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation an auditor
may be appointed for the purpose of auditing and verifying the accounts of the
Corporation for the then current year and his report shall be submitted at the
next annual meeting of the shareholders. The auditor shall not be a director or
an officer of the Corporation, Unless fixed by the meeting of shareholders at
which he is appointed, the remuneration of the auditor shall be determined from
time to time by the directors.

                                  FISCAL YEAR

67.    The fiscal period of the Corporation shall terminate on such day in each
year as the directors may from time to time by resolution determine.

                                   BORROWING

68.    General Borrowing. The directors may from time to time:

       (a)    borrow money upon the credit of the Corporation;

       (b)    issue, reissue, sell or pledge debt obligations of the
              Corporation;

       (c)    give a guarantee on behalf of the Corporation to secure
              performance of an obligation of any person; and

       (d)    mortgage, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise create a security
              interest in all or any property of the Corporation, owned or
              subsequently acquired, to secure any obligation of the
              Corporation.

The directors may from time to time authorize any director or directors, or
officer or officers, of the Corporation, to make arrangements with reference to
the money borrowed or to be borrowed as aforesaid, and as to the terms and
conditions of the loan thereof, and as to the securities to be given therefor,
with power to vary or modify such arrangements, terms and conditions and to
give such additional securities
<PAGE>   23
                                    -23-




for any moneys borrowed or remaining due by the Corporation as the directors of
the Corporation may authorize, and generally to manage, transact and settle the
borrowing of money by the Corporation.



<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 3.27


                          CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
                                        
                                       OF
                                        
                               PCI CAROLINA, INC.
                                        
                                   * * * * *

     1.   The name of the corporation is PCI Carolina, Inc.,

     2.   The address of its registered office in the State of Delaware is
Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County
of New Castle.  The name of its registered agent at such address is The
Corporation Trust Company.

     3.   The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or promoted is
to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized
under the General Corporation Law of Delaware

     4.   The total number of shares of stock which the corporation shall have
authority to issue is:  One Thousand (1,000) and the par value of such shares
is one cent ($0.01) amounting in the aggregate to Ten Dollars ($10.00).

     5.   The board of directors is authorized to make, alter or repeal the
by-laws of the corporation.  Election of directors need not be by written
ballot.

     6.   The name and mailing address of the sole incorporator is as follows:

                    NAME                     MAILING ADDRESS

               S.A. Seraj               811 Dallas Avenue, Houston, Texas 77002

     7.   The corporation shall indemnify its officers, directors, employees
and agents to the extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of Delaware.

     I, THE UNDERSIGNED, being the incorporator hereinbefore named, for the
purpose of forming a corporation pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the
State of Delaware, do make this certificate, hereby declaring and certifying
this is my act and deed and the facts herein stated are true, and accordingly
have hereunto set my hand this 15th day of September, 1997.


                                                            /s/ S.A. Seraj
                                                            -------------------
                                                            S.A. Seraj




                                      -1-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 3.28

                                     BYLAWS

                                       OF

                               PCI CAROLINA, INC.







                                       Dated Effective as of: September 15, 1997
<PAGE>   2
                                     INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Page
<S>             <C>                                                     <C>
ARTICLE I       OFFICES
Section         1.1     Principal office                                1
Section         1.2     Registered Office                               1
Section         1.3     Other Offices                                   1

ARTICLE II      STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS
Section         2.1     Annual Meeting                                  1
Section         2.2     Special Meetings                                1
Section         2.3     Notice of Meetings and Adjourned Meetings       2
Section         2.4     Voting Lists                                    2
Section         2.5     Quorum                                          3
section         2.6     Organization                                    3
Section         2.7     Voting                                          3
Section         2.8     Stockholders Entitled to Vote                   4
Section         2.9     Order of Business                               4
Section         2.10    Action by Written Consent                       4
Section         2.11    Authorization of Proxies                        5

ARTICLE III             DIRECTORS
Section         3.1     Management                                      5
Section         3.2     Number and Term                                 6
Section         3.3     Quorum and Manner of Action                     6
Section         3.4     Vacancies                                       6
Section         3.5     Resignations                                    7
Section         3.6     Removals                                        7
Section         3.7     Annual Meetings                                 7
Section         3.8     Regular Meetings                                7
Section         3.9     Special Meetings                                7
Section         3.10    Organization of Meetings                        8
Section         3.11    Place of Meetings                               8
Section         3.12    Compensation of Directors                       8
Section         3.13    Action by Unanimous Written Consent             8
Section         3.14    Participation in Meetings by Telephone          8
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>
ARTICLE IV              COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
Section         4.1     Membership and Authorities                      9
Section         4.2     Minutes                                         9
Section         4.3     Vacancies                                       9
Section         4.4     Telephone Meetings                             10
Section         4.5     Action Without Meeting                         10

ARTICLE V       OFFICERS
Section         5.1     Number and Title                               10
Section         5.2     Term of Office; Vacancies                      10
Section         5.3     Removal of Elected Officers                    11
Section         5.4     Resignations                                   11
Section         5.5     The Chairman of the Board                      11
Section         5.6     President                                      11
Section         5.7     Vice Presidents                                11
Section         5.8     Secretary                                      12
Section         5.9     Assistant Secretaries                          12
Section         5.10    Treasurer                                      12
Section         5.11    Assistant Treasurers                           13
Section         5.12    Subordinate Officers                           13
Section         5.13    Salaries and Compensation                      13

ARTICLE VI              INDEMNIFICATION
Section         6.1     Indemnification of Directors and Officers      13

ARTICLE VII             CAPITAL STOCK
Section         7.1     Certificates of Stock                          17
Section         7.2     Lost Certificates                              17
Section         7.3     Fixing Date for Determination of Stockholders
                        of Record for Certain Purposes                 18
Section         7.4     Dividends                                      18
Section         7.5     Registered Stockholders                        19
Section         7.6     Transfer of Stock                              19

ARTICLE VIII            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section         8.1     Corporate Seal                                 19
Section         8.2     Fiscal Year                                    19
Section         8.3     Checks, Drafts, Notes                          19
Section         8.4     Notice and Waiver of Notice                    20
Section         8.5     Examination of Books and Records               20
Section         8.6     Voting Upon Shares Held by the Corporation     20

ARTICLE IX      AMENDMENTS
Section         9.1     Amendment                                      21
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   4
                               PCI CAROLINA, INC.


                                     BYLAWS


                                   ARTICLE I


                                    OFFICES



       SECTION 1.1  PRINCIPAL OFFICE. The principal office of the Corporation
shall be in the City of Houston, Texas.

       SECTION 1.2  REGISTERED OFFICE. The registered office of the Corporation
required to be maintained in the State of Delaware by the General Corporation
Laws of the State of Delaware, may be, but need not be, identical with the
Corporation's principal office, and the address of the registered office may be
changed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

       SECTION 1.3  OTHER OFFICES. The Corporation may also have offices at such
other places both within and without the State of Delaware, as the Board of
Directors may from time to time determine or as the business of the Corporation
may require.

                                   ARTICLE II

                             STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS



       SECTION 2.1  ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the holders of shares
of each class or series of stock as are entitled to notice thereof and to vote
thereat pursuant to applicable law and the Corporation's Certificate of
Incorporation for the purpose of electing directors and transacting such other
proper business as may come before it shall be held in each year, at such time,
on such day and at such place, within or without the State of Delaware, as may
be designated by the Board of Directors.

       SECTION 2.2  SPECIAL MEETINGS. In addition to such special meetings as
are provided by law or the Corporation's Certificate of incorporation, special
meetings of the holders of any class or series or of all classes or series of
the Corporation's stock for any purpose or purposes, may be called at any time
by the Board of Directors and may be held on such day, at such time
<PAGE>   5
and at such place, within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be
designated by the Board of Directors.

       SECTION 2.3  NOTICE OF MEETINGS AND ADJOURNED MEETINGS. Except as
otherwise provided by law, written notice of any meeting of Stockholders (i)
shall be given either by personal delivery or by mail to each Stockholder of
record entitled to vote thereat, (ii) shall be in such form as is approved by
the Board of Directors, and (iii) shall state the date, place and hour of the
meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for
which the meeting is called. Unless otherwise provided by law, such written
notice shall be given not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days
before the date of the meeting. Except when a Stockholder attends a meeting for
the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the
transaction of any business on the grounds that the meeting is not lawfully
called or convened, presence in person or by proxy of a Stockholder shall
constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting. Further, a written waiver of any
notice required by law or by these Bylaws, signed by the person entitled to
notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed
equivalent to notice. Except as otherwise provided by law, the business that
may be transacted at any such meeting shall be limited to and consist of the
purpose or purposes stated in such notice. If a meeting is adjourned to another
time or place, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time
and place thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is
taken; provided, however, that if the adjournment is for more than thirty (30)
days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned
meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each Stockholder
of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

       SECTION 2.4  VOTING LISTS. The officer or agent having charge of the
stock transfer books for shares of the Corporation shall keep a complete list
of Stockholders entitled to vote at meetings or any adjournments thereof,
arranged in alphabetical order, in accordance with applicable law and shall
make same available prior to and during each Stockholders' meeting for
inspection by the Corporation's Stockholders as required by law. The
Corporation's original stock transfer books shall be prima-facie evidence as to
who are the Stockholders entitled to examine such list or transfer books or to
vote at any meeting of Stockholders.
<PAGE>   6
       SECTION 2.5  QUORUM. Except as otherwise provided by law or by the
Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority of the
Corporation's stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at a meeting,
present in person or represented by proxy, without regard to class or series,
shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the Stockholders for the
transaction of business. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or
represented at any meeting of the Stockholders, the holders of a majority of
such shares of stock, present in person or represented by proxy, may adjourn
any meeting from time to time without notice other than announcement at the
meeting, except as otherwise required by these Bylaws, until a quorum shall be
present or represented. At any such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall
be present or represented, any business may be transacted which might have been
transacted at the meeting as originally called.

       SECTION 2.6  ORGANIZATION. Meetings of the Stockholders shall be
presided over by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, if one shall be
elected, or in his absence, by the President or by any Vice President, or, in
the absence of any of such officers, by a chairman to be chosen by a majority
of the Stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting who are present in person
or by proxy. The Secretary, or, in his absence, my Assistant Secretary or any
person appointed by the individual presiding over the meeting, shall act as
secretary at meetings of the Stockholders.

       SECTION 2.7  VOTING. Each Stockholder of record, as determined pursuant
to Section 2.8, who is entitled to vote in accordance with the terms of the
Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation and in accordance with the
provisions of these Bylaws, shall be entitled to one vote, in person or by
proxy, for each share of stock registered in his name on the books of the
Corporation. Every Stockholder entitled to vote at any Stockholders' meeting
may authorize another person or persons to act for him by proxy pursuant to
Section 2.11, provided that no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after
three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. A
duly executed proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable
and if, and only so long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law
to support an irrevocable power. A Stockholder's attendance at any meeting
shall not have the effect of revoking a previously granted proxy unless such
Stockholder shall in writing so notify the Secretary of the meeting prior to
voting of the proxy. Unless otherwise provided by law, no
<PAGE>   7
vote on the election of directors or any question brought before the meeting
need be by ballot unless the chairman of shall determine that it shall be by
ballot or the holders of a majority of the shares of stock present in person or
by proxy and entitled to participate in such vote shall so demand. In a vote by
ballot, each ballot shall state the number of shares voted and the name of the
Stockholder or proxy voting, Except as otherwise provided by law, by the
Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, all elections of
directors and all other matters before the Stockholders shall be decided by the
vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of stock present in person or
by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote in the election or on the
question. In the election of directors, votes may not be cumulated.

       SECTION 2.8  STOCKHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE. The Board of Directors may
fix a date not more than sixty (60) days nor less than ten (10) days prior to
the date of any meeting of Stockholders, or, in the case of corporate action by
written consent in accordance with the terms of Section 2.10, not more than
sixty (60) days prior to such action, as a record date for the determination of
the Stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting and any
adjournment thereof, or to act by written consent, and in such case such
Stockholders and only such Stockholders as shall be Stockholders of record on
the date so fixed shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting
and any adjournment thereof, or to act by written consent, as the case may be,
notwithstanding any transfer of any stock on the books of the Corporation after
such record date is fixed as aforesaid.

       SECTION 2.9  ORDER OF BUSINESS.  The order of business at all meetings of
Stockholders shall be as determined by the chairman of the meeting or as is
otherwise determined by the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of
stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote without regard to
class or series at the meeting.

       SECTION 2.10 ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT. Unless otherwise provided by law
or the Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation, any action required or
permitted to be taken by the Stockholders of the Corporation may be taken
without prior notice and an actual meeting if a consent in writing setting
forth the action so taken shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock
having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to
authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote
thereon were present and voted. Except as provided above, no action shall be
taken by the Stockholders by written
<PAGE>   8
consent. Prompt notice of the taking of any corporate action without a meeting
by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those Stockholders who
have not consented in writing.

       SECTION 2.11 AUTHORIZATION OF PROXIES. Without limiting the manner in
which a Stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for him as
proxy, the following are valid means of granting such authority. A Stockholder
may execute a writing authorizing another person or persons to act for him as
proxy. Execution may be accomplished by the Stockholder or his authorized
officer, director, employee or agent signing such writing or causing his or her
signature to be affixed to such writing by any reasonable means including, but
not limited to, by facsimile signature. A Stockholder may also authorize
another person or persons to act for him as proxy by transmitting or
authorizing the transmission of a telecopy, telegram, cablegram or other means
of electronic transmission to the person who will be the holder of the proxy or
to a proxy solicitation firm, proxy support service organization or like agent
duly authorized by the person who will be the holder of the proxy to receive
such transmission, provided that any such telecopy, telegram, cablegram or
other means of electronic transmission must either set forth or be submitted
with information from which it can be determined that the telecopy, telegram,
cablegram or other electronic transmission was authorized by the Stockholder.
If it is determined that such telecopies, telegrams, cablegrams or other
electronic transmissions are valid, the inspectors or, if there are no
inspectors, such other persons making that determination shall specify the
information upon which they relied. Any copy, facsimile telecommunication or
other reliable reproduction of the writing or transmission created pursuant to
this section may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing or
transmission for any and all purposes for which the writing or transmission
could be used, provided that such copy, facsimile telecommunication or other
reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing or
transmission.

                                  ARTICLE III

                                   DIRECTORS

       SECTION 3.1  MANAGEMENT. The property, affairs and business of the
Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of
Directors which may exercise all
<PAGE>   9
powers of the Corporation and do all lawful acts and things as are not by law,
by the Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws directed
or required to be exercised or done by the Stockholders.

       SECTION 3.2  NUMBER AND TERM. The number of directors may be fixed from
time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors adopted by the affirmative
vote of a majority of the members of the entire Board of Directors, but shall
consist of not less than one (1) member who shall be elected annually by the
Stockholders except as provided in Section 3.4. Directors need not be
Stockholders. No decrease in the number of directors shall have the effect of
shortening the term of office of any incumbent director.

       SECTION 3.3  QUORUM AND MANNER OF ACTION. At all meetings of the Board of
Directors a majority of the total number of directors holding office shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority
of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the
act of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise specifically provided
by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws. When the Board
of Directors consists of one director, the one director shall constitute a
majority and a quorum. If at any meeting of the Board of Directors there shall
be less than a quorum present, a majority of those present may adjourn the
meeting from time to time until a quorum is obtained, and no further notice
thereof need be given other than by announcement at such adjourned meeting.
Attendance by a director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of
such meeting except where a director attends a meeting for the express purpose
of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any
business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

       SECTION 3.4  VACANCIES. Except as otherwise provided by law and the
Certificate of Incorporation, in the case of any increase in the authorized
number of directors or of any vacancy in the Board of Directors, however
created, the additional director or directors may be elected, or, as the case
may be, the vacancy or vacancies may be filled by majority vote of the
directors remaining on the whole Board of Directors although less than a
quorum, or by a sole remaining director. In the event one or more directors
shall resign, effective at a future date, such vacancy or vacancies shall be
filled by a majority of the directors who will remain on the whole Board of
Directors, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Any
<PAGE>   10
director elected or chosen as provided herein shall serve until the sooner of
(i) the unexpired term of the directorship to which he is appointed; or (ii)
until his successor is elected and qualified; or (iii) until his earlier
resignation or removal.

     SECTION 3.5    RESIGNATIONS. A director may resign at any time upon
written notice of resignation to the Corporation, delivered to the Secretary.
Any resignation shall be effective immediately unless a certain effective date
is specified therein, in which event it will be effective upon such date and
acceptance of any resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

     SECTION 3.6    REMOVALS. Any director or the entire Board of Directors may
be removed only for cause, and another person or persons may be elected to
serve for the remainder of his or their term, by the holders of a majority of
the shares of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors,
Stockholders may not remove any director without cause. In case any vacancy so
created shall not be filled by the Stockholders at such meeting, such vacancy
may be filled by the directors as provided in Section 3.4.

     SECTION 3.7    ANNUAL MEETINGS. The annual meeting of the Board of
Directors shall be held, if a quorum be present, immediately following each
annual meeting of the Stockholders at the place such meeting of Stockholders
took place, for the purpose of organization and transaction of any other
business that might be transacted at a regular meeting thereof, and no notice
of such meeting shall be necessary. If a quorum is not present, such annual
meeting may be held at any other time or place that may be specified in a
notice given in the manner provided in Section 3.9 for special meetings of the
Board of Directors or in a waiver of notice thereof.

     SECTION 3.8    REGULAR MEETINGS. Regular meetings of the Board of
Directors may be held without notice at such places and times as shall be
determined from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors. Except as
otherwise provided by law, any business may be transacted at any regular
meeting of the Board of Directors.

     SECTION 3.9    SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board of
Directors may be called by the President or by the Secretary on the written
request of one-third of the members of the whole Board of Directors stating the
purpose or purposes of such meeting. Notices of special meetings, if mailed,
shall be mailed to each director not later than two days before the
<PAGE>   11
day the meeting is to be held or if otherwise given in the manner permitted by
the Bylaws, not later than the day before such meeting. Neither the business to
be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any special meeting need be specified in
any notice or written waiver of notice unless so required by the Certificate of
Incorporation or by the Bylaws and, unless limited by law, the Certificate of
Incorporation or by these Bylaws, any and all business may be transacted at a
special meeting.

       SECTION 3.10 ORGANIZATION OF MEETINGS. At any meeting of the Board of
Directors, business shall be transacted in such order and manner as such Board
of Directors may from time to time determine, and all matters shall be
determined by the vote of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at
which there is a quorum, except as otherwise provided by these Bylaws or
required by law.

       SECTION 3.11 PLACE OF MEETINGS. The Board of Directors may hold their
meetings and have one or more offices, and keep the books of the Corporation,
outside the State of Delaware, at any office or offices of the Corporation, or
at any other place as they may from time to time by resolution determine.

       SECTION 3.12 COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS. Directors shall not receive any
stated salary for their services as directors, but by resolution of the Board
of Directors a fixed honorarium or fees and expenses, if any, of attendance may
be allowed for attendance at each meeting. Nothing herein contained shall be
construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other
capacity and receiving compensation therefor, Members of special or standing
committees may be allowed like compensation for attending committee meetings.

       SECTION 3.13 ACTION BY UNANIMOUS WRITTEN CONSENT. Unless otherwise
restricted by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action
required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or
of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if prior to such action
all members of the Board of Directors or of such committee, as the case may be,
consent thereto in writing and the writing or writings are filed with the
minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or the committee.

       SECTION 3.14 PARTICIPATION IN MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE. Unless otherwise
restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, members of the
Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of
such Board of Directors or committee by
<PAGE>   12
means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of
which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other and
participation in a meeting in such manner shall constitute presence in person
at such meeting.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                            COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD



       SECTION 4.1  MEMBERSHIP AND AUTHORITIES. The Board of Directors may, by
resolution or resolutions passed by a majority of the whole Board of Directors,
designate one or more Directors to constitute an Executive Committee and such
other committees as the Board of Directors may determine, each of which
committees to the extent provided in said resolution or resolutions or in these
Bylaws, shall have and may exercise all the powers of the Board of Directors
in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, except in
those cases where the authority of the Board of Directors is specifically
denied to the Executive Committee or such other committee or committees by law,
the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, and may authorize the seal of
the Corporation to be affixed to all papers that may require it. The
designation of an Executive Committee or other committee and the delegation
thereto of authority shall not operate to relieve the Board of Directors, or
any member thereof, of any responsibility imposed upon it or him by law.

       SECTION 4.2  MINUTES. Each committee designated by the Board of Directors
shall keep regular minutes of its proceedings and shall provide a report of its
proceedings to the Board of Directors when required or requested by the Board
of Directors.

       SECTION 4.3  VACANCIES. The Board of Directors may designate one or more
of its members as alternate members of any committee who may replace any absent
or disqualified member at any meeting of such committee, If no alternate
members have been appointed, the committee member or members thereof present at
any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they
constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of
Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any absent or disqualified
member. The Board of Directors shall have the power at any time to fill
vacancies in, to change the membership of, and to dissolve, any committee.
<PAGE>   13
       SECTION 4.4  TELEPHONE MEETINGS. Members of any committee designated by
the Board of Directors may participate in or hold a meeting by use of
conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all
persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. Participation in a
meeting pursuant to this Section 4.4 shall constitute presence in person at
such meeting, except where a person participates in the meeting for the express
purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of 
any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

       SECTION 4.5  ACTION WITHOUT MEETING. Any action required or permitted to
be taken at a meeting of any committee designated by the Board of Directors may
be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so
taken, is signed by all the members of the committee and filed with the minutes
of the committee proceedings. Such consent shall have the same force and effect
as a unanimous vote at a meeting.


                                   ARTICLE V

                                    OFFICERS

       SECTION 5.1  NUMBER AND TITLE. The elected officers of the Corporation
shall be chosen by the Board of Directors and shall be a President, a Secretary
and a Treasurer. The Board of Directors may also choose a Chairman of the
Board, who must be a member of the Board of Directors, and one or more Vice
Presidents (including one or more Senior Vice Presidents), Assistant
Secretaries and/or Assistant Treasurers, One person may hold any two or more of
these offices.

       SECTION 5.2  TERM OF OFFICE; VACANCIES. So far as is practicable, all
elected officers shall be elected by the Board of Directors at the annual
meeting of the Board of Directors in each year, and except as otherwise
provided in this Article V, shall hold office until the next such meeting of
the Board of Directors in the subsequent year and until their respective
successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or
removal. All appointed officers shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board
of Directors. If any vacancy shall occur in any office, the Board of Directors
may elect or appoint a successor to fill such vacancy for the remainder of the
term.
<PAGE>   14
       SECTION 5.3  REMOVAL OF ELECTED OFFICERS. Any elected officer may be
removed at any time, with or without cause, by affirmative vote of a majority
of the whole Board of Directors, at any regular meeting or at any special
meeting called for such purpose.

       SECTION 5.4  RESIGNATIONS. Any officer may resign at any time upon
written notice of resignation to the President, Secretary or Board of Directors
of the Corporation. Any resignation shall be effective immediately unless a
date certain is specified for it to take effect, in which event it shall be
effective upon such date, and acceptance of any resignation shall not be
necessary to make it effective, irrespective of whether the resignation is
tendered subject to such acceptance.

       SECTION 5.5  THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. The Chairman of the Board, if one
shall be elected, shall preside at all meetings of the Stockholders and Board
of Directors. In addition, the Chairman of the Board shall perform whatever
duties and shall exercise all powers that are given to him by the Board of
Directors.

       SECTION 5.6  PRESIDENT. The President shall be the chief executive
officer of the Corporation shall (in the absence of the Chairman of the Board,
if one be elected) preside at meetings of the Stockholders and Board of
Directors, shall be ex officio a member of all standing committees; shall have
general and active management of business of the corporation; shall implement
the general directives, plans and policies formulated by the Board of
Directors; and shall further have such duties, responsibilities and authorities
as may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors. The President may sign,
with any other proper officer, certificates for shares of the Corporation and
any deeds, bonds, mortgages, contracts and other documents which the Board of
Directors has authorized to be executed, except where required by law to be
otherwise signed and executed and except where the signing and execution
thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or these Bylaws,
to some other officer or agent of the Corporation. In the absence of the
President, his duties shall be performed and his authority may be exercised by
a Vice President of the Corporation as may have been designated by the
President with the right reserved to the Board of Directors to designate or
supersede any designation so made.

       SECTION 5.7  VICE PRESIDENTS. The several Vice Presidents, which may
include one or more persons designated as Senior Vice Presidents, shall have
such powers and duties as may
<PAGE>   15
be assigned to them by these Bylaws and as may from time to time be assigned to
them by the Board of Directors or President and may sign, with any other proper
officer, certificates for shares of the Corporation.

       SECTION 5.8  SECRETARY. The Secretary, if available, shall attend all
meetings of the Board of Directors and all meetings of the Stockholders and
record the proceedings of the meetings in a book to be kept for that purpose
and shall perform like duties for any committee of the Board of Directors as
the Board of Directors or such committee shall designate him to serve. The
Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the
Stockholders and meetings of the Board of Directors and committees thereof and
shall perform such other duties incident to the office of secretary or as may
be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the President, under whose
supervision he shall be. The Secretary shall have custody of the corporate seal
of the Corporation and he, or any Assistant Secretary, or any other person whom
the Board of Directors may designate, shall have authority to affix the same to
any instrument requiring it, and when so affixed it may be attested by his
signature or by the signature of any Assistant Secretary or by the signature of
such other person so affixing such seal.

       SECTION 5.9  ASSISTANT SECRETARIES. Each Assistant Secretary shall have
the usual powers and duties pertaining to his office, together with such other
powers and duties as may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors, the
President or the Secretary. The Assistant Secretary or such other person as may
be designated by the President shall exercise the powers of the Secretary
during that officer's absence or inability to act.

       SECTION 5.10 TREASURER. The Treasurer shall have the custody of and be
responsible for the corporate funds and securities, shall keep full and
accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in the books belonging to the
Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name
and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated
by the Board of Directors. He shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as
may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such
disbursements, and shall render to the President and the Board of Directors, at
its regular meetings, or when the Board of Directors so requires, an account of
all his transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the
Corporation and he shall perform all other duties incident to the position of
Treasurer, or as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the President.
If required by
<PAGE>   16
the Board of Directors, he shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and
with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors
for the faithful performance of the duties of his office and for the
restoration to the Corporation, in case of his death, resignation, retirement
or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other
property of whatever kind in his possession or under his control belonging to
the Corporation.

       SECTION 5.11 ASSISTANT TREASURERS. Each Assistant Treasurer shall have
the usual powers and duties pertaining to his office, together with such other
powers and duties as may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors, the
President or the Treasurer. The Assistant Treasurer or such other person
designated by the President shall exercise the power of the Treasurer during
that officer's absence or inability to act.

       SECTION 5.12 SUBORDINATE OFFICERS. The Board of Directors may (a)
appoint such other subordinate officers and agents as it shall deem necessary
who shall hold the offices for such terms, have such authority and perform
such duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, or (b)
delegate to any committee or officer the power to appoint any such subordinate
officers or agents.

       SECTION 5.13 SALARIES AND COMPENSATION. The salary or other compensation
of officers shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors. The
Board of Directors may delegate to any committee or officer the power to fix
from time to time the salary or other compensation of subordinate officers and
agents appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.12.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                                INDEMNIFICATION


       SECTION 6.1  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.  (a) The
Corporation (i) shall 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 such person is or was, at any time prior to or during which this
Article VI is in effect, a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or
was, at any time prior to or during which this Article VI is in effect, serving
at the request of the Corporation as a director or
<PAGE>   17
officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, other
enterprise or employee benefit plan and (11) upon a determination by the Board
of Directors that indemnification is appropriate, the Corporation may 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 such person is or was, at
any time prior to or during which this Article VI is in effect, an employee or
agent of the Corporation or at the request of the Corporation was serving as an
employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust,
other enterprise or employee benefit plan, in the case of (i) and (ii) against
reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, penalties,
amounts paid in settlement and other liabilities actually and reasonably
incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if
such person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be
'in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect
to any criminal action or proceed', had no reasonable cause to believe that 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 such person did
not act in good faith and in a manner which he 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 his conduct
was unlawful.

       (b)    The Corporation (i) shall 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 such person is or was, at any
time prior to or during which this Article VI is in effect, a director or
officer of the Corporation, or is or was, at any time prior to or during which
this Article VI is in effect, serving at the request of the Corporation as a
director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust
or other enterprise and (ii) upon a determination by the Board of Directors
that indemnification is appropriate, the Corporation may indemnify any person
who was or is a party I 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
<PAGE>   18
of the fact that such person is or was, at any time prior to or during which
this Article VI is in effect, an employee or agent of the Corporation or at the
request of the Corporation was serving as an employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise or employee
benefit plan, in the case of (i) and (ii) against expenses (including
attorneys' fees), actually and reasonably incur-red by such person in
connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person
acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the Corporation; provided, that no
indemnification shall be made under this sub-section (b) 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 only to the extent that the Delaware Court
of Chancery, or other court of appropriate jurisdiction, 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 of such expenses which the Delaware Court of Chancery, or other court
of appropriate Jurisdiction, shall deem proper.

       (c)    Any indemnification under sub-sections (a) or (b) (unless ordered
by the Delaware Court of Chancery or other court of appropriate jurisdiction)
shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a
determination that indemnification of such person is proper in the
circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth
in sub-sections (a) and (b). Such determination shall be made (1) by the Board
of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors not parties
to such action, suit or proceeding-, or (2) if such a quorum is not obtainable,
or, even if obtainable a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, by
independent legal counsel, in written opinion, selected by the Board of
Directors; or (3) by the Stockholders. In the event a determination is made
under this sub-section (c) that the director, officer, employee or agent has
met the applicable standard of conduct as to some matters but not as to others,
amounts to be indemnified may be reasonably prorated.

       (d)    Expenses incurred by a person who is or was a director or officer
of the Corporation in appearing at, participating in or defending any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative, shall be paid by the Corporation at
reasonable intervals in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit
<PAGE>   19
or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the 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 by this Article
VI. In addition, the Corporation shall pay or reimburse expenses incurred by
any person who is or was a director or officer of the Corporation in connection
with such person's appearance as a witness or other participant in a proceeding
in which such person or the Corporation is not a named party to such
proceeding, provided that such appearance or participation is on behalf of the
Corporation or by reason of his capacity as a director or officer, or former
director or officer of the Corporation.

       (e)    If, in a suit or proceeding for indemnification required under
this Article VI of a director or officer, or former director or officer, of the
Corporation or any of its affiliates, a court of competent jurisdiction
determines that such person is entitled to indemnification under this Article
VI, the court shall award, and the Corporation shall pay, to such person the
expenses incurred in securing such judicial determination.

       (f)    It is the intention of the Corporation to indemnify the persons
referred to in this Article VI to the fullest extent permitted by law and with
respect to any action, suit or proceeding arising from events which occur at
any time prior to or during which this Article VI is in effect. The
indemnification and advancement of expenses by this Article VI shall not be
deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or
advancement of expenses may be or become entitled under any law, the
Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, agreement, the vote of Stockholders
or disinterested directors or otherwise, or under any policy or policies of
insurance purchased and maintained by the Corporation on behalf of any such
person, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another
capacity while holding such office, and shall 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 person.

       (g)    The indemnification provided by this Article VI shall be subject
to all valid and applicable laws, and, in the event this Article VI or any of
the provisions hereof or the indemnification contemplated hereby are found to
be inconsistent with or contrary to any such valid laws, the latter shall be
deemed to control and this Article VI shall be regarded as modified
accordingly, and, as so modified, to continue in full force and effect.
<PAGE>   20
                                  ARTICLE VII

                                 CAPITAL STOCK


       SECTION 7.1  CERTIFICATES OF STOCK. Certificates of stock shall be issued
to each Stockholder certifying the number of shares owned by him in the
Corporation and shall be in a form not inconsistent with the Certificate of
Incorporation and as approved by the Board of Directors. The certificates shall
be signed by the Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President and
by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, or the Treasurer or an Assistant
Treasurer and may be sealed with the seal of the Corporation or a facsimile
thereof. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. In
case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile
signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such
officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may
be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he were such officer,
transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

       If the Corporation shall be authorized to issue more than one (1) class
of stock or more than one (1) series of any class, the powers, designations,
preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of
each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or
restrictions of such preferences and/or rights shall be set forth in full or
summarized on the face or back of the certificate which the Corporation shall
issue to represent such class or series of stock, provided that, except as
otherwise provided by statute, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, there may
be set forth on the face or back of the certificate which the Corporation shall
issue to represent such class or series of stock, a statement that the
Corporation will furnish without charge to each Stockholder who so requests the
powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or
other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the
qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.



       SECTION 7.2  LOST CERTIFICATES. The Board of Directors may direct a new
certificate to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the
Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of
an affidavit of that fact by the owner of such certificate, or his legal
representative. When authorizing the issuance of a new certificate, the
<PAGE>   21
Board of Directors may in its discretion, as a condition precedent to the
issuance thereof, require the owner, or his legal representative, to give a
bond in such form and substance with such surety as it may direct, to indemnify
the Corporation against any claim that may be made on account of the alleged
loss, theft or destruction of such certificate or the issuance of such new
certificate.

       SECTION 7.3  FIXING DATE FOR DETERMINATION OF STOCKHOLDERS OF RECORD FOR
CERTAIN PURPOSES.

       (a)    In order that the Corporation may determine the Stockholders
entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment
of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change,
conversion or exchange of capital stock or for the purpose of any other lawful
action, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which shall
not be more than 60 days prior to the date of payment of such dividend or other
distribution or allotment of such rights or the date when any such rights in
respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock may be exercised or the
date of such other action. In such a case, only Stockholders of record on the
date so fixed shall be entitled to receive any such dividend or other
distribution or allotment of rights or to exercise such rights or for any other
purpose, as the case may be, notwithstanding any transfer of any stock on the
books of the Corporation after any such record date fixed as aforesaid.

       (b)    If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining
Stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day
on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

       SECTION 7.4  DIVIDENDS. Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of
Incorporation, if any, and except as otherwise provided by law, the directors
may declare dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation as and when
they deem it to be expedient, Such dividends may be paid in cash, in property
or in shares of the Corporation's capital stock. Before declaring any dividend
the directors may set apart out of the funds of the Corporation available for
dividends such sum or sums as the directors from time to time in their
discretion think proper for working capital or as a reserve fund to meet
contingencies or for equalizing dividends, or for such other purposes as the
directors shall determine to be conducive to the interests of the
<PAGE>   22
Corporation and the directors may modify or abolish any such reserve in the
manner in which it was created.

       SECTION 7.5  REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS. Except as expressly provided by
law, the Certificate of Incorporation and these Bylaws, the Corporation shall
be entitled to treat registered Stockholders as the only holders and owners in
fact of the shares standing in their respective names and the Corporation shall
not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such
shares on the part of any other person, regardless of whether it shall have
express or other notice thereof.

       SECTION 7.6  TRANSFER OF STOCK. Transfers of shares of the capital stock
of the Corporation shall be made only on the books of the Corporation by the
registered owners thereof, or by their legal representatives or their duty
authorized attorneys. Upon any such transfers the old certificates shall be
surrendered to the Corporation by the delivery thereof to the person in charge
of the stock transfer books and ledgers, by whom they shall be cancelled and
new certificates shall thereupon be issued.


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

       SECTION 8.1  CORPORATE SEAL. If one be adopted, the corporate seal shall
have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation and shall be in such form as
may be approved by the Board of Directors. Said seal may be used by causing it
or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or in any manner reproduced.

       SECTION 8.2  FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be
fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.

       SECTION 8.3  CHECKS, DRAFTS, NOTES. All checks, drafts or other orders
for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in
the name of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent
or agents of the Corporation, and in such manner as shall from time to time be
determined by resolution (whether general or special) of the Board of Directors
or may be prescribed by any officer or officers, or any officer and agent
jointly, thereunto duly authorized by the Board of Directors.
<PAGE>   23
       SECTION 8.4  NOTICE AND WAIVER OF NOTICE. Whenever notice is required to
be given to any director or Stockholder under the provisions of applicable law,
the Certificate of Incorporation or of these Bylaws it shall not be construed
to only mean personal notice, rather, such notice may also be given in writing,
by mail, addressed to such director or Stockholder at his address as it appears
on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid (unless prior
to the mailing of such notice he shall have filed with the Secretary of the
Corporation a written request that notices intended for him be mailed to some
other address in which case, such notice shall be mailed to the address
designated in the request), and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the
time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail. Notice to
directors may also be given by telegram, cable or other form of recorded
communication, by personal delivery or by telephone, Whenever notice is
required to be given under any provision of law, the Certificate of
Incorporation or these Bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing, by telegraph, cable
or other form of recorded communication, signed by the person or persons
entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall
be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall
constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a
meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting,
to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not
lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the
purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Stockholders, directors, or
members of a committee of directors need be specified in any written waiver of
notice unless so required by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws.

       SECTION 8.5  EXAMINATION OF BOOKS AND RECORDS. The Board of Directors
shall determine from time to time whether, and if allowed, when and under what
conditions and regulations the accounts and books of the Corporation (except
such as may by statute be specifically opened to inspection) or any of them
shall be open to inspection by the Stockholders, and the Stock-holders' rights
in this respect are and shall be restricted and limited accordingly.

       SECTION 8.6  VOTING UPON SHARES HELD BY THE CORPORATION. Unless otherwise
provided by law or by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of
Directors, if one shall be elected, or the President, if a Chairman of the
Board of Directors shall not be elected,
<PAGE>   24
acting on behalf of the Corporation, shall have full power and authority to
attend and to act and to vote at any meeting of Stockholders of any corporation
in which the Corporation may hold stock and, at any such meeting, shall possess
and may exercise any and all of the rights and powers incident to the ownership
of such stock which, as the owner thereof, the Corporation might have possessed
and exercised, if present. The Board of Directors by resolution from time to
time may confer like powers upon any person or persons.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                   AMENDMENTS

       SECTION 9.1  AMENDMENT. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the
Certificate of Incorporation, the directors, by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the entire Board of Directors and without the assent or vote of the
Stockholders, may at any meeting, provided the substance of the proposed
amendment shall have been stated in the notice of the meeting, make, repeal,
alter, amend or rescind any of these Bylaws. The Stockholders shall not make,
repeal, alter, amend or rescind any of the provisions of these Bylaws except by
the holders of not less than 80% of the total voting power of all shares of
stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors,
considered for purposes of this Article IX as one class.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 3.29


                          CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
                                        
                                       OF
                                        
                            PIONEER LICENSING, INC.

                                   * * * * *

     1.   The name of the corporation is Pioneer Licensing, Inc.

     2.   The address of its registered office in the State of Delaware is 900
Market, 2nd Floor, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle.  The name
of its registered agent at such address is Delaware Trust Company.

     3.   The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or promoted is
to be conducted or promoted is to engage in any lawful act or activity for
which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of
Delaware.

     4.   The total number of shares of stock which the corporation shall have
authority to issue is: One Thousand (1,000) and the par value of such shares
one cent ($0.01) amounting in the aggregate to Ten Dollars ($10.00).

     5.   The board of directors is authorized to make, alter or repeal the
by-laws of the corporation.  Election of directors need not be by written
ballot.

     6.   The name and mailing address of each incorporator is as follows:

                 NAME                          MAILING ADDRESS
             S.A. Seraj                 811 Dallas Avenue, Houston, Texas

     7.   A director of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the
corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
duty as a director expect for liability (i) for any breach of the director's
duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts of or
omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived
any improper personal benefit.

     8.   The corporation shall indemnify its officers, directors, employees
and agents to the extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of Delaware.

     I, THE UNDERSIGNED, being the incorporator hereinbefore named, for the
purpose of forming a corporation pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the
State of Delaware do make this certificate, hereby declaring certifying that
this my act and deed and the facts herein states are true, and according have
hereunto set my hand this 15th day of September, 1997.


                                                            /s/ S.A. Seraj
                                                            -----------------
                                                            S.A. Seraj
                                                            Sole Incorporator

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 3.30

                                    BY-LAWS

                                       OF

                            Pioneer Licensing, Inc.
                     --------------------------------------

                             A Delaware Corporation

                              ARTICLE I - OFFICES

The registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware shall be
located in the City and State designated in the Certificate of Incorporation.
The Corporation may also maintain offices at such other places within or
without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may, from time to time
determine.

                      Article II - MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Section 1 - Annual Meetings: (Section 211)

The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation shall be held at the
time fixed, from time to time, by the Directors, at the time fixed from time to
time by the Directors.

Section 2 - Special Meetings: (Section 211)

Special meetings of the shareholders may be called by the Board of Directors or
such person or persons authorized by the Board of Directors shall be held
within or without the State of Delaware.

Section 3 - Court-ordered meeting: (Section 211)

The Court of Chancery in this State where the Corporation's principal office is
located, or where the Corporation's registered office is located if its
principal office is not located in this state, may after notice to the
Corporation, order a meeting to be held on application of any Director or
shareholder of the Corporation entitled to vote in an annual meeting if an
annual meeting has not been held within any thirteen month period if there is a
failure by the Corporation to hold an annual meeting for a period of thirty
days after the date designated therefor, or if no date has been designated, for
a period of thirteen months after the organization of the Corporation or after
its last annual meeting. The court may fix the time and place of the meeting,
determine the shares entitled to participate in the meeting, specify a record
date for determining shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the
meeting, prescribe the form and content of the meeting notice, and enter other
orders a may be appropriate.

- -----------------
* All references to Sections in these By Laws refer to those sections contained
in the Delaware General Corporation Law.





                                  DE By-Laws 1
<PAGE>   2



Section 4 - Place of Meetings: (Section 211)

Meetings of shareholders shall be held at the registered office of the
Corporation, or at such other places, within or without the State of Delaware
as the Directors may from time to time fix. If no designation is made, the
meeting shall be held at the Corporation's registered office in the state of
Delaware.

Section 5 - Notice of Meetings: (Section 222)

(a)      Written or printed notice of each meeting of shareholders, whether
annual or special, stating the time when and place where it is to be held,
shall be served either personally or by first class mail, by or at the
direction of the president, the secretary, or the officer or the person calling
the meeting, not less than ten or more than sixty days before the date of the
meeting unless the lapse of the prescribed time shall have been waived before
or after the taking of such action, upon each shareholder of record entitled to
vote at such meeting, and to any other shareholder to whom the giving of notice
may be required by law. Notice of a special meeting shall also state the
business to be transacted or the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is
called, and shall indicate that it is being issued by, or at the direction of,
the person or persons calling the meeting. If, at any meeting, action is
proposed to be taken that would, if taken, entitle shareholders to dissent and
receive payment for their shares pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation
Law, the notice of such meeting shall include a statement of that purpose and
to that effect. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when
deposited in the United States mail addressed to the shareholder as it appears
on the share transfer records of the Corporation.

Section 6 - Shareholders' List: (Section 219)

(a)      After fixing a record date for a meeting, the officer who has charge
of the stock ledger of the Corporation, shall prepare an alphabetical list of
the names of all its shareholders entitled to notice of the meeting, arranged
by voting group with the address of, and the number, class, and series, if any,
of shares held by, each shareholder. The shareholders' list must be available
for inspection by any shareholder for a period of ten days before the meeting
or such shorter time as exists between the record date and the meeting and
continuing through the meeting at the Corporation's principal office, at a
place identified in the meeting notice in the city where the meeting will be
held, or at the office of the Corporation's transfer agent or registrar. Any
shareholder of the Corporation or the shareholder's agent or attorney is
entitled on written demand to inspect the shareholders' list during regular
business hours and at the shareholder's expense, during the period it is
available for inspection.

(b)      The Corporation shall make the shareholder's list available at the
meeting of shareholders, and any shareholder or the shareholder's agent or
attorney is entitled to inspect the list at any time during the meeting or any
adjournment.

(c)      Upon the willful neglect or refusal of the Directors to produce such a
list at any meeting for the election of Directors, such Directors shall be
ineligible for election for any office at such





                                  DE By-Laws 2
<PAGE>   3
meeting.

(d)      The stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the
shareholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list required by Section
219 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or the books of the Corporation, or
to vote in person or by proxy at any shareholders' meeting.

Section 7 - Quorum: (Section 216)

(a)      Except as otherwise provided herein, or by law, or in the Certificate
of Incorporation (such Articles and any amendments thereof being hereinafter
collectively referred to as the "Certificate of Incorporation"), or for
meetings ordered by the Court of Chancery called pursuant to Section 211 of
the Delaware General Corporations Law, a quorum shall be present at all
meetings of shareholders of the Corporation, if the holders of a majority of
the shares entitled to vote on that matter are represented at the meeting in
person or by proxy.

(b)      The subsequent withdrawal of any shareholder from the meeting, after
the commencement of a meeting, or the refusal of any shareholder represented in
person or by proxy to vote, shall have no effect on the existence of a quorum,
after a quorum has been established at such meeting.

(c)      Despite the absence of a quorum at any meeting of shareholders, the
shareholders present may adjourn the meeting.

Section 8 - Voting: (Section 212 & 216)

(a)      Except as otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation,
or these Bylaws, any corporate action, other than the election of Directors,
the affirmative vote of the majority of shares entitled to vote on that matter
and represented either in person or by proxy at a meeting of shareholders at
which a quorum is present shall be the act of the shareholders of the
Corporation.

(b)      Unless otherwise provided for in the Articles of Incorporation of this
Corporation, directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the
shares entitled to vote in the election at a meeting at which a quorum is
present and each shareholder entitled to vote has the right to vote the number
of shares owned by him for as many persons as there are Directors to be elected.
Unless otherwise provided for in the Certificate of Incorporation of this
Corporation, Directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes by the
shares, present in person or by proxy, entitled to vote in the election at a
meeting at which a quorum is present and each shareholder entitled to vote has
the right to vote the number of shares owned by him/her for as may persons as
there are Directors to be elected.

(c)      Except as otherwise provided by statute, the Certificate of
Incorporation, or these bylaws, at each meeting of shareholders, each
shareholder of the Corporation entitled to vote thereat, shall be entitled to
one vote for each share registered in his name on the books of the Corporation.





                                  DE By-Laws 3
<PAGE>   4
Section 9 - Proxies: (Section 212)

Each shareholder entitled to vote or to express consent or dissent without a
meeting, may do so either in person or by proxy, so long as such proxy is
executed in writing by the shareholder himself, or by his attorney-in-fact
thereunto duly authorized in writing. Every proxy shall be revocable at will
unless the proxy conspicuously states that it is irrevocable and the proxy is
coupled with an interest. A telegram, telex, cablegram, or similar transmission
by the shareholder, or as a photographic, photostatic, facsimile, shall be
treated as a valid proxy, and treated as a substitution of the original proxy,
so long as such transmission is a complete reproduction executed by the
shareholder.  No proxy shall be valid after the expiration of three years from
the date of its execution, unless otherwise provided in the proxy. Such
instrument shall be exhibited to the Secretary at the meeting and shall be
filed with the records of the Corporation.

Section 10 - Action Without a Meeting: (Section 228)

Unless otherwise provided for in the Certificate of Incorporation of the
Corporation, any action to be taken at any annual or special shareholders'
meeting, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a
vote if a written consent or consents is/are signed by the shareholders of the
Corporation having not less than the minimum number of votes necessary to
authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote
thereat were present and voted is delivered by hand or by certified or
registered mail, return receipt requested, to the Corporation to its registered
office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business or an officer
or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of
shareholders' meetings are recorded.

Section 11 - Inspectors: (Section 231)

(a)      The Corporation shall appoint one or more inspectors, and one or more
alternate inspectors, to act at any shareholder meeting and make a written
report thereof, so long a such inspectors sign an oath to faithfully execute
their duties with impartiality and to the best of their ability before such
meeting. if no inspector or alternate is able to act a shareholder meeting, the
presiding officer shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting.

*(b)     The inspector shall:

         (I)      ascertain the number of shares entitled to vote and the voting
power of each such shareholder;
         (II)     determine the shares represented at a meeting and the validity
of proxies and ballots;
         (III)    count all votes and ballots;
         (IV)     determine and retain for a reasonable time a disposition 
record of any challenges made to any of the inspectors' determinations; and 
         (V)      certify the inspectors' determinations of the number of shares
represented at the meeting and their count of all votes and ballots.





                                  DE By-Laws 4
<PAGE>   5
ARTICLE III - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1 - Number, Term, Election and Qualifications: (Section 141)

(a)      The first Board of Directors and all subsequent Boards of the
Corporation shall consist of _____________, unless and until otherwise
determined by vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors. The Board of
Directors or shareholders all have the power, in the interim between annual and
special meetings of the shareholders, to increase or decrease the number of
Directors of the Corporation. A Director need not be a shareholder of the
Corporation unless the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation or these
Bylaws require.

(b)      Except as may otherwise be provided herein or in the Certificate of
Incorporation, the members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall
be elected at the first annual shareholders' meeting and at each annual meeting
thereafter. unless their terms are staggered in the Certificate of
Incorporation of the Corporation or these Bylaws, by a majority of the votes
cast at a meeting of shareholders, by the holders of shares entitled to vote in
the election.

(c)      The first Board of Directors shall hold office until the first annual
meeting of shareholders and until their successors have been duly elected and
qualified or until there is a decrease in the number of Directors.
Thereinafter, Directors will be elected at the annual meeting of shareholders
and shall hold office until the annual meeting of the shareholders next
succeeding his election, or until his prior death, resignation or removal. Any
Director may resign at any time upon written notice of such resignation to the
Corporation.

*NOTE: Article II Section 1 Subsection (b) of these Bylaws shall not be used in
the Corporation's Bylaws unless the Corporation has one or more classes of
voting stock that are:  (i) listed on a national exchange; (ii) authorized for 
quotation on an interdealer quotation system of a registered national
securities association; or (iii) held by more than two thousand shareholder of
record of the Corporation.

Section 2 - Duties and Powers: (Section 141)

The Board of Directors shall be responsible for the control and management of
the business and affairs, property and interests of the Corporation, and may
exercise all powers of the Corporation, except such as those stated under
Delaware state law, are in the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws,
expressly conferred upon or reserved to the shareholders or any other person or
persons named therein.

Section 3 - Regular Meetings; Notice:

(a)      A regular meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held either
within or without the State of Delaware at such time and at such place as the
Board shall fix.

(b)      No notice shall be required of any regular meeting of the Board of
Directors and, if given, need not specify the purpose of the meeting; provided,
however, that in case the Board of Directors shall fix or change the time or
place of any regular meeting when such time and place was fixed before such
change, notice of such action shall be given to each director who shall not
have been present at the meeting at which such action was taken within the time
limited, and in the





                                  DE By-Laws 5
<PAGE>   6
manner set forth in these Bylaws with respect to special meetings, unless such
notice shall be waived in the manner set forth in these Bylaws.

Section 4 - Special Meetings; Notice:

(a)      Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such time
and place as may be specified in the respective notices or waivers of notice
thereof.

(b)      Except as otherwise required statute, written notice of special
meetings shall be mailed directly to each Director, addressed to him at his
residence or usual place of business, or delivered orally, with sufficient time
for the convenient assembly of Directors thereat, or shall be sent to him at
such place by telegram, radio or cable, or shall be delivered to him personally
or given to him orally, not later than the day before the day on which the
meeting is to be held. If mailed, the notice of any special meeting shall be
deemed to be delivered on the second day after it is deposited in the United
States mails, so addressed, with postage prepaid. If notice is given by
telegram, it shall be deemed to be delivered when the telegram is delivered to
the telegraph company. A notice, or waiver of notice, except as required by
these Bylaws, need not specify the business to be transacted at or the purposes
or purposes of the meeting.

(c)      Notice of any special meeting shall not be required to be given to any
Director who shall attend such meeting without protesting prior thereto or at
its commencement, the lack of notice to him, or who submits a signed waiver of
notice, whether before or after the meeting. Notice of any adjourned meeting
shall not be required to be given.

(d)      Unless otherwise stated in the Articles of Incorporation of the
Corporation, the Chairperson, President, Treasurer, Secretary or any two or
more Directors of the Corporation may call any special meeting of the Board of
Directors.

Section 5 - Chairperson:

The Chairperson of the Board, if any and if present, shall preside at all
meetings of the Board of Directors. If there shall be no Chairperson, or he or
she shall be absent, then the President shall preside, and in his absence, any
other director chosen by the Board of Directors shall preside.

Section 6 - Quorum and Adjournments: (Section 141)

(a)      At all meetings of the Board of Directors, or any committee thereof,
the presence of a majority of the entire Board, or such committee thereof,
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, except as otherwise
provided by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws. (Note:
If the Certificate of Incorporation authorize a quorum to consist of less than
a majority, but no fewer than one-third of the prescribed number of Directors
as permitted by law except that when a card of one Director is authorized under
Section 141 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, then one Director shall
constitute a quorum or if the Certificate of Incorporation and/or Bylaws
require a greater number than a majority as constituting a quorum then these
Bylaws would state that this lesser or greater amount, instead of a majority,
will constitute a quorum.)





                                  DE By-Laws 6
<PAGE>   7
(b)      A majority of the directors present at the time and place of any
regular or special meeting, although less than a quorum, may adjourn the same
from time to time without notice, whether or not a quorum exists. Notice of
such adjourned meeting shall be given to Directors not present at time of the
adjournment and, unless the time and place of the adjourned meeting are
announced at the time of the adjournment, to the other Directors who were
present at the adjourned meeting.

Section 7 - Manner of Acting: (Section 141)

(a)      At all meetings of the Board of Directors, each director present shall
have one vote, irrespective of the number of shares of stock, if any, which he
may hold.

(b)      Except as otherwise provided by law, by the Certificate of
Incorporation, or these By Laws, action approved by a majority of the votes of
the Directors present at any meeting of the Board or any committee thereof, at
which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors or any
committee thereof.

(c)      Any action authorized in writing made prior or subsequent to such
action, by all of the directors entitled to vote thereon and filed with the
minutes of the Corporation shall be the act of the Board of Directors, or any
committee thereof, and have the same force and effect as if the same had been
passed by unanimous vote at a duly called meeting of the Board or for
all purposes and may be stated as such in any certificate or document filed
with the Secretary of the State of Delaware.

(d)      Where appropriate communications facilities are reasonably available,
any or all directors shall have the right to participate in any Board of
Directors meeting, or a committee of the Board of Directors meeting, by means
of conference telephone or any means of communications by which all persons
participating in the meeting are able to hear each other.

Section 8 - Vacancies: (Section 223)

(a)      Any vacancy in the Board of Directors occurring by reason of an
increase in the number of directors, or by reason of the death, resignation,
disqualification, removal or inability to act of any director, or other cause,
shall be filled by an affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining
directors, though less than a quorum of the Board or by a sole remaining
Director, at any regular meeting or special meeting of the Board of Directors
called for that purpose except whenever the shareholders of any class or
classes or series thereof are entitled to elect one or more Directors by the
Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, vacancies and newly created
directorships of such class or classes or series may be filled by a majority of
the Directors elected by such class or classes or series thereof then in
office, or by a sole remaining Director so elected.

(b)      If at any time, by reason of death or resignation or other cause, the
Corporation shall have no Directors in office, then an officer or any
shareholder or an executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian of a
shareholder, or other fiduciary entrusted with like responsibility for the
person or estate of a shareholder, may call a special meeting of shareholders
to fill such vacancies or may apply to the Court of Chancery for a decree
summarily ordering an election.

(c)      If the Directors of the Corporation constitute less than a majority of
the whole Board, the





                                  DE By-Laws 7
<PAGE>   8
Court of Chancery may, upon application of any shareholder or shareholders
holding at least ten percent of the total number of shares entitled to vote for
Directors, order an election to be held to fill any such vacancies or newly
created directorships.

(d)      Unless otherwise provided for by statute, the Certificate of
Incorporation or these Bylaws, when one or more directors shall resign from the
board and such resignation is effective at a future date, a majority of the
directors, then in office, including those who have so resigned, shall have the
power to fill such vacancy or vacancies, the vote otherwise to take effect when
such resignation or resignations shall become effective.

Section 9 - Resignation:

The shareholders may, at any meeting, vote to accept the resignation of any
Director.

Section 10 - Removal: (Section 141)

One or more or all the Directors of the Corporation may be removed with or
without cause at any time by the shareholders, at a special meeting of the
shareholders called for that purpose, unless the Certificate of Incorporation
provide that Directors may only be removed for cause, provided however, such
Director shall not be removed if the Corporation's states in its Certificate of
Incorporation that its Directors shall be elected by cumulative voting and
there are a sufficient number of shares cast against his or her removal, which
if cumulatively voted at an election of Directors would be sufficient to elect
him or her. If a Director was elected by a voting group of shareholders, only
the shareholders of that voting group may participate in the vote to remove
that Director.

Section 11 - Compensation: (Section 141)

The Board of Directors may authorize and establish reasonable compensation of
the Directors for services to the Corporation as Directors, including, but not
limited to attendance at any annual or special meeting of the Board.

Section 12 - Committees: (Section 141)

The Board of Directors, by resolution adopted by a majority of the entire
Board, may from time to time designate from among its members one or more
committees, and alternate members thereof, as they deem desirable, each
consisting of one or more members, with such powers and authority (to the
extent permitted by law and these Bylaws) as may be provided in such
resolution. Each such committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and,
unless otherwise stated by law, the Certificate of Incorporation of the
Corporation or these Bylaws, shall be governed by the rules and regulations
stated herein regarding the Board of Directors.





                                  DE By-Laws 8
<PAGE>   9
                             ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS

Section 1 - Number, Qualifications, Election and Term of Office: (Section 142)

(a)      The Corporation's officers shall have such titles and duties as shall
be stated in these Bylaws or in a resolution of the Board of Directors which
is not inconsistent with these Bylaws. The officers of the Corporation shall
consist an officer whose duty is to record proceedings of shareholders' and
Directors' meetings and such other officers as the Board of Directors may from
time to time deem advisable. Any officer other than the Chairman of the Board
of Directors may be, but is not required to be, a Director of the Corporation,
Any two or more offices may be held by the same person.

(b)      The officers of the Corporation shall be elected by the Board of
Directors at the regular annual meeting of the Board following the annual
meeting of shareholders.

(c)      Each officer shall hold office until the annual meeting of the Board
of Directors next succeeding his election, and until his successor shall have
been duly elected and qualified, subject to earlier termination by his or her
death, resignation or removal.

Section 2 - Resignation: (Section 142)

Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice of such resignation
to the Corporation.

Section 3 - Removal: (Section 142)

Any officer elected by the Board of Directors may be removed, either with or
without cause, and a successor elected by the Board at any time, and any
officer or assistant officer, if appointed by another officer, may likewise be
removed by such officer.

Section 4 - Vacancies: (Section 142)

(a)      A vacancy, however caused, occurring in the Board and any newly
created Directorships resulting from an increase in the authorized number of
Directors may be filled by the Board of Directors.

Section 5 - Bonds: (Section 142)

The Corporation may require any or all of its officers or Agents to post a
bond, or otherwise, to the Corporation for the faithful performance of their
positions or duties.

Section 6 - Compensation

The compensation of the officers of the Corporation shall be fixed from time to
time by the Board of Directors.





                                  DE By-Laws 9
<PAGE>   10
                          ARTICLE V - SHARES OF STOCK

Section 1 - Certificate of Stock:

(a)      The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates or
shall be uncertificated shares.

(b)      Certificated shares of the Corporation shall be signed, (either
manually or by facsimile), by the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, President or
Vice-President and Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or the Treasurer or
Assistant Treasurer, or any other Officer designated by the Board of Directors,
certifying that the number of shares owned by him or her in the Corporation,
provided however that where such certificate is signed by a transfer agent or
an assistant transfer agent or by a transfer clerk acting on behalf of the
Corporation and a registrar, any such signature may be a facsimile thereof. In
case any officer who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed
upon such certificate, shall have ceased to be such officer before such
certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect
as if he were such officer at the date of its issue.

(c)      Certificates shall be issued in such form not inconsistent with the
Certificate of Incorporation and as shall be approved by the Board of
Directors. Such certificates shall be numbered and registered on the books of
the Corporation, in the order in which they were issued.

(d)      Except as otherwise provided by law, the rights and obligations of the
holders of uncertificated shares and the rights and obligations of the holders
of certificates representing shares of the same class and series shall be
identical.

Section 2 - Lost or Destroyed Certificates:

The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate or certificates to be
issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the
Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed if the owner:

         (a)     so requests before the Corporation has notice that the shares
have been acquired by a bona fide purchaser,

         (b)     files with the Corporation a sufficient indemnity bond; and

         (c)     satisfies such other requirements, including evidence of such
loss, theft or destruction, as may be imposed by the Corporation.

Section 3 - Transfers of Shares: (Section 201)

(a)      Transfers or registration of transfers of shares of the Corporation
shall be made on the stock transfer books of the Corporation by the registered
holder thereof, or by his attorney duly authorized by a written power of
attorney; and in the case of shares represented by certificates, only after the
surrender to the Corporation of the certificates representing such shares with
such shares properly endorsed, with such evidence of the authenticity of such
endorsement, transfer, authorization and other matters as the Corporation may
reasonably require, and the payment of all stock transfer taxes due thereon.

(b)      The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any
share or shares as the





                                 DE By-Laws 10
<PAGE>   11
absolute owner thereof for all purposes and, accordingly, shall not be bound to
recognize any legal, equitable or other claim to, or interest in, such share or
shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or
other notice thereof, except as otherwise expressly provided by law.

Section 4 - Record Date: (Section 213)

(a)      The Board of Directors may fix, in advance, which shall not be more
than sixty, nor less than ten days before the meeting or action requiring a
determination of shareholders, as the record date for the determination of
shareholders entitled to receive notice of, or to vote at, any meeting of
shareholders, or to consent to any proposal without a meeting, or for the
purpose of determining shareholders entitled to receive payment of any
dividends, or allotment of any rights, or for the purpose of any other action.
If no record date is fixed, the record date for a shareholders entitled to
notice of meeting shall be at the close of business on the day preceding the
day on which notice is given, or, if no notice is given, the day on which the
meeting is held, or if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day
before the day on which the meeting is held.

(b)      The Board of Directors may fix a record date, which shall not precede
the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted for
shareholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution
or allotment of any rights of shareholders entitled to exercise any rights in
respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of
any other lawful action, provided that such record date shall not be more than
sixty days before such action.

(c)      The Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a date which shall not
precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by
the Board of Directors, and which date shall not be more than ten days after
the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the
Board of Directors. If no record date is fixed and no prior action is required
by the Board, the record date for determining shareholders entitled to consent
to corporate action in writing without a meeting, shall be the first date on
which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be
taken is delivered to the Corporation by delivery by hand or by certified or
registered mail, return receipt requested, to its registered office in this
State, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the
Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of
shareholders are recorded. If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors
and prior action is required by law, the record date for determining
shareholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a
meeting shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of
Directors adopts the resolution taking such prior action.

(d)      A determination of shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a
shareholders' meeting is effective for any adjournment of the meeting unless
the Board of Directors fixes a new record date for the adjourned meeting.





                                 DE By-Laws 11
<PAGE>   12
                      ARTICLE VI - DIVIDENDS (Section 173)

Subject to applicable law, dividends may be declared and paid out of any funds
available therefor, as often, in such amounts, and at such time or times as the
Board of Directors may determine.

                           ARTICLE VII - FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed, and shall be subject to
changed by the Board of Directors from time to time, subject to applicable law.

              ARTICLE VIII - CORPORATE SEAL [Section 607.0302(2)]

The corporate seal, if any, shall be in such form as shall be prescribed and
altered, from time to time, by the Board of Directors.

                            ARTICLE IX - AMENDMENTS

Section 1 - Initial Bylaws:

The initial Bylaws of the Corporation shall be adopted by the Board of
Directors at its organizational meeting.

Section 2 - By Shareholders:

All by-laws of the Corporation shall be subject to alteration or repeal, and
new by-laws may be made, by a majority vote of the shareholders at the time
entitled to vote in the election of directors even though these Bylaws may also
be altered, amended or repealed by the Board of Directors.

Section 3 - By Directors:

The Board of Directors shall have power to make, adopt, alter, amend and
repeal, from time to time, by-laws of the Corporation; however, Bylaws made by
the Board may be altered or repealed, and new Bylaws made by the shareholders.

                  ARTICLE X - WAIVER Of NOTICE: (Section 229)

Whenever any notice is required to be given by law, the Certificate of
Incorporation or these Bylaws of any these Bylaws, meeting of shareholders,
Board of Directors, or committee thereof, or attendance at the meeting by any
person, shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the
person attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the
beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the
meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be
transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of
shareholders, Directors or committee thereof need by specified in any written
waiver of notice.





                                 DE By-Laws 12
<PAGE>   13
ARTICLE XI - INTERESTED DIRECTORS: (Section 144)

No contract or transaction shall be void or voidable if such contract or
transaction is between the corporation and one or more of its Directors or
officers, or between the Corporation and any other corporation, partnership,
association, or other organization in which one or more of its Directors or
officers, are directors or officers, or have a financial interest, when such
Director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the Board
of committee which authorizes the contract or transaction or his, her or their
votes are counted for such purpose, if:

         (a)     the material facts as to his, her or their relationship or
interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to
the Board of Directors or the committee, and the Board or committee in good
faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a
majority of the disinterested Directors, even though the disinterested
Directors be less than a quorum; or

         (b)     the material facts as to his, her or their relationship or
relationships or interest or interests and as to the contract or transaction
are disclosed or are known to the shareholders entitled to vote thereon, and
the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of
the shareholders; or

         (c)     the contract or transaction is fair as to the Corporation as
of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified, by the Board of Directors,
a committee or the shareholders.

Such interested Directors may be counted when determining the presence of a
quorum at the Board of Directors' or committee meeting authorizing the contract
or transaction.

ARTICLE XII - FORM OF RECORDS: (Section 224)

Any records maintained by the Corporation in its regular course of business,
including, but not limited to, its stock ledger, books of account and minute
book, may be kept on, or be in the form of punch cards, magnetic tape,
photographs, micro-photographs or any other information storage device,
provided that the records so kept may be converted into clearly legible written
form within a reasonable time. The Corporation shall so convert any of such
records so kept upon the request of any person entitled to inspect the same.





                                 DE By-Laws 13

<PAGE>   1

                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.1




                          PCI CHEMICALS CANADA INC.
                                 as Issuer,

                     PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.,
                           PIONEER AMERICAS, INC.,
                     PIONEER CHLOR ALKALI COMPANY, INC.,
                         IMPERIAL WEST CHEMICAL CO.,
                           ALL-PURE CHEMICAL CO.,
                        BLACK MOUNTAIN POWER COMPANY,
                     ALL PURE CHEMICAL NORTHWEST, INC.,
                  PIONEER CHLOR ALKALI INTERNATIONAL, INC.,
                             G.O.W. CORPORATION,
                            PIONEER (EAST), INC.,
                            T.C. HOLDINGS, INC.,
                            T.C. PRODUCTS, INC.,
                             PCI CAROLINA, INC.,
                          PIONEER LICENSING, INC.,
                                as Guarantors

                                     and

                   UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK
                                 as Trustee

                                     and

                   UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK
                             as Collateral Agent


                                  INDENTURE


                        Dated as of October 30, 1997

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

                                $175,000,000

                    9 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2007

<PAGE>   2

                              TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                      Page
                                                                                                                      ----
         <S>                                                                                                          <C>
         PARTIES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1

         RECITALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1


                                                       ARTICLE ONE

                                           DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF
                                                   GENERAL APPLICATION

         Section 101.     Definitions.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2
                 Acquisition  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2
                 Affiliate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2
                 All-Pure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3
                 Asset Purchase Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3
                 Asset Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3
                 Attributable Indebtedness  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3
                 Bankruptcy Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4
                 Black Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4
                 Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4
                 Board Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4
                 Borrowing Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4
                 Business Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
                 Canadian Pension Plan  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
                 Capital Stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
                 Capitalized Lease Obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
                 Cash Equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
                 Cash Flow  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6
                 Change of Control  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6
                 Closing Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
                 Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
                 Collateral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
                 Collateral Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
                 Collateral Proceeds  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
                 Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
                 Company  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
                 Company Common Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
                 Company Request" or "Company Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
                 Consolidated Cash Flow Coverage Ratio  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   8
                 Consolidated Interest Expense  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9
                 Consolidated Net Income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9
                 Consolidated Net Worth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
                 Contingent Payment Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
                 Corporate Trust Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
                 Credit Facility  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
                 Default  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
                 Depositary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
                 Eligible Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
                 Equity Interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
</TABLE>





                                      (i)
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                      Page
                                                                                                                      ----
                 <S>                                                                                                  <C>
                 Equity Offering  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
                 Event of Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
                 Excess Land  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
                 Exchange Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
                 Exchange Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
                 Exchange Offer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
                 Exchange Offer Registration Statement  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
                 Execution Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
                 Existing Affiliate Agreements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
                 Existing Indebtedness  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
                 Existing Senior Secured Indenture  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
                 Existing Senior Secured Notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
                 Existing Term Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
                 Fair Market Value  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
                 GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
                 Guarantee  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
                 Guarantor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
                 Hedging Obligations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
                 Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
                 ICI  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
                 ICI Americas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
                 ICI Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
                 Imperial West  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
                 incur  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
                 Indebtedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
                 Indenture Obligations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
                 Independent Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
                 Initial Purchasers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
                 Initial Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
                 Insurance Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
                 Intercreditor Agreement  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
                 Intercreditor Collateral Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
                 Interest Payment Date  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
                 Investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
                 Kemwater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
                 Lien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
                 Liquidated Damages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
                 Majority Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
                 Maturity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
                 Moody's  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
                 Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
                 Mortgaged Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
                 Net Award  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
                 Net Cash Proceeds  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
                 Net Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
                 Net Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
                 New Credit Facilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
                 Offering Memorandum  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
                 Officers' Certificate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
                 Opinion of Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
                 Opinion of Independent Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
</TABLE>





                                      (ii)
<PAGE>   4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                      Page
                                                                                                                      ----
                 <S>                                                                                                  <C>
                 Outstanding  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
                 PAAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
                 PAI  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
                 Paying Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
                 PCAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
                 PCI Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
                 Permitted Indebtedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
                 Permitted Investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  23
                 Permitted Liens  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  23
                 Person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  24
                 Pioneer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25
                 Predecessor Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25
                 Preferred Stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25
                 Private Placement Legend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25
                 QIB  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25
                 Quebec Mortgage and Security Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25
                 Real Property  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25
                 Redeemable Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25
                 Redemption Date  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
                 Redemption Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
                 Registration Rights Agreement  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
                 Registration Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
                 Regular Record Date  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
                 Related Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
                 Resale Restriction Termination Date  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
                 Responsible Officer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
                 Restoration  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
                 Restricted Investment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
                 Restricted Subsidiary  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27
                 Revolving Credit Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27
                 Rule 144A  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27
                 St. Gabriel Pipeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27
                 St. Gabriel Pipeline Lien  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27
                 S&P  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27
                 Sale and Leaseback Transaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27
                 Secured Indebtedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
                 Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
                 Securities Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
                 Security Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
                 Security Register" and "Security Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
                 Seller Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
                 Senior Indebtedness  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
                 Shelf Registration Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29
                 Special Record Date  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29
                 Stated Maturity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29
                 Subordinated Indebtedness  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29
                 Subsidiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29
                 Substantial Shareholder  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
                 Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
                 Tax Sharing Agreement  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
                 Taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
</TABLE>





                                     (iii)
<PAGE>   5
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                      Page
                                                                                                                      ----
         <S>                     <C>                                                                                  <C>
                 Term Loan Agent  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
                 Term Loan Agreement" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
                 Term Loan Notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
                 Trust Indenture Act  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
                 Trust Moneys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
                 Trustee  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31
                 Unrestricted Subsidiary  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31
                 U.S. Government Obligations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  32
                 Voting Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  32
                 Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  32
         Section 102.     Other Definitions.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  32
         Section 103.     Compliance Certificates and Opinions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  33
         Section 104.     Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34
         Section 105.     Acts of Holders.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35
         Section 106.     Notices, etc., to Trustee, the Company and any Guarantor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36
         Section 107.     Notice to Holders; Waiver.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  37
         Section 108.     Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  37
         Section 109.     Effect of Headings and Table of Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38
         Section 110.     Successors and Assigns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38
         Section 111.     Separability Clause.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38
         Section 112.     Benefits of Indenture.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38
         Section 113.     Governing Law.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38
         Section 114.     Legal Holidays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38
         Section 115.     Schedules and Exhibits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39
         Section 116.     Counterparts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39
         Section 117.     Communication by Holders with Other Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39
         Section 118.     No Recourse Against Others  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39

                                                       ARTICLE TWO

                                                      SECURITY FORMS

         Section 201.     Forms Generally.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40
         Section 202.     Restrictive Legends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40
         Section 203.     Form of Face of Security  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  42
         Section 204.     Form of Reverse of Securities.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44
         Section 205.     Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  51
         Section 206.     Form of Guarantee of Each of the Guarantors.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  51

                                                      ARTICLE THREE

                                                      THE SECURITIES

         Section 301.     Title and Terms.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  55
         Section 302.     Denominations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  55
</TABLE>





                                      (iv)
<PAGE>   6
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                                                                                             Page
                                                                                                                      ----
         <S>              <C>                                                                                         <C>
         Section 303.     Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  56
         Section 304.     Temporary Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  57
         Section 305.     Registration of Transfer and Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  58
         Section 306.     Book-Entry Provisions for U.S. Global Security  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  59
         Section 307.     Special Transfer Provisions.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  61
         Section 308.     Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  63
         Section 309.     Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  64
         Section 310.     Persons Deemed Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  65
         Section 311.     Cancellation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  65
         Section 312.     Computation of Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  66
         Section 313.     Deposit of Moneys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  66
         Section 314.     CUSIP Number  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  66
         Section 315.     Interest Under Criminal Code (Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  67

                                                       ARTICLE FOUR

                                            DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

         Section 401.     Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  67
         Section 402.     Defeasance and Discharge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  67
         Section 403.     Covenant Defeasance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  68
         Section 404.     Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  69
         Section 405.     Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other
                          Miscellaneous Provisions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  71
         Section 406.     Reinstatement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  72
         Section 407.     Repayment of the Company  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  72

                                                       ARTICLE FIVE

                                                         REMEDIES

         Section 501.     Events of Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  73
         Section 502.     Acceleration  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  76
         Section 503.     Other Remedies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  77
         Section 504.     Waiver of Past Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  77
         Section 505.     Control by Majority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  78
         Section 506.     Limitation on Suits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  78
         Section 507.     Rights of Holders to Receive Payment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  78
         Section 508.     Collection Suit by Trustee  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  79
         Section 509.     Trustee May File Proofs of Claim  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  79
         Section 510.     Priorities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  80
         Section 511.     Undertaking for Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  81
         Section 512.     Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  81
</TABLE>





                                      (v)
<PAGE>   7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                           ARTICLE SIX

                                                           THE TRUSTE
                                                                                                                      Page
                                                                                                                      ----
         <S>              <C>                                                                                          <C>
         Section 601.     Notice of Defaults  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  82
         Section 602.     Certain Rights of Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  82
         Section 603.     Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals, Dispositions of Securities or Application of
                          Proceeds Thereof  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  84
         Section 604.     Trustee and Agents May Hold Securities; Collections; etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  84
         Section 605.     Money Held in Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  84
         Section 606.     Compensation and Indemnification of Trustee and Its Prior Claim . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  85
         Section 607.     Conflicting Interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  86
         Section 608.     Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  86
         Section 609.     Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  86
         Section 610.     Acceptance of Appointment by Successor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  88
         Section 611.     Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  89
         Section 612.     Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  90
         Section 613.     Certain Duties and Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  90

                                                      ARTICLE SEVEN

                                    HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY

         Section 701.     Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  90
         Section 702.     Disclosure of Names and Addresses of Holders  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  91
         Section 703.     Reports by Trustee  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  91
         Section 704.     Reports by Company and Guarantors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  91

                                                      ARTICLE EIGHT

                                                  CONSOLIDATION, MERGER,
                                              CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE

         Section 801.     When the Company May Merge, Etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  92
         Section 802.     Successor Substituted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  95

                                                       ARTICLE NINE

                                                 SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

         Section 901.     Supplemental Indentures and Agreements without Consent of Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . .  95
</TABLE>





                                      (vi)
<PAGE>   8
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                     Page
                                                                                                                     ----
         <S>              <C>                                                                                         <C>
         Section 902.     Supplemental Indentures and Agreements with Consent of Holders  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  96
         Section 903.     Execution of Supplemental Indentures and Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  98
         Section 904.     Revocation Effect of Supplemental Indentures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  98
         Section 905.     Conformity with Trust Indenture Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  99
         Section 906.     Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  99

                                                       ARTICLE TEN

                                                        COVENANTS

         Section 1001.    Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  99
         Section 1002.    Maintenance of Office or Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  99
         Section 1003.    Compliance Certificate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
         Section 1004.    Taxes.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
         Section 1005.    Jurisdiction, Service of Process and Venue; Immunity; Judgement Currency. . . . . . . . . . 101
         Section 1006.    Limitation on Restricted Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
         Section 1007.    Limitations on Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . 107
         Section 1008.    Limitations on Indebtedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
         Section 1009.    Limitations on Asset Sales  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
         Section 1010.    Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
         Section 1011.    Limitation on Transactions With Affiliates  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
         Section 1012.    Limitation on Liens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
         Section 1013.    Corporate Existence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
         Section 1014.    Change of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
         Section 1015.    Maintenance of Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
         Section 1016.    Maintenance of Insurance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
         Section 1017.    Stock Pledge Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
         Section 1018.    Money for Security Payments to Be Held in Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
         Section 1019.    Certain Guarantees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
         Section 1020.    Limitation on Ownership of Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
         Section 1021.    Impairment of Security Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
         Section 1022.    Amendment to Security Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
         Section 1023.    Limitation on Applicability of Certain Covenants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
         Section 1024.    Additional Amounts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
         Section 1025.    Pension Transfer Agreement  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
</TABLE>





                                     (vii)
<PAGE>   9
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                 ARTICLE ELEVEN

                            REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

                                                                                                                      Page
                                                                                                                      ----
         <S>              <C>                                                                                         <C>
         Section 1101.    Rights of Redemption  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
         Section 1102.    Applicability of Article  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
         Section 1103.    Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
         Section 1104.    Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
         Section 1105.    Notice of Redemption  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
         Section 1106.    Deposit of Redemption Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
         Section 1107.    Securities Payable on Redemption Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
         Section 1108.    Securities Redeemed or Purchased in Part  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
         Section 1109.    Asset Sale Offers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

                                                      ARTICLE TWELVE

                                                SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

         Section 1201.    Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
         Section 1202.    Application of Trust Money  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

                                                     ARTICLE THIRTEEN

                                                        GUARANTEE

         Section 1301.    Guarantors' Guarantee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
         Section 1302.    Continuing Guarantee; No Right of Set-Off; Independent Obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
         Section 1303.    Guarantee Absolute  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
         Section 1304.    Right to Demand Full Performance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
         Section 1305.    Waivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
         Section 1306.    The Guarantors Remain Obligated in Event the Company Is No Longer Obligated to
                          Discharge Indenture Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
         Section 1307.    Fraudulent Conveyance; Subrogation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
         Section 1308.    Guarantee Is in Addition to Other Security  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
         Section 1309.    Contribution  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
         Section 1310.    No Bar to Further Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
         Section 1311.    Failure to Exercise Rights Shall Not Operate as a Waiver  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
         Section 1312.    Trustee's Duties; Notice to Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
         Section 1313.    Successors and Assigns  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
         Section 1314.    Release of Guarantee  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
         Section 1315.    Execution of Guarantee  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
         Section 1316.    Payment Permitted by Each of the Guarantors if No Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
</TABLE>





                                     (viii)
<PAGE>   10
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                     Page
                                                                                                                     ----
         <S>              <C>                                                                                         <C>
         Section 1317.    Notice to Trustee by Each of the Guarantors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
         Section 1318.    Article Applicable to Paying Agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
         Section 1319.    No Suspension of Remedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

                                                     ARTICLE FOURTEEN

                                                         SECURITY

         Section 1401.    Security  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
         Section 1402.    Recording; Priority; Opinions, Etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
         Section 1403.    Release of Collateral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
         Section 1404.    Trust Indenture Act Requirements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
         Section 1405.    Suits to Protect Collateral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
         Section 1406.    Determinations Relating to Collateral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
         Section 1407.    Trust Moneys  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
         Section 1408.    Power of Attorney for Collateral in Quebec  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
</TABLE>

SCHEDULE 1       Existing Affiliate Agreements
SCHEDULE 2       Existing Indebtedness





                                      (ix)
<PAGE>   11
           Reconciliation and tie between Trust Indenture Act of 1939
                  and Indenture, dated as of October 30, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Trust Indenture                                                            Indenture
 Act Section                                                               Section
<S>                                                                          <C>
Section 310(a)(1)               . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          608
         (a)(2)                 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          608
         (a)(3)                 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          N.A.
         (a)(4)                 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          N.A.
         (b)                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          607, 609
         (c)                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          N.A.
Section 311(a)                  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          612
         (b)                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          612
         (c)                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          N.A.
Section 312(a)                  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          701
         (b)                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          117
         (c)                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          117
Section 313(a)                  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          703
         (b)(1)                 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          N.A.
         (b)(2)                 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          703
         (c)                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          703
         (d)                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          703
Section 314(a)                  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          704, 1003
         (b)                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          N.A.
         (c)(1)                 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          103
         (c)(2)                 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          103
         (c)(3)                 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          103
         (d)                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          103
         (e)                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          103
         (f)                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          N.A.
Section 315(a)                  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          602, 613, 903
         (b)                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          601, 602, 903
         (c)                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          602, 903
         (d)                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          602, 903
         (e)                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          512
Section 316(a)(last
         sentence)              . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          101 ("Outstanding")
         (a)(1)(A)              . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          502, 505
         (a)(1)(B)              . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          504
         (a)(2)                 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          N.A.
         (b)                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          507
         (c)                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          105
Section 317(a)(1)               . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          508
         (a)(2)                 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          509
         (b)                    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          N.A.
Section 318(a)                  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          310
</TABLE>

N.A. means not applicable.      

- ------------------------------------
Note:    This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to 
         be a part of this Indenture.  


<PAGE>   12

                 INDENTURE, dated as of October 30, 1997, (the "Indenture")
among PCI CHEMICALS CANADA INC., a New Brunswick, Canada corporation (the
"Company"), PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP. ("PAAC"), PIONEER AMERICAS,
INC., PIONEER CHLOR ALKALI COMPANY, INC., each a Delaware corporation, IMPERIAL
WEST CHEMICAL CO., a Nevada corporation, ALL-PURE CHEMICAL CO., a California
corporation, BLACK MOUNTAIN POWER COMPANY, a Texas corporation, ALL PURE
CHEMICAL NORTHWEST, INC., a Washington corporation, PIONEER CHLOR ALKALI
INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Barbados corporation, G.O.W.  CORPORATION, a Nevada
corporation, PIONEER (EAST), INC., a Delaware corporation, T.C. HOLDINGS, INC.,
a New Mexico corporation, T.C. PRODUCTS, INC., a Washington corporation, PCI
CAROLINA, INC., a Delaware corporation, PIONEER LICENSING, INC., a Delaware
corporation (collectively, the "Guarantors"), and UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY
OF NEW YORK, as trustee (the "Trustee") and as collateral agent (the
"Collateral Agent").

                            RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

                 The Company has duly authorized the creation of an issue of 9
1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2007, Series A (the "Initial Securities") and 9
1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2007, Series B (the "Exchange Notes" and together
with the Initial Securities, the "Securities"), of substantially the tenor and
amount hereinafter set forth, and to provide therefor the Company has duly
authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture and the Securities.

                 Each Guarantor has duly authorized the issuance of a guarantee
(the "Guarantees") of the Securities, of substantially the tenor hereinafter
set forth, and to provide therefor, each Guarantor has duly authorized the
execution and delivery of this Indenture and the Guarantee.

                 This Indenture is subject to, and shall be governed by, the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of and to
govern indentures qualified under the Trust Indenture Act.

                 All things necessary have been done to make (i) the
Securities, when executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered
hereunder and duly issued by the Company, the valid obligations of the Company,
(ii) the Guarantees, when executed by each of the Guarantors and authenticated
and delivered hereunder, the valid obligation of each of the Guarantors and
(iii) this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company and each of the
Guarantors in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.
<PAGE>   13
                   NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

                 For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of
the Securities by the Holders thereof, it is covenanted and agreed, for the
benefit of each other and for the equal and proportionate benefit of the
Holders of the Securities issued under this Indenture, as follows:

                                  ARTICLE ONE

                      DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF
                              GENERAL APPLICATION

                 Section 101.     Definitions.

                 For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise
expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

                 (a)      the terms defined in this Article have the meanings
         assigned to them in this Article, and include the plural as well as
         the singular;

                 (b)      all other terms used herein which are defined in the
         Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the
         meanings assigned to them therein;

                 (c)      all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein
         have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with GAAP;

                 (d)      the words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder" and
         other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and
         not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision; and

                 (e)      all references to $, US$, dollars or United States
         dollars shall refer to the lawful currency of the United States of
         America.

                 "Acquisition" means the acquisition by Pioneer and its
subsidiaries of substantially all the assets and properties used by ICI Canada
and ICI Americas, subsidiaries of ICI, in their North American chlor-alkali
business pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement.

                 "Affiliate" means, with respect to any party, any Person
directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect
common control with such party including any estate or trust under will of such
party. For purposes of this definition, "control" (including, with correlative
meanings, the terms "controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control
with"), as used with respect to any Person, means the





                                     - 2 -
<PAGE>   14
possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the
direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the
ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise; provided, however,
that beneficial ownership of 5% or more of the voting securities of a Person
shall be deemed to be control.

                 "All-Pure" means All-Pure Chemical Co., a California
corporation, and any successor thereto.

                 "Asset Purchase Agreement" means the Asset Purchase Agreement
dated as of September 22, 1997, as amended, among the Company, PCI Carolina,
Pioneer, ICI Canada, ICI Americas and ICI, and their successors and assigns.

                 "Asset Sale" means, with respect to the Company, PAAC or any
Restricted Subsidiary, the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition
(including, without limitation, by way of merger or consolidation, and whether
by operation of law or otherwise) to any Person other than the Company, PAAC or
a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC of any of the Company's or PAAC's
or such Restricted Subsidiary's assets (including, without limitation, (x) any
sale or other disposition of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary and
(y) any sale or other disposition of any noncash consideration received by the
Company, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary from any prior transaction or
series of related transactions that constituted an Asset Sale hereunder),
whether owned on the Closing Date or subsequently acquired, in one transaction
or a series of related transactions: provided, however, that the following
shall not constitute Asset Sales: (i) transactions (other than transactions
described in clause (y) above and transactions involving the Collateral as
defined in the Stock Pledge Agreement) in any calendar year with aggregate cash
and/or Fair Market Value of any other consideration received (including,
without limitation, the unconditional assumption of Indebtedness) of less than
$1,000,000; (ii) a transaction or series of related transactions that results
in a Change in Control; (iii) any sale of assets of the Company, PAAC and the
Restricted Subsidiaries or merger permitted under Article Eight; (iv) any sale
or other disposition of inventory, property (whether real, personal or mixed)
or equipment that has become worn out, obsolete or damaged or otherwise
unsuitable or no longer needed for use in connection with the business of the
Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, in the good
faith determination of the Board of Directors; and (v) any sale of inventory to
customers in the ordinary and customary course of business.

                 "Attributable Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Sale
and Leaseback Transaction, as at the time of determination, the greater of (i)
the Fair Market Value of the property subject





                                     - 3 -
<PAGE>   15
to such transaction and (ii) the present value (discounted at a rate equivalent
to the Company's then current weighted average cost of funds for borrowed
money, compounded on a semi-annual basis) of the total net obligations of the
lessee for rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in
such arrangement (including any period for which such lease has been extended).
As used in the preceding sentence, the "total net obligations of the lessee for
rental payments" under any lease for any such period means the sum of rental
and other payments required to be paid with respect to such period by the
lessee thereunder excluding any amounts required to be paid by such lessee on
account of maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates
or similar charges. In the case of any lease which is terminable by the lessee
upon payment of a penalty, such net amount of rent also includes the amount of
such penalty, but no rent shall be considered as required to be paid under such
lease subsequent to the first date upon which it may be so terminated.

                 "Bankruptcy Law" means the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act
(Canada), the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada), the Winding-Up and
Restructuring Act (Canada), Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code,
as amended, or any other Canadian federal, Canadian provincial, United States
Federal or United States state law or the law of any other jurisdiction
relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, winding-up, liquidation,
reorganization or relief of debtors or any amendment to, succession to or
change in any such law.

                 "Black Mountain" means Black Mountain Power Company, a Texas
corporation, and any successor thereto.

                 "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of the
Company and/or PAAC or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf
of such Board.

                 "Board Resolution" of any corporation means a copy of a
resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of such
corporation to have been duly adopted by the board of directors of such entity
and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification and
delivered to the Trustee.

                 "Borrowing Base" means, as of any date, an amount equal to the
sum of (a) 85% of the net book value of all accounts receivable of the Company,
PAAC and the Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date, (b) 50% of the net book
value of all inventory owned by the Company, PAAC and the Restricted
Subsidiaries as of such date, and (c) the lesser of (x) $10,000,000 and (y) 85%
of the net book value of all accounts receivable of Kemwater as of such date
plus 50% of the net book value of all inventory as of such date owned by
Kemwater, all calculated on a consolidated





                                     - 4 -
<PAGE>   16
basis and in accordance with GAAP. To the extent that information is not
available as to the amount of accounts receivable or inventory as of a specific
date, the Company may utilize the most recent available quarterly or annual
financial report of the Company, PAAC or the Restricted Subsidiaries for
purposes of calculating the Borrowing Base.

                 "Business Day" means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in Montreal,
Quebec, The City of New York or the city in which the Corporate Trust Office is
located are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

                 "Canadian Pension Plan" means a pension plan that is required
to be registered under any Canadian federal laws, regulations, rules or other
requirements of any Canadian province.

                 "Capital Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any common
stock, preferred stock and any other capital stock of such Person and shares,
interest, participations or other ownership interest (however designated), of
any Person and any rights (other than debt securities convertible into, or
exchangeable for, capital stock), warrants or options to purchase any of the
foregoing, including (without limitation) each class of common stock and
preferred stock of such Person if such Person is a corporation and each general
and limited partnership interest of such Person if such Person is a
partnership.

                 "Capitalized Lease Obligation" means Indebtedness represented
by obligations under a lease that is required to be capitalized for financial
reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP and the amount of such Indebtedness
shall be the capitalized amount of such obligations determined in accordance
with GAAP.

                 "Cash Equivalents" means, (i) any evidence of Indebtedness
with a maturity of one year or less from the date of acquisition issued or
directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States of America or any
agency or instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of
the United States of America is pledged in support thereof); (ii) certificates
of deposit or acceptances with a maturity of one year or less from the date of
acquisition of any financial institution that is a member of the Federal
Reserve System having combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not
less than $250,000,000; (iii) commercial paper with a maturity of one year or
less from the date of acquisition issued by a corporation that is not an
Affiliate of the Company organized under the laws of any state of the United
States of America or the District of Columbia and rated at least A-1 by S&P or
at least P-1 by Moody's or at least an equivalent rating category of another
nationally





                                     - 5 -
<PAGE>   17
recognized securities rating agency; (iv) any money market deposit accounts
issued or offered by a domestic commercial bank having capital and surplus in
excess of $250,000,000; and (v) repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase
agreements relating to marketable direct obligations issued or unconditionally
guaranteed by the government of the United States of America or issued by any
agency thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of
America, in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition;
provided that the terms of such agreements comply with the guidelines set forth
in the Federal Financial Agreements of Depository Institutions With Securities
Dealers and Others, as adopted by the Comptroller of the Currency on October
31, 1985.

                 "Cash Flow" for any period means the Consolidated Net Income
of PAAC, the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, plus the
following to the extent included in calculating such Consolidated Net Income:
(i) Consolidated Interest Expense, (ii) income tax expense and (iii)
depreciation, depletion and amortization expense.

                 "Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of the
following: (i) a "person" or "group" (as such terms are used in Sections
14(d)(2) and 13(d)(3), respectively, of the Exchange Act), other than
Substantial Shareholders, is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in
Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of at least 50% of the outstanding voting
power of the fully diluted Voting Stock of Pioneer or PAAC, (ii) the adoption
of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of Pioneer or PAAC, (iii)
the merger, amalgamation or consolidation of Pioneer or PAAC with or into
another corporation with the effect that the stockholders of Pioneer or PAAC
immediately prior to such merger, amalgamation or consolidation cease to be the
"beneficial owners" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of 50% or
more of the combined voting power of the securities of the surviving
corporation of such merger, amalgamation or consolidation or the corporation
resulting from such merger, amalgamation or consolidation ordinarily (and apart
from rights arising under special circumstances) having the right to vote in
the election of directors outstanding immediately after such merger,
amalgamation or consolidation, (iv) during any period of two consecutive
calendar years individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the
board of directors of Pioneer or PAAC (together with any new directors whose
election by the board of directors of Pioneer or PAAC, or whose nomination for
election by the shareholders of Pioneer or PAAC, was approved by a vote of a
majority of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the
beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was
previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the
directors of Pioneer or PAAC then in office or (v) the Company ceases to be a
wholly-owned





                                     - 6 -
<PAGE>   18
direct or indirect subsidiary of Pioneer or PAAC. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have occurred under
clause (v) above solely as a result of a merger, amalgamation, consolidation or
similar arrangement of the Company with or into Pioneer or PAAC provided that
such merger, amalgamation, consolidation or similar arrangement is permitted by
Article Eight of this Indenture.

                 "Closing Date" means November 5, 1997, the date of
consummation of the offering and sale of the Initial Securities.

                 "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

                 "Collateral" means, collectively, (a) first priority liens on
and security interests in substantially all tangible and intangible property
and assets used in the North American chlor-alkali business of the Company, PCI
Carolina and Pioneer Licensing (other than interests in "Obligor Collateral" as
defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement (which for purposes of this
definition, shall mean the Revolving Credit Agreement as in effect on the date
hereof)) including, but not limited to the Company's interest in owned and
leased facilities (including real property, buildings, fixtures and certain
equipment) at Becancour, Quebec; Dalhousie, New Brunswick; Cornwall, Ontario;
Mississauga, Ontario and Point Tupper, Nova Scotia and any Collateral as
defined in the Intercreditor Agreement and (b) upon the granting thereof by
PCAC to the Collateral Agent in accordance with the provisions of Section
1401(b) hereof, the St. Gabriel Pipeline Lien.

                 "Collateral Agent" means United States Trust Company of New
York, as collateral agent under this Indenture, the Term Loan Agreement and the
Intercreditor Agreement, and any successor thereto.

                 "Collateral Proceeds" has the meaning specified in Section
1009 of this Indenture.

                 "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as
from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or if at any
time after the execution of this Indenture such Commission is not existing and
performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then
the body performing such duties at such time.

                 "Company" means PCI Chemicals Canada Inc., a corporation
incorporated under the laws of New Brunswick, until a successor Person shall
have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and
thereafter "Company" shall mean such successor Person.





                                     - 7 -
<PAGE>   19
                 "Company Common Stock" means the common shares, par value $.01
share, of the Company.

                 "Company Request" or "Company Order" means a written request
or order signed in the name of the Company by any one of its Chairman of the
Board of Directors, its President or a Vice President (regardless of vice
presidential designation), and by any one of its Treasurer, an Assistant
Treasurer, its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the
Trustee.

                 "Consolidated Cash Flow Coverage Ratio" as of any date of
determination means the ratio of (i) the aggregate amount of Cash Flow for the
period of the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters for which internal
financial statements are available prior to the date of such determination to
(ii) Consolidated Interest Expense for such four fiscal quarters of the
Company, PAAC and the Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however, that (A) if
the Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary has incurred any Indebtedness
since the beginning of such period that remains outstanding or if the
transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Cash Flow
Coverage Ratio is an incurrence of Indebtedness, or both, Cash Flow and
Consolidated Interest Expense for such period shall be calculated after giving
effect on a pro forma basis to such Indebtedness as if such Indebtedness had
been issued on the first day of such period and the discharge of any other
Indebtedness repaid, repurchased, defeased or otherwise discharged with the
proceeds of such new Indebtedness as if such discharge had occurred on the
first day of such period, (B) if since the beginning of such period the
Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary has made any Asset Sale, the Cash
Flow for such period shall be reduced by an amount equal to the Cash Flow (if
positive), directly attributable to the assets which are the subject of such
Asset Sale for such period, or increased by an amount equal to the Cash Flow
(if negative), directly attributable thereto for such period and Consolidated
Interest Expense for such period shall be reduced by an amount equal to the
Consolidated Interest Expense directly attributable to any Indebtedness of the
Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary repaid, repurchased, defeased or
otherwise discharged with respect to the Company, PAAC and the continuing
Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any such sale or other disposition
for such period (or, if the Capital Stock of any Subsidiary of the Company or
PAAC is sold, the Consolidated Interest Expense for such period directly
attributable to the Indebtedness of such Subsidiary of the Company or PAAC to
the extent the Company, PAAC and the continuing Restricted Subsidiaries are no
longer liable for such Indebtedness after such sale), (C) if since the
beginning of such period the Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary (by
merger or otherwise) has made an Investment in any Restricted Subsidiary (or
any Person which becomes a Restricted Subsidiary) or an





                                     - 8 -
<PAGE>   20
acquisition of assets, including any acquisition of assets occurring in
connection with a transaction causing a calculation to be made under this
Indenture, which constitutes all or substantially all of an operating unit of a
business, Cash Flow and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period shall be
calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto (including the incurrence of
any Indebtedness) as if such Investment or acquisition occurred on the first
day of such period and (D) in making such computation, Consolidated Interest
Expense attributable to any Indebtedness incurred under any revolving credit
facility shall be computed based on the average daily balance of such
Indebtedness during such period. For purposes of this definition, whenever pro
forma effect is to be given to an acquisition of assets, the amount of income
or earnings relating thereto, and the amount of Consolidated Interest Expense
associated with any Indebtedness incurred in connection therewith, the pro
forma calculations shall be determined in good faith by a responsible financial
or accounting officer of the Company. If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate
of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such
Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the date of
determination had been the applicable rate for the entire period.

                 "Consolidated Interest Expense" means, for any period,
interest expense of the Company, PAAC and the consolidated Restricted
Subsidiaries, excluding amortization of any deferred financing fees, plus, to
the extent not included in such interest expense, (i) interest expense
attributable to Capitalized Lease Obligations, (ii) amortization of debt
discount and debt issuance cost, (iii) capitalized interest, (iv) non-cash
interest expense, (v) commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed
with respect to letters of credit and bankers' acceptance financing, (vi)
interest actually paid by the Company, PAAC or any such Restricted Subsidiary
under any guarantee of Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person,
(vii) net costs associated with Hedging Obligations (including amortization of
fees), (viii) Preferred Stock dividends in respect of all Redeemable Stock of
the Company or PAAC held by Persons other than the Company, PAAC or a
Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC and (ix) the cash contributions to
any employee stock ownership plan or similar trust to the extent such
contributions are used by such plan or trust to pay interest or fees to any
Person (other than the Company or PAAC) in connection with loans incurred by
such plan or trust to purchase newly issued or treasury shares of the Capital
Stock of the Company or PAAC.

                 "Consolidated Net Income" means, for any period, and as to any
Person, the aggregate Net Income of such Person and its Subsidiaries (other
than, in the case of the Company or PAAC, the Unrestricted Subsidiaries) for
such period determined in





                                     - 9 -
<PAGE>   21
accordance with GAAP; provided that (i) the Net Income of any Person which is
not a Subsidiary of such Person but which is consolidated with such Person or
is accounted for by such Person by the equity method of accounting shall be
included only to the extent of the amount of cash dividends or cash
distributions paid to such Person or a wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary of
such Person (other than, in the case of the Company or PAAC, the Unrestricted
Subsidiaries), (ii) the Net Income of any Person acquired by such Person or a
Subsidiary of such Person in a pooling of interests transaction for any period
prior to the date of such acquisition shall be excluded, (iii) the Net Income
of any Subsidiary of such Person that is subject to restrictions, direct or
indirect, on the payment of dividends or the making of distributions to such
Person shall be excluded to the extent of such restrictions, (iv) the Net
Income of (A) any Unrestricted Subsidiary and (B) any Subsidiary of the Company
or PAAC less than 80% of whose securities having the right (apart from the
right under special circumstances) to vote in the election of directors are
owned by the Company, PAAC or the Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiaries of PAAC
shall be included only to the extent of the amount of cash dividends or cash
distributions actually paid by such Subsidiary to the Company, PAAC or a
Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC, (v) in the case of the Company or
PAAC, the Net Income attributable to any business, properties or assets
acquired (by way of merger, consolidation, purchase or otherwise) by the
Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary for any period prior to the date of
such acquisition shall be excluded, (vi) all extraordinary gains and losses,
and any gain or loss realized upon the termination of any employee pension
benefit plan, in respect of dispositions of assets other than in the ordinary
course of business and any one-time increase or decrease to Net Income which is
required to be recorded because of the adoption of new accounting policies,
practices or standards required by GAAP (together, in each case, with any
provision for taxes) shall be excluded, and (vii) all amounts of "other income,
net" classified as such on one or more lines of such Person's statement of
operations, in accordance with GAAP, net of applicable income taxes, shall be
excluded from such Person's aggregate Net Income; provided that in the case of
the Company or PAAC the foregoing exclusion shall not apply to cash dividends
or cash distributions paid to PAAC in respect of PAAC's indirect equity
interest in Saguaro Power Company, a Limited Partnership, to the extent
included in clause (i) of this definition.

                 "Consolidated Net Worth" means, for any Person, the total of
the amounts shown on the balance sheet of such Person and its consolidated
Subsidiaries (other than, in the case of the Company or PAAC, the Unrestricted
Subsidiaries), determined on a consolidated basis without duplication in
accordance with GAAP, as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter of such
Person





                                     - 10 -
<PAGE>   22
ending at least 45 days prior to the taking of any action for the purpose of
which the determination is being made, as (i) the amount of Capital Stock
(other than Redeemable Stock) plus (ii) the amount of surplus and retained
earnings (or, in the case of a surplus or retained earnings deficit, minus the
amount of such deficit).

                 "Contingent Payment Agreement" means the Contingent Payment
Agreement dated as of April 20, 1995 among Pioneer, PAAC and the Sellers named
therein.

                 "Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Trustee or an
affiliate or agent thereof at which at any particular time the corporate trust
business for the purposes of this Indenture shall be principally administered,
which office at the date of execution of this Indenture is located at 114 West
47th Street, New York, New York 10036-1532, Attention: Corporate Trust
Division.

                 "Credit Facility" means any revolving credit facility or
similar arrangement that makes credit available entered into by and among the
Company, PAAC and/or any Guarantor and the lending institutions party thereto,
including any credit agreement, related notes, guarantees, collateral
documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and in
each case as amended, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced from
time to time.

                 "Default" means any event which is, or after notice or passage
of any time or both would be, an Event of Default.

                 "Depositary" means The Depository Trust Company, its nominees
and their respective successors.

                 "Eligible Investments" means, (i) securities issued or
directly and fully guaranteed or insured by Canada or the United States of
America or any agency or instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith
and credit of Canada or the United States of America is pledged in support
thereof) having maturities of not more than 90 days from the date of
acquisition, (ii) time deposits and certificates of deposit with maturities of
not more than 90 days from the date of acquisition, of any commercial banking
institution to which the Bank Act (Canada) applies that is a member of the
Federal Reserve System having capital and surplus in excess of $500,000,000,
whose debt has a rating at the time of any such investment of at least "A-2" or
the equivalent thereof by S&P or at least "P-2" or the equivalent thereof by
Moody's or any bank or financial institution party to the Term Loan Agreement,
the Existing Term Facility or the Revolving Credit Agreement, (iii) fully
secured repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for





                                     - 11 -
<PAGE>   23
underlying securities of the types described in clause (i) entered into with
any bank or financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in
clause (ii) above, (iv) commercial paper issued by any commercial banking
institution to which the Bank Act (Canada) applies or that is a member of the
Federal Reserve System having capital and surplus in excess of $500,000,000 and
commercial paper or master notes of issuers, rated at the time of any such
investment at least "A-2" or the equivalent thereof by S&P or at least "P-2" or
the equivalent thereof by Moody's or any bank or financial institution party to
the Term Loan Agreement, the Existing Term Facility or the Revolving Credit
Agreement, and in each case maturing within 270 days after the date of
acquisition, and (v) any shares in an open-end mutual fund organized by a bank
or financial institution having combined capital and surplus of at least
$500,000,000 investing solely in investments permitted by the foregoing clauses
(i), (ii) and (iv).

                 "Equity Interests" means shares, interests, participations or
other equivalents (however designated) of Capital Stock and all warrants,
options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt
security which is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).

                 "Equity Offering" means an offering of Equity Interests (other
than Redeemable Stock) of any Person made on a primary basis by such Person
(including a rights offering to existing stockholders of such Person), which
yields gross proceeds to such Person of $15,000,000 or more.

 "Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Article Five of this Indenture.

                 "Excess Land" means certain real property adjoining the sites
of PCAC's Henderson, Nevada and St.  Gabriel, Louisiana plants and the Mojave,
California property owned by Imperial West that is not used in the business
conducted at such sites, which real property is referred to and defined in the
Contingent Payment Agreement as the "Subject Parcels."

                 "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

                 "Exchange Notes" means Securities issued pursuant to any
Exchange Offer Registration Statement and guaranteed by the Guarantors.

                 "Exchange Offer" means the offer which may be made by the
Company pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement to exchange the Initial
Securities for the Exchange Notes.





                                     - 12 -
<PAGE>   24
                 "Exchange Offer Registration Statement" means the registration
statement to be filed by the Company and the Guarantors with the Commission
with respect to an offer to exchange the Securities for another series of
senior secured notes of the Company and guarantees by the Guarantors registered
under the Securities Act with substantially identical terms to the Initial
Securities.

                 "Execution Date" means October 30, 1997, the date of the
execution of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and certain of the
Security Documents.

                 "Existing Affiliate Agreements" means (i) agreements between
PAI or any of its subsidiaries and Saguaro Power Company, a Limited
Partnership, relating to the delivery of steam and other services, existing on
the Execution Date and listed on Schedule 1 hereto, (ii) the Tax Sharing
Agreement and (iii) agreements between PAI or any of its subsidiaries and Basic
Investments, Inc. relating to the delivery of water and power, power
transmission services, and other services, existing on the Execution Date and
listed on Schedule 1 hereto and (iv) any other agreements with affiliates of
the Company or PAAC, existing on the Execution Date and listed on Schedule 1
hereto.

                 "Existing Indebtedness" means all Indebtedness (other than
Indebtedness outstanding under the Term Loan Agreement and the Revolving Credit
Agreement) of the Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary existing on the
Execution Date and listed on Schedule 2 hereto.

                 "Existing Senior Secured Indenture" means the indenture dated
as of June 17, 1997, among PAAC, PAI, PCAC, Imperial West, All-Pure, Black
Mountain, All Pure Chemical Northwest, Inc., Pioneer Chlor Alkali
International, Inc., G.O.W. Corporation, Pioneer (East), Inc., T.C. Holdings,
Inc., T.C. Products, Inc. and United States Trust Company of New York, as
trustee, including and together with any and all related notes, guarantees,
instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, as such indenture
and/or related documents may be amended, restated, supplemented, renewed,
replaced or otherwise modified from time to time.

                 "Existing Senior Secured Notes" means PAAC's 9 1/4% Senior
Secured Notes due 2007, representing an aggregate principal amount of up to
$200,000,000 issued pursuant to the Existing Senior Secured Indenture, as such
Existing Senior Secured Notes may be exchanged, replaced, amended, restated,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

                 "Existing Term Facility" means the loan agreement dated as of
June 17, 1997, among PAAC, the Term Loan Agent and the





                                     - 13 -
<PAGE>   25
lenders named therein, including and together with any and all related notes,
guarantees, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, as
such loan agreement and/or related documents may be amended, restated,
supplemented, renewed, replaced or otherwise modified from time to time.

                 "Fair Market Value" means, with respect to any asset or
property, the price which could be negotiated in an arm's-length transaction,
for cash, between a willing seller and a willing buyer, neither of whom is
under undue pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction. Fair Market
Value shall be determined by a majority of the members of the Board of
Directors, and a majority of the disinterested members of such Board of
Directors, if any, acting in good faith and shall be evidenced by a duly and
properly adopted resolution of the Board of Directors.

                 "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States of America set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the
Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as approved by
a significant segment of the accounting profession, which are in effect from
time to time.

                 "Guarantee" means the guarantee by any Guarantor of the
Company's Indenture Obligations pursuant to a guarantee given in accordance
with this Indenture, including, without limitation, the Guarantees by the
Guarantors included in Article Thirteen of this Indenture and any Guarantee
delivered pursuant to Section 1019 hereof.

                 "Guarantor" means the entities listed as Guarantors in this
Indenture or any other guarantor of the Indenture Obligations.

                 "Hedging Obligations" means the obligations of any Person or
entity pursuant to any swap or cap agreement, exchange agreement, collar
agreement, option, futures or forward hedging contract, derivative instrument
or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect such Person or
entity against fluctuations in interest rates or foreign exchange rates or the
price of raw materials and other chemical products used or produced in the
Company's or PAAC's business, as the case may be.

                 "Holder" means a Person in whose name a Security is registered
in the Security Register.

                 "ICI" means Imperial Chemical Industries PLC, a United Kingdom
corporation, and any successor thereto.





                                     - 14 -
<PAGE>   26
                 "ICI Americas" means ICI Americas Inc., a Delaware
corporation, and any successor thereto.

                 "ICI Canada" means ICI Canada, Inc., a Canadian corporation,
and any successor thereto.

                 "Imperial West" means Imperial West Chemical Co., a Nevada
corporation, and any successor thereto.

                 "incur" has the meaning ascribed in Section 1008 hereof;
provided that (a) with respect to any Indebtedness of the Company, PAAC or any
Restricted Subsidiary that is owing to the Company, PAAC or another Restricted
Subsidiary, any disposition, pledge or transfer of such Indebtedness to any
Person (other than the Company, PAAC or a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of
PAAC) shall be deemed to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness and (b) with
respect to any Indebtedness of the Company, PAAC or a Restricted Subsidiary
that is owing to another Restricted Subsidiary, any transaction pursuant to
which a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC to which such Indebtedness
is owing ceases to be a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC shall be
deemed to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness, and provided, further that any
Indebtedness of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted
Subsidiary shall be deemed to be incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary at the
time it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary. The term "incurrence" has a
corresponding meaning.

                 "Indebtedness" of any Person means, without duplication, all
liabilities with respect to (i) indebtedness for money borrowed or which is
evidenced by a bond, debenture, note or other similar instrument or agreement,
but excluding trade credit evidenced by any such instrument or agreement; (ii)
reimbursement obligations, letters of credit and bankers' acceptances; (iii)
indebtedness with respect to Hedging Obligations; (iv) Capitalized Lease
Obligations; (v) indebtedness, secured or unsecured, created or arising in
connection with the acquisition or improvement of any property or asset or the
acquisition of any business; (vi) all indebtedness secured by any Lien upon
property owned by such Person and all indebtedness secured in the manner
specified in this clause even if such Person has not assumed or become liable
for the payment thereof; (vii) all indebtedness of such Person created or
arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with
respect to property acquired by such Person or otherwise representing the
deferred and unpaid balance of the purchase price of any such property,
including all indebtedness created or arising in the manner specified in this
clause even though the rights and remedies of the seller or lender under such
agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such
property; (viii) guarantees, direct or indirect, of any indebtedness of other
Persons referred





                                     - 15 -
<PAGE>   27
to in clauses (i) through (vii) above, or of dividends or leases, taxes or
other obligations of other Persons, excluding any guarantee arising out of the
endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of
business; (ix) contingent obligations in respect of, or to purchase or
otherwise acquire or be responsible or liable for, through the purchase of
products or services, irrespective of whether such products are delivered or
such services are rendered, or otherwise, any such indebtedness referred to in
clauses (i) through (vii) above; (x) any obligation, contingent or otherwise,
arising under any surety, performance or maintenance bond; and (xi) Redeemable
Stock of the Company or PAAC valued at the greater of its voluntary or
involuntary maximum fixed repurchase price plus accrued and unpaid dividends;
which indebtedness, Capitalized Lease Obligation, guarantee or contingent or
other obligation such Person has directly or indirectly created, incurred,
assumed, guaranteed or otherwise become liable or responsible for, whether then
outstanding or thereafter created in the case of clauses (i) through (x) above,
to the extent any of the foregoing indebtedness (other than letters of credit
and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability on the balance sheet of
such Person in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of the foregoing definition,
the "maximum fixed repurchase price" of any Redeemable Stock which does not
have a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms
of such Redeemable Stock as if such Redeemable Stock were purchased on any date
on which Indebtedness is required to be determined pursuant to this Indenture.
As used herein, Indebtedness with respect to any Hedging Obligation means, with
respect to any specified Person on any date, the net amount (if any) that would
be payable by such specified Person upon the liquidation, close-out or early
termination on such date of such Hedging Obligation. For purposes of the
foregoing, any settlement amount payable upon the liquidation, close-out or
early termination of a Hedging Obligation shall be calculated by the Company in
good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner on the basis that such
liquidation, close-out or early termination results from an event of default or
other similar event with respect to such specified Person. Any reference in
this definition to indebtedness shall be deemed to include any renewals,
extensions and refundings of any such indebtedness or any indebtedness issued
in exchange for such indebtedness.

                 "Indenture Obligations" means the obligations of the Company
and any other obligor under this Indenture or under the Securities, including
any Guarantor, to pay principal, premium, if any, interest and Liquidated
Damages, if any, when due and payable, and all other amounts due or to become
due under or in connection with this Indenture (including, without limitation,
all sums due to the Trustee pursuant to Section 606 hereof), the Securities and
the performance of all other obligations to the





                                     - 16 -
<PAGE>   28
Trustee and the Holders under this Indenture and the Securities, according to
the terms hereof and thereof.

                 "Independent Director" means a director of the Company and/or
PAAC other than a director (i) who (apart from being a director of the Company,
PAAC or any of its Subsidiaries) is an employee, insider, associate or
Affiliate of the Company, PAAC or any of their Subsidiaries or has held any
such position during the previous year or (ii) who is a director, an employee,
insider, associate or Affiliate of another party to the transaction in
question.

                 "Initial Purchasers" means Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
Securities Corporation and Salomon Brothers Inc.

                 "Initial Securities" means the Securities issued on the
Closing Date and guaranteed by the Guarantors.

                 "Insurance Proceeds" has the meaning specified in each
Mortgage.

                 "Intercreditor Agreement" means the Intercreditor and
Collateral Agency Agreement dated as of October 30, 1997 among the Company,
PAAC, PAI, the Trustee, the Term Loan Agent, the Bank of America Trust and
Savings Association, as agent under the Revolving Credit Agreement and the
Collateral Agent.

                 "Intercreditor Collateral Account" means the Collateral
Account as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement.

                 "Interest Payment Date" means the Stated Maturity of an
installment of interest on the Securities.

                 "Investment" means any direct or indirect advance, loan, other
extension of credit or capital contribution (by means of any transfer of cash
or other property to others or any payment for property or services for the
account or use of others) to, purchase or acquisition of Equity Interests,
bonds, notes, debentures or other securities of, or purchase or other
acquisition of all or a substantial part of the business, Equity Interests or
other evidence of beneficial ownership of, or any other investment in or
guarantee of any Indebtedness of, any Person or any other item that would be
classified as an investment on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with
GAAP. Investments do not include advances to customers and suppliers in the
ordinary course of business and on commercially reasonable terms.  In the event
the Company, PAAC or any Subsidiary of either sells or otherwise disposes of
any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect Subsidiary of either such that,
after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a
Subsidiary of either, the Company, PAAC or such Subsidiary





                                     - 17 -
<PAGE>   29
shall be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or
disposition equal to the Fair Market Value of the Equity Interests of such
Subsidiary not sold or disposed of determined as provided in the final
paragraph of Section 1006 hereof.

                 "Kemwater" means Kemwater North America Company, a Delaware
corporation, and any successor thereto.

                 "Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest,
charge or encumbrance of any kind (including any conditional sale or other
title retention agreement and any lease in the nature thereof).

                 "Liquidated Damages" means all liquidated damages owing to the
Holders pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

                 "Majority Holders" has the meaning specified in the
Intercreditor Agreement.

                 "Maturity" when used with respect to any Security means the
date on which the principal of such Security becomes due and payable as therein
provided or as provided in this Indenture, whether at Stated Maturity, the
Asset Sale Purchase Date, the Change of Control Payment Date, or the Redemption
Date and whether by declaration of acceleration, Change of Control, call for
redemption or otherwise.

                 "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or any
successor rating agency.

                 "Mortgage" means each mortgage, deed of trust, pledge,
debenture, debenture pledge, hypothec or similar security instrument which from
time to time affects any property that secures the Company's obligations in
respect of this Indenture and its guarantee under the Term Loan Agreement, the
obligations of any Guarantor in respect of its Guarantee under this Indenture,
or the obligations of PAI or any other Guarantor under the Term Loan Agreement
and Term Loan Notes and guarantees thereof issued under or in connection with
the Term Loan Agreement, as such instruments may be amended, supplemented or
otherwise modified from time to time.

                 "Mortgaged Property" means the Collateral specified in each
Mortgage.

                 "Net Award" has the meaning specified in each Mortgage.

                 "Net Cash Proceeds" means, with respect to any issuance or
sale of Equity Interests or debt securities that have been converted into or
exchanged for Equity Interests, as referred to





                                     - 18 -
<PAGE>   30
under Section 1006 hereof, the proceeds of such issuance or sale in the form of
cash or cash equivalents, net of attorneys' fees, accountants' fees and
brokerage, consultation, underwriting and other fees and expenses actually
incurred in connection with such issuance or sale and net of taxes paid or
payable as a result thereof.

                 "Net Income" of any Person, for any period, means the net
income (loss) of such Person and its subsidiaries (other than, in the case of
the Company or PAAC, the Unrestricted Subsidiaries) determined in accordance
with GAAP.

                 "Net Proceeds" means the aggregate cash proceeds received by
the Company, PAAC or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset
Sale (including, without limitation, the proceeds of insurance paid on account
of the loss of or damage to any property, or compensation or other proceeds for
any property taken by condemnation, eminent domain or similar proceedings, and
any non-cash consideration received by the Company, PAAC or any Restricted
Subsidiary from any Asset Sale that is converted into or sold or otherwise
disposed of for cash within 90 days after the relevant Asset Sale), net of (i)
the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale (including, without limitation,
legal, accounting and investment banking fees and sales commissions), (ii) any
taxes paid or payable as a result thereof, (iii) all amounts required to be
applied to the repayment of, or representing the amount of permanent reductions
in the commitments relating to, Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the asset or
assets the subject of such Asset Sale which Lien is permitted pursuant to the
terms of this Indenture, (iv) any reserve for adjustment in respect of the sale
price of such asset or assets required by GAAP, (v) all distributions and other
payments required to be made (including any amounts held pending distribution)
to minority interest holders in Subsidiaries of the Company or PAAC or joint
ventures as a result of such Asset Sale, and (vi) all payments due under
Existing Affiliate Agreements arising out of an Asset Sale. The amount of any
taxes required to be accrued as a liability under GAAP as a consequence of an
Asset Sale shall be the amount thereof as determined in good faith by the Board
of Directors.

                 "New Credit Facilities" means the Term Loan Agreement and the
Revolving Credit Agreement.

                 "Offering Memorandum" means the offering memorandum of the
Company, dated October 22, 1997, in connection with the offer and sale of the
Initial Securities.

                 "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the
Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman, the President or a Vice President
(regardless of vice presidential designation), and by





                                     - 19 -
<PAGE>   31
the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary,
of the Company or any Guarantor, as the case may be, and delivered to the
Trustee.

                 "Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who
may be counsel for the Company, any of the Guarantors or the Trustee, unless an
Opinion of Independent Counsel is required pursuant to the terms of this
Indenture, and who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

                 "Opinion of Independent Counsel" means a written opinion of
counsel issued by someone who is not an employee or consultant of the Company
or any Guarantor and who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

                 "Outstanding" when used with respect to Securities means, as
of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and
delivered under this Indenture, except:

                 (a)      Securities theretofore canceled by the Trustee or
delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

                 (b)      Securities, or portions thereof, for whose payment or
         redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore
         deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the
         Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company
         (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders;
         provided that if such Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such
         redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision
         therefor reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;

                 (c)      Securities, except to the extent provided in Sections
         402 and 403 hereof, with respect to which the Company has effected
         defeasance or covenant defeasance as provided in Article Four; and

                 (d)      Securities in exchange for or in lieu of which other
         Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this
         Indenture, other than any such Securities in respect of which there
         shall have been presented to the Trustee proof reasonably satisfactory
         to it that such Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose
         hands the Securities are valid obligations of the Company;

provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite
principal amount of Outstanding Securities have given any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Securities owned
by the Company, any Guarantor,





                                     - 20 -
<PAGE>   32
or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company, any
Guarantor, or such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be
Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected
in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice,
consent or waiver, only Securities which the Trustee knows to be so owned shall
be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith
may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the reasonable
satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such
Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company, any guarantor or any other
obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company, any Guarantor or
such other obligor.

                 "PAAC" means Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp., a Delaware
corporation, and any successor thereto.

                 "PAI" means Pioneer Americas, Inc., a Delaware corporation,
and any successor thereto.

                 "Paying Agent" means any person authorized by the Company to
pay the principal of, premium, if any, interest or Liquidated Damages, if any,
on any Securities on behalf of the Company.

                 "PCAC" means Pioneer Chlor Alkali Company, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, and any successor thereto.

                 "PCI Carolina" means PCI Carolina, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, and any successor thereto.

                 "Permitted Indebtedness" means, collectively, the following:

                 (a) Indebtedness of the Company evidenced by the Initial
         Securities, the Exchange Notes and Indebtedness of any Guarantor
         evidenced by the Guarantees with respect thereto;

                 (b) Indebtedness of PAI evidenced by the Term Loan Notes and
         Indebtedness of the Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary
         evidenced by the guarantees with respect to the Term Loan Notes.

                 (c) Indebtedness of the Company, PAAC or any Restricted
         Subsidiary constituting Existing Indebtedness and any extension,
         deferral, renewal, refinancing or refunding thereof;

                 (d) Indebtedness of the Company, PAAC or any Restricted
         Subsidiary incurred under one or more Credit Facilities in





                                     - 21 -
<PAGE>   33
         an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to
         exceed the Borrowing Base at the time such Indebtedness was incurred,
         less the aggregate amount of all permanent repayments of revolving
         loans under such Credit Facilities made in accordance with Section
         1009(b)(i) hereof.

                 (e) Capitalized Lease Obligations of the Company, PAAC or any
         Restricted Subsidiary and Indebtedness of the Company, PAAC or any
         Restricted Subsidiary secured by Liens that secure the payment of all
         or part of the purchase price of assets or property acquired or
         constructed in the ordinary course of business after the Closing Date;
         provided, however, that the aggregate principal amount of such
         Capitalized Lease Obligations plus such Indebtedness of the Company,
         PAAC and all of the Restricted Subsidiaries does not exceed
         $10,000,000 outstanding at any time;

                 (f) Indebtedness of the Company to PAAC, or of the Company or
         PAAC to any Restricted Subsidiary, or of PAAC to the Company or any
         Restricted Subsidiary or of any Restricted Subsidiary to the Company,
         PAAC or another Restricted Subsidiary (but only so long as such
         Indebtedness is held by the Company, PAAC or a Restricted Subsidiary);

                 (g) Indebtedness under Hedging Obligations, provided, however,
         that, in the case of foreign currency exchange or similar agreements
         which relate to other Indebtedness, such agreements do not increase
         the Indebtedness of the Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary
         outstanding other than as a result of fluctuations in foreign currency
         exchange rates, and in the case of interest rate protection
         agreements, only if the notional principal amount of such interest
         rate protection agreement does not exceed the principal amount of the
         Indebtedness to which such interest rate protection agreement relates;

                 (h) Indebtedness in respect of performance, completion,
         guarantee, surety and similar bonds, banker's acceptances or letters
         of credit provided by the Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary
         in the ordinary course of business;

                 (i) In addition to any Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be
         Incurred under this Indenture, up to $10,000,000 aggregate principal
         amount of Indebtedness at any one time outstanding; and

                 (j) Any refinancing, refunding, deferral, renewal or extension
         (each, a "Refinancing") of any Indebtedness of the Company, PAAC or
         any Restricted Subsidiary permitted by the initial paragraph of
         Section 1008 hereof or described in





                                     - 22 -
<PAGE>   34
         clauses (a) and (b) of this definition (the "Refinancing
         Indebtedness"); provided, however, that (i) such Refinancing
         Indebtedness does not exceed the aggregate principal amount of
         Indebtedness so refinanced, plus the amount of any premium required to
         be paid in connection with such Refinancing in accordance with the
         terms of such Indebtedness or the amount of any premium reasonably
         determined by the Board of Directors as necessary to accomplish such
         Refinancing, plus the amount of reasonable and customary out-of-pocket
         fees and expenses payable in connection therewith, (ii) the
         Refinancing Indebtedness does not provide for any mandatory
         redemption, amortization or sinking fund requirement in an amount
         greater than or at a time prior to the amounts and times specified in
         the Indebtedness being refinanced, refunded, deferred, renewed or
         extended and (iii) if the Indebtedness being refinanced, refunded,
         deferred, renewed or extended is subordinated to the Securities, the
         Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to refinance, refund, defer, renew
         or extend such Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to the
         Securities on terms at least as favorable to the Holders as those
         contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being so
         refinanced, refunded, deferred, renewed or extended.

                 "Permitted Investment" means (i) any Eligible Investment, (ii)
any Investment in the Company, (iii) Investments in existence on the Closing
Date, and any such Investment in Basic Investments, Inc., Basic Land Company,
Basic Management, Inc., Basic Water Company or Victory Valley Land Company,
L.P. which has been reclassified or converted into an alternate form of
Investment in the same or a successor entity, (iv) intercompany notes permitted
under clause (f) of the definition of "Permitted Indebtedness" herein, (v)
Investments in any Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC or any Person
which, as a result of such Investment, becomes a Wholly-Owned Restricted
Subsidiary of PAAC; provided that such Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of
PAAC is engaged in a Related Business, and (vi) other Investments after the
Closing Date in joint ventures, corporations, limited liability companies,
partnerships or Unrestricted Subsidiaries engaged in a Related Business that do
not at any one time outstanding exceed $5,000,000 ; provided that the amount of
Investments pursuant to this clause (vi) shall be included in the calculation
of Restricted Payments pursuant to Section 1006 hereof.

                 "Permitted Liens" means as of any particular time, any one or
more of the following:

                 (a) Liens for taxes, rates and assessments not yet past due
         or, if past due, the validity of which is being contested in good
         faith by the Company, PAAC or any





                                     - 23 -
<PAGE>   35
         Restricted Subsidiary by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted
         and diligently conducted and against which the Company or PAAC has
         established appropriate reserves in accordance with GAAP;

                 (b) the Lien of any judgment rendered which is being contested
         in good faith by the Company, PAAC or any of the Restricted
         Subsidiaries by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and
         diligently conducted and against which the Company or PAAC has
         established appropriate reserves in accordance with GAAP and which
         does not have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Company,
         PAAC and the Restricted Subsidiaries to operate their business or
         operations;

                 (c) other than in connection with Indebtedness, any Lien
         arising in the ordinary course of business (i) to secure payments of
         workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, pension or other social
         security or retirement benefits, or to secure the performance of bids,
         tenders, leases, progress payments, contracts (other than for the
         payment of money) or to secure public or statutory obligations of the
         Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary, or to secure surety or
         appeal bonds to which the Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary
         is a party, (ii) imposed by law dealing with materialmen's,
         supplier's, mechanics', workmen's, repairmen's, warehousemen's,
         landlords', vendors' or carriers' Liens created by law, or deposits or
         pledges which are not yet due or, if due, the validity of which is
         being contested in good faith by the Company, PAAC or any Restricted
         Subsidiary by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and
         diligently conducted and against which the Company or PAAC has
         established appropriate reserves in accordance with GAAP, (iii) rights
         of financial institutions to setoff and chargeback arising by
         operation of law, and (iv) similar Liens;

                 (d) servitudes, licenses, easements, encumbrances,
         restrictions, rights-of-way and rights in the nature of easements or
         similar charges which shall not in the aggregate materially adversely
         impair the use of the subject property by the Company, PAAC or a
         Restricted Subsidiary;

                 (e) zoning and building by-laws and ordinances, municipal
         bylaws and regulations, and restrictive covenants, which do not
         materially interfere with the use of the subject property by the
         Company, PAAC or a Restricted Subsidiary as such property is used as
         of the Closing Date; and

                 (f) any extension, renewal, substitution or replacement (or
         successive extensions, renewals, substitutions or





                                     - 24 -
<PAGE>   36
         replacements), as a whole or in part, of any of the Liens referred to
         in clauses (a) through (e) of this definition or the Indebtedness
         secured thereby; provided that (i) such extension, renewal,
         substitution or replacement Lien is limited to that portion of the
         property or assets, now owned or hereafter acquired, that secured the
         Lien prior to such extension, renewal, substitution or replacement
         Lien and (ii) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien (assuming all
         available amounts were borrowed) at such time is not increased; and

                 (g) provisos, restrictions, limitations and reservations
         contained in any original grants from the Government of Canada, and
         any statutory limitations, exceptions, reservations and qualifications
         which will not in the aggregate materially adversely impair the use of
         the subject property by the Company, PAAC or a Restricted Subsidiary.

                 "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint-stock company,
trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political
subdivision thereof or any other entity.

                 "Pioneer" means Pioneer Companies, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, and any successor thereto.

                 "Predecessor Security" of any particular Security means every
previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that
evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this
definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 308 hereof
in exchange for a mutilated Security or in lieu of a lost, destroyed or stolen
Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, lost,
destroyed or stolen Security.

                 "Preferred Stock," as applied to the Equity Interests of any
corporation, means stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is
preferred over shares of stock of any other class of such corporation as to the
distribution of assets on any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or
dissolution of such corporation or as to dividends.

                 "Private Placement Legend" means the legend initially set
forth on the Securities in the form set forth in the first paragraph of Section
202 hereof.

                 "QIB" means a "qualified institutional buyer" as defined in
Rule 144A.



                                     - 25 -
<PAGE>   37
                 "Quebec Mortgage and Security Agreement" means a deed of
hypothec executed by an authorized representative of the Company in respect of
the Collateral located in Quebec, as amended, supplemented, amended and
restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

                 "Real Property" means any interest in any real property or any
portion thereof, whether owned in fee or leased or otherwise owned.

                 "Redeemable Stock" means any Equity Interest that by its terms
or otherwise (i) is required to be redeemed prior to the maturity of the
Securities, (ii) matures or is redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option
of the Company, PAAC, any Subsidiary of either the Company or PAAC or the
holder thereof or pursuant to a mandatory sinking fund at any time prior to the
maturity of the Securities, or (iii) is convertible into or exchangeable for
debt securities which provide for any scheduled payment of principal prior to
the maturity of the Securities at the option of the issuer at any time prior to
the maturity of the Securities, until the right to so convert or exchange is
irrevocably relinquished.

                 "Redemption Date" when used with respect to any Security to be
redeemed pursuant to any provision in this Indenture means the date fixed for
such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.

                 "Redemption Price" when used with respect to any Security to
be redeemed pursuant to any provision in this Indenture means the price at
which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.

                 "Registration Rights Agreement" means the Exchange and
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 5, 1997, by and among the
Company, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers, as the same may be modified
and supplemented and in effect from time to time.

                 "Registration Statement" means a Registration Statement as
defined and described in the Registration Rights Agreement.

                 "Regular Record Date" for the interest payable on any Interest
Payment Date means the April 1 or October 1 (whether or not a Business Day), as
the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date.

                 "Related Business" means any corporation or other entity
engaged in, and any asset utilized in, the manufacture or distribution of
chlorine, caustic soda, bleach, hydrochloric





                                     - 26 -
<PAGE>   38
acid, iron and other chlorides and aluminum sulfate, and in lines of business
reasonably related thereto.

                 "Resale Restriction Termination Date" means the date which is
two years after the later of the date of original issue of the Securities and
the last date on which the Company or any Affiliate of the Company was the
owner of such Securities (or any predecessor thereto).

                 "Responsible Officer" when used with respect to the Trustee
means any officer assigned to the Corporate Trust Office or the agent of the
Trustee appointed hereunder, including any vice president, assistant vice
president, assistant secretary, or any other officer or assistant officer of
the Trustee or the agent of the Trustee appointed hereunder to whom any
corporate trust matter is referred because of his or her knowledge of and
familiarity with the particular subject.

                 "Restoration" has the meaning set forth in each Mortgage.

                 "Restricted Investment" means any Investment other than a
Permitted Investment.

                 "Restricted Subsidiary" means (i) any Guarantor which is a
Subsidiary of PAAC, (ii) any Subsidiary of PAAC in existence on the Closing
Date to which any line of business or division (and the assets associated
therewith) of the Company or any Guarantor are transferred after the Closing
Date, (iii) any Subsidiary of the Company or PAAC organized or acquired after
the Closing Date, unless such Subsidiary has been designated as an Unrestricted
Subsidiary by a resolution of the Board of Directors as provided in the
definition of "Unrestricted Subsidiary" and (iv) any Unrestricted Subsidiary
which is designated as a Restricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors;
provided, that immediately after giving effect to any such designation (A) no
Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and (B) in the case
of any designation referred to in clause (iii) or (iv) hereof, the Company
could incur at least $1.00 of Indebtedness pursuant to the initial paragraph
under Section 1008 hereof, on a pro forma basis taking into account such
designation. The Company shall evidence any such designation to the Trustee by
promptly filing with the Trustee an Officers' Certificate certifying that such
designation has been made and complies with the requirements of the immediately
preceding sentence. Notwithstanding any provision of this Indenture to the
contrary, each Guarantor shall be a Restricted Subsidiary.

                 "Revolving Credit Agreement" means the Loan and Security
Agreement dated as of June 17, 1997, among PAAC and Bank of America Trust and
Savings Association, as agent and a lender,





                                     - 27 -
<PAGE>   39
and the other lenders named therein, as amended, supplemented or amended and
restated from time to time.

                 "Rule 144A" means Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

                 "St. Gabriel Pipeline" means the approximately seven-mile
liquid chlorine pipeline which PCAC intends to construct from its plant in St.
Gabriel, Louisiana to Geismar, Louisiana, including all leak and excavation
detection systems and all other equipment, fixtures, improvements, licenses,
permits, approvals, warranties, contract rights, leases, access agreements and
other real property interests owned or acquired by PCAC in connection therewith
(not including any "Mortgaged Property" as such term is defined in the Existing
Senior Secured Indenture), together with all insurance proceeds and
condemnation awards related thereto and all rents, issues, profits and proceeds
thereof.

                 "St. Gabriel Pipeline Lien" has the meaning specified in
Section 1401(b) of this Indenture.

                 "S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or any successor
rating agency.

                 "Sale and Leaseback Transaction" with respect to any Person,
means any arrangement with another Person for the leasing of any real or
tangible personal property, which property has been or is to be sold or
transferred by such Person to such other Person in contemplation of such
leasing.

                 "Secured Indebtedness" means any Senior Indebtedness (other
than the Securities) which by its terms is secured, and by the terms of this
Indenture is permitted to be secured, by Liens on the Collateral.

                 "Securities" means any of the securities, as defined in the
first paragraph of the recitals hereof, that are authenticated and delivered
under this Indenture. For all purposes of this Indenture, the term "Securities"
shall include any Exchange Notes to be issued and exchanged for any Initial
Securities pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement and this Indenture
and, for purposes of this Indenture, all Initial Securities and Exchange Notes
shall vote together as one series of securities under this Indenture.

                 "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

                 "Security Documents" means (i) each Mortgage, (ii) the
Intercreditor Agreement, (iii) the documentation relating to the Intercreditor
Collateral Account, and (iv) all security agreements, mortgages, deeds of
trust, hypothecs, debentures,





                                     - 28 -
<PAGE>   40
debenture pledges, bonds, bond pledges, pledge agreements, collateral
assignments or any other instrument, including without limitation, the Pipeline
Security Documents, evidencing or creating any security interest or lien in
favor of the Collateral Agent for its own account and for the account of the
Trustee and Holders in all or any portion of the Collateral, as the case may
be, in each case as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to
time.

                 "Security Register" and "Security Registrar" have the
respective meanings specified in Section 305 hereof.

                 "Seller Notes" means the subordinated installment notes of
Pioneer issued in connection with the acquisition by Pioneer of PAI.

                 "Senior Indebtedness" means the principal of, premium, if any,
and interest on any Indebtedness of the Company, PAAC or the Restricted
Subsidiaries, whether outstanding on the Closing Date or thereafter incurred as
permitted herein, unless, in the case of any particular Indebtedness, the
agreement or instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which
the same is outstanding expressly provides that such Indebtedness is junior or
subordinated in right of payment to any item of Indebtedness of the Company,
PAAC or the Restricted Subsidiaries.  Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, "Senior Indebtedness" includes the principal of, premium, if any,
and interest and all other obligations of every nature of the Company, PAAC or
any Restricted Subsidiary from time to time owed to the lenders (or their
agents) under the New Credit Facilities, the Existing Term Facility and the
Existing Senior Secured Indenture, as the case may be. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, "Senior Indebtedness" does not include (i) in the case of the
obligation of the Company in respect of each Security, the obligation of the
Company in respect of the other Securities, (ii) any liability for foreign
United States Federal, state or local, Canadian federal, provincial or local or
other taxes owed or owing by the Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary to
the extent that such liability constitutes Indebtedness, (iii) Indebtedness of
the Company to PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary or of any Restricted
Subsidiary to the Company, PAAC or another Restricted Subsidiary, (iv) that
portion of any Indebtedness which at the time of issuance is issued in
violation of this Indenture and (v) Indebtedness and amounts incurred in
connection with obtaining goods, materials or services in the ordinary course
of business (other than such Indebtedness which is owed to banks and other
financial institutions or secured by the goods or materials which were
purchased with such Indebtedness).

                 "Shelf Registration Statement" means any registration
statement filed by the Company and the Guarantors with the





                                     - 29 -
<PAGE>   41
Commission pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, other than an
Exchange Offer Registration Statement.

                 "Special Record Date" for the payment of any Defaulted
Interest means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 309 hereof.

                 "Stated Maturity" when used with respect to any Indebtedness
or any installment of interest thereon, means the date specified in such
Indebtedness as the fixed date on which the principal of such Indebtedness or
such installment of interest is due and payable.

                 "Subordinated Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of the Company,
PAAC or any Guarantor subordinated in right of payment to the Securities or any
Guarantee, as the case may be.

                 "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, (i) any
corporation of which the outstanding Capital Stock having at least a majority
of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors, under ordinary
circumstances, is at the time owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person, by
such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries or by one or more of such
Person's Subsidiaries or (ii) any other Person or entity of which at least a
majority of voting interest, under ordinary circumstances, is at the time
owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person, by such Person and one or more
of its Subsidiaries or by one or more of such Person's Subsidiaries.

                 "Substantial Shareholder" means each of (i) William R. Berkley
and his Affiliates and/or (ii) Interlaken Capital, Inc. and its Affiliates.

                 "Survey" has the meaning specified in the Intercreditor
Agreement.

                 "Tax Sharing Agreement" means the Tax Sharing Agreement dated
as of April 20, 1995 among Pioneer and its subsidiaries.

                 "Taxes" means any present or future tax, duty, levy, impost,
assessment or other governmental charge (including penalties, interest and
other liabilities related thereto) imposed or levied by or on behalf of the
government of Canada or of any province or territory thereof or by any
authority or agency therein or thereof having power to tax.

                 "Term Loan Agent" means Bank of America National Trust and
Savings Association as administrative agent for the lenders under the Term Loan
Agreement and any successor thereto.





                                     - 30 -
<PAGE>   42
                 "Term Loan Agreement" means the loan agreement dated as of
October 30, 1997, among PAI, PAAC, the Term Loan Agent, DLJ Capital Funding,
Inc., Salomon Brothers Holding Company Inc and the lenders named therein,
including and together with any and all related notes, bonds, guarantees,
instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, as such loan
agreement and/or related documents may be amended, restated, supplemented,
renewed, replaced or otherwise modified from time to time.

                 "Term Loan Notes" means the notes representing loans in an
initial aggregate principal amount of $100,000,000 made to PAI pursuant to the
Term Loan Agreement, as such notes may be exchanged, replaced, amended,
restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

                 "Trust Indenture Act" means the U.S. Trust Indenture Act of
1939, as amended.

                 "Trust Moneys" means all cash or Eligible Investments received
by the Collateral Agent: (a) in exchange for the release of property from the
Lien of any of the Security Documents; or (b) as compensation for or proceeds
of the sale of all or any part of the Collateral taken by eminent domain or
purchased by, or sold pursuant to any order of, a governmental authority or
otherwise disposed of; or (c) as proceeds of insurance upon any, all or part of
the Collateral (other than any liability insurance proceeds payable to the
Collateral Agent for any loss, liability or expense incurred by it); or (d) as
proceeds of any other sale or other disposition of all or any part of the
Collateral by or on behalf of the Collateral Agent or any collection, recovery,
receipt, appropriation or other realization of or from all or any part of the
Collateral pursuant to the Security Documents or otherwise; or (e) for
application under this Indenture as provided in this Indenture or any Security
Document, or whose disposition is not otherwise specifically provided for in
this Indenture or in any Security Document.

                 "Trustee" means the Person named as the "trustee" in the first
paragraph of this instrument, until a successor trustee shall have become such
pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter
"Trustee" shall mean such successor trustee.

                 "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means, until such time as it may be
designated as a Restricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors as provided in
and in compliance with the definition of "Restricted Subsidiary," (i) any
Subsidiary of the Company or PAAC organized or acquired after the Closing Date
designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors in which all
investments by the Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary are made only
from funds available for the making of Restricted





                                     - 31 -
<PAGE>   43
Payments as described under Section 1006 hereof and (ii) any Subsidiary of an
Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors may designate any Subsidiary of
the Company or PAAC (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary of
the Company or PAAC) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary
owns any Equity Interests of, or owns, or holds any Lien upon, any property of,
any Subsidiary of the Company or PAAC which is not a Subsidiary of such
Subsidiary to be so designated; provided that (w) each Subsidiary of the
Company or PAAC to be so designated and each of its Subsidiaries has not, at
the time of designation, and does not thereafter, directly or indirectly, incur
any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets
of the Company, PAAC or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, (x) immediately
after giving effect to such designation no Default or Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing, (y) all outstanding Investments by the Company,
PAAC and the Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent repaid in cash) in
the Subsidiary of the Company or PAAC so designated shall be deemed to be
Restricted Payments at the time of such designation equal in amount to the Fair
Market Value of such Investments at the time of such designation and would be
Restricted Payments permitted to be paid pursuant to the provisions of Section
1006 hereof and (z) the amount of such Restricted Payments shall be included in
the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments previously made pursuant
to Section 1006 hereof. The Company shall evidence any such designation by
promptly filing with the Trustee an Officers' Certificate certifying that such
designation has been made and complies with the requirements of the immediately
preceding sentence.

                 "U.S. Government Obligations" means securities that are (i)
direct obligations of the United States of America for the payment of which its
full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of a Person controlled or
supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States
of America the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith
and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case
under clause (i) or (ii) above, are not callable or redeemable at the option of
the issuer thereof.

                 "Voting Stock" of any Person means Capital Stock of such
Person which ordinarily has voting power for the election of directors (or
Persons performing similar functions) of such Person, whether at all times or
only so long as no senior class of securities has such voting power by reason
of any contingency.

                 "Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary" means, with respect to
any Person, a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding
Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than capital stock
constituting directors' qualifying shares or interests held by directors or
shares or





                                     - 32 -
<PAGE>   44
interests required to be held by foreign nationals, to the extent mandated by
applicable law) are owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly-Owned
Restricted Subsidiaries of such Person.

                 Section 102.     Other Definitions.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Defined in     
         Term                                                 Section
         ----                                                 -------
        <S>                                                   <C>
         "Act"                                                   105
         "Additional Amounts"                                   1024
         "Adjusted Net Assets"                                  1309
         "Agent Members"                                         306
         "Asset Sale Offer"                                     1009
         "Asset Sale Offer Amount"                              1109
         "Asset Sale Offer Period"                              1109
         "Asset Sale Purchase Date"                             1109
         "Asset Sale Purchase Price"                            1009
         "Change of Control Date"                               1014
         "Change of Control Offer"                              1014
         "Change of Control Payment Date"                       1014
         "Change of Control Purchase Price"                     1014
         "Collateral Proceeds"                                  1009
         "Commencement Date"                                    1109
         "Computation Date"                                     1006
         "Computation Period"                                   1006
         "covenant defeasance"                                   403
         "Custodian"                                             501
         "Defaulted Interest"                                    309
         "defeasance"                                            402
         "Defeasance Redemption Date"                            404
         "Defeased Securities"                                   401
         "Excess Proceeds"                                      1009
         "Funding Guarantor"                                    1309
         "judgment currency"                                    1005
         "New Indebtedness"                                     1017
         "Physical Securities"                                   201
         "Pipeline Security Documents"                          1401
         "Pledgor Subsidiary" or "Pledgor         
          Subsidiaries"                                         1017
         "Power of Attorney"                                    1408
         "Refinancing"                                          101*
         "Refinancing Indebtedness"                             101*
         "Required Filing Date"                                  704
         "Restricted Payment"                                   1006
         "Stock Pledge Agreements"                              1017
         "U.S. Global Security"                                  201
         "U.S. Process Agent"                                   1005

</TABLE>

- -----------------                                                    
         * See "Permitted Indebtedness", paragraph (j) of Section 101





                                     - 33 -
<PAGE>   45
                 Section 103.     Compliance Certificates and Opinions.

                 Upon any application or request by the Company or any
Guarantor to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this
Indenture, the Company, any Guarantor and any other obligor on the Securities
shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that all
conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture (including any
covenants compliance with which constitutes a condition precedent) relating to
the proposed action have been complied with, an Opinion of Counsel stating that
in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent, if any, have been
complied with, except that, in the case of any such application or request as
to which the furnishing of such documents, certificates and/or opinions is
specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such
particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be
furnished.

                 Every certificate or Opinion of Counsel with respect to
compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall
include:

                 (a)      a statement that each individual signing such
         certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the
         definitions herein relating thereto;

                 (b)      a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the
         examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinion
         contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

                 (c)      a statement that, in the opinion of each such
         individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is
         necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether
         or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

                 (d)      a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each
         such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

                 Section 104.     Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.

                 In any case where several matters are required to be certified
by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that
all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such
Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one
such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one
or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such





                                     - 34 -
<PAGE>   46
Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several
documents.

                 Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company, any
Guarantor or other obligor of the Securities may be based, insofar as it
relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations
by, counsel, unless such officer knows that the certificate or opinion or
representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or
opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate or opinion may be based,
insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or
representations by, an officer or officers of the Company, any Guarantor or
other obligor of the Securities stating that the information with respect to
such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, any Guarantor or
other obligor of the Securities, unless such counsel knows that the certificate
or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.
Opinions of Counsel required to be delivered to the Trustee may have
qualifications customary for opinions of the type required and counsel
delivering such Opinions of Counsel may rely on certificates of the Company or
government or other officials customary for opinions of the type required,
including certificates certifying as to matters of fact, including that various
financial covenants have been complied with.

                 Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or
more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or
other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated
and form one instrument.

                 Section 105.     Acts of Holders.

                 (a)      Any request, demand, authorization, direction,
notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given
or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments
of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by an agent
duly appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided,
such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are
delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the
Company. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and
evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "Act" of the Holders
signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such
instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for
any purpose of this Indenture, if made in the manner provided in this Section.
The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or
writing or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved
in any other manner which the Trustee deems





                                     - 35 -
<PAGE>   47
sufficient in accordance with such reasonable rules as the Trustee may
determine.

                 (b)      The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the
Security Register.

                 (c)      Any request, demand, authorization, direction,
notice, consent, waiver or other action by the Holder of any Security shall
bind every future Holder of the same Security or the Holder of every Security
issued upon the transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof, in
respect of anything done, suffered or omitted to be done by the Trustee, any
Paying Agent or the Company or any Guarantor in reliance thereon, whether or
not notation of such action is made upon such Security.

                 (d)      If the Company shall solicit from the Holders any
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other
Act, the Company may, at its option, by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, fix
in advance a record date for the determination of such Holders entitled to give
such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or
other Act, but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. Notwithstanding
Trust Indenture Act Section 316(c), any such record date shall be the record
date specified in or pursuant to such Board Resolution, which shall be a date
not more than 30 days prior to the first solicitation of Holders generally in
connection therewith and no later than the date such solicitation is completed.

                 In the absence of any such record date fixed by the Company,
regardless as to whether a solicitation of the Holders is occurring on behalf
of the Company or any Holder, the Trustee may, at its option, fix in advance a
record date for the determination of such Holders entitled to give such
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other
Act, but the Trustee shall have no obligation to do so. Any such record date
shall be a date not more than 30 days prior to the first solicitation of
Holders generally in connection therewith and no later than a date such
solicitation is completed.

                 If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act may be given
before or after such record date, but only the Holders of record at the close
of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders for purposes of
determining whether Holders of the requisite proportion of Securities then
outstanding have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, and for this
purpose the Securities then





                                     - 36 -
<PAGE>   48
Outstanding shall be computed as of such record date; provided that no such
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act
by the Holders on such record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall
become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than
six months after the record date.

                 (e)      If at any time a request, demand, authorization,
direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action to be given or taken by the
Majority Holders is required pursuant to the terms of the Intercreditor
Agreement, the Trustee shall solicit the direction of the Holders as to such
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other
action. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities then
Outstanding may direct the Trustee's response to such request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action.

                 Section 106.     Notices, etc., to Trustee, the Company and
any Guarantor.

                 Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice,
consent, waiver or Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by
this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with:

                 (a)      the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company or any
         Guarantor or any other obligor of the Securities shall be sufficient
         for every purpose hereunder if in writing (including telecopy, with
         respect to the Company or any Guarantor only) and mailed, first-class
         postage prepaid, telecopied, hand delivered, or delivered by
         recognized overnight courier, to or with the Trustee at 114 West 47th
         Street, New York, New York, 10036-1532, Attention: Corporate Trust
         Division, telecopy: 212-852-1625 or at any other address previously
         furnished in writing to the Holders, the Company, any Guarantor or any
         other obligor of the Securities by the Trustee; or

                 (b)      the Company or any Guarantor shall be sufficient for
         every purpose hereunder if in writing (including telecopy) and mailed,
         first-class postage prepaid, telecopied, hand delivered, or delivered
         by recognized overnight courier, to the Company or such Guarantor
         addressed to it at 4300 NationsBank Center, 700 Louisiana Street,
         Houston, TX 77002, Attention: Vice President, General Counsel and
         Secretary, telecopy: 713-225-4426 or at any other address previously
         furnished in writing to the Trustee.





                                     - 37 -
<PAGE>   49
                 Section 107.     Notice to Holders; Waiver.

                 Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any
event, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein
expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, or
delivered by recognized overnight courier, to each Holder affected by such
event, at his address as it appears in the Security Register, not later than
the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the
giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders is given by mail,
neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so
mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice
with respect to other Holders. Any notice when mailed to a Holder in the
aforesaid manner shall be conclusively deemed to have been received by such
Holder whether or not actually received by such Holder. Where this Indenture
provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the
Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and
such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by
Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a
condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such
waiver.

                 In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or
by reason of any other cause, it shall be impracticable to mail notice of any
event as required by any provision of this Indenture, then any method of giving
such notice as shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee shall be deemed
to be a sufficient giving of such notice.

                 Section 108.     Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.

                 If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with
any provision of the Trust Indenture Act or another provision which is required
or deemed to be included in this Indenture by any of the provisions of the
Trust Indenture Act, the provision or requirement of the Trust Indenture Act
shall control. If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any
provision of the Trust Indenture Act that may be so modified or excluded, the
latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or
to be excluded, as the case may be.

                 Section 109.     Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.

                 The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of
Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.





                                     - 38 -
<PAGE>   50
                 Section 110.     Successors and Assigns.

                 All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company
and the Guarantors shall bind their successors and assigns, whether so
expressed or not.

                 Section 111.     Separability Clause.

                 In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities
shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and
enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or
impaired thereby.

                 Section 112.     Benefits of Indenture.

                 Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities or the
Guarantees, express or implied, shall give to any Person (other than the
parties hereto and their successors hereunder, any Paying Agent and the
Holders) any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under
this Indenture.

                 Section 113.     Governing Law.

                 This Indenture, the Securities, the Guarantees and the
Intercreditor Agreement will be governed by, and construed in accordance with,
the laws of the State of New York. The Security Documents will be governed by,
and construed in accordance with, the laws of the province in Canada in which
the particular Collateral secured thereby is situated and the federal laws of
Canada applicable therein.

                 Section 114.     Legal Holidays.

                 In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date
or Stated Maturity of any Security shall not be a Business Day, then
(notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Securities)
payment of interest, principal, premium, if any, or Liquidated Damages, if any,
need not be made on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business
Day with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date or
Redemption Date, or at the Stated Maturity and no interest or Liquidated
Damages, if any, shall accrue with respect to such payment for the period from
and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity, as
the case may be, to the next succeeding Business Day.

                 Section 115.     Schedules and Exhibits.

                 All schedules and exhibits attached hereto are by this
reference made a part hereof with the same effect as if herein set forth in
full.





                                     - 39 -
<PAGE>   51
                 Section 116.     Counterparts.

                 This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts,
each of which shall be an original; but such counterparts shall together
constitute but one and the same instrument.

                 Section 117.     Communication by Holders with Other Holders.

                 Holders may communicate pursuant to Trust Indenture Act
Section 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their rights under this
Indenture or the Securities. The Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the
Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of Trust Indenture Act
Section 312(c).

                 Section 118.     No Recourse Against Others.

                 A director, officer, employee or stockholder, as such, of the
Company, the Guarantors and any Subsidiaries of the Company or any of the
Guarantors, shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company
under the Securities or this Indenture for any obligation of the Guarantors
under the Guarantees or this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of
or by reason of such obligations or their creation. By accepting a Security,
each Holder shall waive and release all such liability. The waiver and release
shall be part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities.


                                  ARTICLE TWO

                                 SECURITY FORMS

                 Section 201.     Forms Generally.

                 The Securities, the Guarantees and the Trustee's certificate
of authentication shall be in substantially the forms set forth in this
Article, with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other
variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture and may have such
letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or
endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any
securities exchange, any organizational document or governing instrument or
applicable law or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers
executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of the Securities.
Any portion of the text of any Security may be set forth on the reverse
thereof, with an appropriate reference thereto on the face of the Security.





                                     - 40 -
<PAGE>   52
                 Securities offered and sold in reliance on Rule 144A shall be
issued initially in the form of one or more permanent global Securities
substantially in the form set forth in this Article (the "U.S. Global
Security") deposited with the Trustee, as custodian for the Depositary, duly
executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter
provided. The aggregate principal amount of the U.S. Global Security may from
time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of
the Trustee, as custodian for the Depositary or its nominee, as hereinafter
provided.

                 Securities offered and sold other than as described in the
preceding paragraph shall be issued in the form of permanent certificated
Securities in registered form in substantially the form set forth in this
Article (the "Physical Securities").

                 The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or
engraved or produced by any combination of these methods or may be produced in
any other manner permitted by the rules of any securities exchange on which the
Securities may be listed, all as determined by the officers executing such
Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.

                 Section 202.     Restrictive Legends.

                 Each U.S. Global Security and Physical Security shall bear the
following legend on the face thereof until after the Resale Restriction
Termination Date, unless and until a Security is exchanged for an Exchange Note
in connection with an effective registration pursuant to the Registration
Rights Agreement or another effective registration and resale of the Securities
occurs pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement:

                 THIS SECURITY (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED
         UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES
         ACT"), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR
         OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE
         ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, U.S. PERSONS, EXCEPT AS SET FORTH BELOW. BY ITS
         ACQUISITION HEREOF OR OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN, THE HOLDER (1)
         REPRESENTS THAT IT IS A "QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER" (AS DEFINED IN
         RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) (A "QIB"), (2) AGREES THAT IT WILL
         NOT RESELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS SECURITY EXCEPT (A) TO THE
         COMPANY OR ANY OF THE GUARANTORS, (B) TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER
         REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QIB PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE
         ACCOUNT OF A QIB IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE
         144A, (C) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144 UNDER
         THE SECURITIES ACT, (D) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE





                                     - 41 -
<PAGE>   53
         REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT (AND BASED UPON AN
         OPINION OF COUNSEL ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMPANY) OR (E) PURSUANT TO AN
         EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND, IN EACH CASE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH
         THE APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR
         ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION AND (3) AGREES THAT IT WILL DELIVER
         TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS SECURITY OR AN INTEREST HEREIN IS
         TRANSFERRED A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND. THE
         INDENTURE CONTAINS A PROVISION REQUIRING THE TRUSTEE TO REFUSE TO
         REGISTER ANY TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN VIOLATION OF THE FOREGOING.

                 Each U.S. Global Security, whether or not an Exchange Note,
shall also bear the following legend on the face thereof:

                 UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
                 REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, TO THE COMPANY
                 OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR
                 PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME
                 OF CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN
                 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY OR
                 SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
                 REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (AND ANY
                 PAYMENT HEREON IS MADE TO CEDE & CO.), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR
                 OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS
                 WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN
                 INTEREST HEREIN.

                 TRANSFER OF THIS U.S. GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO
                 TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO NOMINEES OF CEDE &
                 CO., OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR'S NOMINEE AND
                 TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS U.S. GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE
                 LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS
                 SET FORTH IN SECTION 307 OF THE INDENTURE.

                 Section 203.     Form of Face of Security.

                 (a)      The form of the face of the Securities shall be
substantially as follows:





                                     - 42 -
<PAGE>   54

                          PCI CHEMICALS CANADA INC.

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

                     9 1/4% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2007

CUSIP No:
No.__________                                                   $___________

                 PCI CHEMICALS CANADA INC., a New Brunswick, Canada corporation
(herein called the "Company", which term includes any successor Person under
the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to
pay to ___________ or registered assigns, the principal sum of __________
United States dollars on October 15, 2007, at the office or agency of the
Company referred to below, and to pay interest thereon from the date of
original issuance, or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which
interest has been paid or duly provided for, semiannually on April 15, and
October 15, in each year, commencing April 15, 1998 at the rate of 9 1/4% per
annum (subject to adjustment as provided below), in United States dollars,
until the principal hereof is paid or duly provided for.

                 The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided
for, on any Interest Payment Date shall, as provided in such Indenture, be paid
to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor
Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date
for such interest, which shall be April 1, or October 1 (whether or not a
Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date.
Any such interest not so punctually paid, or duly provided for, and interest on
such defaulted interest at the interest rate borne by the Securities, to the
extent lawful, shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such
Regular Record Date, and may be paid to the Person in whose name this Security
(or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business
on a Special Record Date for the payment of such defaulted interest to be fixed
by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities not less
than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or may be paid at any time in
any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any
securities exchange on which the Securities may be listed, and upon such notice
as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said
Indenture.

                 Payment of the principal of, premium, if any, interest and
Liquidated Damages, if any, on this Security shall be made at the office or
agency of the Company maintained for that purpose, in such coin or currency of
the United States of America as at





                                     - 43 -
<PAGE>   55
the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts;
provided, however, that payment of interest may be made at the option of the
Company by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such
address shall appear on the Security Register. Interest shall be computed on
the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

                 Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this
Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for
all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

                 This Security is entitled to the benefits of Guarantees by
each of the Guarantors of the punctual payment when due of the Indenture
Obligations made in favor of the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders. Such
Guarantees shall be senior obligations of each Guarantor, and shall rank pari
passu with all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor and
senior to all Subordinated Indebtedness of such Guarantor. Reference is hereby
made to Article Thirteen of the Indenture for a statement of the respective
rights, limitations of rights, duties and obligations under the Guarantees of
each of the Guarantors.

                 Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been duly
executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof or by the
authenticating agent appointed as provided in the Indenture by manual
signature, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the
Indenture, or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to
be duly executed by the manual or facsimile signature of its authorized
officers and its corporate seal to be affixed or reproduced hereon.


Dated:                                             PCI CHEMICALS CANADA INC.


                                                   By 
                                                     --------------------------

Attest:
                                                               [SEAL]

- --------------------------------
Secretary





                                     - 44 -
<PAGE>   56
                 Section 204.     Form of Reverse of Securities.

                 (a)      The form of the reverse of the Securities shall be
substantially as follows:

                 The Holder, by becoming holder of this Security, shall be
bound by the terms and conditions of the Indenture and shall be automatically
deemed to have ratified and consented to the granting by the Trustee and the
Holders to the Collateral Agent of the irrevocable Power of Attorney
constituted in the Indenture.

                 The Holder agrees (i) with the Trustee and the other Holders
that it will not, without the prior consent of the Trustee and the other
Holders, take or obtain any Lien on any property of the Company to secure the
obligations of the Company hereunder, except for the benefit of the Collateral
Agent or as may otherwise be required by law; and (ii) that, notwithstanding
the provisions of Section 32 of the Special Corporate Powers Act (Quebec), the
Collateral Agent may, as the person holding the Power of Attorney of the
Trustee and the Holders, acquire any title to indebtedness secured by any
hypothec in its favor related to this Security or the Indenture or any other
document contemplated thereunder.

                 This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of Securities
of the Company designated as its 9 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2007 (herein
called the "Securities"), limited (except as otherwise provided in the
Indenture referred to below) in aggregate principal amount up to $175,000,000,
which may be issued under an indenture (herein called the "Indenture") dated as
of October 30, 1997, among the Company, the Guarantors and United States Trust
Company of New York, as trustee and as collateral agent (herein called the
"Trustee," which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to
which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby
made for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties,
obligations and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Guarantors, the
Trustee and the Holders of the Securities, and of the terms upon which the
Securities and the Guarantees are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered.

                 The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time
of (a) the entire Indebtedness on the Securities and (b) certain restrictive
covenants and related Defaults and Events of Default, in each case upon
compliance or noncompliance with certain conditions set forth therein.

                 The Securities shall be senior secured obligations of the
Company, and shall rank pari passu with all existing and





                                     - 45 -
<PAGE>   57
future Senior Indebtedness of the Company and senior to all Subordinated
Indebtedness of the Company.

                 The Securities shall not be redeemable at the option of the
Company prior to October 15, 2002. On or after that date, the Securities shall
be redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part from time to
time, on not less than thirty (30) nor more than sixty (60) days' prior notice,
mailed by first-class mail to the Holders' registered addresses, in cash, in
amounts of $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 at the following Redemption
Prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount), if redeemed in the
12-month period commencing October 15 in the year indicated below:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Year                                       Redemption
         ----                                       ----------
         <S>                                        <C>
         2002                                       104.625%
         2003                                       103.084%
         2004                                       101.542%
         2005 and thereafter                        100.000%
</TABLE>

in each case together with accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages,
if any, to the Redemption Date (subject to the right of Holders of record on
relevant record dates to receive interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, due
on an Interest Payment Date). If less than all of the Securities are to be
redeemed, the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed pro rata, by
lot or by any other method the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate.

                 Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time on or prior to
October 15, 2000, the Company may redeem, in part, up to $61,250,000 in
aggregate principal amount of the Securities at a purchase price of 109.25% of
the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated
Damages, if any, to the date fixed for redemption, with the net proceeds of (i)
any Equity Offering by the Company or (ii) any Equity Offering by Pioneer or
PAAC, but only to the extent that Pioneer or PAAC contributes such net proceeds
to the Company as a capital contribution; provided that at least $113,750,000
aggregate principal amount of the Securities must remain outstanding after such
redemption.

                 Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder may
require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of such Holder's Securities
in an amount of $1,000 or integral multiples of $1,000, at a purchase price in
cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and
unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date of repurchase.





                                     - 46 -
<PAGE>   58
                 Under certain circumstances, in the event the Net Proceeds
received by the Company from one or more Asset Sales, which proceeds are not
applied within 365 days subsequent to the consummation of the Asset Sale to
repay permanently any Senior Indebtedness of the Company, PAAC or PAI then
outstanding or to an investment in the Company, PAAC or in one or more
Restricted Subsidiaries in a Related Business, exceed $10,000,000 the Company
shall be required to apply such proceeds to repurchase the Securities tendered
to the Company for purchase at a price equal to at least 100% of the principal
amount thereof, plus accrued interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the
date of purchase pursuant to an offer to purchase made by the Company with
respect to the Securities.

                 In the case of any redemption of Securities, interest
installments whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall
be payable to the Holders of such Securities of record as of the close of
business on the relevant record date referred to on the face hereof. Securities
(or portions thereof) for whose redemption and payment provision is made in
accordance with the Indenture shall cease to bear interest from and after the
date of redemption.

                 In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a
new Security or Securities for the unredeemed portion hereof shall be issued in
the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

                 If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the
principal amount of all the Securities may be declared due and payable in the
manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

                 The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions (including
certain amendments permitted without the consent of any Holders) as therein
provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and
obligations of the Company and the Guarantors and the rights of the Holders
under the Indenture and the Guarantees at any time by the Company, the
Guarantors and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding. The
Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified
percentages in aggregate principal amount of the Securities at the time
Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities, to waive
compliance by the Company and the Guarantors with certain provisions of the
Indenture and the Guarantees and certain past Defaults under the Indenture and
the Guarantees and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by or on
behalf of the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such
Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued
upon





                                     - 47 -
<PAGE>   59
the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof
whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

                 No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this
Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the
Company, any Guarantor or any other obligor upon the Securities (in the event
such other obligor is obligated to make payments in respect of the Securities),
which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of, premium, if any,
and interest on this Security at the times, place, and rate, and in the coin or
currency, herein prescribed.

                 The Securities are issuable only in registered form without
coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. As
provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth,
the Securities are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of
Securities of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder
surrendering the same.

                 No service charge shall be made for any registration of
transfer or exchange or redemption of Securities, but the Company may require
payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge
payable in connection therewith.

                 Prior to and at the time of due presentment of this Security
for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the
Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is
registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security
is overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent shall be
affected by notice to the contrary.

                 [The Company and the Guarantors have entered into an Exchange
and Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 5, 1997 (the
"Registration Rights Agreement") with the Initial Purchasers described therein.
Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company and the Guarantors
have agreed, among other things, for the benefit of the Holders that they
shall, at their expense, (i) file with the Commission on or prior to 30 days
from the Closing Date an Exchange Offer Registration Statement with the
Commission with respect to a registered offer to exchange this Security for an
Exchange Note, and (ii) use their best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act on or
prior to 150 days after the Closing Date. The Holders of the Initial Securities
shall be entitled to receive Liquidated Damages in the event such exchange
offer is not consummated and upon certain other conditions, all pursuant to and
in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement.





                                     - 48 -
<PAGE>   60
                 Reference is hereby made to the Registration Rights Agreement
for a statement of the respective rights, duties and obligations thereunder of
the Company, the Guarantors and the Holders of the Securities.1]

                 In order to secure the due and punctual payment of principal
of and interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Securities when and as
the same shall become due and payable, whether on an Interest Payment Date, at
maturity, by acceleration, repurchase, redemption or otherwise, and interest on
the overdue principal of and interest (to the extent permitted by law), if any,
on the Securities, and performance of all other obligations of the Company to
the Holders or the Trustee under the Indenture and the Securities, the Company
has entered into the Security Documents with the Collateral Agent. The
Securities shall be secured by Liens on and security interests in the
Collateral subject to pari passu Liens and security interests and other
permitted encumbrances as described further in the Security Documents.

                 Each Holder, by accepting a Security, agrees to all of the
terms and provisions of the Security Documents as the same may be amended from
time to time pursuant to the respective provisions thereof and of the
Indenture.

                 Each Holder acknowledges that a release of any of the
Collateral or any Lien strictly in accordance with the terms and provisions of
the Security Documents and the terms and provisions of the Indenture will not
be deemed for any purpose to be an impairment of the security under the
Indenture.

                 The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request
and without charge a copy of the Indenture and the Security Documents.

                 All terms used in this Security which are defined in the
Indenture and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to
them in the Indenture.






- ----------------------------
1    To be included in each Security prior to expiration of the
     obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under the
     Registration Rights Agreement.

                                     - 49 -
<PAGE>   61
                           [FORM OF TRANSFER NOTICE]

                 FOR VALUE RECEIVED the undersigned registered Holder hereby
sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto

Insert Taxpayer Identification No.

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

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please print or typewrite name and address including zip code of assignee

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
the within Security and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting 
and appointing

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
attorney to transfer said Security on the books of the Company with full power
of substitution in the premises.

                 In connection with any transfer of this Security occurring
prior to the date which is the earlier of the date of an effective Registration
or the Resale Restriction Termination Date, the undersigned confirms that
without utilizing any general solicitation or general advertising:

                                  [Check One]

[ ] (a)  this Security is being transferred in compliance with the exemption
         from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
         provided by Rule 144A thereunder, or

[ ] (b)  this Security is being transferred other than in accordance with (a)
         above and documents are being furnished which comply with the
         conditions of transfer set forth in this Security and the Indenture.

If none of the foregoing boxes is checked, the Trustee or other Registrar shall
not be obligated to register this Security in the name of any Person other than
the Holder hereof unless and until





                                     - 50 -
<PAGE>   62
the conditions to any such transfer of registration set forth herein and in
Section 307 of the Indenture shall have been satisfied.

Date:
     -------------------------

                                                         -----------------------
                                                 NOTICE: The signature to this 
                                                 assignment must correspond with
                                                 the name as written upon the
                                                 face of the within-mentioned
                                                 instrument in every particular,
                                                 without alteration or any
                                                 change whatsoever. 

TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (a) ABOVE IS CHECKED.

                 The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing
this Security for its own account or an account with respect to which it
exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a
"qualified institutional buyer" within the meaning of Rule 144A under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is aware that the sale to it is being
made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such
information regarding the Company as the undersigned has requested pursuant to
Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is
aware that the transferor is relying upon the undersigned's foregoing
representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by
Rule 144A.

Dated:
      --------------------------           --------------------------
                                           NOTICE: To be executed by
                                           an executive officer


                       OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

                 If you wish to have this Security purchased by the Company
pursuant to Section 1014 or 1109 of the Indenture, check the Box: [ ].





                                     - 51 -
<PAGE>   63
                 If you wish to have a portion of this Security purchased by
the Company pursuant to Section 1014 or 1109 of the Indenture, state the amount
(in authorized denominations):

                                  $          .
                                   ----------

Date:
     -----------------

Your Signature: 
               ------------------------

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Security)

Signature Guarantee: 
                     ------------------

       Section 205.     Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication.

                    TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION.

  This is one of the Securities referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

                                        UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF
                                         NEW YORK
                                         As Trustee


                                        By
                                          ------------------------------
                                          Authorized Signatory

                 Section 206.     Form of Guarantee of Each of the Guarantors.

                 The form of Guarantee shall be set forth on the Securities
substantially as follows:


                                   GUARANTEES

                 For value received, each of the undersigned hereby
unconditionally guarantees, jointly and severally, to the Holder of this
Security the payment of principal of, premium, if any, interest and Liquidated
Damages, if any, on this Security in the amounts and at the time when due and
interest on the overdue principal and interest, if any, of this Security, if
lawful, and the payment or performance of all other obligations of the Company
under the Indenture or the Securities, to the Holder of this Security and the
Trustee, all in accordance with and subject to the terms and limitations of
this Security and Article Thirteen of the Indenture. This Guarantee shall not
become





                                     - 52 -
<PAGE>   64
effective until the Trustee duly manually executes the certificate of
authentication on this Security.

                                             PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION
                                             CORP.


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


                                             PIONEER AMERICAS, INC.


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


                                             PIONEER CHLOR ALKALI COMPANY,
                                              INC.


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


                                             IMPERIAL WEST CHEMICAL CO.


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


                                             ALL-PURE CHEMICAL CO.


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


                                             BLACK MOUNTAIN POWER COMPANY


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






                                     - 53 -
<PAGE>   65

                                             ALL PURE CHEMICAL NORTHWEST,
                                              INC.

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


                                             PIONEER CHLOR ALKALI
                                              INTERNATIONAL, INC.


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


                                             G.O.W. CORPORATION


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


                                             PIONEER (EAST), INC.


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


                                             T.C. HOLDINGS, INC.


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


                                             T.C. PRODUCTS, INC.


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





                                     - 54 -
<PAGE>   66
                                             PCI CAROLINA, INC.


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


                                             PIONEER LICENSING, INC.


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





                                     - 55 -
<PAGE>   67
                                 ARTICLE THREE

                                 THE SECURITIES

                 Section 301.     Title and Terms.

                 The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be
authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is limited to $175,000,000 in
principal amount of Securities plus any Exchange Notes which may be issued upon
consummation of an Exchange Offer, except for Securities authenticated and
delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of,
other Securities pursuant to Section 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 906, 1009,
1014 or 1108 hereof.

                 The Securities shall be known and designated as the "9 1/4%
Senior Secured Notes due 2007" of the Company. The Stated Maturity of the
principal amount of the Securities shall be October 15, 2007, and the
Securities shall each bear interest at the rate of 9 1/4% per annum from the
Closing Date or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest
has been paid, as the case may be, payable on April 15, 1998 and semiannually
thereafter on October 15, and April 15, in each year, until the principal
thereof is paid or duly provided for.

                 The principal of, premium, if any, interest and Liquidated
Damages, if any, on the U.S. Global Security shall be payable to the Depositary
or its nominee, as the case may be, as the sole registered owner and the sole
Holder of the U.S. Global Security represented thereby. The principal of,
premium, if any, interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Securities
shall be payable at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such
purpose; provided, however, that at the option of the Company interest may be
paid by check mailed to addresses of the Persons entitled thereto as such
addresses shall appear on the Security Register.

                 The Securities shall be redeemable as provided in Article
Eleven.

                 At the election of the Company, the entire Indebtedness on the
Securities or certain of the Company's obligations and covenants and certain
Events of Default thereunder may be defeased as provided in Article Four.

                 Section 302.     Denominations.

                 The Securities shall be issuable only in fully registered form
without coupons and only in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple
thereof.





                                     - 56 -
<PAGE>   68
                 Section 303.     Execution, Authentication, Delivery and
Dating.

                 The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by
one of its Chairman of the Board, its President or one of its Vice Presidents
under its corporate seal reproduced thereon attested by its Secretary or one of
its Assistant Secretaries.

                 Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of
individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind
the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased
to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such
Securities or did not hold such offices on the date of such Securities.

                 At any time and from time to time after the execution and
delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities executed by the
Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for
the authentication and delivery of such Securities; and the Trustee in
accordance with such Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such
Securities as provided in this Indenture and not otherwise.

                 Upon a Company Order, the Trustee shall authenticate and
deliver an additional series of notes in an aggregate principal amount not to
exceed $175,000,000 for issuance in exchange for all or a portion of the
Initial Securities previously issued and surrendered for cancellation pursuant
to an exchange offer registered under the Securities Act, in accordance with
the Registration Rights Agreement. The Exchange Notes may have such distinctive
series designation and such changes in the form thereof as are specified in the
Company Order referred to in the preceding sentence, and shall be guaranteed by
the Guarantors on substantially identical terms as the Initial Securities.

                 Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.

                 No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this
Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on
such Security a certificate of authentication substantially in the form
provided for herein duly executed by the Trustee by manual signature of an
authorized signatory, and such certificate upon any Security shall be
conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly
authenticated and delivered hereunder.

                 In case the Company or any Guarantor, pursuant to Article
Eight, shall be consolidated, merged with or into any other Person or shall
sell, assign, convey, transfer or lease





                                     - 57 -
<PAGE>   69
substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person, and the successor
Person resulting from such consolidation, or surviving such merger, or into
which the Company or such Guarantor shall have been merged, or the Person which
shall have received a sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer or lease as
aforesaid, shall have executed an indenture supplemental hereto with the
Trustee pursuant to Article Eight, any of the Securities authenticated or
delivered prior to such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, conveyance,
transfer or lease may, from time to time, at the request of the successor
Person, be exchanged for other Securities executed in the name of the successor
Person with such changes in phraseology and form as may be appropriate, but
otherwise in substance of like tenor as the Securities surrendered for such
exchange and of like principal amount; and the Trustee, upon Company Request of
the successor Person, shall authenticate and deliver Securities as specified in
such request for the purpose of such exchange. If Securities shall at any time
be authenticated and delivered in any new name of a successor Person pursuant
to this Section in exchange or substitution for or upon registration of
transfer of any Securities, such successor Person, at the option of the Holders
but without expense to them, shall provide for the exchange of all Securities
at the time Outstanding for Securities authenticated and delivered in such new
name.

                 The Trustee (at the expense of the Company) may appoint an
authenticating agent acceptable to the Company to authenticate Securities on
behalf of the Trustee. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, an
authenticating agent may authenticate Securities whenever the Trustee may do
so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes
authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the same rights as
any Security Registrar or Paying Agent to deal with the Company and its
Affiliates.

                 Section 304.     Temporary Securities.

                 Pending the preparation of definitive Securities, the Company
may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver,
temporary Securities which are printed, lithographed, typewritten or otherwise
produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor of the
definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued and with such
appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the
officers executing such Securities may determine, as conclusively evidenced by
their execution of such Securities.

                 After the preparation of definitive Securities, the temporary
Securities shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities upon surrender of
the temporary Securities at the





                                     - 58 -
<PAGE>   70
office or agency of the Company designated for such purpose pursuant to Section
1002 hereof, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of
any one or more temporary Securities the Company shall execute and the Trustee
shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal amount of
definitive Securities of authorized denominations. Until so exchanged the
temporary Securities shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits
under this Indenture as definitive Securities.

                 Section 305.     Registration of Transfer and Exchange.

                 All provisions of this Section 305 shall be subject to Section
307 hereof.

                 The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust
Office of the Trustee, or such other office as the Trustee may designate, a
register (the register maintained in such office and in any other office or
agency designated pursuant to Section 1002 hereof being herein sometimes
referred to as the "Security Register") in which, subject to such reasonable
regulations as the Security Registrar may prescribe, the Company shall provide
for the registration of Securities and of transfers of Securities. The Trustee
or an agent thereof or of the Company shall initially be the "Security
Registrar" for the purpose of registering Securities and transfers of
Securities as herein provided.

                 Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security at
the office or agency of the Company designated pursuant to Section 1002 hereof,
the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in
the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new
Securities of the same series of any authorized denomination or denominations,
of a like aggregate principal amount.

                 Any Holder of the U.S. Global Security shall, by acceptance of
such U.S. Global Security, agree that transfers of beneficial interests in such
U.S. Global Security, may be effected only through a book-entry system
maintained by the Holder of such U.S. Global Security (or its agent), and that
ownership of a beneficial interest in the Security shall be required to be
reflected in a book entry.

                 At the option of the Holder, Securities may be exchanged for
other Securities of any authorized denomination or denominations (including an
exchange of Initial Securities for Exchange Notes), of a like aggregate
principal amount, upon surrender of the Securities to be exchanged at such
office or agency. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the
Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and





                                     - 59 -
<PAGE>   71
deliver, the Securities of the same series which the Holder making the exchange
is entitled to receive; provided that no exchanges of Initial Securities for
Exchange Notes shall occur until a Registration Statement shall have been
declared effective by the Commission and that any Initial Securities that are
exchanged for Exchange Notes shall be canceled by the Trustee.

                 All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or
exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company,
evidencing the same Indebtedness, and entitled to the same benefits under this
Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or
exchange.

                 Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of
transfer, or for exchange or redemption shall (if so required by the Company or
the Trustee) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar, duly
executed by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

                 No service charge shall be made to a Holder for any
registration of transfer or exchange or redemption of Securities, but the
Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to pay all documentary, stamp
or similar issue or transfer taxes or other governmental charges that may be
imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of
Securities, other than exchanges of Initial Securities for Exchange Notes and
exchanges pursuant to Section 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 906, 1009, 1014 or
1108 hereof not involving any transfer.

                 The Company shall not be required (a) to issue, register the
transfer of or exchange any Security during a period beginning at the opening
of business (i) 15 days before the date of selection of Securities for
redemption under Section 1104 hereof and ending at the close of business on the
day of such mailing or (ii) 15 days before an Interest Payment Date and ending
on the close of business on the Interest Payment Date, or (b) to register the
transfer of or exchange any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in
part, except the unredeemed portion of Securities being redeemed in part.

                 Section 306.     Book-Entry Provisions for U.S. Global
Security.

                 All provisions of this Section 306 shall be subject to Section
307 hereof.

                 (a)      The U.S. Global Security initially shall (i) be
registered in the name of the Depositary for such U.S. Global Security or the
nominee of such Depositary, (ii) be delivered to





                                     - 60 -
<PAGE>   72
the Trustee as custodian for such Depositary and (iii) bear legends as set
forth in Section 202 hereof.

                 Members of, or participants in, the Depositary ("Agent
Members") shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any U.S.
Global Security held on their behalf by the Depositary, or the Trustee as its
custodian, or under the U.S. Global Security, and the Depositary may be treated
by the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee as the
absolute owner of such U.S. Global Security for all purposes whatsoever.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the
Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee, from giving effect to any
written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depositary
or impair, as between the Depositary and its Agent Members, the operation of
customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of a Holder of any
Security.

                 (b)      Transfers of the U.S. Global Security shall be
limited to transfers of such U.S. Global Security in whole, but not in part, to
the Depositary, its successors or their respective nominees. Interests of
beneficial owners in the U.S. Global Security may be transferred in accordance
with the rules and procedures of the Depositary and the provisions of Section
307 hereof. Beneficial owners may obtain Physical Securities in exchange for
their beneficial interests in the U.S. Global Security upon request in
accordance with the Depositary's and the Registrar's procedures. In addition,
Physical Securities shall be transferred to all beneficial owners in exchange
for their beneficial interests in the U.S. Global Security if (i) the
Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
Depositary for the U.S. Global Security and a successor depositary is not
appointed by the Company within 90 days of such notice or (ii) an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing and the Security Registrar has received
a request from the Depositary.

                 (c)      In connection with any transfer of a portion of the
beneficial interest in the U.S. Global Security to beneficial owners pursuant
to Subsection (b) of this Section, the Security Registrar shall reflect on its
books and records the date and a decrease in the principal amount of the U.S.
Global Security in an amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial
interest in the U.S. Global Security to be transferred, and the Company shall
execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, one or more Physical
Securities of like tenor and amount.

                 (d)      In connection with the transfer of the entire U.S.
Global Security to beneficial owners pursuant to Subsection (b) of this
Section, the U.S. Global Security shall be surrendered to





                                     - 61 -
<PAGE>   73
the Trustee for cancellation, and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee
shall authenticate and deliver, to each beneficial owner identified by the
Depositary in exchange for its beneficial interest in the U.S. Global Security,
an equal aggregate principal amount of Physical Securities of authorized
denominations.

                 (e)      Any Physical Security delivered in exchange for an
interest in the U.S. Global Security pursuant to Subsection (b) or Subsection
(c) of this Section shall, except as otherwise provided by paragraph (d) of
Section 307 hereof, bear the applicable legend regarding transfer restrictions
applicable to the Physical Security set forth in Section 202 hereof.

                 (f)      The registered Holder of the U.S. Global Security may
grant proxies and otherwise authorize any person, including Agent Members and
persons that may hold interests through Agent Members, to take any action which
a Holder is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Securities.

                 Section 307.     Special Transfer Provisions.

                 Unless and until an Initial Security is exchanged for an
Exchange Note in connection with an effective Exchange Offer Registration
Statement or a Shelf Registration Statement is declared effective with respect
to such Initial Securities and an Initial Security is sold pursuant to the plan
of distribution thereunder, the following provisions shall apply:

                 (a)      Transfers to QIBs. The following provisions shall
         apply with respect to the registration of any proposed transfer of a
         Security to a QIB:

                          (i)     If the Security to be transferred consists of
                 Physical Securities, the Security Registrar shall register the
                 transfer if such transfer is being made by a proposed
                 transferor who has checked the box provided for on the form of
                 Security stating, or has otherwise advised the Company and the
                 Security Registrar in writing, that the sale has been made in
                 compliance with the provisions of Rule 144A to a transferee
                 who has signed the certification provided for on the form of
                 Security stating, or has otherwise advised the Company and the
                 Security Registrar in writing, that it is purchasing the
                 Security for its own account or an account with respect to
                 which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and
                 any such account is a QIB within the meaning of Rule 144A, and
                 is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule
                 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information
                 regarding the Company as it has requested





                                     - 62 -
<PAGE>   74
                 pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such
                 information and that it is aware that the transferor is
                 relying upon its foregoing representations in order to claim
                 the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A.

                          (ii)    If the proposed transferee is an Agent
                 Member, and the Security to be transferred consists of
                 Physical Securities, upon receipt by the Security Registrar of
                 instructions given in accordance with the Depositary's and the
                 Security Registrar's procedures, the Security Registrar shall
                 reflect on its books and records the date and an increase in
                 the principal amount of the U.S. Global Security in an amount
                 equal to the principal amount of the Physical Securities to be
                 transferred, and the Trustee shall cancel the Physical
                 Security so transferred.

                 (b) Private Placement Legend. Any Security authenticated and
         issued hereunder shall not be required to bear the legend set forth in
         Section 202 hereof, if such Security shall be issued upon:

                          (i)     the transfer or exchange of a Security and
                 contemporaneously therewith the Company shall have received an
                 Opinion of Counsel, at its expense, in form and substance
                 reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to the effect that
                 such Security to be issued upon such transfer or exchange may
                 be so issued without such legend because (A) such Security is
                 being exchanged for an Exchange Note or (B) such Security
                 shall have been registered under the Securities Act, the
                 registration statement in connection therewith shall have been
                 declared effective and such Security shall have been disposed
                 of pursuant to such effective registration statement, and the
                 Company shall have delivered to the Trustee and the Security
                 Registrar a copy of such Opinion of Counsel together with an
                 Officers' Certificate directing the Trustee and the Security
                 Registrar to deliver an unlegended Security in connection with
                 such transfer or exchange; such Officers' Certificate and
                 Opinion of Counsel shall be delivered by the Company as soon
                 as practicable after its receipt of a written request by a
                 Holder for such a transfer or exchange; or

                          (ii)    the transfer or exchange of a Security not
                 bearing such legend.





                                     - 63 -
<PAGE>   75
                 (c)      General.

                          (i) By its acceptance of any Security bearing the
                 Private Placement Legend, each Holder of such a Security
                 acknowledges the restrictions on transfer of such Security set
                 forth in this Indenture and in the Private Placement Legend
                 and agrees that it shall transfer such Security only as
                 provided in this Indenture.

                          (ii) Prior to any transfer or exchange of a legended
                 Security for another legended Security, the Company shall have
                 received an opinion of counsel of the Holder (which may
                 include in-house counsel of such Holder experienced in matters
                 of Federal securities law), at its expense, in form and
                 substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company to the effect
                 that such transfer does not require registration under the
                 Securities Act and the Company shall have delivered to the
                 Trustee and the Security Registrar a copy of such opinion of
                 counsel of the Holder together with an Officers' Certificate
                 directing the Trustee and the Security Registrar to transfer
                 or exchange the legended Security for another legended
                 Security.

                 The Trustee and the Security Registrar shall forward copies of
all letters, notices and other written communications received pursuant to
Section 306 hereof or this Section 307 to the Company for approval prior to any
transfer or exchange.

                 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the
Trustee and the Security Registrar shall have no duty to monitor compliance
with any Federal, state or other securities laws.

                 Section 308.     Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen
Securities.

                 If (a) any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee,
or (b) the Company and the Trustee receive evidence to their satisfaction of
the destruction, loss or theft of any Security, and there is delivered to the
Company, each Guarantor and the Trustee, such security or indemnity, in each
case, as may be required by them to save each of them harmless, then, in the
absence of notice to the Company, any Guarantor or the Trustee that such
Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute
and upon its written request the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in
exchange for any such mutilated Security or in lieu of any such destroyed, lost
or stolen Security, a replacement Security of like tenor and





                                     - 64 -
<PAGE>   76
principal amount, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

                 In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security
has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion
may, instead of issuing a replacement Security, pay such Security.

                 Upon the issuance of any replacement Securities under this
Section, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to pay all
documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer taxes or other governmental
charges that may be imposed in relation thereof and any other expenses
(including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

                 Every replacement Security issued pursuant to this Section in
lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original
additional contractual obligation of the Company and the Guarantors, whether or
not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by
anyone, and shall be entitled to all benefits of this Indenture equally and
proportionately with any and all other Securities duly issued hereunder.

                 The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall
preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to
the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.

                 Section 309.     Payment of Interest; Interest Rights
Preserved.

                 Interest on any Security which is payable, and is punctually
paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the
Person in whose name that Security is registered at the close of business on
the Regular Record Date for such interest.

                 Any interest on any Security which is payable, but is not
punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date and interest
on such defaulted interest at the then applicable interest rate borne by the
Securities, to the extent lawful (such defaulted interest and interest thereon
herein collectively called "Defaulted Interest") shall forthwith cease to be
payable to the Holder on the Regular Record Date; and such Defaulted Interest
may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in
Subsection (a) or (b) below:

                 (a)      the Company may elect to make payment of any
         Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities are
         registered at the close of business on a





                                     - 65 -
<PAGE>   77
         Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which
         shall be fixed in the following manner.  The Company shall notify the
         Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be
         paid on each Security and the date (not less than 30 days after such
         notice) of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company
         shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the
         aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted
         Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for
         such deposit on or prior to the date of the proposed payment, such
         money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the
         Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this Subsection
         provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for
         the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15
         days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed
         payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of
         the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify
         the Company in writing of such Special Record Date. In the name and at
         the expense of the Company, the Trustee shall cause notice of the
         proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record
         Date therefor to be mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each
         Holder at his address as it appears in the Security Register, not less
         than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed
         payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date
         therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid
         to the Persons in whose names the Securities are registered on such
         Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the
         following Subsection (b).

                 (b)      The Company may make payment of any Defaulted
         Interest in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the
         requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities may be
         listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if,
         after written notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the
         proposed payment pursuant to this Subsection, such payment shall be
         deemed practicable by the Trustee.

                 Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each
Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in
exchange for or in lieu of any other Security (including any Exchange Security
issued in exchange for an Initial Security) shall carry the rights to interest
accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security.





                                     - 66 -
<PAGE>   78
                 Section 310.     Persons Deemed Owners.

                 The Company, any Guarantor, the Trustee and any agent of the
Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name any Security is
registered as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment
of principal of, premium, if any, and (subject to Section 309 hereof) interest
and Liquidated Damages, if any, on such Security and for all other purposes
whatsoever, whether or not such Security is overdue, and neither the Company,
any Guarantor, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company, any Guarantor or the
Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

                 Section 311.     Cancellation.

                 All Securities surrendered for payment, purchase, redemption,
registration of transfer or exchange shall be delivered to the Trustee and, if
not already canceled, shall be promptly canceled by it. The Company and any
Guarantor may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any
Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Company
or such Guarantor may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and all
Securities so delivered shall be promptly canceled by the Trustee. No
Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities
canceled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this
Indenture. All canceled Securities held by the Trustee shall be destroyed and
certification of their destruction delivered to the Company. The Trustee shall
provide the Company a list of all Securities that have been canceled from time
to time as requested by the Company.

                 Section 312.     Computation of Interest.

                 Interest on the Securities shall be computed on the basis of a
360-day year of twelve 30-day months.  For purposes of the Interest Act
(Canada), (i) the rate of interest on the Securities expressed as an annual
rate will be the yearly rate of interest which would otherwise be applicable on
the basis of a 360 day year multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is
the number of days in the applicable calendar year (being the calendar year in
which the period for which such interest is calculated ends) and the
denominator of which is 360; (ii) the principle of deemed reinvestment of
interest shall not apply to any interest calculation under the Securities; and
(iii) the rates of interest stipulated in the Securities are intended to be
nominal rates and not effective rates or yields.





                                     - 67 -
<PAGE>   79
                 Section 313.     Deposit of Moneys.

                 Prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on each Interest
Payment Date and at Maturity, the Company shall have deposited with the Trustee
or a Paying Agent in immediately available funds money sufficient to make cash
payments, if any, due on such Interest Payment Date or at Maturity, as the case
may be, in a timely manner which permits the Trustee or such Paying Agent to
remit payment to the Holders on such Interest Payment Date or at Maturity, as
the case may be.

                 Section 314.     CUSIP Number.

                 The Company in issuing the Securities may use a "CUSIP"
number(s), and if so, the Trustee shall use the CUSIP number(s) in notices of
redemption or exchange as a convenience to Holders, provided that any such
notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness or
accuracy of the CUSIP number(s) printed in the notice or on the Securities and
that reliance may be placed on the other identification numbers printed on the
Securities.

                 Section 315.     Interest Under Criminal Code (Canada).

                 Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in
this Indenture or the Securities, in no event shall the aggregate "interest"
(as defined in Section 347 of the Criminal Code (Canada), as the same may be
amended, replaced or re-enacted from time to time) payable under this Indenture
or the Securities exceed the maximum amount of interest on the "credit
advanced" (as defined in that section) under this Indenture and the Securities
lawfully permitted under that section and, if any payment, collection or demand
pursuant to this Indenture and the Securities in respect of "interest" (as
defined in that section) is determined to be contrary to the provisions of that
section, such payment, collection or demand shall be deemed to have been made
by mutual mistake, and the amount of such payment or collection shall be
refunded to the Company. For purposes of this Indenture and the Securities, the
effective annual rate of interest shall be determined in accordance with
generally accepted actuarial practices and principles over the term that the
Securities are outstanding on the basis of annual compounding of the lawfully
permitted rate of interest and, in the event of dispute, a certificate of a
Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries appointed by the Trustee will be
conclusive for the purposes of such determination.





                                     - 68 -
<PAGE>   80
                                  ARTICLE FOUR

                       DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

                 Section 401.     Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or
Covenant Defeasance.

                 The Company may, at its option by Board Resolution, at any
time, with respect to the Securities, elect to have either Section 402 or
Section 403 hereof be applied to all of the Outstanding Securities (the
"Defeased Securities"), upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in
this Article Four.

                 Section 402.     Defeasance and Discharge.

                 Upon the Company's exercise under Section 401 hereof of the
option applicable to this Section 402, the Company, each of the Guarantors and
any other obligor upon the Securities, if any, shall be deemed to have been
discharged from its obligations with respect to the Defeased Securities on the
date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, "defeasance").
For this purpose, such defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to
have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the Defeased
Securities, which shall thereafter be deemed to be "Outstanding" only for the
purposes of Section 405 hereof and the other Section of this Indenture referred
to in (a) and (b) below, and to have satisfied all its other obligations under
such Securities and this Indenture, including obligations to the Trustee, if
any (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, and, upon written request,
shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the
following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged
hereunder: (a) the rights of Holders of Defeased Securities to receive, solely
from the trust fund described in Section 404 hereof and as more fully set forth
in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any,
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on such Securities when such payments
are due, (b) the Company's obligations with respect to such Defeased Securities
under Sections 304, 305, 308, 1002 and 1018 hereof, (c) the rights, powers,
trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder including, without
limitation, the Trustee's rights under Section 606 hereof and the Company's
obligations in connection therewith, and (d) this Article Four.  Subject to
compliance with this Article Four, the Company may exercise its option under
this Section 402 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section
403 hereof with respect to the Securities.





                                     - 69 -
<PAGE>   81
                 Section 403.     Covenant Defeasance.

                 Upon the Company's exercise under Section 401 hereof of the
option applicable to this Section 403, the Company and each Guarantor shall be
released from its obligations under any covenant or provision contained or
referred to in Sections 1003, 1004, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1012,
1014, 1015, 1016, 1019, 1020, 1021, 1022 and 1025 hereof with respect to the
Defeased Securities on and after the date the conditions set forth below are
satisfied (hereinafter, "covenant defeasance"), and the Defeased Securities
shall thereafter be deemed to be not "Outstanding" for the purposes of any
direction, waiver, consent or declaration or Act of Holders (and the
consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants, but shall
continue to be deemed "Outstanding" for all other purposes hereunder. For this
purpose, such covenant defeasance means that, with respect to the Defeased
Securities, the Company and each Guarantor may omit to comply with and shall
have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in
any such Section or Article, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any
reference elsewhere herein to any such Section or Article or by reason of any
reference in any such Section or Article to any other provision herein or in
any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default
or an Event of Default under Section 501(3) or (4) hereof but, except as
specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Defeased Securities
shall be unaffected thereby.

                 Section 404.     Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant
Defeasance.

                 The following shall be the conditions to application of either
Section 402 or Section 403 hereof to the Defeased Securities:

                 (1) The Company shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to
         be deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee satisfying the
         requirements of Section 608 hereof who shall agree to comply with the
         provisions of this Article Four applicable to it) as trust funds in
         trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically
         pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the
         Holders of such Securities, (a) United States dollars in an amount, or
         (b) U.S. Government Obligations which through the scheduled payment of
         principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their
         terms shall provide, not later than one day before the due date of any
         payment, money in an amount, or (c) a combination thereof, sufficient,
         in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public
         accountants or a nationally recognized investment banking firm
         expressed in a written certification thereof





                                     - 70 -
<PAGE>   82
         delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge and which shall be
         applied by the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee) to pay and
         discharge the principal of, premium, if any, interest and Liquidated
         Damages, if any, on the Defeased Securities on the Stated Maturity of
         such principal or installment of principal or interest (such date
         being referred to as the "Defeasance Redemption Date"), if when
         exercising under Section 401 hereof either its option applicable to
         Section 402 hereof or its option applicable to Section 403 hereof, the
         Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an irrevocable notice to
         redeem all of the Outstanding Securities on the Defeasance Redemption
         Date); provided that the Trustee shall have been irrevocably
         instructed to apply such United States dollars or the proceeds of such
         U.S. Government Obligations to said payments with respect to the
         Securities.

                 (2) In the case of an election under Section 402 hereof, the
         Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Independent
         Counsel in the United States of America stating that (A) the Company
         has received from the Internal Revenue Service a ruling and from
         Revenue Canada a ruling or (B) since the date of this Indenture, there
         has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, including
         by means of a Revenue Ruling published by the Internal Revenue Service
         and a ruling from Revenue Canada has been published, in either case to
         the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Independent Counsel
         in the United States of America shall confirm that, the Holders of the
         Outstanding Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for
         U.S. Federal income tax and Canadian federal or provincial income tax
         as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to U.S. Federal
         income tax and Canadian federal or provincial income tax on the same
         amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been
         the case if such defeasance had not occurred.

                 (3) In the case of an election under Section 403 hereof, the
         Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Independent
         Counsel in the United States of America to the effect that the Holders
         of the Outstanding Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss
         for U.S. Federal income tax, Canadian federal or provincial income tax
         or certain other tax purposes as a result of such covenant defeasance
         and will be subject to U.S. Federal income tax, Canadian federal or
         provincial income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at
         the same times as would have been the case if such covenant defeasance
         had not occurred.





                                     - 71 -
<PAGE>   83
                 (4) No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
         continuing on the date of such deposit or insofar as Subsections
         501(10) or (11) hereof are concerned, at any time during the period
         ending on the 91st day after the date of deposit.

                 (5) Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in
         a breach or violation of, or constitute a Default under, any material
         agreement or instrument (other than this Indenture) to which the
         Company or any Guarantor is a party or by which it is bound.

                 (6) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion
         of Independent Counsel to the effect that after the 91st day following
         the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any
         applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws
         affecting creditors' rights generally.

                 (7) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
         Officers' Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the
         Company with the intent of preferring the Holders of the Securities or
         any Guarantee over the other creditors of the Company or any Guarantor
         with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding
         creditors of the Company, any Guarantor or others.

                 (8) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
         Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Independent Counsel, each
         stating that all conditions precedent provided for relating to either
         the defeasance under Section 402 hereof or the covenant defeasance
         under Section 403 hereof (as the case may be) have been complied with
         as contemplated by this Section 404.

Opinions of Counsel or Opinions of Independent Counsel required to be delivered
under this Section may have qualifications customary for opinions of the type
required and counsel delivering such opinions may rely on certificates of the
Company or government or other officials customary for opinions of the type
required, including certificates certifying as to matters of fact, including
that various financial covenants have been complied with.

                 Section 405.     Deposited Money and U.S. Government
Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.

                 Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section
1018 hereof, all United States dollars and U.S. Government Obligations
(including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other
qualifying trustee--collectively for





                                     - 72 -
<PAGE>   84
purposes of this Section 405, the "Trustee") pursuant to Section 404 hereof in
respect of the Defeased Securities shall be held in trust and applied by the
Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Securities and this
Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent
(including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may
determine, to the Holders of such Securities of all sums due and to become due
thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, interest and Liquidated
Damages, if any, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except
to the extent required by law.

                 The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any
tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S. Government
Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 404 hereof or the principal and
interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other
charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the Defeased
Securities.

                 Anything in this Article Four to the contrary notwithstanding,
the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company
Request any United States dollars or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as
provided in Section 404 hereof which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized
firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification
thereof delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which
would then be required to be deposited to effect defeasance or covenant
defeasance.

                 Section 406.     Reinstatement.

                 If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any United
States dollars or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Section 402 or
403 hereof, as the case may be, by reason of any order or judgment of any court
or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such
application, then the Company's and each Guarantor's obligations under this
Indenture and the Securities (including, without limitation, the provisions of
Article Thirteen hereof) shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit
had occurred pursuant to Section 402 or 403 hereof, as the case may be, until
such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such United
States dollars or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Section 402 or
403 hereof, as the case may be; provided, however, that if the Company makes
any payment to the Trustee or Paying Agent of principal of, premium, if any,
interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, on any Security following the
reinstatement of its obligations, the Trustee or Paying Agent shall promptly
pay any such amount to the Holders of the Securities and the Company shall be
subrogated to the rights of





                                     - 73 -
<PAGE>   85
the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the money held by
the Trustee or Paying Agent.

                 Section 407.     Repayment of the Company.

                 Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or
then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of,
premium, if any, interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, on any Security and
remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, and premium, if any,
interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, has become due and payable shall be
paid to the Company on its written request or (if then held by the Company)
shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security shall
thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for
payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with
respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee
thereof, shall thereupon cease, provided, however, that the Trustee or such
Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the
expense of the Company cause to be published once, in the New York Times and
The Wall Street Journal (national edition), notice that such money remains
unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less
than thirty (30) days from the date of such notification or publication, any
unclaimed balance of such money then remaining shall promptly be repaid to the
Company.


                                  ARTICLE FIVE

                                    REMEDIES

                 Section 501.     Events of Default.

                 An "Event of Default" shall occur if:

                 (1)      there shall be a default in the payment of interest
         or Additional Amounts on any Security when the same becomes due and
         payable and the Default continues for a period of thirty (30) days;

                 (2)      there shall be a default in the payment of the
         principal of, or premium with respect to, any Security when the same
         becomes due and payable, at maturity, upon redemption, in connection
         with a Change of Control, an Asset Sale or otherwise;

                 (3)      the Company or any Guarantor fails to observe or
         perform any covenant, condition or agreement on the part of the
         Company or such Guarantor to be observed or performed





                                     - 74 -
<PAGE>   86
         pursuant to Section 1006, 1008, 1009, 1010, 1012, 1014, 1019, 1020 or
Article Eight hereof;

                 (4)      the Company or any Guarantor fails to observe or
         perform any other covenant or agreement in this Indenture, the
         Securities, the Guarantees or the Security Documents and such failure
         continues for the period and after the notice specified below;

                 (5)      the Company denies or disaffirms its obligations
         under this Indenture or the Securities;

                 (6)      a Guarantor denies or disaffirms its obligations
         under its Guarantee, or any Guarantee for any reason ceases to be, or
         is asserted in writing by any Guarantor or the Company not to be, in
         full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with its terms,
         except to the extent contemplated by this Indenture and any such
         Guarantee;

                 (7)      a default occurs under any Indebtedness of the
         Company, PAAC or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries (other than the
         Securities or the Guarantees), whether such Indebtedness now exists or
         is created after the Closing Date if either (A) such default results
         from the failure to pay the final scheduled principal installment in
         respect of any such Indebtedness on the stated maturity date thereof
         (after giving effect to any grace period) or (B) as a result of such
         default, the maturity of such Indebtedness has been accelerated prior
         to its express maturity and, in each case, the principal amount of
         such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of all other
         Indebtedness with respect to which the principal amount remains unpaid
         at its final maturity (after giving effect to any grace period in
         respect of such final scheduled principal installment) or the maturity
         of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $5,000,000 or more;

                 (8)      a final judgment or final judgments for the payment
         of money are entered by a court or courts of competent jurisdiction
         against the Company, PAAC or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries and
         such judgment or judgments remain undischarged, unbonded or unstayed
         for a period of sixty (60) days, provided that the aggregate of all
         such judgments (other than any judgment as to which and only to the
         extent, a reputable insurance company has acknowledged coverage of
         such claim in writing) equals or exceeds $5,000,000;

                 (9)      any of the Security Documents ceases to be in full
         force and effect (other than in accordance with their respective
         terms), or any of the Security Documents ceases





                                     - 75 -
<PAGE>   87
         to give the Collateral Agent the Liens, rights, powers and privileges
         purported to be created thereby (other than in accordance with their
         respective terms), or any Security Document or any Collateral becomes
         subject to any Lien other than the Liens created or permitted by this
         Indenture or the Security Documents;

                 (10)     the Company, PAAC, any Guarantor or any other
         Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to or under or within the meaning of
         any Bankruptcy Law:

                          (a)     commences a voluntary case,

                          (b)     consents to the entry of an order for relief
                 against it in an involuntary case in which it is a debtor,

                          (c)     consents to the appointment of a Custodian of
                 it or for all or substantially all of its property,

                          (d)     makes a general assignment for the benefit of
                 its creditors,

                          (e)     admits in writing its inability to pay debts
                 as the same become due,

                          (f)     becomes insolvent or generally does not pay
                 its debts as such debts become due,

                          (g)     admits in writing its inability to pay its
                 debts generally or makes a general assignment for the benefit
                 of creditors,

                          (h)     files a notice of intention to file a
                 proposal under any Bankruptcy Law,

                          (i)     institutes or has instituted against it any
                 proceeding seeking:

                                  (A)      to adjudicate it a bankrupt or
                          insolvent,

                                  (B)      any liquidation, winding-up,
                          reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, protection,
                          relief or composition of it or its debts under any
                          Bankruptcy Law, or

                                  (C)      the entry of an order for relief or
                          appointment of a receiver, interim receiver, receiver
                          and manager, assignee, liquidator, sequestrator,
                          trustee or other similar official





                                     - 76 -
<PAGE>   88
                          for it or for any substantial part of its property,

                 and in the case of any such proceeding instituted against it
                 (but not instituted by it), it shall not be actively and
                 diligently contesting such proceeding in good faith by
                 appropriate legal proceedings or any of the actions sought in
                 such proceeding (including the entry of an order for relief
                 against it or the appointment of a receiver, trustee,
                 custodian or other similar official for it or for any
                 substantial part of its Real Property) shall occur, or

                          (j)     takes any corporate action to authorize any
                 of the foregoing actions; or

                 (11)     a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or
                          decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

                          (a)     is for relief against the Company, any
                 Guarantor or any other Restricted Subsidiary in an involuntary
                 case in which it is a debtor,

                          (b)     appoints a Custodian of the Company, any
                 Guarantor or any other Restricted Subsidiary or for all or
                 substantially all of their property,

                          (c)     orders the liquidation of the Company, any
                 Guarantor or any other Restricted Subsidiary,

         and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for sixty (60)
days.

                 The term "Custodian" means any receiver, trustee, assignee,
liquidator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

                 A Default under clause (4) is not an Event of Default until
the Trustee notifies the Company, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal
amount of the Securities then Outstanding notify the Company and the Trustee,
of the Default and the Company does not cure the Default within sixty (60) days
after receipt of such notice. The notice must specify the Default, demand that
it be remedied and state that the notice is a "Notice of Default."

                 The failure to make any payment on the Securities when due
shall, after the expiration date of any applicable grace period, constitute an
Event of Default under this Indenture.





                                     - 77 -
<PAGE>   89
                 Section 502.     Acceleration.

                 If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default
specified in clauses (10) and (11) of Section 501 hereof) occurs and is
continuing, the Trustee by notice to the Company, or the Holders of at least
25% in principal amount of the Securities then Outstanding by written notice to
the Company and the Trustee, may declare the unpaid principal of and any
accrued interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on all the Securities to be
due and payable. Upon such declaration the principal and interest and
Liquidated Damages, if any, shall be due and payable immediately. If an Event
of Default specified in clause (10) or (11) of Section 501 hereof occurs, such
an amount shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without
any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder. The
Holders of a majority (or, in the case of the failure to make a Change of
Control Offer pursuant to Section 1014 hereof, two-thirds) in principal amount
of Securities then Outstanding by written notice to the Trustee may rescind an
acceleration and its consequences if the rescission would not conflict with any
judgment or decree and if:

                 (a)      the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a
         sum sufficient to pay

                          (i)     all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee
                 under this Indenture and the reasonable compensation,
                 expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its
                 agents and counsel,

                          (ii)    all overdue interest on all Securities,

                          (iii)   the principal of and premium, if any, and
                 Liquidated Damages, if any, on any Securities which have
                 become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration
                 and interest thereon at a rate borne by the Securities, and

                          (iv)    to the extent that payment of such interest
                 is lawful, interest upon overdue interest at the rate borne by
                 the Securities; and

                 (b)      all Events of Default, other than the non-payment of
         principal of the Securities which have become due solely by such
         declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in
         Section 504 hereof. No such rescission shall affect any subsequent
         Default or impair any right consequent thereon provided in Section 504
         hereof.





                                     - 78 -
<PAGE>   90
                 Section 503.     Other Remedies.

                 If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee
may pursue any available remedy (under this Indenture or otherwise) to collect
the payment of principal, premium, if any, interest or Liquidated Damages, if
any, on the Securities or to enforce the performance of any provision of the
Securities or this Indenture.

                 The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not
possess any of the Securities or does not produce any of them in the
proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder in exercising any
right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or
remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default.

                 No right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the
Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or
remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be
cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or
now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or
employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent
the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or
remedy.

                 Section 504.     Waiver of Past Defaults.

                 Holders of a majority (or, in the case of the failure by the
Company to make a Change of Control Offer pursuant to Section 1014 hereof,
two-thirds) in aggregate principal amount of the Securities then Outstanding by
notice to the Trustee may waive an existing Default or Event of Default and its
consequences, except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of
the principal of or interest on any Security held by a non-consenting Holder.
Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of
Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose
of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other
Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

                 Section 505.     Control by Majority.

                 The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Securities then Outstanding may direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust
or power conferred on it. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any
direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture, that the Trustee
determines may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders, or that
may involve the Trustee in personal liability.





                                     - 79 -
<PAGE>   91
                 Section 506.     Limitation on Suits.

                 A Holder may pursue a remedy with respect to this Indenture or
the Securities only if:

                 (1)      the Holder gives to the Trustee written notice of a
         continuing Event of Default;

                 (2)      the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of
         the Securities then Outstanding make a written request to the Trustee
         to pursue the remedy;

                 (3)      such Holder or Holders offer and, if requested,
         provide to the Trustee indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against
         any loss, liability or expense;

                 (4)      the Trustee does not comply with the request within
         sixty (60) days after receipt of the request and the offer and, if
         requested, the provision of the indemnity; and

                 (5)      during such sixty (60) day period the Holders of a
         majority in principal amount of the Securities then Outstanding do not
         give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with the request.

A Holder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder
or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder.

                 Section 507.     Rights of Holders to Receive Payment.

                 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, but
subject to Article Thirteen the right of any Holder of a Security to receive
payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Security, on or
after the respective due dates expressed in the Security (or, in the case of
redemption or repurchase, on the Redemption Date or repurchase date), or to
bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective
dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of the Holder,
subject to Article Thirteen.

                 Section 508.     Collection Suit by Trustee.

                 If an Event of Default specified in Section 501(1) or (2)
hereof occurs and is continuing, the Trustee is authorized to recover judgment
in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company or any
Guarantor for the whole amount of principal, premium, if any, interest and
Liquidated Damages, if any, remaining unpaid on the Securities and interest on
overdue principal and, to the extent lawful, premium and interest and such
further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs





                                     - 80 -
<PAGE>   92
and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, subject to
Article Thirteen.

                 If the Company or any Guarantor, as the case may be, fails to
pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and
as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the
collection of the sums so due and unpaid and may prosecute such proceeding to
judgment or final decree, and may enforce the same against the Company or any
Guarantor or any other obligor upon the Securities and collect the moneys
adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the
property of the Company or any Guarantor or any other obligor upon the
Securities, wherever situated.

                 If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee
may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights
of the Holders under this Indenture or the Guarantees by such appropriate
private or judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to
protect and enforce such rights, including, seeking recourse against any
Guarantor pursuant to the terms of any Guarantee, whether for the specific
enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the
exercise of any power granted herein or therein, or to enforce any other proper
remedy, including, without limitation, seeking recourse against any Guarantor
pursuant to the terms of a Guarantee, or to enforce any other proper remedy,
subject however to Section 505 hereof.

                 Section 509.     Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

                 The Trustee is authorized to file such proofs of claim and
other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the
claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation,
expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel)
and the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company or
any Guarantor or any other obligor upon the Securities, their creditors or
their property and shall be entitled and empowered, subject to Article
Thirteen, to collect, receive and distribute any money or other property
payable or deliverable on any such claims and any Custodian in any such
judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments
to the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making
of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due
to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of
the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee
under Section 606 hereof. To the extent that the payment of any such
compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents
and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under





                                     - 81 -
<PAGE>   93
Section 606 hereof out of the estate in any such proceeding shall be denied for
any reason, payment of the same shall be secured by a Lien on, and shall be
paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, money, securities and other
properties which the Holders of the Securities may be entitled to receive in
such proceeding whether in liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or
arrangement or otherwise. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize
the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any
Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition
affecting the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize
the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such
proceeding.

                 Section 510.     Priorities.

                 If the Trustee collects any money pursuant to this Article, it
shall pay out the money in the following order:

                 First: to (i) the Trustee, its agents and attorneys for
         amounts due under Section 606 hereof, including payment of all
         compensation, expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances
         made, by the Trustee and the costs and expenses of collection and (ii)
         the Collateral Agent, pursuant to the terms of the Intercreditor
         Agreement;

                 Second: subject to Article Thirteen, to (i) Holders for
         amounts due and unpaid on the Securities for principal, premium, if
         any, interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, ratably, without
         preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and
         payable on the Securities for principal, premium, if any, interest and
         Liquidated Damages, if any, respectively, and (ii) subject to the
         Intercreditor Agreement, to the Term Loan Agent for obligations under
         the Term Loan Agreement, including amounts of principal of, premium,
         if any, and interest on such obligations;

                 Third: subject to Article Thirteen, without duplication, to
         Holders for any other Indenture Obligations owing to the Holders under
         this Indenture or the Securities; and

                 Fourth: subject to Article Thirteen, to the Company or to such
         party as a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct.

                 The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any
payment to Holders.





                                     - 82 -
<PAGE>   94
                 Section 511.     Undertaking for Costs.

                 In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under
this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or
omitted by it as a Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by
any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit,
and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including
reasonable attorneys' fees, against any party litigant in the suit, having due
regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party
litigant. This Section does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a
Holder pursuant to Section 507 hereof or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in
principal amount of the Securities then Outstanding or to any suit instituted
by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of, premium,
if any, interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, on any Security on or after the
respective Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of
redemption or repurchase, on or after the Redemption Date or repurchase date).

                 Section 512.     Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws.

                 Each of the Company and any Guarantor covenants (to the extent
that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, or
plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of,
any stay or extension law or any usury or other law wherever enacted, now or at
any time hereafter in force, which would prohibit or forgive the Company or any
Guarantor from paying all or any portion of the principal of, premium, if any,
interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Securities contemplated herein
or in the Securities or which may affect the covenants or the performance of
this Indenture; and each of the Company and any Guarantor (to the extent that
it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any
such law, and covenants that it shall not hinder, delay or impede the execution
of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the
execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.


                                  ARTICLE SIX

                                  THE TRUSTEE

                 Section 601.     Notice of Defaults.

                 Within ninety (90) days after the occurrence of any Default,
the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Holders, as their names and addresses
appear in the Security Register, notice of such Default hereunder known to the
Trustee, unless such





                                     - 83 -
<PAGE>   95
Default shall have been cured or waived; provided, however, that, except in the
case of a Default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on any Security, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such
notice if and so long as a trust committee of Responsible Officers of the
Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the
interest of the Holders.

                 Section 602.     Certain Rights of Trustee.

                 Subject to the provisions of Trust Indenture Act Sections
315(a) through 315(d):

                 (a)      the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting
         or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement,
         instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent,
         order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of Indebtedness or other
         paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed
         or presented by the proper party or parties;

                 (b)      any request or direction of the Company mentioned
         herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company
         Order and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently
         evidenced by a Board Resolution;

                 (c)      the Trustee may consult with counsel and any written
         advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and
         complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken,
         suffered or omitted by it hereunder or under any Security Document in
         good faith and in reliance thereon in accordance with such advice or
         Opinion of Counsel;

                 (d)      the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise
         any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture or any
         Security Document at the request or direction of any of the Holders
         pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to
         the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against
         the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred therein or
         thereby in compliance with such request or direction;

                 (e)      the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken
         or omitted by it in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or
         within the discretion, rights or powers conferred upon it by this
         Indenture or any Security Document other than any liabilities arising
         out of the gross negligence of the Trustee;





                                     - 84 -
<PAGE>   96
                 (f)      the Trustee shall not be bound to make any
         investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution,
         certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request,
         direction, consent, order, approval, appraisal, bond, debenture, note,
         coupon, security or other paper or document unless requested in
         writing to do so by the Holders of not less than a majority in
         aggregate principal amount of the Securities then Outstanding;
         provided that, if the payment within a reasonable time to the Trustee
         of the costs, expenses or liabilities likely to be incurred by it in
         the making of such investigation is, in the opinion of the Trustee,
         not reasonably assured to the Trustee by the security afforded to it
         by the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee may require reasonable
         indemnity against such expenses or liabilities as a condition to
         proceeding; the reasonable expenses of every such investigation shall
         be paid by the Company or, if paid by the Trustee or any predecessor
         Trustee, shall be repaid by the Company upon demand; provided,
         further, that the Trustee in its discretion may make such further
         inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may deem
         fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry
         or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records
         and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney;

                 (g)      the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers
         hereunder or perform any duties hereunder or under any Security
         Document either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the
         Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on
         the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it
         hereunder;

                 (h)      no provision of this Indenture or any Security
         Document shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or
         otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of
         its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or
         powers;

                 (i) notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein
         or in any Security Document, under no circumstances shall the Trustee
         be required to take possession of or maintain an action to foreclose
         upon any Mortgaged Property; and

                 (j)      no implied covenants or obligations shall be read
         into this Indenture or any other Security Document against the
         Trustee.





                                     - 85 -
<PAGE>   97
                 Section 603.     Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals,
Dispositions of Securities or Application of Proceeds Thereof.

                 The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except
the Trustee's certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements
of the Company, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for their
correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or
sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities, except that the Trustee
represents that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Indenture,
authenticate the Securities and perform its obligations hereunder and that the
statements made by it in a Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1, if any,
supplied to the Company are true and accurate subject to the qualifications set
forth therein. The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application
by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.

                 Section 604.     Trustee and Agents May Hold Securities;
Collections; etc.

                 The Trustee, any Paying Agent, Security Registrar or any other
agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the
owner or pledgee of Securities, with the same rights it would have if it were
not the Trustee, Paying Agent, Security Registrar or such other agent and,
subject to Trust Indenture Act Sections 310 and 311, may otherwise deal with
the Company and receive, collect, hold and retain collections from the Company
with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee, Paying Agent,
Security Registrar or such other agent.

                 Section 605.     Money Held in Trust.

                 All moneys received by the Trustee shall, until used or
applied as herein provided, be held in trust for the purposes for which they
were received, but need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent
required by mandatory provisions of law. Except for funds or securities
deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Article Four, the Trustee may invest all
moneys received by the Trustee, until used or applied as herein provided, in
Cash Equivalents in accordance with the written directions of the Company. The
Trustee shall not be liable for any losses incurred in connection with any
investments made in accordance with Section 605 hereof, unless the Trustee
acted with gross negligence or in bad faith. With respect to any losses on
investments made under this Section 605, the Company is liable for the full
extent of any such loss.





                                     - 86 -
<PAGE>   98
                 Section 606.     Compensation and Indemnification of Trustee
and Its Prior Claim.

                 The Company covenants and agrees to pay to the Trustee from
time to time, and the Trustee shall be entitled to, reasonable compensation for
all services rendered by it hereunder (which shall not be limited by any
provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express
trust) and the Company covenants and agrees to pay or reimburse the Trustee and
each predecessor Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses,
disbursements and advances incurred or made by or on behalf of it in accordance
with any of the provisions of this Indenture (including the reasonable
compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its counsel and of all
agents and other persons not regularly in its employ), except any such expense,
disbursement or advance as may arise from its negligence or bad faith. The
Company also covenants to indemnify the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee
for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability, tax, assessment or
other governmental charge (other than taxes applicable to the Trustee's
compensation hereunder) or expense incurred without gross negligence or bad
faith on such Trustee's part, arising out of or in connection with the
acceptance or administration of this Indenture or any Security Document or the
trusts hereunder and such Trustee's duties hereunder, including enforcement of
this Section 606 and also including any liability which the Trustee may incur
as a result of failure to withhold, pay or report any tax, assessment or other
governmental charge, and the costs and expenses of defending itself against or
investigating any claim of liability in the premises. The obligations of the
Company under this Section to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and each
predecessor Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee and each predecessor
Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute an additional
obligation hereunder and shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this
Indenture, or the resignation or removal of any Trustee.

                 To secure the Company's payment obligations in this Section
606, the Trustee shall have a Lien prior to the Securities on all money or
property held or collected by the Trustee, in its capacity as Trustee, except
money or property held in trust to pay principal of or interest or Liquidated
Damages, if any, on particular Securities.

                 When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in
connection with an Event of Default specified in Section 501(9) or (10), the
expenses and the compensation for the services shall be preferred over the
status of Holders in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law and are intended
to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.





                                     - 87 -
<PAGE>   99
                 Section 607.     Conflicting Interests.

                 The Trustee shall comply with the provisions of Section 310(b)
of the Trust Indenture Act.

                 Section 608.     Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.

                 There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be
eligible to act as trustee under Trust Indenture Act Section 310(a)(1) and
which shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 or
which shall be a wholly owned subsidiary of a company that has a combined
capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000, to the extent there is an
institution eligible and willing to serve. If the Trustee does not have an
office in The City of New York, the Trustee may appoint an agent in The City of
New York reasonably acceptable to the Company to conduct any activities which
the Trustee may be required under this Indenture to conduct in The City of New
York. If the Trustee does not have an office in The City of New York or has not
appointed an agent in The City of New York, the Trustee shall be a participant
in the Depository Trust Company and FAST distribution systems. If such
corporation published reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law
or to the requirements of Federal, state, territorial or District of Columbia
supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the
combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its
combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of
condition so published. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible
in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee shall resign
immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this
Article Six.

                 Section 609.     Resignation and Removal; Appointment of
Successor Trustee.

                 (a)      No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no
appointment of a successor trustee pursuant to this Article shall become
effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee under
Section 610 hereof.

                 (b)      The Trustee, or any trustee or trustees hereafter
appointed, may at any time resign by giving written notice thereof to the
Company. Upon receiving such notice of resignation, the Company shall promptly
appoint a successor trustee by written instrument executed by authority of the
Board of Directors, a copy of which shall be delivered to the resigning Trustee
and a copy to the successor trustee. If an instrument of acceptance by a
successor trustee shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within thirty
(30) days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee
may, or any Holder





                                     - 88 -
<PAGE>   100
who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on
behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of
competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor trustee. Such court
may thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper, appoint a
successor trustee.

                 (c)      The Trustee may be removed at any time by an Act of
the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities, delivered to the Trustee and to the Company.

                 (d)      If at any time:

                          (1)     the Trustee shall fail to comply with the
                 provisions of Trust Indenture Act Section 310(b) after written
                 request therefor by the Company or by any Holder who has been
                 a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months, or

                          (2)     the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under
                 Section 608 hereof and shall fail to resign after written
                 request therefor by the Company or by any Holder who has been
                 a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months, or

                          (3)     the Trustee shall become incapable of acting
                 or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or a receiver of
                 the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any
                 public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or
                 of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation,
                 conservation or liquidation,

then, in any case, (i) the Company by a Board Resolution may remove the
Trustee, or (ii) subject to Section 511 hereof, the Holder of any Security who
has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on
behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of
competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a
successor trustee. Such court may thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it
may deem proper and prescribe, remove the Trustee and appoint a successor
trustee.

                 (e)      If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become
incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for
any cause, the Company, by a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a
successor trustee. If, within one year after such resignation, removal or
incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor trustee shall be
appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding





                                     - 89 -
<PAGE>   101
Securities delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor
trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment,
become the successor trustee and supersede the successor trustee appointed by
the Company. If no successor trustee shall have been so appointed by the
Company or the Holders of the Securities and accepted appointment in the manner
hereinafter provided, the Holder of any Security who has been a bona fide
Holder for at least six months may, subject to Section 511 hereof, on behalf of
himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor trustee.

                 (f)      The Company shall give notice of each resignation and
each removal of the Trustee and each appointment of a successor trustee by
mailing written notice of such event by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to
the Holders of Securities as their names and addresses appear in the Security
Register. Each notice shall include the name of the successor trustee and the
address of its Corporate Trust Office or agent hereunder.

                 Section 610.     Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.

                 Every successor trustee appointed hereunder shall execute,
acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an
instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal
of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor trustee,
without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the
rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee as if originally
named as Trustee hereunder; but, nevertheless, on the written request of the
Company or the successor trustee, upon payment of its charges then unpaid, such
retiring Trustee shall, pay over to the successor trustee all moneys at the
time held by it hereunder and shall execute and deliver an instrument
transferring to such successor trustee all such rights, powers, duties and
obligations. Upon request of any such successor trustee, the Company shall
execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and
confirming to such successor trustee all such rights and powers. Any Trustee
ceasing to act shall, nevertheless, retain a prior claim upon all property or
funds held or collected by such Trustee or such successor trustee to secure any
amounts then due such Trustee pursuant to the provisions of Section 606 hereof.

                 No successor trustee with respect to the Securities shall
accept appointment as provided in this Section 610 unless at the time of such
acceptance such successor trustee shall be eligible to act as trustee under the
provisions of Trust Indenture Act Section 310(a) and this Article Six and shall
have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 or which shall be a
wholly owned subsidiary of a company that has a





                                     - 90 -
<PAGE>   102
combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 and have a Corporate Trust
Office or an agent selected in accordance with Section 608 hereof.

                 Upon acceptance of appointment by any successor trustee as
provided in this Section 610, the Company shall give notice thereof to the
Holders of the Securities, by mailing such notice to such Holders at their
addresses as they shall appear on the Security Register. If the acceptance of
appointment is substantially contemporaneous with the resignation, then the
notice called for by the preceding sentence may be combined with the notice
called for by Section 609 hereof. If the Company fails to give such notice
within ten (10) days after acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee,
the successor trustee shall cause such notice to be given at the expense of the
Company.

                 Section 611.     Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or
Succession to Business.

                 Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or
converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting
from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a
party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all of the
corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee
hereunder, provided such corporation shall be eligible under Trust Indenture
Act Section 310(a) and this Article Six and shall have a combined capital and
surplus of at least $50,000,000 or which shall be a wholly owned subsidiary of
a company that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 and
have a Corporate Trust Office or an agent selected in accordance with Section
608 hereof without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on
the part of any of the parties hereto.

                 In case at the time such successor to the Trustee shall
succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture any of the Securities shall
have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Trustee
may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee and
deliver such Securities so authenticated; and, in case at that time any of the
Securities shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may
authenticate such Securities either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or
in the name of the successor trustee; and in all such cases such certificate
shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Securities or in this
Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have; provided
that the right to adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor
Trustee or to authenticate Securities in the name of any predecessor Trustee
shall apply only to its successor or successors by merger, conversion or
consolidation.





                                     - 91 -
<PAGE>   103
                 Section 612.     Preferential Collection of Claims Against
Company.

                 If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the
Company (or other obligor under the Securities), the Trustee shall be subject
to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims
against the Company (or any such other obligor). A Trustee who has resigned or
been removed shall be subject to the Trust Indenture Act Section 311(a) to the
extent indicated therein.

                 Section 613.     Certain Duties and Responsibilities.

                 (1)      Except during the continuance of an Event of Default,

                 (a)      the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and
         only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and
         no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture
         against the Trustee; and

                 (b)      in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee
         may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the
         correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or
         opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements
         of this Indenture, but in the case of any such certificates or
         opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be
         furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine
         the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements
         of this Indenture but shall not be required to verify the contents
         thereof.

                 (2)      In case an Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in
it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their
exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in
the conduct of such person's own affairs.


                                 ARTICLE SEVEN

               HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY

                 Section 701.     Company to Furnish Trustee Names and
Addresses of Holders.

                 The Company shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the
Trustee





                                     - 92 -
<PAGE>   104
                 (a)      semiannually, not more than ten (10) days after each
         Regular Record Date, a list, in such form as the Trustee may
         reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders as of
         such Regular Record Date; and

                 (b)      at such other times as the Trustee may request in
         writing, within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of any
         such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more
         than fifteen (15) days prior to the time such list is furnished;

provided, however, that if and so long as the Trustee shall be the Security
Registrar, no such list need be furnished.

                 Section 702.     Disclosure of Names and Addresses of Holders.

                 Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same,
agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the
Trustee nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of
the disclosure of any information as to the names and addresses of the Holders
in accordance with Trust Indenture Act Section 312, regardless of the source
from which such information was derived, and that the Trustee shall not be held
accountable by reason of mailing any material pursuant to a request made under
Trust Indenture Act Section 312.

                 Section 703.     Reports by Trustee.

                 Within sixty (60) days after May 15 of each year commencing
with the first May 15 after the Closing Date, the Trustee shall transmit by
mail to all Holders, as their names and addresses appear in the Security
Register, as provided in Trust Indenture Act Section 313(c), a brief report
dated as of such May 15 in accordance with and to the extent required by Trust
Indenture Act Section 313(a). The Trustee shall also comply with Trust
Indenture Act Section 313(b).

                 Commencing at the time this Indenture is qualified under the
Trust Indenture Act, a copy of each report at the time of its mailing to
Holders shall be filed with the Commission and each stock exchange on which the
Securities are listed of which the Company has notified the Trustee in writing.
The Company shall notify the Trustee when Securities are listed on any stock
exchange.

                 Section 704.     Reports by Company and Guarantors.

                 (a)      Whether or not PAAC is subject to Section 13(a) or
15(d) of the Exchange Act, PAAC shall, to the extent permitted under the
Exchange Act, file with the Commission the annual





                                     - 93 -
<PAGE>   105
reports, quarterly reports and other documents which PAAC would have been
required to file with the Commission pursuant to such Section 13(a) or 15(d) if
PAAC were so subject, such documents to be filed with the Commission on or
prior to the respective dates (the "Required Filing Dates") by which PAAC would
have been required so to file such documents if PAAC were so subject. PAAC
shall also in any event (x) within 15 days of each Required Filing Date (i)
transmit by mail to all Holders of Securities, as their names and addresses
appear in the security register, without cost to such Holders and (ii) file
with the Trustee copies of the annual reports, quarterly reports and other
documents which PAAC would have been required to file with the Commission
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if PAAC were subject to
such Sections and (y) if filing such documents by PAAC with the Commission is
not permitted under the Exchange Act, promptly upon written request and payment
of the reasonable cost of duplication and delivery, supply copies of such
documents to any prospective Holder of Securities at PAAC's cost. Any financial
statements contained in each of such reports or other documents will be
prepared in accordance with GAAP.

                 (b)      For so long as any of the Securities remain
outstanding and are "restricted securities" within the meaning of Rule
144(a)(3) under the Securities Act, the Company covenants and agrees that it
shall, during any period in which it is not subject to Section 13(a), 13(c) or
15(d) under the Exchange Act, make available to any Holder of the Securities in
connection with any sale thereof and any prospective purchaser of the
Securities from such Holder, in each case upon request, the information
specified in, and meeting the requirements of, Rule 144A(d)(4) under the
Securities Act.

                 (c)      The Trustee has no duty to review any financial or
other reports for purposes of determining compliance with this or any other
provisions of this Indenture.


                                 ARTICLE EIGHT

                             CONSOLIDATION, MERGER,
                         CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE

                 Section 801.     When the Company May Merge, Etc.

                 (a)      The Company shall not amalgamate with, consolidate
with or merge into, or sell, assign, convey, lease or transfer





                                     - 94 -
<PAGE>   106
all or substantially all of its assets and those of its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole to, any Person, unless

                 (i)      the resulting, surviving or transferee Person
         expressly assumes all the obligations of the Company under the
         Securities and this Indenture;

                 (ii)     such Person shall be organized and existing under the
         laws of Canada, any province thereof, the United States of America, a
         state thereof or the District of Columbia;

                 (iii)    at the time of the occurrence of such transaction and
         after giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis, such
         Person could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the
         covenant described in the initial paragraph under Section 1008
         (assuming a market rate of interest with respect to such additional
         Indebtedness);

                 (iv)     at the time of the occurrence of such transaction and
         after giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis, the
         Consolidated Net Worth of such Person shall be equal to or greater
         than the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company immediately prior to
         such transaction;

                 (v)      each Guarantor, to the extent applicable, shall by
         supplemental indenture confirm that its Guarantee shall apply to such
         Person's obligations under the Securities;

                 (vi)     immediately before and immediately after giving
         effect to such transaction and treating any Indebtedness which becomes
         an obligation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or of such
         Person as a result of such transaction as having been incurred by the
         Company or such Subsidiary or such Person, as the case may be, at the
         time of such transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall have
         occurred and be continuing; and

                 (vii)    the Company shall have received an Opinion of
         Independent Counsel in Canada to the effect that (A) any payment of
         interest or principal on the Securities by the Company to a Holder
         will, after the amalgamation, consolidation, merger, sale, assignment,
         conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of assets, be exempt
         from Canadian withholding tax if the Holder is or is deemed to be a
         non-resident of Canada, deals at arm's length with the resulting,
         surviving or transferee Person for purposes of the Income Tax Act
         (Canada) at the time of making the payment and (B) no other taxes on
         income (including taxable capital gains) will be payable under the
         Income Tax Act (Canada) by a Holder of the Securities who is or who is
         deemed to be a non-resident of Canada in respect of the





                                     - 95 -
<PAGE>   107
         acquisition, ownership or disposition of the Securities, including the
         receipt of interest, principal or premium thereon, provided that such
         Holder does not use or hold, and is not deemed to use or hold, the
         Securities in carrying on a business in Canada for purposes of the
         Income Tax Act (Canada) and, in the case of a Holder of Securities who
         carries on an insurance business in Canada and elsewhere, the
         Securities are not effectively connected with its Canadian insurance
         business.

The Company shall deliver to the Trustee prior to the consummation of the
proposed transaction an Officers' Certificate to the foregoing effect and an
Opinion of Counsel, covering clauses (i), (ii), (v) and (vi) above, stating
that the proposed transaction and such supplemental indentures comply with this
Indenture and with Section 903 hereof and the Opinion of Independent Counsel
referred to in clause (vii) above. The Trustee shall be entitled to
conclusively rely upon such Officers' Certificate and Opinions of Counsel which
opinions shall also comply with Section 903 hereof.

                 (b)      No Guarantor shall, and the Company and PAAC shall
not permit a Guarantor to, in a single transaction or series of related
transactions, amalgamate, merge or consolidate with or into any other
corporation (other than the Company or any other Guarantor) or other entity, or
sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or
substantially all of its properties and assets to any entity (other than the
Company or any other Guarantor) unless at the time and giving effect thereto:

                 (i)      either (1) such Guarantor shall be the continuing
         corporation or (2) the entity (if other than such Guarantor) formed by
         such amalgamation, consolidation or into which such Guarantor is
         merged or the entity which acquires by sale, assignment, conveyance,
         transfer, lease or disposition the properties and assets of such
         Guarantor shall be a corporation duly organized and validly existing
         under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or
         the District of Columbia or of Canada or any province thereof and
         expressly assumes by a supplemental indenture, executed and delivered
         to the Trustee, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all
         the obligations of such Guarantor under the Securities and this
         Indenture; and

                 (ii)     immediately before and immediately after giving
         effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall have
         occurred and be continuing.

                 Such Guarantor shall deliver to the Trustee prior to the
consummation of the proposed transaction, in form and





                                     - 96 -
<PAGE>   108
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, an Officers' Certificate and
an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, sale,
assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or disposition and such supplemental
indenture, if required, comply with this Indenture. The Trustee shall be
entitled to conclusively rely upon such Officers' Certificate and Opinion of
Counsel, which opinion shall also comply with Section 903 hereof.

                 The provisions of this Section 801(b) shall not apply to any
transaction (including any Asset Sale made in accordance with Section 1009)
with respect to any Guarantor if the Guarantee of such Guarantor is released in
connection with such transaction in accordance with Section 1019(b).

                 Section 802.     Successor Substituted.

                 Upon any consolidation or merger, or any sale, assignment,
conveyance, transfer or disposition of all or substantially all of the
properties and assets of the Company or any Guarantor in accordance with
Section 801 hereof, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into
which the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, is merged or the
successor Person to which such sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or
disposition is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise
every right and power of, the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be,
under this Indenture, the Securities and/or such Guarantee, as the case may be,
with the same effect as if such successor had been named as the Company or such
Guarantor, as the case may be, herein, in the Securities and/or in such
Guarantee, as the case may be. When a successor assumes all the obligations of
its predecessor under this Indenture, the Securities or a Guarantee, as the
case may be, the predecessor shall be released from those obligations; provided
that in the case of a transfer by lease, the predecessor shall not be released
from the payment of principal and interest on the Securities or a Guarantee, as
the case may be.


                                  ARTICLE NINE

                            SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

                 Section 901.     Supplemental Indentures and Agreements
without Consent of Holders.

                 Without the consent of any Holders, the Company and the
Guarantors, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the





                                     - 97 -
<PAGE>   109
Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more
indentures supplemental hereto or agreements or other instruments with respect
to any Guarantee, in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of
the following purposes:

                 (i)      to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;

                 (ii)     to provide for the assumption pursuant to Article
         Eight of the Company's or a Guarantor's obligations to the Holders in
         the case of a merger, consolidation or sale of assets;

                 (iii)    to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition
         to or in place of certificated Securities;

                 (iv)     to make any change that does not adversely affect the
         rights hereunder or thereunder of any Holder;

                 (v)      to comply with requirements of the Commission in
         order to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under
         the Trust Indenture Act;

                 (vi)     to add a Guarantor pursuant to the requirements of
         Section 1019 hereof;

                 (vii)    to evidence and provide the acceptance of the
         appointment of a successor trustee hereunder;

                 (viii)   to provide additional collateral for the Securities
         or the Guarantees or other Indebtedness permitted to be secured by the
         Collateral, and in connection therewith, to modify covenants, to
         provide additional indemnity to the Trustee, and to modify other
         provisions of this Indenture, the Securities or the Guarantees that
         relate to such collateral or that will or may be impacted by the
         providing of such collateral, and to enter into agreements, documents
         or other instruments to effect the foregoing, including, without
         limitation, intercreditor and collateral agency agreements relating to
         Liens on such collateral on a pari passu basis in favor of the Trustee
         for the benefit of the Holders;

                 (ix)     to comply with any requirement of the Commission or
         applicable law to effectuate the Exchange Offer; or

                 (x)      to add to the covenants of the Company, PAAC, any
         other Guarantor or any other obligor upon the Securities for the
         benefit of the Holders, or to surrender any right or power herein
         conferred upon the Company, PAAC, any other Guarantor or any other
         obligor upon the Securities, as applicable, herein, in the Securities
         or in any Guarantee.





                                     - 98 -
<PAGE>   110
                 Section 902.     Supplemental Indentures and Agreements with
Consent of Holders.

                 With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, by Act of said
Holders delivered to the Company, each Guarantor and the Trustee, the Company
and each Guarantor (if a party thereto) when authorized by a Board Resolution
and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto
or agreements or other instruments with respect to any Guarantee in form and
substance satisfactory to the Trustee for the purpose of adding any provisions
to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this
Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders under this
Indenture, the Security Documents, the Securities or any Guarantee; provided,
however, that no such supplemental indenture, agreement or instrument shall,
without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected
thereby:

                 (i)      reduce the principal amount of Securities whose
         Holders must consent to an amendment or waiver of this Indenture, the
         Security Documents, the Securities or the Guarantees;

                 (ii)     reduce the rate of, or change the time for payment
         of, interest, including default interest, on any Security;

                 (iii)    reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity
         of any Security, or alter the optional redemption provisions, or the
         provisions relating to redemption for changes in Canadian withholding
         or other taxes that would result in the payment of Additional Amounts
         or alter the price at which the Company shall offer to purchase such
         Securities pursuant to Sections 1014 or 1109 hereof;

                 (iv)     make any Security payable in money other than that
         stated in the Security;

                 (v)      make any change in Sections 504 or 507 hereof;

                 (vi)     waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of
         principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities,
         including any such obligation arising under Sections 1009 and 1109 or
         Section 1014 hereof (except a rescission of acceleration of the
         Securities pursuant to Section 502 hereof by the Holders of at least a
         majority (or in the case of the failure to make a Change of Control
         Offer, two-thirds) in aggregate principal amount of the Securities
         then Outstanding and a waiver of the payment default that resulted
         from such acceleration);





                                     - 99 -
<PAGE>   111
                 (vii)    waive a purchase payment required to be made under
         Section 1009 and 1109 or Section 1014 or a payment under Article
         Thirteen hereof with respect to any Security;

                 (viii)   affect the ranking of the Securities;

                 (ix)     release all or substantially all of the Collateral
         other than pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or the Security
         Documents;

                 (x)      make any change in Section 1024 hereof that adversely
         affects the rights of any Holder, or amend the terms of the Securities
         or this Indenture in a way that would result in the loss of an
         exemption from any of the Taxes; or

                 (xi)     make any change in the provisions of this Section
         902.

                 Upon the written request of the Company and each Guarantor,
accompanied by a copy of a Board Resolution authorizing the execution of any
such supplemental indenture or Guarantee, and upon the filing with the Trustee
of evidence of the consent of Holders as aforesaid, the Trustee shall, subject
to Section 903 hereof, join with the Company and each Guarantor in the
execution of such supplemental indenture or Guarantee.

                 It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this
Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture
or Guarantee or agreement or instrument relating to any Guarantee, but it shall
be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.

                 Section 903.     Execution of Supplemental Indentures and 
Agreements.

                 In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by,
any supplemental indenture, agreement or instrument permitted by this Article
or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the
Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Trust Indenture Act
Section 315(a) through 315(d) and Section 602 hereof) shall be fully protected
in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers' Certificate stating
that the execution of such supplemental indenture, agreement or instrument is
authorized or permitted by this Indenture, that no consent is required or that
all requisite consents have been received and that such supplemental indenture
constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, such
Guarantor or successor, as the case may be, enforceable against such entity in
accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions. The Trustee may,
but shall not





                                    - 100 -
<PAGE>   112
be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture, agreement or
instrument which affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under
this Indenture, any Guarantee or otherwise.

                 Section 904.     Revocation Effect of Supplemental Indentures.

                 Until a supplemental indenture, amendment or waiver becomes
effective, a consent to it by a Holder of a Security is a continuing consent by
the Holder and every subsequent Holder of a Security or portion of a Security
that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder's Security, even if
notation of consent is not made on any Security.

                 Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this
Article, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such
supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes;
and every Holder of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and
delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.

                 Section 905.     Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.

                 Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article
shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.

                 Section 906.     Reference in Securities to Supplemental
Indentures.

                 Securities authenticated and delivered after the execution of
any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may bear a notation in form
satisfactory to the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental
indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Securities so modified as to
conform to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the
Company and each Guarantor and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in
exchange for Outstanding Securities.


                                  ARTICLE TEN

                                   COVENANTS

                 Section 1001.    Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.

                 The Company shall duly and punctually pay the principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on the Securities in accordance with the terms of
the Securities and this Indenture.





                                    - 101 -
<PAGE>   113
                 Section 1002.    Maintenance of Office or Agency.

                 The Company shall maintain (or cause to be maintained) an
office or agency where Securities may be presented or surrendered for payment.
The Company also shall maintain (or cause to be maintained) in The City of New
York an office or agency where Securities may be surrendered for registration
or transfer, redemption or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon
the Company in respect of the Securities and this Indenture may be served. The
Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location and any
change in the location of any such offices or agencies. If at any time the
Company shall fail to maintain (or cause to be maintained) any such required
offices or agencies or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address
thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or
served at the office of the agent of the Trustee described above and the
Company hereby appoints such agent as its agent to receive all such
presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.

                 The Company may from time to time designate one or more other
offices or agencies (in or outside of The City of New York) where the
Securities may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes, and
may from time to time rescind such designation. The Company shall give prompt
written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and any
change in the location of any such office or agency.

                 Section 1003.    Compliance Certificate.

                 (i)      The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within one
hundred and twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year, an Officers'
Certificate stating that a review of the activities of the Company and its
Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the
supervision of the signing Officers with a view to determining whether each has
kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its Indenture Obligations under this
Indenture, and further stating, as to each such Officer signing such
certificate, that to the best of his or her knowledge each has kept, observed,
performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in this Indenture and
is not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms,
provisions and conditions hereof or thereof (or, if a Default or Event of
Default shall have occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default
of which he or she may have knowledge and what action each is taking or
proposes to take with respect thereto).

                 (ii)     The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within
sixty (60) days after the end of the first three quarters of each fiscal year,
an Officers' Certificate stating that a review of





                                    - 102 -
<PAGE>   114
the activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal
quarter has been made under the supervision of the signing Officers with a view
to determining whether each has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its
Indenture Obligations under this Indenture, and further stating, as to each
such Officer signing such certificate, that to the best of his or her knowledge
each has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant
contained in this Indenture and is not in default in the performance or
observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions hereof or thereof
(or, if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred, describing all such
Defaults or Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge and what
action each is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto).

                 (iii)    So long as not contrary to the then current
recommendations of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the
year-end financial statements delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section
704(a) shall be accompanied by a written statement of the Company's independent
public accountants (who shall be a firm of established national reputation
reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee) that in making the examination
necessary for certification of such financial statements nothing has come to
their attention which would lead them to believe that the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries has violated any provisions of Article Eight or Article Ten hereof
or, if any such violation has occurred, specifying the nature and period of
existence thereof, it being understood that such accountants shall not be
liable directly or indirectly to any Person for any failure to obtain knowledge
of any such violation.

                 (iv)     The Company shall, so long as any of the Securities
are outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, forthwith upon any Officer becoming
aware of any Default or Event of Default, an Officers' Certificate specifying
such Default, Event of Default or other event of default and what action the
Company is taking or propose to take with respect thereto.

                 Section 1004.    Taxes.

                 Each of the Company and PAAC shall, and shall cause each of
its Subsidiaries to, pay prior to delinquency all material taxes, assessments
and governmental levies except as are being contested in good faith and by
appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and in respect of which
appropriate reserves (in the good faith judgment of management of the Company)
are being maintained in accordance with GAAP.





                                    - 103 -
<PAGE>   115
                 Section 1005.    Jurisdiction, Service of Process and Venue;
Immunity; Judgement Currency.

                 (a)      Each of the Company and the Guarantors agrees that
any suit, action or proceeding with respect to this Indenture, the Securities,
the Guarantees, the Registration Rights Agreement or the Security Documents or
any judgment entered by any court in respect thereof may be brought in the
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, in the
Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in New York County (including
its Appellate Division), or in any other appellate court in the State of New
York, as the party commencing such suit, action or proceeding may elect in its
sole discretion; and each of the Company and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably
submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts for the purpose of any
such suit, action, proceeding or judgment. Each of the Company and the
Guarantors further submits, for the purpose of any suit, action, proceeding or
judgment brought or rendered against it, to the appropriate courts of the
jurisdiction of its domicile, and for the purpose of any such suit, action,
proceeding or judgment brought or rendered against any Collateral or other
property, to the appropriate courts of the jurisdiction where such Collateral
or other property may be found.

                 (b)      Each of the Company and the Guarantors agrees that
service of all writs, process and summonses in any such suit, action or
proceeding brought in any Federal or state court located in The City of New
York may be made upon CT Corporation, presently located at 1633 Broadway, New
York, New York 10019, U.S.A. (the "U.S. Process Agent"), and each of the
Company and the Guarantors hereby confirms and agrees that the U.S. Process
Agent has been duly and irrevocably appointed as its agent and true and lawful
attorney-in-fact in its name, place and stead to accept such service of any and
all such writs, process and summonses, and agrees that the failure of the U.S.
Process Agent to give any notice of any such service of process to the Company
or the applicable Guarantor shall not impair or affect the validity of such
service or of any judgment based thereon. Each of the Company and the
Guarantors hereby further irrevocably consents to the service of process in any
suit, action or proceeding in such courts by the mailing thereof by registered
or certified mail, postage prepaid, at its address set forth in Section 106
hereof or by personal service within or without the jurisdiction of its
domicile.

                 (c)      Nothing herein shall in any way be deemed to limit
the ability of the Trustee or the Holders to serve any such writs, process or
summonses in any other manner permitted by applicable law or to obtain
jurisdiction over the Company or any Guarantor in such other jurisdictions, and
in such manner, as may be permitted by applicable law.





                                    - 104 -
<PAGE>   116
                 (d)      Each of the Company and the Guarantors hereby
irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any
objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any
suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Indenture, the
Securities, the Guarantees, the Registration Rights Agreement or the Security
Documents brought in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New
York, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
or in the courts of the jurisdiction of its domicile or in the courts of the
jurisdiction where any Collateral or other property of such Person may be
found, and hereby further irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted
by applicable law, any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought
in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

                 (e)      To the extent that the Company or any Guarantor may
be or become entitled, in any jurisdiction in which judicial proceedings may at
any time be commenced with respect to this Indenture, the Securities, the
Guarantees, the Registration Rights Agreement or the Security Documents, to
claim for itself or the Collateral or its other property or revenues any
immunity from suit, court jurisdiction, attachment prior to judgment,
attachment in aid of execution of a judgment, execution of a judgment or from
any other legal process or remedy relating to its obligations under this
Indenture, the Securities, the Guarantees, the Registration Rights Agreement or
the Security Documents, and to the extent that in any such jurisdiction there
may be attributed such an immunity (whether or not claimed), the Company or
such Guarantor, as the case may be, hereby irrevocably agrees not to claim and
hereby irrevocably waives such immunity to the fullest extent permitted by the
laws of such jurisdiction.

                 (f)      This is an international debt transaction in which
the specification of United States dollars and payment in New York City is of
the essence, and the obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under this
Indenture, the Securities and the Guarantees to make payment to (or for the
account of) the Trustee and the Holders in dollars shall not be discharged or
satisfied by any tender or recovery pursuant to any judgment expressed in or
converted into any other currency or in another place except to the extent that
such tender or recovery results in the effective receipt by the Trustee and the
Holders in New York City of the full amount of dollars payable to the Trustee
and the Holders under this Indenture, the Securities and the Guarantees. If for
the purpose of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert a sum
due hereunder in dollars into another currency (in this Section 1005 called the
"judgment currency"), the rate of exchange that shall be applied shall be that
at which in accordance with normal banking procedures dollars could be
purchased in New York City with the judgment currency on the





                                    - 105 -
<PAGE>   117
Business Day next preceding the day on which such judgment is rendered. The
obligation of each of the Company and the Guarantors in respect of any such sum
due from it to the Trustee and the Holders under this Indenture, the Securities
or any Guarantee shall, notwithstanding the rate of exchange actually applied
in rendering such judgment, be discharged only to the extent that on the
Business Day following receipt by the Trustee or the Holders, as the case may
be, of any sum adjudged to be due under this Indenture, the Securities or any
Guarantee, as the case may be, in the judgment currency the Trustee or the
Holders, as the case may be, may in accordance with normal banking procedures
purchase and transfer dollars to New York City with the amount of the judgment
currency so adjudged to be due; and each of the Company and the Guarantors
hereby, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, agrees
to indemnify the Trustee and the Holders against, and to pay the Trustee and
the Holders on demand, in dollars, the amount (if any) by which the sum
originally due to the Trustee or the Holders, as the case may be, in dollars
under this Indenture, the Securities or any Guarantee exceeds the amount of the
dollars so purchased and transferred.

                 Section 1006.    Limitation on Restricted Payments.

                 Subject to the other provisions of this Section 1006, each of
the Company and PAAC shall not, nor shall either cause, permit or suffer any
Restricted Subsidiary to, (i) declare or pay any dividends or make any other
distributions (including through mergers, liquidations or other transactions
commonly known as leveraged buyouts) on any class of Equity Interests of the
Company, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary (other than dividends or
distributions payable or paid by PAAC or a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary
of PAAC on account of its Equity Interests held by the Company, PAAC or another
Restricted Subsidiary or payable or paid in shares of Capital Stock of the
Company or PAAC other than Redeemable Stock), (ii) make any payment on account
of, or set apart money for a sinking or other analogous fund for, the purchase,
redemption or other retirement of such Equity Interests, (iii) purchase,
defease, redeem or otherwise retire any Subordinated Indebtedness, or (iv) make
any Restricted Investment, either directly or indirectly, whether in cash or
property or in obligations of the Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary
(all of the foregoing being called "Restricted Payments"), unless, (x) in the
case of a dividend, such dividend is payable not more than 60 days after the
date of declaration and (y) after giving effect to such proposed Restricted
Payment, all the conditions set forth in clauses (1) through (3) below are
satisfied (A) at the date of declaration (in the case of any dividend), (B) at
the date of such setting apart (in the case of any such fund) or (C) on the
date of such other payment or





                                    - 106 -
<PAGE>   118
distribution (in the case of any other Restricted Payment) (each such date
being referred to as a "Computation Date"):

                 (1)      no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred
         and be continuing or would result from the making of such Restricted
         Payment;

                 (2)      at the Computation Date for such Restricted Payment
         and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment on a pro forma
         basis, the Company, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary could incur
         $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the covenant described in
         the initial paragraph under Section 1008 hereof; and

                 (3)      the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments declared,
         paid or distributed subsequent to the Closing Date (including the
         proposed Restricted Payment) shall not exceed the sum of (i) 50% of
         the cumulative Consolidated Net Income of PAAC for the period
         subsequent to October 1, 1997 to and including the last day of PAAC's
         last fiscal quarter ending prior to the Computation Date (each such
         period to constitute a "Computation Period") (or, if such aggregate
         cumulative Consolidated Net Income is a loss, minus 100% of such loss
         of PAAC during the Computation Period), (ii) the aggregate Net Cash
         Proceeds of the issuance or sale or the exercise (other than to PAAC
         or a Subsidiary of PAAC or an employee stock ownership plan or other
         trust established by the Company, PAAC or any of PAAC's Subsidiaries
         for the benefit of their respective employees) of the Company's or
         PAAC's Equity Interests (other than Redeemable Stock) subsequent to
         the Closing Date, (iii) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds of the
         issuance or sale (other than to PAAC or a Subsidiary of PAAC) of any
         debt securities of the Company or PAAC, respectively, that have been
         converted into or exchanged for Equity Interests (other than
         Redeemable Stock) of the Company or PAAC, respectively, to the extent
         such debt securities were originally issued or sold for cash, plus the
         aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received by the Company or PAAC,
         respectively, at the time of such conversion or exchange, in each case
         subsequent to the Closing Date, (iv) cash contributions to the
         Company's or PAAC's capital subsequent to the Closing Date and (v)
         $5,000,000.

                 If no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing or would occur as a result thereof, the prohibitions set forth above
are subject to the following exceptions: (a) Restricted Investments in
obligations representing a portion of the proceeds of any Asset Sale
consummated in accordance with Section 1009 hereof, provided, however, that
such Restricted Investments shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount
of Restricted Payments previously made for purposes of clause (3) of





                                    - 107 -
<PAGE>   119
the preceding paragraph; (b) any purchase or redemption of Equity Interests or
Subordinated Indebtedness made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the
substantially concurrent sale of, Equity Interests of the Company or PAAC
(other than Redeemable Stock and other than Equity Interests issued or sold to
PAAC or a Subsidiary of PAAC or an employee stock ownership plan), provided,
however, that (x) such purchase or redemption shall be excluded in the
calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments previously made for purposes
of clause (3) of the preceding paragraph and (y) the Net Cash Proceeds from
such sale shall be excluded for purposes of clause 3(ii) of the preceding
paragraph to the extent utilized for purposes of such purchase or redemption;
(c) any purchase or redemption of Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or
PAAC made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially
concurrent sale of, Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company, PAAC or any
Restricted Subsidiary which is permitted to be issued pursuant to the
provisions of Section 1008 hereof, provided, however, that such purchase or
redemption shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted
Payments previously made for purposes of clause (3) of the preceding paragraph;
(d) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of
Capital Stock of the Company, PAAC or Pioneer held by management or other
employees of the Company, PAAC, Pioneer or any Subsidiary of PAAC pursuant to
any shareholders agreement, management or employee stock option agreement or
management or employee equity subscription agreement in accordance with the
provisions of any such arrangement, in an amount not greater than $500,000 in
any calendar year plus the portion of any such amounts which remains unused at
the end of the two prior calendar years, but in no event to exceed $1,500,000
in any calendar year, provided, however, that any such repurchase, redemption,
acquisition or retirement for value shall be excluded in the calculation of the
amount of Restricted Payments previously made for purposes of clause (3) of the
preceding paragraph; (e) payments to Pioneer pursuant to any tax sharing
arrangement so long as payments thereunder do not exceed the amount of PAAC and
its consolidated subsidiaries' share of U.S. Federal and state and Canadian
federal and provincial income taxes actually paid or to be paid by Pioneer,
provided, however, that such payments shall be excluded in the calculation of
the amount of Restricted Payments previously made for purposes of clause (3) of
the preceding paragraph; (f) payments to Pioneer to perform accounting, legal,
corporate reporting and administrative functions in the ordinary course of
business in an amount not greater than $500,000 in any calendar year, or to pay
required fees in connection with the Acquisition and related transactions,
including the registration under applicable laws and regulations of its debt or
equity securities issued in connection therewith, provided, however, that such
payments shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted
Payments previously made





                                    - 108 -
<PAGE>   120
for purposes of clause (3) of the preceding paragraph; and (g) Investments
described in clause (vi) of the definition of Permitted Investments, provided,
however, that such Investments shall be included in the calculation of the
amount of Restricted Payments previously made for purposes of clause (3) of the
preceding paragraph.

                 For purposes of this Section 1006, (a) the amount of any
Restricted Payment declared, paid or distributed in property of the Company,
PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to be the net book value of
any such property that is intangible property and the Fair Market Value (as
determined by and set forth in a resolution of the Board of Directors) of any
such property that is tangible property at the Computation Date, in each case,
after deducting related reserves for depreciation, depletion and amortization;
(b) the amount of any Restricted Payment declared, paid or distributed in
obligations of the Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed
to be the principal amount of such obligations as of the date of the adoption
of a resolution by the board of directors of the Company, PAAC or such
Restricted Subsidiary authorizing such Restricted Payment; and (c) a
distribution to holders of the Company's or PAAC's Equity Interests of (i)
shares of Capital Stock or other Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary
or (ii) other assets of the Company or PAAC, without, in either case, the
receipt of equivalent consideration therefor shall be regarded as the
equivalent of a cash dividend equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of
the Equity Interests or other assets being so distributed at the time of such
distribution over the consideration, if any, received therefor. Not later than
the date of the making of any such Restricted Payment, the Company shall
deliver to the Trustee an officers' certificate stating that such Restricted
Payment is permitted, attaching a copy of the applicable resolution of the
Board of Directors pursuant to which the value of the Restricted Payment to be
made was determined and setting forth the basis upon which the calculations
required by this Section 1006 were computed.

                 Section 1007.    Limitations on Payment Restrictions Affecting
Restricted Subsidiaries.

                 The Company and PAAC shall not, and shall not permit any
Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or
suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction
of any kind on the ability of PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary to (i) pay
dividends or make any other distribution to the Company, PAAC or the Restricted
Subsidiaries on its Equity Interests, (ii) pay any Indebtedness owed to the
Company, PAAC or any other Restricted Subsidiary, (iii) make loans or advances
to the Company, PAAC or any other Restricted Subsidiary or (iv) transfer any of
its property or





                                    - 109 -
<PAGE>   121
assets to the Company, PAAC or any other Restricted Subsidiary, except (A)
consensual encumbrances or restrictions contained in or created pursuant to the
Term Loan Agreement, the Revolving Credit Agreement, the Intercreditor
Agreement, the Security Documents and other Existing Indebtedness listed on
Schedule 2 hereto, (B) consensual encumbrances or restrictions in the
Securities and this Indenture, (C) any restriction, with respect to a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or PAAC that is not a Subsidiary of the
Company or PAAC on the Closing Date, in existence at the time such entity
becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or PAAC; provided that such
encumbrance or restriction is not created in anticipation of or in connection
with such entity becoming a Subsidiary of the Company or PAAC and is not
applicable to any Person or the properties or assets of any Person other than a
Person that becomes a Subsidiary of the Company or PAAC, (D) any encumbrances
or restrictions pursuant to an agreement effecting a refinancing of
Indebtedness referred to in clauses (A) or (C) of this Section 1007 or
contained in any amendment to any agreement creating such Indebtedness,
provided that the encumbrances and restrictions contained in any such
refinancing or amendment are not materially more restrictive taken as a whole
(as determined in good faith by the chief financial officer of the Company)
than those provided for in such Indebtedness being refinanced or amended, (E)
encumbrances or restrictions contained in any other Indebtedness permitted to
be incurred subsequent to the Closing Date pursuant to the provisions of
Section 1008 hereof, provided that any such encumbrances or restrictions are
not materially more restrictive taken as a whole (as determined in good faith
by the chief financial officer of the Company) than the most restrictive of
those provided for in the Indebtedness referred to in clauses (A), (B) or (C)
of this Section 1007, (F) any such encumbrance or restriction consisting of
customary nonassignment provisions in leases governing leasehold interests to
the extent such provisions restrict the transfer of the lease, (G) any
restriction with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary imposed pursuant to an
agreement entered into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all
of the Capital Stock or assets of such Restricted Subsidiary in compliance with
this Indenture pending the closing of such sale or disposition; or (H) any
encumbrance or restriction due to applicable law.

                 Section 1008.    Limitations on Indebtedness.

                 The Company and PAAC shall not, and shall not permit any of
the Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue,
assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable with respect to or become
responsible for the payment of, contingently or otherwise ("incur"), any
Indebtedness; provided, however, that the Company, PAAC or a Restricted
Subsidiary may incur Indebtedness if at the time of such incurrence and after





                                    - 110 -
<PAGE>   122
giving pro forma effect thereto, the Consolidated Cash Flow Coverage Ratio for
the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial
statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such
Indebtedness is incurred, calculated on a pro forma basis as if such
Indebtedness was incurred on the first day of such four full fiscal quarter
period, would be at least 2.0 to 1.0. For purposes of determining the
Consolidated Cash Flow Coverage Ratio, Cash Flow and Consolidated Interest
Expense for all periods prior to the Closing Date shall be calculated on a
consolidated basis including each of the Company's, PAAC's and its
subsidiaries' predecessors.

                 Notwithstanding the foregoing limitations, the limitations of
this Section 1008 shall not apply to the incurrence of Permitted Indebtedness.

                 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the
Company, PAAC and the Restricted Subsidiaries each may guarantee Indebtedness
of the Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary that is permitted to be
incurred hereunder; provided, however, that in the event such Indebtedness
guaranteed is subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the
obligor thereof, then such guarantee shall be subordinated to Indebtedness of
such guarantor to the same extent.

                 Section 1009.    Limitations on Asset Sales.

                 (a)      The Company and PAAC shall not, and shall not permit
any Restricted Subsidiary to, make any Asset Sale (other than to the Company,
PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary) unless (i) the Company, PAAC or such
Restricted Subsidiary receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at
least equal to the Fair Market Value of the assets sold or otherwise disposed
of, and at least 80% of the consideration received by the Company, PAAC or such
Restricted Subsidiary from such Asset Sale is in the form of cash and no
portion thereof shall consist of inventory or accounts receivable or other
property that would become subject to a Lien held by any other creditor of the
Company, PAAC or of any Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that the
amount of any cash equivalent or note or other obligation received by the
Company, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary from the transferee in any such
transaction that is converted within 90 days by the Company, PAAC or such
Restricted Subsidiary into cash shall be deemed upon such conversion to be cash
for purposes of this provision; (ii) to the extent such Asset Sale involves
Collateral, (x) the consent of the Majority Holders shall be obtained prior to
the consummation of such sale and (y) the Company shall cause the aggregate
cash proceeds received by the Company, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary in
respect of such Asset Sale which are allocated to the Collateral,





                                    - 111 -
<PAGE>   123
net of the items set forth in clauses (i) through (vi) of the definition of Net
Proceeds (the "Collateral Proceeds") to be deposited with the Collateral Agent
in the Intercreditor Collateral Account as and when received by the Company,
PAAC or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries and shall otherwise comply with the
Intercreditor Agreement and Article Fourteen hereof applicable to such sale of
Collateral, provided, that no Senior Indebtedness other than the Securities and
any Secured Indebtedness may be permanently repaid or prepaid out of any
Collateral Proceeds; and (iii) the Net Proceeds or the Collateral Proceeds
received by the Company, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary from any Asset Sale
are applied in accordance with the Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable, and
with the following paragraphs.

                 (b)      (i) If all or a portion of the Net Proceeds of any
Asset Sale are not required to be applied to repay permanently any Senior
Indebtedness of the Company, PAAC or PAI then outstanding as required by the
terms thereof, or the Company determines not to apply such Net Proceeds to the
permanent prepayment of any Senior Indebtedness outstanding or if no such
Senior Indebtedness is then outstanding, then the Company may within 365 days
of the Asset Sale (or in the case of Insurance Proceeds or Net Awards, 365 days
after receipt by the Collateral Agent of such Insurance Proceeds or Net
Awards), invest the Net Proceeds in the Company, PAAC or in one or more
Restricted Subsidiaries in a Related Business. (Any optional prepayment of the
Term Loan Notes with the Net Proceeds of an Asset Sale shall be permitted only
if the amount of such prepayment is limited to the Pro Rata Share (as defined
in the Intercreditor Agreement) with respect to the Term Loan Notes, and the
Pro Rata Share with respect to the Securities is used to make an Asset Sale
Offer (as described below), and any repayment of a revolving credit facility or
similar agreement that makes credit available with the Net Proceeds of an Asset
Sale shall be permitted only if the commitment thereunder is also permanently
reduced by such amount.) The amount of such Net Proceeds neither used to
permanently repay or prepay Senior Indebtedness nor used or invested as set
forth in this paragraph constitutes "Excess Proceeds."

                 (ii)     When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds from one
or more Asset Sales equals $10,000,000 or more, the Company shall apply 100% of
such Excess Proceeds within 365 days subsequent to the consummation of the
Asset Sale which resulted in the Excess Proceeds equalling $10,000,000 or more
to the purchase of Securities tendered to the Company for purchase at a price
(the "Asset Sale Purchase Price") equal to 100% of the principal amount
thereof, plus accrued interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date of
purchase pursuant to an offer to purchase made by the Company (an "Asset Sale
Offer") with respect





                                    - 112 -
<PAGE>   124
to the Securities. Any Asset Sale Offer may include a pro rata offer under
similar circumstances to purchase other Senior Indebtedness requiring a similar
offer.

                 (c)      Until such time as the Net Proceeds from any Asset
Sale are applied in accordance with this covenant, such Net Proceeds shall be
segregated from the other assets of the Company, PAAC and the Subsidiaries of
PAAC and invested in cash or Eligible Investments, except that the Company,
PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary may use any Net Proceeds pending the
utilization thereof in the manner (and within the time period) described above,
to repay revolving loans (under the Revolving Credit Agreement or otherwise)
without a permanent reduction of the commitment thereunder.

                 (d)      Any Asset Sale Offer shall be made substantially in
accordance with the procedures described under Sections 1109 and 1014 hereof.
The Company shall cause a notice of any Asset Sale Offer to be mailed to the
Trustee and the Holders at their registered addresses not less than 30 days nor
more than 45 days before the purchase date. Such notice shall set forth the
basis of calculation used in determining the amount of Excess Proceeds to be
applied to the purchase of such Securities.

                 In the case of a sale of Collateral in an Asset Sale, the
notice of Asset Sale Offer shall contain the following additional information:
(i) a description of the interests to be released, (ii) the Fair Market Value
of the released interests as of a date no later than 60 days before the date of
such notice, and (iii) certification that the purchase price received is not
less than the fair market value of such released interest as of the date of
such release.  Such notice to the Trustee shall be accompanied by an Officers'
Certificate setting forth (i) a statement to the effect that (x) the Company
has made an Asset Sale and/or (y) there has occurred a destruction or
condemnation in respect of Collateral resulting in Insurance Proceeds or Net
Awards which are not required to be applied to effect a Restoration of the
affected Collateral under the applicable Security Document. The notice shall
also be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel as to the Asset Sale Offer, and
satisfactory title opinions confirming that the Liens of the Collateral Agent
or the remaining Collateral continue unimpaired as perfected first priority
liens.

                 Upon receiving notice of an Asset Sale Offer, Holders may
elect to tender their Securities in whole or in part in integral multiples of
$1,000 in exchange for cash. To the extent that Holders properly tender
Securities in an amount exceeding the Asset Sale Offer, Securities of tendering
Holders shall be repurchased on a pro rata basis (based on amounts tendered).





                                    - 113 -
<PAGE>   125
                 (e)      In the event the Company is required to make an Asset
Sale Offer at a time when the Company is prohibited from making such Offer, the
Company shall, on or prior to the date that the Company is required to make an
Asset Sale Offer, (i) seek the consent of its lenders to repurchase Securities
pursuant to such Asset Sale Offer or (ii) refinance the Indebtedness that
prohibits such Asset Sale Offer; provided, however, that the failure to make or
consummate the Asset Sale Offer as provided herein shall constitute an Event of
Default.

                 (f)      The Company shall comply, to the extent applicable,
with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, any other tender
offer rules under the Exchange Act and other securities laws or regulations in
connection with any offer to repurchase and the repurchase of the Securities as
described above.

                 (g)      The Company and PAAC shall not, and shall not permit
any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, create or permit to exist or become
effective any consensual restriction (other than restrictions not more
restrictive taken as a whole (as determined in good faith by the chief
financial officer of the Company) than those in effect under Existing
Indebtedness, and Indebtedness under the New Credit Facilities) that would
materially impair the ability of the Company to comply with the provisions of
this Section 1009.

                 (h)      If at any time any non-cash consideration (other than
any such consideration consisting of inventory, accounts receivable and certain
related assets securing or permitted to secure the Revolving Credit Agreement)
is received by the Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may
be, in connection with any Asset Sale of assets which includes Collateral, such
non-cash consideration shall be made subject to the Lien of the Security
Documents in the manner contemplated in the Intercreditor Agreement, to the
extent of the purchase price allocated to the Collateral. If and when any such
non-cash consideration received from any Asset Sale (whether or not relating to
Collateral) is converted into or sold or otherwise disposed of for cash, then
such conversion or disposition shall be deemed to constitute an Asset Sale
hereunder and the Net Proceeds thereof shall be applied in accordance with this
Section 1009 and this Indenture.

                 (i)      All Insurance Proceeds and all Net Awards required to
be delivered to the Collateral Agent pursuant to any Security Document shall
constitute Trust Moneys and shall be delivered by the Company, PAAC or a
Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, to the Collateral Agent
contemporaneously with receipt by the Company, PAAC or such Restricted
Subsidiary and be deposited into the Intercreditor Collateral Account and
applied in accordance





                                    - 114 -
<PAGE>   126
with the applicable provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement. Insurance
Proceeds and Net Awards so deposited that may be applied by the Company, PAAC
or a Restricted Subsidiary to effect a Restoration of the affected Collateral
under the applicable Security Document may be withdrawn from the Intercreditor
Collateral Account only in accordance with the applicable provisions of the
Intercreditor Agreement. Insurance Proceeds and Net Awards so deposited that
are not applied to effect a Restoration of the affected Collateral under the
applicable Security Document may only be withdrawn in accordance with
applicable provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement.

                 Section 1010.    Limitation on Sale and Leaseback
Transactions.

                 The Company and PAAC shall not, and shall not permit any
Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction unless
(i) at the time of the occurrence of such transaction and after giving effect
to such transaction and (x) in the case of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction
which is a Capitalized Lease Obligation, giving effect to the Indebtedness in
respect thereof, and (y) in the case of any other Sale and Leaseback
Transaction, giving effect to the Attributable Indebtedness in respect thereof,
the Company, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary could incur $1.00 of additional
Indebtedness pursuant to the initial paragraph under Section 1008 hereof, (ii)
at the time of the occurrence of such transaction, the Company, PAAC or such
Restricted Subsidiary could incur Indebtedness secured by a Lien on property in
a principal amount equal to or exceeding the Attributable Indebtedness in
respect of such Sale and Leaseback Transaction pursuant to Section 1012 hereof,
and (iii) the transfer of assets in such Sale and Leaseback Transaction is
permitted by, and the Company applies the proceeds of such transaction in
compliance with, Section 1009 hereof.

                 Section 1011.    Limitation on Transactions With Affiliates.

                 (a)      The Company, PAAC and the Restricted Subsidiaries
shall not, directly or indirectly, enter into any transaction or series of
related transactions with or for the benefit of any of their respective
Affiliates other than with the Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary,
except on an arm's-length basis and if (x)(i) in the case of any such
transaction in which the aggregate rental value, remuneration or other
consideration (including the value of a loan), together with the aggregate
rental value, remuneration or other consideration (including the value of a
loan) of all such other transactions consummated in the year during which such
transaction is proposed to be consummated, exceeds $750,000, the Company
delivers Board Resolutions to the





                                    - 115 -
<PAGE>   127
Trustee evidencing that the Board of Directors and the Independent Directors
that are disinterested each have (by a majority vote) determined in good faith
that the aggregate rental value, remuneration or other consideration (including
the value of any loan) inuring to the benefit of such Affiliate from any such
transaction is not greater than that which would be charged to or extended by
the Company, PAAC or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, on an arm's-length
basis for similar properties, assets, rights, goods or services by or to a
Person not affiliated with the Company, PAAC or its Subsidiaries, as the case
may be, and (ii) in the case of any such transaction in which the aggregate
rental value, remuneration or other consideration (including the value of any
loan), together with the aggregate rental value, remuneration or other
consideration (including the value of any loan) of all such other transactions
consummated in the year during which such transactions are proposed to be
consummated, exceeds $7,500,000, the Company delivers to the Trustee Board
Resolutions as described in clause (a)(x)(i) of this Section 1011 and an
opinion of an investment banking firm of national standing in the United States
of America, unaffiliated with the Company and the Affiliate which is party to
such transaction, to the effect that the aggregate rental price, remuneration
or other consideration (including the value of a loan) inuring to the benefit
of such Affiliate from any such transaction is not greater than that which
would be charged to or extended by the Company, PAAC or its Subsidiaries, as
the case may be, on an arm's-length basis for similar properties, assets,
rights, goods or services by or to a Person not affiliated with the Company,
PAAC or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, and (y) all such transactions
referred to in clauses (a)(x)(i) and (a)(x)(ii) of this Section 1011 are
entered into in good faith. Any transaction required to be approved by
Independent Directors pursuant to the preceding paragraph must be approved by
at least one such Independent Director.

                 (b)      The provisions of the preceding paragraph do not
prohibit (i) any Restricted Payment permitted to be paid pursuant to the
provisions of Section 1006 hereof, (ii) any Investment made in Kemwater during
a period of three years following the Closing Date, provided that such
Investment matures or is required to be redeemed within one year of its being
made, (iii) any issuance of securities, or other payments, awards or grants in
cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment
arrangements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by the Board of
Directors, (iv) loans or advances to employees in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practices, not to exceed $500,000 aggregate
principal amount outstanding at any time, (v) the payment of fees and
compensation paid to, and indemnity provided on behalf of, officers, directors,
employees or consultants of the Company, PAAC or any of their Subsidiaries, as
determined by the board of





                                    - 116 -
<PAGE>   128
directors of the Company, PAAC or any of their Subsidiaries in good faith and
(vi) Existing Affiliate Agreements, including amendments thereto entered into
after the Closing Date provided that the terms of any such amendment either (A)
are not, in the aggregate, less favorable to the Company than the terms of such
agreement prior to such amendment, or (B) if such terms are, in the aggregate,
less favorable to the Company, such amendment satisfies the requirements of the
preceding paragraph.

                 Section 1012.    Limitation on Liens.

                 The Company and PAAC shall not, and shall not permit any
Restricted Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien
upon any of their respective assets or properties now owned or acquired after
the Closing Date, or any income or profits therefrom, excluding, however, from
the operation of the foregoing any of the following:

                 (a)      Liens existing as of the Closing Date or pursuant to
         an agreement in existence on the Closing Date, including the New
         Credit Facilities and security documents relating thereto and the
         Security Documents;

                 (b)      Permitted Liens;

                 (c)      Liens on assets or properties of the Company, or on
         assets or properties of PAAC or the Restricted Subsidiaries, to secure
         the payment of all or a part of the purchase price of assets or
         property acquired or constructed in the ordinary course of business
         after the Closing Date; provided, however, that (i) the aggregate
         principal amount of Indebtedness secured by such Liens shall not
         exceed the original cost or purchase price of the assets or property
         so acquired (including the reasonable and customary costs of
         installation of such acquired assets) or constructed, (ii) the
         Indebtedness secured by such Liens shall be otherwise permitted to be
         incurred hereunder, (iii) such Liens shall not encumber any other
         assets or property of the Company, PAAC or any of the Restricted
         Subsidiaries and (iv) the Indebtedness secured by the Lien shall not
         be created more than 100 days after the later of the acquisition,
         completion of construction, repair, improvement, addition or
         commencement of full operation of the property subject to such Liens;

                 (d)      Liens on the assets or property acquired by the
         Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Closing Date;
         provided, however, that (i) such Liens existed on the date such assets
         or property were acquired and were not incurred as a result of or in
         anticipation of such acquisition and (ii) such Liens shall not extend
         to or cover





                                    - 117 -
<PAGE>   129
         any assets or property of the Company, PAAC or any of the Restricted
         Subsidiaries other than the assets or property so acquired;

                 (e)      Liens securing Indebtedness which is incurred to
         refinance Indebtedness which has been secured by a Lien permitted
         under this Indenture and which shall be permitted to be refinanced
         under this Indenture; provided, however, that such Liens shall not
         extend to or cover any property or assets of the Company, PAAC or any
         of the Restricted Subsidiaries not securing the Indebtedness so
         refinanced;

                 (f)      Liens on assets or property of the Company, PAAC or
         any Restricted Subsidiary that shall be subject to a Sale and
         Leaseback Transaction, provided, however, that the aggregate principal
         amount of Attributable Indebtedness in respect of all Sale and
         Leaseback Transactions then outstanding shall not at the time such a
         Lien is incurred exceed $10,000,000;

                 (g)      Liens on property or shares of Capital Stock of a
         Person at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary;
         provided, however, that such Liens were not created, incurred or
         assumed in contemplation of the acquisition thereof by the Company,
         PAAC or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided further, that such Liens
         shall not extend to any other property owned by the Company, PAAC or a
         Restricted Subsidiary;

                 (h)      Liens securing Indebtedness of a Restricted
         Subsidiary owing to the Company, PAAC or a Wholly-Owned Restricted
         Subsidiary of PAAC;

                 (i)      Liens on inventory, accounts receivable or related
         general intangibles of any Restricted Subsidiary securing the
         obligations under clause (d) of the definition of "Permitted
         Indebtedness" in Section 101 hereof;

                 (j)      pari passu Liens on the "collateral" as defined in
         the Existing Senior Secured Indenture and the Existing Term Facility
         securing up to $50,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness
         permitted to be incurred under the initial paragraph of Section 1008
         hereof, provided that (i) the proceeds of such Indebtedness are used
         to acquire or construct additional property, plant and equipment that
         will be utilized in one or more Related Businesses, and (ii) the
         aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness secured by such Liens does
         not exceed the original cost or purchase price of the assets or
         property so acquired (including the reasonable and customary costs of
         installation of such acquired assets) or constructed; and





                                    - 118 -
<PAGE>   130
                 (k)      Liens on assets or property of the Company, or on
         assets or property of PAAC or the Restricted Subsidiaries, acquired or
         constructed after the date of this Indenture other than in the
         ordinary course of business and other than assets or properties
         constituting Collateral; provided, however, that (i) the aggregate
         principal amount of Indebtedness secured by such Liens does not exceed
         the original cost or purchase price of the assets or property so
         acquired (including the reasonable and customary costs of installation
         of such acquired assets) or constructed, (ii) the Indebtedness secured
         by such Liens is otherwise permitted to be incurred under this
         Indenture, and (iii) such Liens do not encumber the Collateral.

                 Section 1013.    Corporate Existence.

                 Subject to Article Eight, each of the Company and PAAC shall
do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force
and effect (i) its corporate existence and the corporate existence of each of
its Subsidiaries, in accordance with their respective organizational documents
(as the same may be amended from time to time) and (ii) its (and its
Subsidiaries) rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises;
provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such
right, license or franchise, or the corporate existence of any Subsidiary of
the Company and PAAC, if the Board of Directors shall determine that the
preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of
the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole and that the loss thereof is
not adverse in any material respect to the Holders.

                 Section 1014.    Change of Control.

                 (a)      In the event of a Change of Control (the date of such
occurrence being the "Change of Control Date"), the Company shall notify the
Holders in writing of such occurrence and shall make an irrevocable offer (the
"Change of Control Offer") to purchase on a Business Day (the "Change of
Control Payment Date") not later than 60 days following the Change of Control
Date, all Securities then outstanding at a purchase price (the "Change of
Control Purchase Price") equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus
accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the Change of
Control Payment Date.

                 (b)      Notice of a Change of Control Offer shall be mailed
by the Company to the Holders at their registered addresses not less than 30
days nor more than 45 days before the Change of Control Payment Date. The
Change of Control Offer shall remain open for at least 20 Business Days and
until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Change of Control Payment Date.
Substantially simultaneously with mailing of the notice, the





                                    - 119 -
<PAGE>   131
Company shall cause a copy of such notice to be published in a newspaper of
general circulation in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York.

                 (c)      The notice, which governs the terms of the Change of
Control Offer, shall state:

                 (i)      that the Change of Control Offer is being made
         pursuant to this Section 1014 and that all Securities (or portions
         thereof) tendered will be accepted for payment;

                 (ii)     the Change of Control Purchase Price and the Change
         of Control Payment Date;

                 (iii)    that any Securities not surrendered or accepted for
         payment shall continue to accrue interest and Liquidated Damages, if
         any;

                 (iv)     that, unless the Company defaults in the payment of
         the Change of Control Purchase Price, any Securities accepted for
         payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer shall cease to accrue
         interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, after the Change of Control
         Payment Date;

                 (v)      that any Holder electing to have a Security purchased
         (in whole or in part) pursuant to a Change of Control Offer shall be
         required to surrender the Security, with the form entitled "Option of
         Holder to Elect Purchase" on the reverse of the Security completed, to
         the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice (or otherwise
         make effective delivery of the Security pursuant to book-entry
         procedures and the related rules of the applicable Depositary) at
         least five (5) Business Days before the Change of Control Payment
         Date;

                 (vi)     that any Holder shall be entitled to withdraw its
         election if the Paying Agent receives, not later than three (3)
         Business Days prior to the Change of Control Payment Date, a telegram,
         telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the
         Holder, the principal amount of the Security the Holder delivered for
         purchase, the certificate number of the Security and a statement that
         such Holder is withdrawing his or her election to have such Security
         purchased;

                 (vii)    that Holders whose Securities are purchased only in
         part shall be issued Securities representing the unpurchased portion
         of the Securities surrendered, which unpurchased portion must be equal
         to $1,000 principal amount or an integral multiple thereof;





                                    - 120 -
<PAGE>   132
                 (viii)   the instructions that Holders must follow in order to
         tender their Securities; and

                 (ix)     the circumstances and relevant facts regarding such
         Change of Control (including but not limited to information with
         respect to pro forma financial information after giving effect to such
         Change of Control, and information regarding the Persons acquiring
         control).

                 (d)      On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company
shall:

                 (i)      accept for payment the Securities, or portions
         thereof, surrendered and properly tendered and not withdrawn, pursuant
         to the Change of Control Offer;

                 (ii)     deposit with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay
         the Change of Control Purchase Price of all the Securities, or
         portions thereof, so accepted; and

                 (iii)    deliver to the Trustee the Securities so accepted
         together with an Officers' Certificate stating that such Securities
         have been accepted for payment by the Company.

The Paying Agent shall promptly mail or deliver to Holders of Securities so
accepted payment in an amount equal to the Change of Control Purchase Price and
the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and mail to such Holders a new Security
equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Security
surrendered.

                 (e)      Subject to applicable escheat laws, as provided in
the Securities, the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall upon the Company's
written request return to the Company any cash that remains unclaimed, together
with interest or dividends, if any, thereon, held by them for the payment of
the Change of Control Purchase Price; provided, however, that (x) to the extent
that the aggregate amount of cash deposited by the Company pursuant to clause
(ii) of paragraph (d) above exceeds the aggregate Change of Control Purchase
Price of the Securities or portions thereof to be purchased, then the Trustee
shall hold such excess for the Company and (y) unless otherwise directed by the
Company in writing, promptly after the Business Day following the Change of
Control Payment Date the Trustee shall return any such excess to the Company
together with interest, if any, thereon.

                 (f)      The Company shall comply, to the extent applicable,
with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, any other tender
offer rules under the Exchange Act and all other applicable U.S. Federal and
state and Canadian federal and provincial securities laws and regulations in





                                    - 121 -
<PAGE>   133
connection with the offer to repurchase and the repurchase of the Securities as
described above.

                 (g)      In the event a Change of Control occurs at a time
when the Company is prohibited from purchasing Securities, the Company shall,
within thirty (30) days following a Change of Control (i) seek the consent of
its lenders to the purchase of the Securities or (ii) refinance the
Indebtedness that prohibits such purchase; provided, however, that the failure
to make or consummate the Change of Control Offer shall constitute an Event of
Default.

                 (h)      The Company and PAAC shall not, and shall not permit
any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, create or permit to exist or become
effective any restriction (other than restrictions not more restrictive taken
as a whole (as determined in good faith by the chief financial officer of the
Company) than those in effect under Existing Indebtedness and Indebtedness
under the New Credit Facilities) that would materially impair the ability of
the Company to make a Change of Control Offer to purchase the Securities or, if
such Change of Control Offer is made, to pay for the Securities tendered for
purchase.

                 Section 1015.    Maintenance of Properties.

                 The Company and PAAC shall, and shall cause the Restricted
Subsidiaries to, maintain their respective (a) existing properties and assets
in normal working order and condition as on the Execution Date and (b)
properties and assets acquired after the date hereof in normal working order
and condition as of the date of such acquisition (in each case, reasonable wear
and tear excepted) and make all repairs, renewals, replacements, additions,
betterments and improvements thereto, as shall be reasonably necessary for the
proper conduct of the business of the Company, PAAC and the Restricted
Subsidiaries taken as a whole, provided that nothing herein shall prevent the
Company, PAAC or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries from discontinuing any
maintenance of any such properties if such discontinuance is desirable in the
conduct of the business of the Company, PAAC and the Restricted Subsidiaries
taken as a whole.

                 Section 1016.    Maintenance of Insurance.

                 The Company and PAAC shall, and shall cause the Restricted
Subsidiaries to maintain liability, casualty and other insurance (subject to
customary deductibles and retentions) with responsible insurance companies in
such amounts and against such risks as is customarily carried by responsible
companies engaged in similar businesses and owning similar assets in the
general areas in which the Company, PAAC and the Restricted Subsidiaries





                                    - 122 -
<PAGE>   134
operate (which may include self-insurance in comparable form to that maintained
by such responsible companies).

                 Section 1017.    Stock Pledge Agreements.

                 (a)      The Company and PAAC shall, and shall cause the
applicable Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of PAAC (the "Pledgor Subsidiary" or
"Pledgor Subsidiaries") to execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent one or
more stock pledge agreements substantially in the form of the stock pledge
agreement attached as an exhibit to the Existing Senior Secured Indenture
("Stock Pledge Agreements") providing for the pledge to the Collateral Agent
for the benefit of itself and the Trustee, for itself and the Holders, and the
Term Loan Agent, for itself and the other lenders under the Term Loan
Agreement, of all the Capital Stock of the Company and each of the Restricted
Subsidiaries that (A) is engaged in any business activity other than the
holding of the Capital Stock of one or more Subsidiaries of PAAC (or in the
case of Imperial West, engaging in any business activity other than the holding
of its Investment in Kemwater) and (B) has assets equal to or greater than 5%
of PAAC's total assets determined on a consolidated basis as of the time of
determination, together with delivery to the Collateral Agent of stock
certificates evidencing such Capital Stock (together with undated stock powers
executed in blank), in each case at such time as (i) such Capital Stock is not
pledged for the benefit of the lenders under the Existing Term Facility and
subject to the rights therein of the holders of the Existing Senior Secured
Notes and (ii) such pledge shall not constitute a default or breach under the
Existing Term Facility or the Existing Senior Secured Indenture. Upon any such
pledge, such Capital Stock shall become "Collateral" for purposes of the
Intercreditor Agreement.

                 (b)      If (i) there are no Term Loan Notes outstanding, (ii)
there is no Indebtedness (the "New Indebtedness") outstanding which refinanced
the Term Loan Notes and requires pledges of Capital Stock of one or more
Restricted Subsidiaries in connection therewith, (iii) all other amounts due
and owing to the lenders under the Term Loan Agreement or the New Indebtedness
lenders under the agreement providing for the issuance of the New Indebtedness,
as the case may be, have been paid in full, (iv) the Term Loan Agreement or the
agreement providing for the issuance of the New Indebtedness, as the case may
be, has been terminated, and (v) the Company has delivered to the Trustee and
the Collateral Agent an officers' certificate stating that the foregoing
requirements have been satisfied (which officers' certificate must also be
signed by the Term Loan Agent or the agent, trustee or other representative of
the New Indebtedness, as the case may be), then (x) the Company shall be
released from its obligations to comply with this Section 1017, (y) the failure





                                    - 123 -
<PAGE>   135
to comply with this Section 1017 shall not constitute a Default or Event of
Default with respect to the Securities, and (z) all stock pledge agreements
entered into by the Company and one or more Subsidiaries of the Company after
the Closing Date pursuant to this Section 1017 shall be terminated, and all
certificates evidencing Capital Stock pledged thereunder shall be released, by
the Collateral Agent.

                 (c)      If at any time after the operation of the immediately
preceding paragraph the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company intends to
incur any Indebtedness which requires the pledge of Capital Stock of one or
more Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company in connection therewith, neither
the Company nor such Subsidiary of the Company shall incur such Indebtedness
without directly securing the Securities with such pledge of Capital Stock on
an equal and ratable basis (or prior to in the case of Indebtedness
subordinated to the Securities or the Guarantees, as the case may be) and in
connection therewith the Company's obligation to comply with the provisions of
this Section 1017 shall be reinstated if a covenant or agreement similar to
this covenant is included in the agreement providing for the issuance of such
Indebtedness.

                 Section 1018.    Money for Security Payments to Be Held in
Trust.

                 If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent,
it shall, on or before each due date of the principal of, premium, if any,
interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, on any of the Securities, segregate and
hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders entitled thereto a sum sufficient
to pay the principal, premium, if any, interest or Liquidated Damages, if any,
so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise
disposed of as herein provided, and shall promptly notify the Trustee of its
action or failure so to act.

                 If the Company is not acting as Paying Agent, the Company
shall, before 10:00 a.m. New York City time on each due date of the principal
of, premium, if any, interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, on any Securities,
deposit with a Paying Agent a sum in same day funds sufficient to pay the
principal, premium, if any, interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, so becoming
due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to
such principal, premium, interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, and (unless
such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company shall promptly notify the Trustee
of such action or any failure so to act.

                 If the Company is not acting as Paying Agent, the Company
shall cause each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to
the Trustee an instrument in which such





                                    - 124 -
<PAGE>   136
Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this
Section, that such Paying Agent shall:

                 (a)      hold all sums held by it for the payment of the
         principal of, premium, if any, interest or Liquidated Damages, if any,
         on Securities in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto
         until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of
         as herein provided;

                 (b)      give the Trustee notice of any Default by the Company
         or any Guarantor (or any other obligor upon the Securities) in the
         making of any payment of principal, premium, if any, interest or
         Liquidated Damages, if any;

                 (c)      at any time during the continuance of any such
         Default, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the
         Trustee all sums so held in trust by such Paying Agent; and

                 (d)      acknowledge, accept and agree to comply in all
         aspects with the provisions of this Indenture relating to the duties,
         rights and disabilities of such Paying Agent.

                 The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or
by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held
in trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the
Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the
Company or such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the
Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with
respect to such money.

                 Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or
then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of,
premium, if any, interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, on any Security and
remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal and premium, if any,
interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, has become due and payable shall
promptly be paid to the Company on Company Request, or (if then held by the
Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security
shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company
for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with
respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee
thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such
Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the
expense of the Company cause to be published once, in the New York Times and
The Wall Street Journal (national edition), notice that such money remains
unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less





                                    - 125 -
<PAGE>   137
than thirty (30) days from the date of such notification or publication, any
unclaimed balance of such money then remaining shall promptly be repaid to the
Company.

                 Section 1019.    Certain Guarantees.

                 (a)      If (i) any Subsidiary of PAAC becomes a Restricted
Subsidiary after the Closing Date, (ii) the Company, PAAC or any Subsidiary of
PAAC that is a Guarantor transfers or causes to be transferred, in one
transaction or a series of related transactions, property or assets (including,
without limitation, businesses, divisions, real property, assets or equipment)
which in the aggregate have a value equal to or greater than 15% of PAAC's and
its Subsidiaries' total assets determined on a consolidated basis as of the
time of transfer to any Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of PAAC that is not the
Company or a Guarantor or are not Guarantors, (iii) any Subsidiary of PAAC
which has a value equal to or greater than 5% of PAAC's and its Subsidiaries'
total assets determined on a consolidated basis as of the time of determination
directly or indirectly guarantees or otherwise becomes obligated with respect
to any Senior Indebtedness of the Company or PAAC, or (iv) any Subsidiary of
PAAC becomes a guarantor of the Existing Senior Secured Notes, the Term Loan
Notes or the loans under the Existing Term Facility after the Closing Date, the
Company shall cause such Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of PAAC to execute and
deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which such
Subsidiary or Subsidiaries or PAAC shall unconditionally guarantee, in
accordance with Article Thirteen hereof, all of the Company's obligations under
this Indenture and the Securities on the same terms as the other Guarantors,
which Guarantee shall rank pari passu with any Senior Indebtedness of such
Subsidiary; provided, that clause (i) of this Section 1019(a) shall not apply
to any newly acquired or created Subsidiary of PAAC organized outside of the
United States of America and conducting the majority of its business outside of
the United States of America for so long as the issuance of a guarantee by such
Subsidiary would result in a material increase in the aggregate amount of
income tax payable by PAAC on a consolidated basis and the Company shall
deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate so stating.

                 (b)      Each guarantee created pursuant to the provisions
described in the foregoing paragraph is referred to as a "Guarantee" and the
issuer of each such Guarantee is referred to as a "Guarantor." Notwithstanding
the foregoing, any Guarantee by a Subsidiary of PAAC of the Securities shall
provide by its terms that it shall be automatically and unconditionally
released and discharged upon any sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition
to any Person of all of the Company's, PAAC's or a Restricted Subsidiary's
Equity Interest in (or if such Subsidiary is owned by a Restricted Subsidiary,
of all of such Restricted





                                    - 126 -
<PAGE>   138
Subsidiary's Equity Interest in), or all or substantially all the assets of,
such Subsidiary, which is in compliance with this Indenture.

                 Section 1020.    Limitation on Ownership of Wholly-Owned
Restricted Subsidiary Stock.

                 The Company and PAAC (a) shall not, and shall not permit any
Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC to, transfer, convey, sell or
otherwise dispose of any Capital Stock of any Wholly-Owned Restricted
Subsidiary of PAAC (other than All-Pure and its subsidiaries) to any Person
(other than the Company, PAAC or a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC),
unless (i) such transfer, conveyance, sale or other disposition is of all the
Capital Stock of such Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC and (ii) the
Net Proceeds from such transfer, conveyance, sale, lease or other disposition
are applied in accordance with Section 1009 hereof, and (b) shall not permit
any Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC (other than All-Pure and its
subsidiaries) to issue any of its Equity Interests (other than, if necessary,
Capital Stock constituting directors' qualifying shares or interests held by
directors or shares or interests required to be held by foreign nationals, to
the extent mandated by applicable law) to any Person other than to the Company,
PAAC or a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC.

                 Section 1021.    Impairment of Security Interest.

                 The Company and PAAC shall not, and shall not cause or permit
any Restricted Subsidiary to, take or omit to take any action which action or
omission might or would have the result of affecting or impairing the Liens and
security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent for its own account and for
the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders and the holders of Secured
Indebtedness with respect to the Collateral and the Company shall not grant to
any Person, or suffer any Person to have any interest whatsoever in the
Collateral, in each case other than as otherwise permitted by this Indenture,
the Term Loan Agreement or the Security Documents. The Company and PAAC shall
not, and shall not permit PCAC to, grant a security interest in, or permit any
Lien to exist on, the St. Gabriel Pipeline other than Permitted Liens or a Lien
in favor of the Collateral Agent pursuant to a Security Document. The Company
and PAAC shall not, and shall not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to,
enter into any agreement or instrument that by its terms requires that the
proceeds received from any sale of Collateral be applied to repay, redeem,
defease or otherwise acquire or retire any Indebtedness of any Person, other
than pursuant to this Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement. A release of any of
the Collateral strictly in accordance with the terms and conditions of this





                                    - 127 -
<PAGE>   139
Indenture and the Security Documents will not be deemed for any purpose to be
an impairment of security under this Indenture.

                 Subject to the provisions of this Indenture, the Existing Term
Facility, the Existing Senior Secured Indenture and the Intercreditor
Agreement, the Company and PAAC will not, and will not cause or permit any of
the Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any agreement or instrument that by
its terms requires that the Company, PAAC or any such Restricted Subsidiary
pledge the Capital Stock of (i) the Company and (ii) any Restricted Subsidiary
that (A) is engaged in any business activity other than the holding of the
Capital Stock of one or more Subsidiaries of PAAC (or in the case of Imperial
West, engaging in any business activity other than the holding of its
Investment in Kemwater) and (B) has assets equal to or greater than 5% of
PAAC's total assets determined on a consolidated basis as of the time of
determination.

                 Section 1022.    Amendment to Security Documents.

                 The Company and PAAC shall not amend, modify or supplement, or
permit or consent to any amendment, modification or supplement of, the Security
Documents in any manner or to any extent that would constitute an Event of
Default hereunder or under the Security Documents; provided that this Indenture
and the Security Documents may be amended, modified or supplemented in
accordance with Article Nine hereof.

                 Section 1023.    Limitation on Applicability of Certain
Covenants.

                 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the covenants
set forth in Sections 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009, 1011, and 1012 hereof shall not
apply to transactions effected pursuant to and in accordance with the
Contingent Payment Agreement and amounts related to such transactions shall not
be required to be included in any calculation required by any such covenant.
Such transactions include (i) any payment made by the Company, PAAC or a
Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) any assets or property transferred by the Company,
PAAC or a Restricted Subsidiary, (iii) the application of any proceeds received
by the Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with any
transfer of assets or property made by such Person, (iv) any escrow or
segregation of moneys to be paid by the Company, PAAC or a Restricted
Subsidiary, (v) any Investment of such escrowed or segregated moneys by the
Company, PAAC or a Restricted Subsidiary or any other Investment under the
Contingent Payment Agreement, (vi) any obligation of the Company, PAAC or a
Restricted Subsidiary to make any such payments or to effect any such escrow or
segregation of moneys, (vii) any Indebtedness incurred by the Company, PAAC or
a Restricted Subsidiary that is non-recourse to





                                    - 128 -
<PAGE>   140
the assets of the Company, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary or any other
Restricted Subsidiary, other than the borrower's interest in Basic Investments,
Inc., Victory Valley Land Company, L.P., the Excess Land and/or any other
assets or funds held under the Contingent Payment Agreement, and as to which
none of the Company, PAAC nor any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the
borrower) provides credit support or is directly or indirectly liable, or
(viii) any Lien incurred by the Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary in
connection with Indebtedness described in clause (vii) above that does not
extend to assets of the Company, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary other than
such Person's interest in Basic Investments, Inc., Victory Valley Land Company,
L.P., the Excess Land and/or any other assets or funds held under the
Contingent Payment Agreement.

                 Section 1024.    Additional Amounts.

                 If the Company is required to withhold or deduct any amount
for or on account of Taxes from any payment made under or with respect to the
Securities, the Company shall pay such additional amounts ("Additional
Amounts") as may be necessary so that the net amount received by each Holder
(including Additional Amounts) after such withholding or deduction will not be
less than the amount the Holder would have received if such Taxes had not been
withheld or deducted; provided that no Additional Amounts shall be payable with
respect to a payment made to a Holder to the extent solely attributable to (i)
such Holder not being treated as dealing at arm's length with the Company
within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) at the time of making such
payment, or (ii) such Holder's being connected with Canada or any province or
territory thereof otherwise than solely by reason of the Holder's activity in
connection with purchasing the Securities, by the mere holding of Securities or
by reason of the receipt of payments thereunder. The Company will also (i) make
such withholding or deduction and (ii) remit the full amount deducted or
withheld to the relevant authority in accordance with applicable law. The
Company shall furnish to the Holders, within 30 calendar days after the date
the payment of any Taxes is due pursuant to applicable law, certified copies of
tax receipts evidencing such payment by the Company. The Company shall upon
written request of each Holder (other than an Excluded Holder), reimburse each
such Holder for the amount of (i) any Taxes so levied or imposed and paid by
such Holder as a result of payments made under or with respect to the
Securities, and (ii) any Taxes so levied or imposed with respect to any
reimbursement under the foregoing clause (i) so that the net amount received by
such Holder (net of payments made under or with respect to the Securities)
after such reimbursement will not be less than the net amount the Holder would
have received if Taxes on such reimbursement had not been imposed; provided,
however, no reimbursement shall be made in respect of Taxes for which no





                                    - 129 -
<PAGE>   141
Additional Amounts would be payable by reason of clause (i) or (ii) of the
second preceding sentence.

                 At least 30 calendar days prior to each date on which any
payment under or with respect to the Securities is due and payable, if the
Company will be obligated to pay Additional Amounts with respect to such
payment, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate
stating the fact that such Additional Amounts will be payable and the amounts
so payable and will set forth such other information necessary to enable the
Trustee to pay such Additional Amounts to Holders on the payment date. Whenever
in this Indenture there is mentioned, in any context, the payment of principal,
interest, if any, or any other amount payable under or with respect to any
Securities, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of
Additional Amounts to the extent that, in such context, Additional Amounts are,
were or would be payable in respect thereof. The Holders, by acceptance of a
Note, and the Company agree that the payment of any Additional Amounts by the
Company shall be treated as payments of interest.

                 Section 1025.    Pension Transfer Agreement.

                 The Company shall fulfill all of its obligations under the
Pension Transfer Agreement dated October 31, 1997 between the Company and ICI
Canada, in accordance with the terms thereof that relate to the establishment,
funding, maintenance and operation of each Canadian Pension Plan to be
established in connection therewith.

                                 ARTICLE ELEVEN

                            REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

                 Section 1101.    Rights of Redemption.

                 The Securities shall not be redeemable at the option of the
Company prior to October 15, 2002. On or after that date, the Securities shall
be redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part from time to
time, on not less than thirty (30) nor more than sixty (60) days' prior notice,
mailed by first-class mail to the Holders' registered addresses, in cash, in
amounts of $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 at the following Redemption
Prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount), if redeemed in the
12-month period commencing October 15 in the year indicated below:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Year                                       Redemption
         ----                                       ----------
         <S>                                        <C>
         2002                                       104.625%
         2003                                       103.084%
         2004                                       101.542%
         2005                                       100.000%
</TABLE>





                                    - 130 -
<PAGE>   142

in each case together with accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages,
if any, to the Redemption Date (subject to the right of Holders of record on
relevant record dates to receive interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, due
on an Interest Payment Date). If less than all of the Securities are to be
redeemed, the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed pro rata, by
lot or by any other method the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate.

                 Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time on or prior to
October 15, 2000, the Company may redeem, in part, up to $61,250,000 in
aggregate principal amount of the Securities at a purchase price of 109.25% of
the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated
Damages, if any, to the date fixed for redemption, with the net proceeds of (i)
any Equity Offering by the Company or (ii) any Equity Offering by Pioneer or
PAAC, but only to the extent that Pioneer or PAAC contributes such net proceeds
to the Company as a capital contribution; provided that at least $113,750,000
aggregate principal amount of the Securities must remain outstanding after such
redemption.

                 If, as a result of any change in, or amendment to, the laws
(including any regulations promulgated thereunder) of Canada (or any political
subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) or any change in, or
amendment to, any official position regarding the application or interpretation
of such laws or regulations, which change is announced or becomes effective on
or after the Closing Date, the Company has become or would be obligated to pay,
on any date on which any amount would be payable with respect to the
Securities, any Additional Amounts to a U.S.  Holder in accordance with Section
1025 hereof, then the Company may, at its option, redeem the Securities, as a
whole but not in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of their aggregate
principal amount on the date of such redemption, together with accrued and
unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date fixed for
redemption.

                 Securities may be redeemed or repurchased as set forth in
Sections 1009, 1014 and 1109 hereof. Any redemption pursuant to this Section
1101 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 1102 through 1108
hereof.

                 Section 1102.    Applicability of Article.

                 Redemption of Securities at the election of the Company or
otherwise, as permitted or required by any provision of this





                                    - 131 -
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Indenture, shall be made in accordance with such provision and this Article.

                 Section 1103.    Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.

                 The election of the Company to redeem any Securities pursuant
to Section 1101 hereof shall be evidenced by a Company Order and an Officers'
Certificate. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company, the
Company shall, not less than forty-five (45) nor more than sixty (60) days
prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice
period shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee in writing of
such Redemption Date, the Redemption Price and of the principal amount of
Securities to be redeemed.

                 Section 1104.    Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be
Redeemed.

                 If less than all the Securities are to be redeemed, the
particular Securities or portions hereof to be redeemed shall be selected not
more than thirty (30) days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from
the Outstanding Securities not previously called for redemption, pro rata, by
lot or such other method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate, and
the amounts to be redeemed may be equal to $1,000 or any integral multiple
thereof.

                 The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company and the Security
Registrar in writing of the Securities selected for redemption and, in the case
of any Securities selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof
to be redeemed.

                 For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context
otherwise requires, all provisions relating to redemption of Securities shall
relate, in the case of any Security redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to
the portion of the principal amount of such Security which has been or is to be
redeemed.

                 Section 1105.    Notice of Redemption.

                 Notice of redemption shall be given by first-class mail,
postage prepaid, mailed not less than thirty (30) nor more than sixty (60) days
prior to the Redemption Date, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at
his address appearing in the Security Register.

                 All notices of redemption shall state:

                 (a)      the Redemption Date;

                 (b)      the Redemption Price;





                                    - 132 -
<PAGE>   144
                 (c)      if less than all Outstanding Securities are to be
         redeemed, the identification of the particular Securities to be
         redeemed;

                 (d)      in the case of a Security to be redeemed in part, the
         principal amount of such Security to be redeemed and that after the
         Redemption Date upon surrender of such Security, new Security or
         Securities in the aggregate principal amount equal to the unredeemed
         portion thereof will be issued;

                 (e)      that Securities called for redemption must be
         surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the Redemption Price;

                 (f)      that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will
         become due and payable upon each such Security or portion thereof, and
         that (unless the Company shall default in payment of the Redemption
         Price) interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon shall cease to
         accrue on and after said date;

                 (g)      the place or places where such Securities are to be
         surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price;

                 (h)      the paragraph of the Securities and/or Section of
         this Indenture pursuant to which the Securities called for redemption
         are being redeemed; and

                 (i)      the CUSIP number, if any, relating to such Securities
         (as to the accuracy of which the Trustee shall make no
         representation).

                 Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the
election of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's
written request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.

                 The notice if mailed in the manner herein provided shall be
conclusively presumed to have been given, whether or not the Holder receives
such notice. In any case, failure to mail such notice, or any defect in any
notice so mailed, to any particular Holder of any Security designated for
redemption as a whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the
proceedings for the redemption of any other Security.

                 Section 1106.    Deposit of Redemption Price.

                 On or prior to 10:00 a.m. New York City time on any Redemption
Date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or if
the Company is acting as its own





                                    - 133 -
<PAGE>   145
Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1018 hereof)
an amount of money in same day funds sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of
and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on, all the Securities or portions
thereof which are to be redeemed on that date. When the Redemption Date falls
on an Interest Payment Date, payments of interest and Liquidated Damages, if
any, due on such date are to be paid as provided hereunder as if no such
redemption were occurring.

                 Section 1107.    Securities Payable on Redemption Date.

                 Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the
Securities so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and
payable at the Redemption Price therein specified and from and after such date
(unless the Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and
accrued interest and Liquidated Damages, if any) such Securities shall cease to
bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for redemption in accordance
with said notice, such Security shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption
Price together with accrued interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the
Redemption Date; provided, however, that installments of interest whose Stated
Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders
of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such
on the relevant Regular Record Dates according to the terms and the provisions
of Section 309 hereof.

                 If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid
upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal and premium, if any,
shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate borne by
such Security.

                 Section 1108.    Securities Redeemed or Purchased in Part .

                 Any Security which is to be redeemed or purchased only in part
shall be surrendered to the Paying Agent at the office or agency maintained for
such purpose pursuant to Section 1002 hereof (with, if the Company, the
Security Registrar or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written
instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company, the Security
Registrar or the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or such Holder's
attorney duly authorized in writing), and the Company shall execute, and the
Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without
service charge, a new Security or Securities, of any authorized denomination as
requested by such Holder in aggregate principal amount equal to, and in
exchange for, the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so
surrendered that is not redeemed or purchased.





                                    - 134 -
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                 Section 1109.    Asset Sale Offers.

                 In the event that the Company shall commence an Asset Sale
Offer pursuant to Section 1009 hereof, it shall follow the procedures specified
below.

                 The Asset Sale Offer shall remain open for twenty (20)
Business Days after the date on which such Asset Sale Offer is commenced (the
"Commencement Date") except to the extent required to be extended pursuant to
applicable law (as so extended, the "Asset Sale Offer Period"). No later than
one Business Day after the termination of the Asset Sale Offer Period (the
"Asset Sale Purchase Date"), the Company shall purchase the principal amount
(the "Asset Sale Offer Amount") of Securities required pursuant to Section 1009
hereof to be purchased in such Asset Sale Offer and other pari passu Senior
Indebtedness that is required by its terms to be purchased in such Asset Sale
Offer or, if less than the Asset Sale Offer Amount has been tendered, all
Securities tendered in response to the Asset Sale Offer.

                 If the Asset Sale Purchase Date is on or after a Regular
Record Date and on or before the related Interest Payment Date, any accrued
interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, shall be paid to the Person in whose
name a Security is registered at the close of business on such Regular Record
Date, and no additional interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, shall be
payable to Holders who tender Securities pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer.

                 On the Commencement Date of any Asset Sale Offer, the Company
shall send or cause to be sent, by first class mail, a notice to each of the
Holders, with a copy to the Trustee. Such notice, which shall govern the terms
of the Asset Sale Offer, shall contain all instructions and materials necessary
to enable the Holders to tender Securities pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer and
shall state:

                 (1)      that the Asset Sale Offer is being made pursuant to
         Section 1009 hereof and this Section 1109 and the length of time the
         Asset Sale Offer shall remain open;

                 (2)      the Asset Sale Offer Amount, the Asset Sale Purchase
         Price and the Asset Sale Purchase Date;

                 (3)      that any Security not tendered or accepted for
         payment shall continue to accrue interest and Liquidated Damages, if
         any, in accordance with this Indenture;

                 (4)      that, unless the Company defaults in the payment of
         the Asset Sale Purchase Price, all Securities accepted for payment
         pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer shall cease to





                                    - 135 -
<PAGE>   147
         accrue interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, after the Asset Sale
Purchase Date;

                 (5)      that Holders electing to have Securities purchased
         pursuant to any Asset Sale Offer shall be required to surrender the
         Security, with the form entitled "Option of Holder to Elect Purchase"
         on the reverse of the Security completed, to the Company, a
         depositary, if appointed by the Company, or a Paying Agent at the
         address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the
         Business Day preceding the Asset Sale Purchase Date;

                 (6)      that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their
         election if the Company, Depositary or Paying Agent, as the case may
         be, receives not later than the close of business on the Business Day
         preceding the termination of the Asset Sale Offer Period, a telegram,
         telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the
         Holder, the principal amount of the Security the Holder delivered for
         purchase, the certificate number on the Security and a statement that
         such Holder is withdrawing his election to have the Security
         purchased;

                 (7)      that, if the aggregate principal amount of Securities
         surrendered by Holders together with any other pari passu Senior
         Indebtedness that is required by its terms to be purchased in such
         Asset Sale Offer exceeds the Asset Sale Offer Amount, the Company
         shall select the Securities to be purchased on a pro rata basis (with
         such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Company so that
         only Securities in denominations of $1,000, or integral multiples
         thereof, shall be purchased); and

                 (8)      that Holders whose Securities are purchased only in
         part shall be issued new Securities equal in principal amount to the
         unpurchased portion of the Securities surrendered, which unpurchased
         portion must be equal to $1,000 principal amount or an integral
         multiples thereof.

                 On or before 10:00 a.m. New York City time on each Asset Sale
Purchase Date, the Company shall irrevocably deposit with the Trustee or Paying
Agent in immediately available funds the aggregate Asset Sale Purchase Price
with respect to a principal amount of Securities equal to the Asset Sale Offer
Amount, together with accrued interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon,
to be held for payment in accordance with the terms of this Section 1109. On
the Asset Sale Purchase Date, the Company shall, to the extent lawful, (i)
accept for payment, on a pro rata basis to the extent necessary, an aggregate
principal amount equal to the Asset Sale Offer Amount of Securities tendered
pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer, or if less than the





                                    - 136 -
<PAGE>   148
Asset Sale Offer Amount has been tendered, all Securities or portions thereof
tendered, (ii) deliver, or cause the Paying Agent or depositary, as the case
may be, to deliver to the Trustee Securities so accepted and (iii) deliver to
the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that such Securities or portions
thereof were accepted for payment by the Company in accordance with the terms
of this Section 1109. The Company, a depositary or Paying Agent, as the case
may be, shall promptly (but in any case not later than two (2) Business Days
after the Asset Sale Purchase Date) mail or deliver to each tendering Holder an
amount equal to the Asset Sale Purchase Price with respect to the Securities
tendered by such Holder and accepted by the Company for purchase, and the
Company shall promptly issue a new Security, and the Trustee shall authenticate
and mail or deliver such new Security, to such Holder, equal in principal
amount to any unpurchased portion of such Holder's Securities surrendered. Any
Security not accepted in the Asset Sale Offer shall be promptly mailed or
delivered by the Company to the Holder thereof. The Company shall publicly
announce in a newspaper of general circulation the results of the Asset Sale
Offer on the Asset Sale Purchase Date.

                 The Asset Sale Offer shall be made by the Company in
compliance with all applicable laws, including, without limitation, the
requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, any other tender offer rules
under the Exchange Act and all other applicable U.S. Federal and state and
Canadian federal and provincial securities laws and regulations.

                 Subject to applicable escheat laws, as provided in the
Securities, the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall return to the Company any
cash that remains unclaimed, together with interest, if any, thereon, held by
them for the payment of the Asset Sale Purchase Price; provided, however, that
(x) to the extent that the aggregate amount of an Asset Sale Offer exceeds the
aggregate Asset Sale Purchase Price of the Securities or portions thereof to be
purchased, the Trustee shall hold such excess for the Company and (y) unless
otherwise directed by the Company in writing, promptly after the Business Day
following the Asset Sale Purchase Date the Trustee shall return any such excess
to the Company together with interest or dividends, if any, thereon.

                 Other than as specifically provided in this Section 1109, each
purchase pursuant to this Section 1109 shall be made pursuant to the provisions
of Sections 1101 through 1108 hereof.





                                    - 137 -
<PAGE>   149
                                 ARTICLE TWELVE

                           SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

                 Section 1201.    Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.

                 This Indenture shall cease to be of further effect (except as
to surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Securities
herein expressly provided for) and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense
of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and
discharge of this Indenture, when

                 (a)      either

                          (1)     all the Securities theretofore authenticated
                 and delivered (other than (i) Securities which have been
                 destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid
                 as provided in Section 308 hereof or (ii) all Securities for
                 whose payment United States dollars have theretofore been
                 deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the
                 Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged
                 from such trust, as provided in Section 1018 hereof) have been
                 delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

                          (2)     all such Securities not theretofore delivered
                 to the Trustee for cancellation (x) have become due and
                 payable, (y) shall become due and payable at their Stated
                 Maturity within one year, or (z) are to be called for
                 redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to
                 the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the
                 Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company, and
                 the Company or any Guarantor, in the case of (2)(x), (y) or
                 (z) above, has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited
                 with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose an
                 amount in United States dollars sufficient to pay and
                 discharge the entire Indebtedness on the Securities not
                 theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for the
                 principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest and
                 Liquidated Damages, if any, at such Stated Maturity or
                 Redemption Date;

                 (b)      the Company or any Guarantor has paid or caused to be
         paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company or any Guarantor;
         and

                 (c)      the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
         Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that (i) all conditions
         precedent herein provided for relating to





                                    - 138 -
<PAGE>   150
         the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied
         with and (ii) such satisfaction and discharge shall not result in a
         breach or violation of or constitute a default under, this Indenture
         or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company or
         any Guarantor is a party or by which the Company or any Guarantor is
         bound.

                 Opinions of Counsel required to be delivered under this
Section may have qualifications customary for opinions of the type required and
counsel delivering such Opinions of Counsel may rely on certificates of the
Company or government or other officials customary for opinions of the type
required, including certificates certifying as to matters of fact, including
that various financial covenants have been complied with.

                 Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this
Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 606
hereof and, if United States dollars shall have been deposited with the Trustee
pursuant to subclause (2) of Subsection (a) of this Section, the obligations of
the Trustee under Section 1202 and the last paragraph of Section 1018 hereof
shall survive.

                 Section 1202.    Application of Trust Money.

                 Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section
1018 hereof, all United States dollars deposited with the Trustee pursuant to
Section 1201 hereof shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance
with the provisions of the Securities and this Indenture, to the payment,
either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as
its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled
thereto, of the principal of, premium, if any, interest and Liquidated Damages,
if any, on the Securities for whose payment such United States dollars have
been deposited with the Trustee.


                                ARTICLE THIRTEEN

                                   GUARANTEE

                 Section 1301.    Guarantors' Guarantee.

                 For value received, each of the Guarantors, in accordance with
this Article Thirteen, hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably
guarantees, jointly and severally, to the Trustee and the Holders, as if the
Guarantors were the principal debtor, the punctual payment and performance when
due of all Indenture Obligations (which for purposes of this Guarantee shall
also be deemed to include all commissions, fees, charges,





                                    - 139 -
<PAGE>   151
costs and other expenses (including reasonable legal fees and disbursements of
one counsel) arising out of or incurred by the Trustee or the Holders in
connection with the enforcement of this Guarantee).

                 Section 1302.    Continuing Guarantee; No Right of Set-Off;
Independent Obligation.

                 (a)      This Guarantee shall be a continuing guarantee of the
payment and performance for all Indenture Obligations and shall remain in full
force and effect until the payment in full of all of the Indenture Obligations
and shall apply to and secure any ultimate balance due or remaining unpaid to
the Trustee or the Holders; and this Guarantee shall not be considered as
wholly or partially satisfied by the payment or liquidation at any time or from
time to time of any sum of money for the time being due or remaining unpaid to
the Trustee or the Holders. Each Guarantor, jointly and severally, covenants
and agrees to comply with all obligations, covenants, agreements and provisions
applicable to it in this Indenture including those set forth in Article Eight.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each of the Guarantors'
liability shall extend to all amounts which constitute part of the Indenture
Obligations and would be owed by the Company under this Indenture and the
Securities but for the fact that they are unenforceable, reduced, limited,
impaired, suspended or not allowable due to the existence of a bankruptcy,
reorganization or similar proceeding involving the Company.

                 (b)      Each Guarantor, jointly and severally, hereby
guarantees that the Indenture Obligations shall be paid to the Trustee without
set-off or counterclaim or other reduction whatsoever (whether for taxes,
withholding or otherwise) in lawful currency of the United States of America.

                 (c)      Each Guarantor, jointly and severally, guarantees
that the Indenture Obligations shall be paid strictly in accordance with their
terms regardless of any law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect in
any jurisdiction affecting any of such terms or the rights of the Holders of
the Securities.

                 (d)      Each Guarantor's liability to pay or perform or cause
the performance of the Indenture Obligations under this Guarantee shall arise
forthwith after demand for payment or performance by the Trustee has been given
to the Guarantors in the manner prescribed in Section 106 hereof.

                 (e)      Except as provided herein, the provisions of this
Article Thirteen cover all agreements between the parties hereto relative to
this Guarantee and none of the parties shall be bound by any representation,
warranty or promise made by any Person





                                    - 140 -
<PAGE>   152
relative thereto which is not embodied herein; and it is specifically
acknowledged and agreed that this Guarantee has been delivered by each
Guarantor free of any conditions whatsoever and that no representations,
warranties or promises have been made to any Guarantor affecting its
liabilities hereunder, and that the Trustee shall not be bound by any
representations, warranties or promises now or at any time hereafter made by
the Company to any Guarantor.

                 Section 1303.    Guarantee Absolute.

                 The obligations of the Guarantors hereunder are independent of
the obligations of the Company under the Securities and this Indenture and a
separate action or actions may be brought and prosecuted against any Guarantor
whether or not an action or proceeding is brought against the Company and
whether or not the Company is joined in any such action or proceeding. The
liability of the Guarantors hereunder is irrevocable, absolute and
unconditional and (to the extent permitted by law) the liability and
obligations of the Guarantors hereunder shall not be released, discharged,
mitigated, waived, impaired or affected in whole or in part by:

                 (a)      any defect or lack of validity or enforceability in
         respect of any Indebtedness or other obligation of the Company or any
         other Person under this Indenture or the Securities, or any agreement
         or instrument relating to any of the foregoing;

                 (b)      any grants of time, renewals, extensions,
         indulgences, releases, discharges or modifications which the Trustee
         or the Holders may extend to, or make with, the Company, any Guarantor
         or any other Person, or any change in the time, manner or place of
         payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Indenture
         Obligations, or any other amendment or waiver of, or any consent to or
         departure from, this Indenture or the Securities, including any
         increase or decrease in the Indenture Obligations;

                 (c)      the taking of security from the Company, any
         Guarantor or any other Person, and the release, discharge or
         alteration of, or other dealing with, such security;

                 (d)      the occurrence of any change in the laws, rules,
         regulations or ordinances of any jurisdiction by any present or future
         action of any governmental authority or court amending, varying,
         reducing or otherwise affecting, or purporting to amend, vary, reduce
         or otherwise affect, any of the Indenture Obligations and the
         obligations of any Guarantor hereunder;





                                    - 141 -
<PAGE>   153
                 (e)      the abstention from taking security from the Company,
         any Guarantor or any other Person or from perfecting, continuing to
         keep perfected or taking advantage of any security;

                 (f)      any loss, diminution of value or lack of
         enforceability of any security received from the Company, any
         Guarantor or any other Person, and including any other guarantees
         received by the Trustee;

                 (g)      any other dealings with the Company, any Guarantor or
         any other Person, or with any security;

                 (h)      the Trustee's or the Holder's acceptance of
         compositions from the Company or any Guarantor;

                 (i)      the application by the Holders or the Trustee of all
         monies at any time and from time to time received from the Company,
         any Guarantor or any other Person on account of any indebtedness and
         liabilities owing by the Company or any Guarantor to the Trustee or
         the Holders, in such manner as the Trustee or the Holders deems best
         and the changing of such application in whole or in part and at any
         time or from time to time, or any manner of application of collateral,
         or proceeds thereof, to all or any of the Indenture Obligations;

                 (j)      the release or discharge of the Company or any
         Guarantor of the Securities or of any Person liable directly as surety
         or otherwise by operation of law or otherwise for the Securities,
         other than an express release in writing given by the Trustee, on
         behalf of the Holders, of the liability and obligations of any
         Guarantor hereunder;

                 (k)      any change in the name, business, capital structure
         or governing instrument of the Company or any Guarantor or any
         refinancing or restructuring of any of the Indenture Obligations;

                 (l)      the sale of the Company's or any Guarantor's business
         or any part thereof;

                 (m)      subject to Section 1314 hereof, any merger or
         consolidation, arrangement or reorganization of the Company, any
         Guarantor, any Person resulting from the merger or consolidation of
         the Company or any Guarantor with any other Person or any other
         successor to such Person or merged or consolidated Person or any other
         change in the corporate existence, structure or ownership of the
         Company or any Guarantor;





                                    - 142 -
<PAGE>   154
                 (n)      the insolvency, bankruptcy, liquidation, winding-up,
         dissolution, receivership or distribution of the assets of the Company
         or its assets or any resulting discharge of any obligations of the
         Company (whether voluntary or involuntary) or of any Guarantor or the
         loss of corporate existence;

                 (o)      subject to Section 1314 hereof, any arrangement or
         plan of reorganization affecting the Company or any Guarantor;

                 (p)      any other circumstance (including any statute of
         limitations) that might otherwise constitute a defense available to,
         or discharge of, the Company or any Guarantor; or

                 (q)      any modification, compromise, settlement or release
         by the Trustee, or by operation of law or otherwise, of the Indenture
         Obligations or the liability of the Company or any other obligor under
         the Securities, in whole or in part, and any refusal of payment by the
         Trustee, in whole or in part, from any other obligor or other
         guarantor in connection with any of the Indenture Obligations, whether
         or not with notice to, or further assent by, or any reservation of
         rights against, each of the Guarantors.

                 Section 1304.    Right to Demand Full Performance.

                 In the event of any demand for payment or performance by the
Trustee from any Guarantor hereunder, the Trustee or the Holders shall have the
right to demand its full claim and to receive all payments in respect thereof
until the Indenture Obligations have been paid in full, and the Guarantors
shall continue to be jointly and severally liable hereunder for any balance
which may be owing to the Trustee or the Holders by the Company under this
Indenture and the Securities. The retention by the Trustee or the Holders of
any security, prior to the realization by the Trustee or the Holders of its
rights to such security upon foreclosure thereon, shall not, as between the
Trustee and any Guarantor, be considered as a purchase of such security, or as
payment, satisfaction or reduction of the Indenture Obligations due to the
Trustee or the Holders by the Company or any part thereof.

                 Section 1305.    Waivers.

                 (a)      Each Guarantor hereby expressly waives (to the extent
permitted by law) notice of the acceptance of this Guarantee and notice of the
existence, renewal, extension or the non-performance, non-payment, or
non-observance on the part of the Company of any of the terms, covenants,
conditions and





                                    - 143 -
<PAGE>   155
provisions of this Indenture or the Securities or any other notice whatsoever
to or upon the Company or such Guarantor with respect to the Indenture
Obligations. Each Guarantor hereby acknowledges communication to it of the
terms of this Indenture and the Securities and all of the provisions therein
contained and consents to and approves the same. Each Guarantor hereby
expressly waives (to the extent permitted by law) diligence, presentment,
protest and demand for payment.

                 (b)      Without prejudice to any of the rights or recourses
which the Trustee or the Holders may have against the Company, each Guarantor
hereby expressly waives (to the extent permitted by law) any right to require
the Trustee or the Holders to:

                 (i)      initiate or exhaust any rights, remedies or recourse
         against the Company, any Guarantor or any other Person;

                 (ii)     value, realize upon, or dispose of any security of
         the Company or any other Person held by the Trustee or the Holders; or

                 (iii)    initiate or exhaust any other remedy which the
         Trustee or the Holders may have in law or equity;

before requiring or becoming entitled to demand payment from such Guarantor
under this Guarantee.

                 Section 1306.    The Guarantors Remain Obligated in Event the
Company Is No Longer Obligated to Discharge Indenture Obligations.

                 It is the express intention of the Trustee and the Guarantors
that if for any reason the Company has no legal existence, is or becomes under
no legal obligation to discharge the Indenture Obligations owing to the Trustee
or the Holders by the Company or if any of the Indenture Obligations owing by
the Company to the Trustee or the Holders become irrecoverable from the Company
by operation of law or for any reason whatsoever, this Guarantee and the
covenants, agreements and obligations of the Guarantors contained in this
Article Thirteen shall nevertheless be binding upon the Guarantors, as
principal debtor, until such time as all such Indenture Obligations have been
paid in full to the Trustee and all Indenture Obligations owing to the Trustee
or the Holders by the Company have been discharged, or such earlier time as
Section 402 hereof shall apply to the Securities and the Guarantors shall be
responsible for the payment thereof to the Trustee or the Holders upon demand.





                                    - 144 -
<PAGE>   156
                 Section 1307.    Fraudulent Conveyance; Subrogation.

                 (a)      Any term or provision of this Guarantee to the
contrary notwithstanding, the aggregate amount of the Indenture Obligations
guaranteed hereunder shall be reduced to the extent necessary to prevent this
Guarantee from violating or becoming voidable under applicable law relating to
fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer or similar laws affecting the
rights of creditors generally.

                 (b)      Each Guarantor hereby waives until repayment in full
of the Indenture Obligations and except as provided in Section 1309, all rights
of subrogation or contribution, whether arising by contract or operation of law
(including, without limitation, any such right arising under U.S. Federal
bankruptcy law) or otherwise by reason of any payment by it pursuant to the
provisions of this Article Thirteen.

                 Section 1308.    Guarantee Is in Addition to Other Security.

                 This Guarantee shall be in addition to and not in substitution
for any other guarantees or other security which the Trustee may now or
hereafter hold in respect of the Indenture Obligations owing to the Trustee or
the Holders by the Company and (except as may be required by law) the Trustee
shall be under no obligation to marshal in favor of each of the Guarantors any
other guarantees or other security or any moneys or other assets which the
Trustee may be entitled to receive or upon which the Trustee or the Holders may
have a claim.

                 Section 1309.    Contribution.

                 In order to provide for just and equitable contribution among
the Guarantors, the Guarantors agree, inter se, that in the event any payment
or distribution is made by any Guarantor (a "Funding Guarantor") under its
Guarantee, such Funding Guarantor shall be entitled to a contribution from all
other Guarantors in a pro rata amount based on the "Adjusted Net Assets" (as
defined below) of each Guarantor (including the Funding Guarantor) for all
payments, damages and expenses incurred by that Funding Guarantor in
discharging the Company's obligations with respect to the Securities or any
other Guarantor's obligation with respect to its Guarantee. "Adjusted Net
Assets" means, with respect to any Guarantor, at any date, the lesser of the
amount by which (x) the fair value of the property of such Guarantor exceeds
the total amount of liabilities, including, without limitation, contingent
liabilities (after giving effect to all other fixed and contingent liabilities
incurred or assumed on such date), but excluding liabilities under the
Guarantee, of such Guarantor at such date and (y) the present fair salable





                                    - 145 -
<PAGE>   157
value of assets of such Guarantor at such date exceeds the amount that shall be
required to pay the probable liability of such Guarantor on its debts (after
giving effect to all other fixed and contingent liabilities incurred or assumed
on such date), excluding debt in respect of its Guarantee, as they become
absolute and matured.

                 Section 1310.    No Bar to Further Actions.

                 Except as provided by law, no action or proceeding brought or
instituted under Article Thirteen and this Guarantee and no recovery or
judgment in pursuance thereof shall be a bar or defense to any further action
or proceeding which may be brought under Article Thirteen and this Guarantee by
reason of any further default or defaults under Article Thirteen and this
Guarantee or in the payment of any of the Indenture Obligations owing by the
Company.

                 Section 1311.    Failure to Exercise Rights Shall Not Operate
as a Waiver.

                 No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part
of the Trustee or the Holders, any right, power, privilege or remedy under this
Article Thirteen and this Guarantee shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor
shall any single or partial exercise of any rights, power, privilege or remedy
preclude any other or further exercise thereof, or the exercise of any other
rights, powers, privileges or remedies. The rights and remedies herein provided
for are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided in law
or equity.

                 Section 1312.    Trustee's Duties; Notice to Trustee.

                 (a)      Any provision in this Article Thirteen or elsewhere
in this Indenture allowing the Trustee to request any information or to take
any action authorized by, or on behalf of any Guarantor, shall be subject to
Section 602(d) and shall be permissive and shall not be obligatory on the
Trustee except as the Holders may direct in accordance with the provisions of
this Indenture or where the failure of the Trustee to request any such
information or to take any such action arises from the Trustee's gross
negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.

                 (b)      The Trustee shall not be required to inquire into the
existence, powers or capacities of the Company, any Guarantor or the officers,
directors or agents acting or purporting to act on their respective behalf.





                                    - 146 -
<PAGE>   158
                 Section 1313.    Successors and Assigns.

                 All terms, agreements and conditions of this Article Thirteen
shall extend to and be binding upon each Guarantor and its successors and
permitted assigns and shall enure to the benefit of and may be enforced by the
Trustee and its successors and assigns; provided, however, that the Guarantors
may not assign any of their rights or obligations hereunder other than in
accordance with Article Eight.

                 Section 1314.    Release of Guarantee.

                 Concurrently with the payment in full of all of the Indenture
Obligations, the Guarantors shall be released from and relieved of their
obligations under this Article Thirteen. Upon the delivery by the Company to
the Trustee of an Officers' Certificate and, if requested by the Trustee, an
Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the transaction giving rise to the
release of this Guarantee was made by the Company in accordance with the
provisions of this Indenture and the Securities, the Trustee shall execute any
documents reasonably required in order to evidence the release of the
Guarantors from their obligations under this Guarantee. If any of the Indenture
Obligations are revived and reinstated after the termination of this Guarantee,
then all of the obligations of the Guarantors under this Guarantee shall be
revived and reinstated as if this Guarantee had not been terminated until such
time as the Indenture Obligations are paid in full, and each Guarantor shall
enter into an amendment to this Guarantee, reasonably satisfactory to the
Trustee, evidencing such revival and reinstatement.

                 This Guarantee shall terminate with respect to each Guarantor
and shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged as
provided in Section 1019(b) hereof.

                 Section 1315.    Execution of Guarantee.

                 To evidence the Guarantee, each Guarantor hereby agrees to
execute the guarantee substantially in the form set forth in Section 205
hereof, to be endorsed on each Security authenticated and delivered by the
Trustee and that this Indenture shall be executed on behalf of each Guarantor
by its Chairman of the Board, its President, or one of its Vice Presidents,
under its corporate seal reproduced thereon attested by its Secretary or one of
its Assistant Secretaries. The signature of any of these officers on the
Securities may be manual or facsimile.

                 If an officer whose signature is on this Indenture no longer
holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates a





                                    - 147 -
<PAGE>   159
Security on which a Guarantee is endorsed, such Guarantee shall be valid
nevertheless.

                 Section 1316.    Payment Permitted by Each of the Guarantors
if No Default.

                 Nothing contained in this Article, elsewhere in this Indenture
or in any of the Securities shall affect the obligation of any Guarantor to
make, or prevent any Guarantor from making at any time, payments pursuant to
the Securities.

                 Section 1317.    Notice to Trustee by Each of the Guarantors.

                 Each Guarantor shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee
of any fact known to such Guarantor which would prohibit the making of any
payment to or by the Trustee in respect of the Guarantee. Notwithstanding the
provisions of this Article or any provision of this Indenture, the Trustee
shall not be charged with knowledge of the existence of any facts which would
prohibit the making of any payment to or by the Trustee in respect of the
Securities, unless and until the Trustee shall have received written notice
thereof from any Guarantor or any trustee, fiduciary or agent therefor; and,
prior to the receipt of any such written notice, the Trustee shall be entitled
in all respects to assume that no such facts exist; provided, however, that if
the Trustee shall not have received the notice provided for in this Section at
least three (3) Business Days prior to the date upon which by the terms hereof
any money may become payable for any purpose (including, without limitation,
the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, interest or Liquidated
Damages, if any, on any Security or any other Indenture Obligations), then,
anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall
have full power and authority to receive such money and to apply the same to
the purpose for which such money was received and shall not be affected by any
notice to the contrary which may be received by it after such date; nor shall
the Trustee be charged with knowledge of the curing of any such default or the
elimination of the act or condition preventing any such payment unless and
until the Trustee shall have received an Officers' Certificate to such effect.

                 Section 1318.    Article Applicable to Paying Agents.

                 In case at any time any Paying Agent other than the Trustee
shall have been appointed by the Company and be then acting under this
Indenture, the term "Trustee" as used in this Article shall in such case
(unless the context otherwise requires) be construed as extending to and
including such Paying Agent within its meaning as fully for all intents and
purposes as if such Paying Agent were named in this Article in addition to or
in place of the Trustee; provided, however, that this Section





                                    - 148 -
<PAGE>   160
1318 shall not apply to the Company or any Affiliate of the Company if it or
such Affiliate acts as Paying Agent.

                 Section 1319.    No Suspension of Remedies.

                 Nothing contained in this Article shall limit the right of the
Trustee or the Holders of Securities to take any action to accelerate the
maturity of the Securities pursuant to the provisions described under Article
Five and as set forth in this Indenture or to pursue any rights or remedies
hereunder or under applicable law.


                                ARTICLE FOURTEEN

                                    SECURITY

                 Section 1401.    Security.

                 (a)      In order to secure the due and punctual payment of
principal of and interest on the Securities when and as the same shall become
due and payable, whether on an Interest Payment Date, at maturity, by
acceleration, repurchase, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue
principal of and interest (to the extent permitted by law) and Liquidated
Damages, if any, on the Securities, and performance of all other obligations of
the Company to the Holders or the Trustee under this Indenture and the
Securities, the Company has entered into the respective Security Documents to
which it is a party.

                 (b)      Each Holder, by accepting a Security, consents and
agrees to all of the terms and provisions of the Security Documents, as the
same may be in effect from time to time or may be amended from time to time in
accordance with the provisions of the Security Documents and this Indenture,
and authorizes and directs the Collateral Agent to act as mortgagee or secured
party with respect thereto or to act as collateral agent pursuant to the
Intercreditor Agreement.

                 (c)      As set forth in and governed by the Security
Documents, as among the Holders, the Collateral as now or hereafter constituted
shall be held for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders without
preference, priority or distinction of any thereof over any other by reason of
difference in time of issuance, sale or otherwise, as security for the
Securities.





                                    - 149 -
<PAGE>   161
                 (d)      Within 90 days after substantial completion thereof
by PCAC, the Company and PAAC shall cause PCAC to use all commercially
reasonable efforts (x) to grant to the Collateral Agent, for the pari passu
benefit of the Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement) and
as additional security for the Indenture Obligations and the Term Loan
Obligations (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement) a perfected first
priority Lien (the "St. Gabriel Pipeline Lien") on the St. Gabriel Pipeline and
(y) to deliver the following to the Collateral Agent:

                 (i)      mortgages, security agreements, fixture filings and
                          financing statements (collectively, the "Pipeline
                          Security Documents") executed by PCAC and in form and
                          substance acceptable to the Trustee and the
                          Collateral Agent, sufficient to create the St.
                          Gabriel Pipeline Lien, together with evidence
                          satisfactory to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent
                          that all of such documents have been recorded and
                          filed, as necessary, to perfect such Lien and that
                          all fees, taxes and other expenses associated
                          therewith have been paid;

                 (ii)     lien, title and Uniform Commercial Code financing
                          statement searches showing no Liens on the St.
                          Gabriel Pipeline prior to the St. Gabriel Pipeline
                          Lien, other than Permitted Liens and any other Liens
                          that are acceptable to the Trustee and the Collateral
                          Agent;

                 (iii)    a complete set of as-built site plans, surveys or
                          engineering drawings, certified as true and correct
                          by PCAC, and showing all material components of the
                          St. Gabriel Pipeline and the respective locations
                          thereof;

                 (iv)     an opinion of local counsel to PCAC in Louisiana with
                          respect to the form and enforceability of the
                          Pipeline Security Documents and such other matters as
                          the Trustee, the Collateral Agent and their
                          respective counsel may reasonably require;

                 (v)      an opinion of counsel to PCAC with respect to the due
                          authorization, execution and delivery of the Pipeline
                          Security Documents and such other matters as the
                          Trustee, the Collateral Agent and their respective
                          counsel may reasonably require;

                 (vi)     certificates of insurance with respect to the
                          insurance coverages required to be maintained by PCAC
                          with respect to the St. Gabriel Pipeline,





                                    - 150 -
<PAGE>   162
                          naming the Collateral Agent as loss payee and naming
                          the Collateral Agent and the Trustee as additional
                          insureds, as applicable;

                 (vii)    such other approvals, consents, opinions or documents
                          as the Collateral Agent, the Trustee or their
                          respective counsel may reasonably request in
                          connection with the Pipeline Security Documents and
                          any matter related thereto.

                 (e)      Each of the Company and PAAC shall cause PCAC to use
all commercially reasonable efforts to complete the St. Gabriel Pipeline in a
timely manner.

                 Section 1402.    Recording; Priority; Opinions, Etc.

                 (a)      The Company shall at its sole cost and expense
perform any and all acts and execute any and all documents (including, without
limitation, the execution, amendment or supplementation of any financing
statement, application for registration and continuation statement or other
statement) for filing under the provisions of the UCC and the rules and
regulations thereunder, the Civil Code of Quebec and any rules or regulations
thereunder, or any other statute, rule or regulation of any applicable federal,
state, provincial or local jurisdiction, including any filings in local real
estate land record or registry offices, which are necessary or advisable and
shall do such other acts and execute such other documents as may be required
under any of the Security Documents, from time to time, in order to grant,
maintain, register, record, renew, file, perfect, protect and preserve valid
and perfected Liens on the Collateral in favor of the Collateral Agent for its
own account and for the account of the Trustee and the Holders in the
priorities purported to be created by the Security Documents, subject only to
Liens permitted under the Security Documents to be senior or pari passu to the
Liens of the Collateral Agent, and to fully preserve and protect the rights of
the Trustee and the Holders under this Indenture.

                 The Company shall from time to time promptly pay and satisfy
all mortgage and financing and continuation statement recording, registration
and/or filing fees, charges and taxes relating to this Indenture and the
Security Documents, any amendments thereto and any other instruments of further
assurance.

                 (b)      The Company shall, with respect to clause (i) below,
on or prior to the Closing Date, and, with respect to clause (ii) below, at
such times as contemplated therein, furnish to the Trustee:





                                    - 151 -
<PAGE>   163
                 (i)      Opinions of Counsel either (a) to the effect that, in
         the opinion of such counsel, this Indenture and the grants of security
         interests in the Collateral intended to be made by the Security
         Documents and all other instruments of further assurance, have been
         properly registered, recorded and filed to the extent necessary to
         perfect the Lien on the Collateral created by the Security Documents
         and reciting the details of such action, and stating that as to the
         Liens created pursuant to the Security Documents, such recordings,
         renewals, registrations and filings are the only recordings, renewals,
         registrations and filings necessary to give notice thereof and that no
         re-recordings, re-registrations or refilings or other renewals are
         necessary to maintain such notice (other than as stated in such
         opinion), or (b) to the effect that, in the opinion of such counsel,
         no such action is necessary to perfect such Lien; and

                 (ii)     on each anniversary of the Closing Date beginning in
         the year 1998, an Opinion of Counsel or Opinions of Counsel, dated as
         of such date, either (a) to the effect that, in the opinion of such
         counsel, such action has been taken with respect to the recordings,
         registerings, filings, renewals, re-recordings, re-registerings and
         refilings of all financing statements, continuation statements,
         applications for registration or other instruments of further
         assurance as is necessary to maintain the Lien of each of the Security
         Documents and reciting with respect to such Liens the details of such
         action or referencing prior Opinions of Counsel in which such details
         are given, and stating that all financing statements and continuation
         statements have been executed and filed that are necessary as of such
         date and during the succeeding twelve months fully to preserve and
         protect the rights of the Collateral Agent, the Holders and the
         Trustee hereunder and under each of the Security Documents with
         respect to the Liens, or (b) to the effect that, in the opinion of
         such counsel, no such action is necessary to maintain such Liens.

                 Section 1403.    Release of Collateral.

                 The Trustee shall not direct the Collateral Agent to release
Collateral from the Lien of the Security Documents unless such release is in
accordance with the provisions of the Security Documents and Trust Indenture
Act Section 314(d).

                 Section 1404.    Trust Indenture Act Requirements.

                 The release of any Collateral from any of the Security
Documents or the release of, in whole or in part, the Liens created by any of
the Security Documents, will not be deemed to





                                    - 152 -
<PAGE>   164
impair the Lien of the Security Documents in contravention of the provisions
hereof if and to the extent the Collateral or Liens are released pursuant to
the terms of the Security Documents. The Trustee and each of the Holders
acknowledge that a release of Collateral or Liens strictly in accordance with
the terms of the Security Documents and the terms hereof will not be deemed for
any purpose to be an impairment of the Liens created pursuant to the Security
Documents in contravention of the terms of this Indenture. Without limitation,
the Company and each other obligor on the Securities shall cause Trust
Indenture Act Section 314(d) relating to the release of property or securities
from the Liens of the Security Documents to be complied with. Any certificate
or opinion required by Trust Indenture Act Section 314(d) may be made by an
Officer of the Company, except in cases where Trust Indenture Act Section
314(d) requires that such certificate or opinion be made by an independent
person.

                 Section 1405.    Suits to Protect Collateral.

                 Subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement, the
Trustee or the Collateral Agent, acting at the written direction of the
Holders, shall have power to institute and to maintain, or the Trustee, acting
at the written direction of the Holders, shall have the power to direct each
Collateral Agent to institute and maintain, such suits and proceeds as the
Trustee may deem expedient to prevent any impairment of the Collateral by any
acts which may be unlawful or in violation of any of the Security Documents or
this Indenture, and such suits and proceedings as the Trustee may deem
expedient to preserve or protect its interests and the interests of the Holders
in the Collateral (including power to institute and maintain suits or
proceedings to restrain the enforcement of or compliance with any legislative
or other governmental enactment, rule or order that may be unconstitutional or
otherwise invalid if the enforcement of, or compliance with, such enactment,
rule or order would impair the Liens of each Collateral Agent in the Collateral
or be prejudicial to the interests of the Holders or the Trustee).

                 Section 1406.    Determinations Relating to Collateral.

                 In the event (i) the Trustee shall receive any written request
from the Company under any Security Document for consent or approval with
respect to any matter or thing relating to any Collateral or the Company's
obligations with respect thereto or (ii) there shall be due to or from the
Trustee under the provisions of any Security Document any performance or the
delivery of any instrument or (iii) the Trustee shall become aware of any
nonperformance by the Company of any covenant or any breach of any
representation or warranty of the Company set forth in any Security Document,
then, in each such event, the Trustee shall be entitled, at the expense of the
Company and subject to





                                    - 153 -
<PAGE>   165
Sections 602(d) and (h) hereof, to hire experts, consultants, agents and
attorneys to advise the Trustee on the manner in which the Trustee should
respond to such request or render any requested performance or response to such
nonperformance or breach. The Trustee shall be fully protected in the taking of
any action recommended or approved by any such expert, consultant, agent or
attorney or agreed to by the Majority Holders pursuant to Section 505 hereof.

                 Section 1407.    Trust Moneys.

                 To the extent Trust Moneys consist of insurance proceeds or
condemnation or other taking awards, any such moneys which may be used to
effect a restoration of the affected Collateral shall be permitted to be
withdrawn by the Company and paid by the Collateral Agent, at the direction of
the Trustee, upon a Company Order to reimburse the Company for expenditures
made or costs incurred to repair, rebuild or replace the destroyed, damaged, or
taken Collateral, upon confirmation by the Trustee that it has received the
appropriate documentation. The Company shall deliver (a) an Officers'
Certificate certifying as to expenditures made or costs incurred, the necessity
or desirability in the conduct of the Company's business of the repaired,
rebuilt, or replaced property, and the fair market value of such property as of
the date of the expenditures, (b) an Opinion of Counsel as to the validity and
perfection of the Collateral Agent's lien on the repaired or replaced
Collateral and (c) an architect's certificate as to the costs of such
restoration and compliance with law, all in accordance with the Intercreditor
Agreement.

                 To the extent Trust Moneys consist of Collateral Proceeds, and
the Company intends to reinvest such proceeds in the Company or in one or more
Restricted Subsidiaries in a Related Business, such Trust Moneys shall be
permitted to be withdrawn by the Company upon delivery to the Trustee and the
Collateral Agent of (a) a Company Order regarding such withdrawal, (b) an
Officers' Certificate certifying compliance with this Indenture, (c)
instruments granting the Collateral Agent, first priority liens, for the
benefit of (i) the Trustee, for itself and the Holders, and (ii) the Term Loan
Agent, for itself and the other Term Loan Agreement lenders on the real or
personal property interests in which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
have invested, and (d) an opinion of counsel as to the instruments governing
such Liens and security interests, all in accordance with the Intercreditor
Agreement.

                 Trust Moneys shall be permitted to be applied from time to
time (x) to the payment of principal, premium, if any, interest and Liquidated
Damages, if any, on the Securities, or (y) to the extent otherwise permitted by
this Indenture, to





                                    - 154 -
<PAGE>   166
redeem or repurchase Securities, including without limitation pursuant to a
Change of Control Offer or (to the extent such Trust Moneys constitute proceeds
from Asset Sales involving Collateral) an Asset Sale Offer, or (z) at the
direction of the Company to pay any other Senior Indebtedness secured by liens
in the Collateral (but only to the extent such Trust Moneys constitute
Collateral Proceeds). In each case the Trustee and the Collateral Agent shall
receive (a) resolutions of the boards of directors of the Company directing
such application, (b) an Officers' Certificate, and (c) an Opinion of Counsel,
and the Collateral Agent shall receive cash equaling the accrued interest, if
any, required to be paid in connection with such payment or purchase. Trust
Moneys received by the Collateral Agent or the Trustee pursuant to an Asset
Sale Offer remaining after the completion of such Asset Sale Offer shall be
permitted to be withdrawn by the Company upon request of the Company and
delivery of an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, all in
accordance with the Intercreditor Agreement.

                 Any release of Collateral, including Trust Moneys, will be
subject to the provisions of Section 314(d) of the Trust Indenture Act relating
to, among other things, the delivery of a certificate or an opinion of an
engineer, appraiser or other expert as to the fair value of Collateral being
released from the Liens of the Security Documents.

                 Section 1408.    Power of Attorney for Collateral in Quebec.
For the purposes of constituting security on the Collateral located in Quebec
as security for the due and punctual payment of and interest on the Securities
when and as same shall become due and payable, whether on an Interest Payment
Date, at maturity, by acceleration, repurchase, redemption or otherwise, and
interest on the overdue principal of and interest (to the extent permitted by
law) and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Securities, and performance of all
other obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee under this
Indenture and the Securities, each of the Trustee and the Holders hereby
irrevocably grants to the Collateral Agent, for the purposes of holding, on
behalf of and for the benefit of all present and future Trustees and Holders,
the security constituted by the Company under the Quebec Mortgage and Security
Agreement, a power of attorney within the meaning of the Civil Code of Quebec
("Power of Attorney") for all present and future Trustees and Holders. The
Collateral Agent hereby accepts such Power of Attorney for the purposes of
holding security created under the Quebec Mortgage and Security Agreement on
behalf of and for the benefit of all present and future Trustees and Holders.
To the extent that any Person becomes a Trustee under this Indenture or a
Holder by accepting, purchasing or acquiring a Security becomes bound by the
terms and conditions of this Indenture, whether by assignment or otherwise,
such Person shall be automatically





                                    - 155 -
<PAGE>   167
deemed to have ratified and consented to the irrevocable granting by the
Trustee and the Holders to the Collateral Agent of the Power of Attorney
constituted hereunder. Each Holder agrees (i) with the other Holders that it
will not, without the prior consent of the Trustee and the other Holders, take
or obtain any Lien on any property of the Company to secure the Indenture
Obligations of the Company hereunder or under the Securities, except for the
benefit of the Collateral Agent for and on behalf of, the Trustee and the
Holders, or as may otherwise be required by law; and (ii) that, notwithstanding
the provisions of Section 32 of the Special Corporate Powers Act (Quebec), the
Collateral Agent may, as a Person holding the Power of Attorney of the Trustee
and the Holders, acquire any title to indebtedness secured by any hypothec in
its favor related to this Indenture or the Securities or any other document
contemplated hereunder.

                            [signature pages follow]





                                    - 156 -
<PAGE>   168
                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the day and year first above written.


                                             PCI CHEMICALS CANADA INC.


Attest /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON                By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
      ------------------------------           -------------------------------
      Name:  Kent R. Stephenson                Name:  Philip J. Ablove        
      Title: Vice President, General           Title: Vice President and      
             Counsel and Secretary                    Chief Financial Officer

                                             PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION
                                             CORP.


Attest /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON                By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
      ------------------------------           -------------------------------
      Name:  Kent R. Stephenson                Name:  Philip J. Ablove        
      Title: Vice President, General           Title: Vice President and      
             Counsel and Secretary                    Chief Financial Officer
                                             
                                             PIONEER AMERICAS, INC.


Attest /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON                By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
      ------------------------------           -------------------------------
      Name:  Kent R. Stephenson                Name:  Philip J. Ablove        
      Title: Vice President, General           Title: Vice President and      
             Counsel and Secretary                    Chief Financial Officer

                                             PIONEER CHLOR ALKALI COMPANY,
                                              INC.


Attest /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON                By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
      ------------------------------           -------------------------------
      Name:  Kent R. Stephenson                Name:  Philip J. Ablove        
      Title: Vice President, General           Title: Vice President and      
             Counsel and Secretary                    Chief Financial Officer

                                             IMPERIAL WEST CHEMICAL CO.


Attest /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON                By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
      ------------------------------           -------------------------------
      Name:  Kent R. Stephenson                Name:  Philip J. Ablove        
      Title: Vice President, General           Title: Vice President and      
             Counsel and Secretary                    Chief Financial Officer

                                             ALL-PURE CHEMICAL CO.


Attest /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON                By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
      ------------------------------           -------------------------------
      Name:  Kent R. Stephenson                Name:  Philip J. Ablove        
      Title: Vice President, General           Title: Vice President and      
             Counsel and Secretary                    Chief Financial Officer




                                   - 157 -
<PAGE>   169
                                             BLACK MOUNTAIN POWER COMPANY


Attest /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON                By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
      ------------------------------           -------------------------------
      Name:  Kent R. Stephenson                Name:  Philip J. Ablove       
      Title: Vice President, General           Title: Vice President and      
             Counsel and Secretary                    Chief Financial Officer

                                             ALL PURE CHEMICAL NORTHWEST,
                                              INC.


Attest /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON                By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
      ------------------------------           -------------------------------
      Name:  Kent R. Stephenson                Name:  Philip J. Ablove       
      Title: Vice President, General           Title: Vice President and     
             Counsel and Secretary                    Chief Financial Officer

                                             PIONEER CHLOR ALKALI
                                              INTERNATIONAL, INC.


Attest /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON                By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
      ------------------------------           -------------------------------
      Name:  Kent R. Stephenson                Name:  Philip J. Ablove       
      Title: Vice President, General           Title: Vice President and     
             Counsel and Secretary                    Chief Financial Officer

                                             G.O.W. CORPORATION


Attest /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON                By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
      ------------------------------           -------------------------------
      Name:  Kent R. Stephenson                Name:  Philip J. Ablove       
      Title: Vice President, General           Title: Vice President and     
             Counsel and Secretary                    Chief Financial Officer

                                             PIONEER (EAST), INC.


Attest /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON                By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
      ------------------------------           -------------------------------
      Name:  Kent R. Stephenson                Name:  Philip J. Ablove       
      Title: President and Secretary           Title: Vice President         
                                                                             

                                             T.C. HOLDINGS, INC.


Attest /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON                By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
      ------------------------------           -------------------------------
      Name:  Kent R. Stephenson                Name:  Philip J. Ablove       
      Title: Vice President, General           Title: Vice President and     
             Counsel and Secretary                    Chief Financial Officer




                                    - 158 -
<PAGE>   170
                                             T.C. PRODUCTS, INC.          


Attest /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON                By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
      -------------------------------          -------------------------------
      Name:  Kent R. Stephenson                Name:  Philip J. Ablove       
      Title: Vice President, General           Title: Vice President and      
             Counsel and Secretary                    Chief Financial Officer

                                             PCI CAROLINA, INC.          
                                              INC.


Attest /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON                By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
      -------------------------------          -------------------------------
      Name:  Kent R. Stephenson                Name:  Philip J. Ablove       
      Title: Vice President, General           Title: Vice President and     
             Counsel and Secretary                    Chief Financial Officer

                                             PIONEER LICENSING, INC.
                                                                 


Attest /s/ KENT R. STEPHENSON                By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
      -------------------------------          -------------------------------
      Name:  Kent R. Stephenson                Name:  Philip J. Ablove       
      Title: President and Secretary           Title: Vice President         
                                                                             

                                             UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF
                                               NEW YORK, as Trustee


Attest /s/ MARGARET M. CIESMELEWSKI          By /s/ PATRICIA STERMER
      -------------------------------          -------------------------------
      Name:  Margaret M. Ciesmelewski          Name:  Patricia Stermer       
      Title: Asst. Vice President              Title: Asst. Vice President   
                                                                             

                                             UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF
                                               NEW YORK, as Collateral Agent


Attest /s/ MARGARET M. CIESMELEWSKI          By /s/ PATRICIA STERMER
      -------------------------------          -------------------------------
      Name:  Margaret M. Ciesmelewski          Name:  Patricia Stermer       
      Title: Asst. Vice President              Title: Asst. Vice President  
                                                                             







                                    -159-

<PAGE>   1

                                                                  EXHIBIT 4.8(a)


                                                                [EXECUTION COPY]


                               U.S. $100,000,000

                              TERM LOAN AGREEMENT,

                         dated as of October 30, 1997,


                                     among

                            PIONEER AMERICAS, INC.,
                                as the Borrower


                      PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.,
                            as the Parent Guarantor,


                        VARIOUS FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS,
                                as the Lenders,


                           DLJ CAPITAL FUNDING, INC.,
                   as the Syndication Agent for the Lenders,


                     SALOMON BROTHERS HOLDING COMPANY INC,
                  as the Documentation Agent for the Lenders,


                         BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST
                            AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION,
                  as the Administrative Agent for the Lenders,

                                      and


                    UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK,
                    as the Collateral Agent for the Lenders,



                                  ARRANGED BY

              DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE SECURITIES CORPORATION





<PAGE>   2
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SECTION                                                                                              PAGE
- -------                                                                                              ----
                                                    ARTICLE I

                                             DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS
<S>         <C>                                                                                        <C>
1.1.        Defined Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2
1.2.        Use of Defined Terms  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29
1.3.        Cross-References  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29
1.4.        Accounting and Financial Determinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29
1.5.        Use of UCC Terms  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
1.6.        Officers' Certificates and Opinions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
                                                                                                
                                                                                                
                                                   ARTICLE II                                   
                                                                                                
                                  COMMITMENTS, BORROWING PROCEDURES AND NOTES                   
                                                                                                
2.1.        Commitments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
2.1.1.      Term Loan Commitments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
2.1.2.      Lenders Not Permitted or Required to Make the Term Loans  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
2.2.        Borrowing Procedures and Funding Maintenance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31
2.3.        Continuation and Conversion Elections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31
2.4.        Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31
2.5.        Term Notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31
                                                                                                
                                                                                                
                                                  ARTICLE III                                   
                                                                                                
                                   REPAYMENTS, PREPAYMENTS, INTEREST AND FEES                   
                                                                                                
3.1.        Repayments and Prepayments; Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  32
3.1.1.      Repayments and Prepayments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  32
3.1.2.      Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34
3.2.        Interest Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34
3.2.1.      Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34
3.2.2.      Post-Maturity Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34
3.2.3.      Payment Dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35
3.3.        Fees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35
3.3.1.      Arrangement, Structuring and Commitment Fees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35
3.3.2.      Administrative Agent Fee  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35
</TABLE>
        
        
        
        
        
                                      -i-
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
                                                   ARTICLE IV
<S>                                                                                                    <C>
                                     CERTAIN LIBO RATE AND OTHER PROVISIONS
      
4.1.        LIBO Rate Lending Unlawful  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36
4.2.        Deposits Unavailable  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36
4.3.        Increased LIBO Rate Loan Costs, etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36
4.4.        Funding Losses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36
4.5.        Increased Capital Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  37
4.6.        Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  37
4.7.        Payments, Computations, etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38
4.8.        Sharing of Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38
4.9.        Setoff  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39
                                                                                               
                                                                                               
                                                   ARTICLE V                                   
                                                                                               
                                       CONDITIONS TO TERM LOAN EXTENSION                       
                                                                                               
5.1.        Resolutions, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39
5.2.        Delivery of Term Notes and the Bond.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40
5.3.        Guarantees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40
5.4.        Consummation of Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40
5.5.        Issuance of the Senior Secured Notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40
5.6.        Revolving Credit Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40
5.7.        Transaction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40
5.8.        Canadian Demand Debenture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  41
5.9.        Security Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  42
5.10.       Quebec Mortgage and Security Agreement  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  43
5.11.       Closing Date Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  43
5.12.       Financial Information, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44
5.13.       Pro Forma Balance Sheet Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44
5.14.       Target Business Financial Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44
5.15.       Indebtedness Certificate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45
5.16.       Intercreditor Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45
5.17.       Litigation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45
5.18.       Material Adverse Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45
5.19.       Consents and Approvals, etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45
5.20.       Reliance Letters  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45
5.21.       Opinions of Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45
5.22.       Closing Fees, Expenses, etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  46
5.23.       Satisfactory Legal Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  46
5.24.       Compliance with Warranties, No Default, etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  46
</TABLE>
        
        
        
        

                                      -ii-
<PAGE>   4
<TABLE>
                                                        ARTICLE VI

                                              REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
<S>         <C>                                                                                        <C>
6.1.        Organization, etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  46
6.2.        Due Authorization, Non-Contravention, etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47
6.3.        No Conflicts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47
6.4.        Validity and Binding Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47
6.5.        No Default  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47
6.6.        Financial Statements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47
6.7.        Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48
6.8.        Litigation; Contingent Liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48
6.9.        Liens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48
6.10.       Subsidiaries  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48
6.11.       Partnerships; Joint Ventures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48
6.12.       Senior Secured Notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  49
6.13.       Intellectual Property.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  49
6.14.       Solvency  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  49
6.15.       Contracts; Labor Matters  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  49
6.16.       Pension and Welfare Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  50
6.17.       Regulations G, U and X  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  50
6.18.       Compliance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  51
6.19.       Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  51
6.20.       Investment Company Act Representation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  51
6.21.       Public Utility Holding Company Act Representation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  51
6.22.       Environmental and Safety and Health Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  51
6.23.       Related Agreements and Transaction Documents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  52
6.24.       Holding Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  52
6.25.       PCICC, PCI Carolina and Pioneer Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  53
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                       ARTICLE VII                                  
                                                                                                    
                                                        COVENANTS                                   
                                                                                                    
7.1.        Affirmative Covenants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  53
7.1.1.      Financial Information, Reports, Notices, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  53
7.1.2.      Corporate Existence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  55
7.1.3.      Maintenance of Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  55
7.1.4.      Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  56
7.1.5.      Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  56
7.1.6.      Books and Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  56
7.1.7.      Use of Proceeds, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  56
7.1.8.      Guarantees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  56
7.1.9.      Stock Pledge Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  57
7.1.10.     Concerning the Collateral and the Loan Documents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  57
7.1.11.     Maintenance of Corporate Separateness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  58
7.1.12.     Working Capital Line  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  59
7.1.13.     St. Gabriel Pipeline  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  59
</TABLE>
        
        
        
        

                                     -iii-
<PAGE>   5
<TABLE>
<S>         <C>                                                                                        <C>
7.1.14.     Pension Transfer Agreement  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  60
7.2.        Negative Covenants  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  60
7.2.1.      Indebtedness  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  60
7.2.2.      Liens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  62
7.2.3.      Restricted Payments, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  64
7.2.4.      Payment Restrictions Affecting Guarantors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  66
7.2.5.      Consolidation, Merger, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  67
7.2.6.      Asset Dispositions, etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  69
7.2.7.      Modification of Certain Agreements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  71
7.2.8.      Transactions with Affiliates  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  72
7.2.9.      Impairment of Security Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  73
7.2.10.     Stock of Subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  73
7.2.11.     Sale and Leaseback  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  74
7.2.12.     Limitation on Applicability of Certain Covenants  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  74
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                       ARTICLE VIII                                 
                                                                                                    
                                                    EVENTS OF DEFAULT                               
                                                                                                    
8.1.        Listing of Events of Default  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  75
8.1.1.      Non-Payment of Obligations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  75
8.1.2.      Breach of Warranty  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  75
8.1.3.      Non-Performance of Certain Covenants and Obligations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  75
8.1.4.      Non-Performance of Other Covenants and Obligations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  75
8.1.5.      Disaffirmation of Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  76
8.1.6.      Effectiveness and Enforceability of Guarantees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  76
8.1.7.      Default on Other Indebtedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  76
8.1.8.      Judgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  76
8.1.9.      Bankruptcy, Insolvency, etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  76
8.1.10.     Impairment of Security, etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  78
8.2.        Action if Bankruptcy, etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  78
8.3.        Action if Other Event of Default  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  78
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                        ARTICLE IX                                  
                                                                                                    
                                                         GUARANTY                                   
                                                                                                    
9.1.        Guaranty  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  78
9.2.        Acceleration of Parent Guaranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  79
9.3.        Guaranty Absolute, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  79
9.4.        Reinstatement, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  80
9.5.        Waiver, etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  80
9.6.        Postponement of Subrogation, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  81
9.7.        Successors, Transferees and Assigns; Transfers of Term Notes, etc.  . . . . . . . . . . .  81
</TABLE>
        
        
        
        

                                      -iv-
<PAGE>   6
<TABLE>
                                                        ARTICLE X

                                                        THE AGENTS
<S>         <C>                                                                                        <C>
10.1.       Appointment of Agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  82
10.2.       Intercreditor Agreement and Collateral Agent; Power of Attorney . . . . . . . . . . . . .  82
10.3.       Nature of Duties of the Agents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  83
10.4.       General Immunity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  83
10.5.       Successor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  83
10.6.       Agents in their Capacity as Lenders.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  84
10.7.       Actions by Each Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  84
10.8.       Right to Indemnity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  85
10.9.       Suits to Protect Collateral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  85
10.10.      Determinations Relating to Collateral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  85
10.11.      Trust Moneys  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  86
10.12.      Release of Collateral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  86
10.13.      Holding of Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  86
10.14.      Application of Proceeds of Collateral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  87
10.15.      Rights and Remedies to be Exercised by Administrative Agent Only  . . . . . . . . . . . .  87
10.16.      Credit Decisions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  87
10.17.      Copies, etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  87
10.18.      The Syndication Agent, the Documentation Agent and the Administrative Agent . . . . . . .  88
10.19.      Agreement to Cooperate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  88
10.20.      Lenders to Act as Agents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  88
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                        ARTICLE XI                                  
                                                                                                    
                                                 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS                           
                                                                                                    
11.1.       Waivers, Amendments, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  88
11.2.       Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  89
11.3.       Payment of Costs and Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  89
11.4.       Indemnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  90
11.5.       Survival  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  91
11.6.       Severability  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  91
11.7.       Headings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  91
11.8.       Execution in Counterparts, Effectiveness, etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  91
11.9.       Governing Law; Entire Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  91
11.10.      Successors and Assigns  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  91
11.11.      Sale and Transfer of Term Loans and Term Notes; Participations in                       
               Term Loans and Term Notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  92
11.11.1.    Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  92
11.11.2.    Participations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  93
11.12.      Other Transactions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  94
11.13.      Forum Selection and Consent to Jurisdiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  94
11.14.      Waiver of Jury Trial  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  95
11.15.      Judgment Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  95
</TABLE>
        
        
        

                                      -v-
<PAGE>   7

SCHEDULE I             -      Disclosure Schedule
SCHEDULE II            -      Percentages and Administrative Information

EXHIBIT A-1            -      Form of Term Note
EXHIBIT A-2(a)         -      Form of Bond
EXHIBIT A-2(b)         -      Form of Bond Pledge Agreement
EXHIBIT B              -      Form of Borrowing Request
EXHIBIT C              -      Form of Continuation/Conversion Notice
EXHIBIT D-1            -      Form of Affiliate Guaranty
EXHIBIT D-2            -      Form of Canadian Subsidiary Guaranty
EXHIBIT E-1(a)         -      Form of Canadian Demand Debenture
EXHIBIT E-1(b)         -      Form of Canadian Demand Debenture Pledge Agreement
EXHIBIT E-2            -      Form of Quebec Mortgage and Security Agreement
EXHIBIT F-1            -      Form of Canadian Subsidiary Security Agreement
EXHIBIT F-2            -      Form of Affiliate Security Agreement
EXHIBIT G-1            -      Form of Borrower Closing Date Certificate
EXHIBIT G-2            -      Form of Parent Guarantor Closing Date Certificate
EXHIBIT G-3            -      Form of PCI Closing Date Certificate
EXHIBIT H              -      Form of Lender Assignment Agreement
EXHIBIT I              -      Form of Intercreditor Agreement





                                      -vi-
<PAGE>   8
                              TERM LOAN AGREEMENT


     THIS TERM LOAN AGREEMENT, dated as of October 30, 1997, is among PIONEER
AMERICAS, INC., a corporation organized under the laws of Delaware (the
"Borrower"),  PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP., a corporation organized under
the laws of Delaware ("PAAC"or  the "Parent Guarantor"), the various financial
institutions as are or may become parties hereto (collectively, the "Lenders"),
DLJ CAPITAL FUNDING, INC. ("DLJ"), as syndication agent (the "Syndication
Agent") for the Lenders, SALOMON BROTHERS HOLDING COMPANY INC ("Salomon"), as
documentation agent (the "Documentation Agent") for the Lenders, BANK OF
AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION ("BofA"), as administrative
agent (the "Administrative Agent") for the Lenders, and UNITED STATES TRUST
COMPANY OF NEW YORK, as collateral agent ("Collateral Agent") for the Secured
Parties (as defined below).


                              W I T N E S S E T H:

     WHEREAS, PCI Chemicals Canada Inc., a corporation organized under the laws
of the Province of New Brunswick ("PCICC"), PCI Carolina, Inc., a corporation
organized under the laws of Delaware ("PCI Carolina"), and Pioneer Companies,
Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of Delaware and the parent of PAAC
("PCI") entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of September 22, 1997
(the "Purchase Agreement") with ICI Canada Inc. ("the Canadian Seller"), ICI
Americas Inc. (the "U.S. Seller") and Imperial Chemical Industries PLC  (the
"ICI Parent") (and, together with the Canadian Seller and the U.S. Seller, the
"Sellers"), pursuant to which PCICC, PCI Carolina and Pioneer Licensing, Inc.,
a corporation organized under the laws of Delaware ("Pioneer Licensing") will
acquire all of the assets and properties used by the Sellers in their North
American chlor-alkali business (the "Target Business") for an aggregate
purchase price of approximately $235,600,000 (the "Acquisition");

     WHEREAS, PCICC intends to issue senior secured notes due 2007 for gross
cash proceeds of $175,000,000, which proceeds would be used, in part, to fund
the Acquisition (the "Senior Secured Note Offering", and, together with the
Acquisition and the transactions relating thereto, the "Transaction");

     WHEREAS, in connection with the Transaction, the Borrower desires to
obtain from the Lenders a commitment to provide $100,000,000 in term loans, the
proceeds of which will be used, in part, to fund the Acquisition, and pay
certain fees and expenses arising in connection with the Transaction not
exceeding $14,400,000 in the aggregate; and

     WHEREAS, the Lenders are willing, on the terms and subject to the
conditions hereinafter set forth (including Article V), to extend the
commitments and make the loans described herein to the Borrower;

     NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:





<PAGE>   9
                                   ARTICLE I

                       DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

     SECTION 1.1.  Defined Terms.  The following terms (whether or not
underscored) when used in this Agreement, including its preamble and recitals,
shall, except where the context otherwise requires, have the following meanings
(such meanings to be equally applicable to the singular and plural forms
thereof):

     "Acquisition" is defined in the first recital.

     "Acquisition Agreements" means the Purchase Agreement and each agreement
delivered pursuant to the terms thereof, including the Pension Transfer
Agreement between PCICC and the Canadian Seller, Non-Competition Agreement
among the ICI Parent, the Canadian Seller, the U.S. Seller, PCICC and PCI
Carolina, the Transition Services Agreement between the Canadian Seller and
PCICC, the License Agreement between ICI Chemicals & Polymers Limited and
PCICC, the License Agreement among ICI Parent, ICI Chemicals & Polymers, the
Canadian Seller and PCICC and the Lease with respect to the facility in
Cornwall, Ontario between the Canadian Seller and PCICC.

     "Administrative Agent" is defined in the preamble and includes each other
Person as shall have subsequently been appointed as the successor
Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 10.5.

     "Affiliate" means, with respect to any party, any Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such party including any estate or trust under will of such party.
For purposes of this definition, "control" (including with correlative
meanings, the terms "controlling,"  "controlled by" and  "under common control
with"), as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or
indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or
policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by
agreement or otherwise; provided, however, that beneficial ownership of 5% or
more of the voting securities of a Person shall be deemed to be control.

     "Affiliate Guarantors" means, collectively, PCI Carolina, Pioneer
Licensing, PCAC, All-Pure, Imperial, BMPC, All Pure Chemical Northwest, Inc., a
Washington corporation, Pioneer Chlor Alkali International, Inc., a Barbados
corporation, G.O.W. Corporation, a Nevada corporation, Pioneer East, TCH, T.C.
Products, Inc. and each other Person that becomes a guarantor under the
Affiliate Guaranty.

     "Affiliate Guaranty" means the Guaranty executed and delivered by an
Authorized Officer of each Affiliate Guarantor pursuant to Section 5.3,
substantially in the form of Exhibit D-1 attached hereto, as amended,
supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

     "Affiliate Security Agreement" means the Security Agreement executed and
delivered by an Authorized Officer of each of PCI Carolina and Pioneer
Licensing pursuant to Section 5.9, substantially in the form of Exhibit F-2
hereto, together with each Patent Security Agreement, Trademark Security
Agreement and Copyright Security Agreement, if any, relating thereto and





                                       2
<PAGE>   10
substantially in the form of Exhibits A, B and C, respectively attached
thereto, in each case as amended, supplemented, amended and restated, or
otherwise modified from time to time.

     "Agents" means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Syndication
Agent and the Documentation Agent.

     "Agreement" means, on any date, this Term Loan Agreement as originally in
effect on the Effective Date and as thereafter from time to time amended,
supplemented, amended and restated, or otherwise modified and in effect on such
date.

     "All-Pure" means All-Pure Chemical Co., a California corporation and
direct Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAI.

     "Alternate Base Rate" means, for any day and with respect to all Base Rate
Loans, a fluctuating rate of interest per annum equal to the higher of:  (a)
0.50% per annum above the Federal Funds Rate most recently determined by the
Administrative Agent; and (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as
most recently publicly announced or established by the Administrative Agent at
its Domestic Office as its "reference rate".  (The "reference rate" is a rate
set by the Administrative Agent based upon various factors including the
Administrative Agent's costs and desired return, general economic conditions
and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans,
which may be priced at, above or below such announced rate.)  Any change in the
reference rate announced by the Administrative Agent shall take effect at the
opening of business on the day of such establishment or announcement.

     "Applicable Margin" means (i) with respect to the unpaid principal amount
of each Term Loan maintained as a Base Rate Loan, 162.5 basis points and (ii)
with respect to the unpaid principal amount of each Term Loan maintained as a
LIBO Rate Loan, 287.5 basis points.

     "Arranger" means Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, a
Delaware corporation.

     "Asset Sale" means a PAAC Asset Sale or a PCIFP Asset Sale.

     "Assignee Lender" is defined in Section 11.11.1.

     "Assignor Lender" is defined in Section 11.11.1.

     "Attributable Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Sale and Leaseback
Transaction, as at the time of determination, the greater of (i) the Fair
Market Value of the property subject to such transaction and (ii) the present
value (discounted at a rate equivalent to the Borrower's then current weighted
average cost of funds for borrowed money, compounded on a semi-annual basis) of
the total net obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the
remaining term of the lease included in such arrangement (including any period
for which such lease has been extended).  As used in the preceding sentence,
the "total net obligations of the lessee for rental payments" under any lease
for any such period means the sum of rental and other payments required to be
paid with respect to such period by the lessee thereunder excluding any amounts
required to be paid by such lessee on account of maintenance and repairs,
insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges.  In the case of
any lease which is terminable by the lessee upon payment of a penalty, such net
amount of rent also includes the amount of such





                                       3
<PAGE>   11
penalty, but no rent will be considered as required to be paid under such lease
subsequent to the first date upon which it may be so terminated.

     "Authorized Officer" means, relative to any Obligor, those of its officers
whose signatures and incumbency shall have been certified to the Administrative
Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Section 5.1.

     "Bankruptcy Law" means, as the context may require, Canadian Bankruptcy
Law and/or U.S. Bankruptcy Law.

     "Base Rate Loan" means a Term Loan bearing interest at a fluctuating rate
determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate.

     "BMPC" means Black Mountain Power Company, a Texas corporation and direct
Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of PCAC.

     "Board of Directors" means, with respect to any Person, the board of
directors of such Person or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on
behalf of such Board of Directors.

     "Board Resolution" of any corporation means a copy of a resolution
certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of such corporation to
have been duly adopted by the board of directors of such entity and to be in
full force and effect on the date of such certification and delivered to the
Administrative Agent.

     "BofA" is defined in the preamble.

     "Bond" means the Bond executed and delivered by an Authorized Officer of
the Borrower pursuant to Section 5.2, substantially in the form of Exhibit
A-2(a) attached hereto, as amended, supplemented, amended and restated, or
otherwise modified from time to time.

     "Bond Pledge Agreement" means the Bond Pledge Agreement executed and
delivered by an Authorized Officer of the Borrower pursuant to Section 5.2,
substantially in the form of Exhibit A-2(b) attached hereto, as amended,
supplemented, amended and restated, or otherwise modified from time to time.

     "Borrower" is defined in the preamble.

     "Borrower Closing Date Certificate" means a certificate of an Authorized
Officer of the Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit G-1 hereto,
delivered pursuant to Section 5.11.

     "Borrowing" means Term Loans of the same type and, in the case of LIBO
Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period made by all Lenders on the same
Business Day.

     "Borrowing Base" means, as of any date, an amount equal to the sum of (a)
85% of the net book value of all accounts receivable of PAAC and its Restricted
Subsidiaries as of such date, (b) 50% of the net book value of all inventory
owned by PAAC and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date, and (c) the
lesser of (x) $10,000,000 and (y) 85% of the net book value of all accounts
receivable of Kemwater as of such date plus 50% of the net book value of all
inventory as of such date owned by Kemwater, all calculated on a consolidated
basis and in





                                       4
<PAGE>   12
accordance with GAAP.  To the extent that information is not available as to
the amount of accounts receivable or inventory as of a specific date, PAAC may
utilize the most recent available quarterly or annual financial report for
purposes of calculating the Borrowing Base.

     "Borrowing Request" means a loan request and certificate duly executed by
an Authorized Officer of the Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit B
hereto.

     "Business Day" means (a) any day which is neither a Saturday or Sunday nor
a legal holiday on which banks are authorized or required to be closed in
Chicago, Illinois or New York City and (b) with respect to Borrowings of,
Interest Periods with respect to, payments of principal and interest in respect
of, continuations or conversions of Base Rate Loans into, LIBO Rate Loans, any
day on which dealings in Dollars are carried on in the London interbank market.

     "Canadian Bankruptcy Law" means the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act
(Canada), as amended, the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada), as
amended, the Winding-Up and Restructuring Act (Canada), as amended, or any
similar Canadian federal or provincial law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency,
receivership, winding-up, liquidation, reorganization or relief of debtors or
any amendment to, succession to or change in any such law.

     "Canadian Demand Debenture" means each demand debenture executed and
delivered by an Authorized Officer of PCICC pursuant to Section 5.8,
substantially in the form of Exhibit E-1(a) attached hereto, as amended,
supplemented, amended and restated, or otherwise modified from time to time.

     "Canadian Demand Debenture Pledge Agreement" means each debenture pledge
agreement executed and delivered by an Authorized Officer of PCICC pursuant to
Section 5.8, substantially in the form of Exhibit E-1(b) attached hereto, as
amended, supplemented, amended and restated, or otherwise modified from time to
time.

     "Canadian Environmental Laws" means all applicable Canadian federal,
provincial or local statutes, laws, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations and
guidelines having legally binding effect (including consent decrees and
administrative orders) relating to the protection and conservation of the
environment concerning any hazardous, toxic or dangerous waste, substance or
constituent, or any pollutant or contaminant.

     "Canadian Hazardous Materials" means any toxic substance, hazardous
substance, hazardous material, hazardous chemical, hazardous waste, pollutant
or contaminant, defined or qualifying as such in (or for the purposes of) any
Canadian Environmental Law, and shall include, but not be limited to,
petroleum, including crude oil, any radioactive material, polychlorinated
biphenyls and asbestos in any form or condition.

     "Canadian Pension Plan" means a pension plan that is required to be
registered under any Canadian federal laws, regulations, rules or other
requirements of any Canadian province.

     "Canadian Seller" is defined in the first recital.

     "Canadian Subsidiary Guaranty" means the Guaranty executed and delivered
by an Authorized Officer of PCICC pursuant to Section 5.3, substantially in the
form of Exhibit D-2





                                       5
<PAGE>   13
attached hereto, as amended, supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise
modified from time to time.

     "Canadian Subsidiary Security Agreement" means the Security Agreement
executed and delivered by an Authorized Officer of PCICC pursuant to Section
5.9, substantially in the form of Exhibit F-1 hereto, as amended, supplemented,
amended and restated, or otherwise modified from time to time, together with
each Patent Security Agreement, Trademark Security Agreement and Copyright
Security Agreement, if any, relating thereto and substantially in the form of
Exhibits A, B and C, respectively attached thereto, in each case as amended,
supplemented, amended and restated, or otherwise modified from time to time.

     "Capital Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any common stock,
preferred stock and any other capital stock of such Person and shares,
interest, participations or other ownership interest (however designated), of
any Person and any rights (other than debt securities convertible into, or
exchangeable for, capital stock), warrants or options to purchase any of the
foregoing, including each class of common stock and preferred stock of such
Person if such Person is a corporation and each general and limited partnership
interest of such Person if such Person is a partnership.

     "Capitalized Lease Obligation" means Indebtedness represented by
obligations under a lease that is required to be capitalized for financial
reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP and the amount of such Indebtedness
shall be the capitalized amount of such obligations determined in accordance
with GAAP.

     "Cash Flow" for any period means the Consolidated Net Income of PAAC and
its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, plus the following to the extent
included in calculating such Consolidated Net Income: (i) Consolidated Interest
Expense, (ii) income tax expense and (iii) depreciation, depletion and
amortization expense.

     "CERCLA" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act of 1980, as amended.

     "CERCLIS" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation
Liability Information System List.

     "Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following: (i) a
"person" or "group" (as such terms are used in Sections 14(d)(2) and 13(d)(3),
respectively, of the Exchange Act), other than Substantial Shareholders, is or
becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange
Act) of at least 50% of the outstanding voting power of the fully diluted
Voting Stock of PAAC or PCI, (ii) the adoption of a plan relating to the
liquidation or dissolution of PAAC, PCI or the Borrower, (iii) the merger or
consolidation of PAAC or PCI with or into another corporation with the effect
that the stockholders of PAAC or PCI immediately prior to such merger or
consolidation cease to be the "beneficial owners" (as defined in Rule 13d-3
under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of the combined voting power of the
securities of the surviving corporation of such merger or the corporation
resulting from such merger or consolidation ordinarily (and apart from rights
arising under special circumstances) having the right to vote in the election
of directors outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, (iv)
during any period of two consecutive calendar years individuals who are at the
beginning of such period (together with any new directors whose election by the
board of





                                       6
<PAGE>   14
directors of PAAC or PCI, or whose nomination for election by the shareholders
of PAAC or PCI, was approved by a vote of a majority of the directors then
still in office who either were directors at the beginning of such period or
whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for
any reason to constitute a majority of the directors of PAAC or PCI then in
office or (v) the Borrower or any PCIFP Company ceases to be a Wholly-Owned
Subsidiary of PAAC.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change of Control shall
not be deemed to have occurred under clause (iii) above solely as a result of a
merger or consolidation of PAAC with or into PCI provided that such merger or
consolidation is permitted under Section 7.2.5.

     "Closing Date" means the date of the initial Borrowing, not to be later
than December 31, 1997.

     "Closing Date Certificate" means, as the context may require, the Borrower
Closing Date Certificate, the Parent Guarantor Closing Date Certificate and/or
the PCI Closing Date Certificate.

     "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, reformed or
otherwise modified.

     "Collateral" means any property or assets subject to one or more of the
Liens evidenced or created by any Loan Document.

     "Collateral Agent" is defined in the preamble.

     "Collateral Proceeds" is defined in clause (a) of Section 7.2.6.

     "Commitment Letter" means the commitment letter, dated August 18, 1997,
among the Borrower, the Arranger, the Syndication Agent and the Documentation
Agent, including all annexes and exhibits thereto, as amended, supplemented,
amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

     "Commitment Termination Event" means (i) the occurrence of any Event of
Default described in clause (a), (b) or (c) of Section 8.1.9, or (ii) the
occurrence and continuance of any other Event of Default and either (x) the
declaration of the Term Loans to be due and payable pursuant to Section 8.3, or
(y) in the absence of such declaration, the giving of notice to the Borrower by
the Administrative Agent, acting at the direction of the Required Lenders, that
the Term Loan Commitments have been terminated.

     "Consolidated Cash Flow Coverage Ratio" means, as of any date of
determination, the ratio of (i) the aggregate amount of Cash Flow for the
period of the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters for which internal
financial statements are available prior to the date of such determination to
(ii) Consolidated Interest Expense for such four fiscal quarters of PAAC and
its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however, that (A) if PAAC or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries has incurred any Indebtedness since the beginning of
such period that remains outstanding or if the transaction giving rise to the
need to calculate the Consolidated Cash Flow Coverage Ratio is an incurrence of
Indebtedness, or both, Cash Flow and Consolidated Interest Expense for such
period will be calculated after giving effect on a pro forma basis to such
Indebtedness as if such Indebtedness had been issued on the first day of such
period and the discharge of any other Indebtedness repaid, repurchased,
defeased or otherwise discharged with





                                       7
<PAGE>   15
the proceeds of such new Indebtedness as if such discharge had occurred on the
first day of such period, (B) if since the beginning of such period PAAC or any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries has made any Asset Sale, the Cash Flow for such
period will be reduced by an amount equal to the Cash Flow (if positive),
directly attributable to the assets which are the subject of such Asset Sale
for such period, or increased by an amount equal to the Cash Flow (if
negative), directly attributable thereto for such period and Consolidated
Interest Expense for such period will be reduced by an amount equal to the
Consolidated Interest Expense directly attributable to any Indebtedness of PAAC
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries repaid, repurchased, defeased or
otherwise discharged with respect to PAAC and its continuing Restricted
Subsidiaries in connection with any such sale or other disposition for such
period (or, if the Capital Stock of any such Restricted Subsidiary is sold, the
Consolidated Interest Expense for such period directly attributable to the
Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary to the extent PAAC and its
continuing Restricted Subsidiaries are no longer liable for such Indebtedness
after such sale), (C) if since the beginning of such period PAAC or any
Restricted Subsidiary (by merger or otherwise) has made an Investment in any
Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC (or any Person which becomes a Restricted
Subsidiary of PAAC) or an acquisition of assets, including any acquisition of
assets occurring in connection with a transaction causing a calculation to be
made hereunder, which constitutes all or substantially all of an operating unit
of a business, Cash Flow and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period will
be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto (including the incurrence
of any Indebtedness) as if such Investment or acquisition occurred on the first
day of such period and (D) in making such computation, Consolidated Interest
Expense attributable to any Indebtedness incurred under any revolving credit
facility will be computed based on the average daily balance of such
Indebtedness during such period. For purposes of this definition, whenever pro
forma effect is to be given to an acquisition of assets, the amount of income
or earnings relating thereto, and the amount of Consolidated Interest Expense
associated with any Indebtedness incurred in connection therewith, the pro
forma calculations will be determined in good faith by a responsible financial
or accounting officer of PAAC.  If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of
interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness
will be calculated as if the rate in effect on the date of determination had
been the applicable rate for the entire period.

     "Consolidated Interest Expense" means, for any period, interest expense of
PAAC and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries, excluding amortization of
any deferred financing fees, plus, to the extent not included in such interest
expense, (i) interest expense attributable to Capitalized Lease Obligations,
(ii) amortization of debt discount and debt issuance cost, (iii) capitalized
interest, (iv) non-cash interest expense, (v) commissions, discounts and other
fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers' acceptance
financing, (vi) interest actually paid by PAAC or any such Restricted
Subsidiary under any guarantee of Indebtedness or other obligation of any other
Person, (vii) net costs associated with Hedging Obligations (including
amortization of fees), (viii) Preferred Stock dividends in respect of all
Redeemable Stock of PAAC held by Persons other than PAAC or a Wholly-Owned
Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC and (ix) the cash contributions to any employee
stock ownership plan or similar trust to the extent such contributions are used
by such plan or trust to pay interest or fees to any Person (other than PAAC)
in connection with loans incurred by such plan or trust to purchase newly
issued or treasury shares of the Capital Stock of PAAC.

     "Consolidated Net Income" means, for any period, and as to any Person, the
aggregate Net Income of such Person and its Subsidiaries (other than, in the
case of the Borrower or PAAC, its Unrestricted Subsidiaries) for such period
determined in accordance with GAAP;





                                       8
<PAGE>   16
provided that (i) the Net Income of any Person which is not a Subsidiary of
such Person but which is consolidated with such Person or is accounted for by
such Person by the equity method of accounting will be included only to the
extent of the amount of cash dividends or cash distributions paid to such
Person or a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of such Person (other than, in
the case of the Borrower or PAAC, its Unrestricted Subsidiaries), (ii) the Net
Income of any Person acquired by such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person in
a pooling of interests transaction for any period prior to the date of such
acquisition will be excluded, (iii) the Net Income of any Subsidiary of such
Person that is subject to restrictions, direct or indirect, on the payment of
dividends or the making of distributions to such Person will be excluded to the
extent of such restrictions, (iv) the Net Income of (A) any Unrestricted
Subsidiary and (B) any Subsidiary less than 80% of whose securities having the
right (apart from the right under special circumstances) to vote in the
election of directors are owned by the Borrower or PAAC, as the case may be, or
its Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiaries will be included only to the extent of
the amount of cash dividends or cash distributions actually paid by such
Subsidiary to the Borrower or PAAC, as the case may be, or one of its
Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiaries (v) in the case of the Borrower or PAAC,
the Net Income attributable to any business, properties or assets acquired (by
way of merger, consolidation, purchase or otherwise) by the Borrower or any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower or PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary of
PAAC, as the case may be, for any period prior to the date of such acquisition
will be excluded, (vi) all extraordinary gains and losses, and any gain or loss
realized upon the termination of any employee pension benefit plan, in respect
of dispositions of assets other than in the ordinary course of business and any
one- time increase or decrease to Net Income which is required to be recorded
because of the adoption of new accounting policies, practices or standards
required by GAAP (together, in each case, with any provision for taxes) will be
excluded and (vii) all amounts of "other income, net" classified as such on one
or more lines of such Person's statement of operations, in accordance with
GAAP, net of applicable income taxes, will be excluded from such Person's
aggregate Net Income; provided that the foregoing exclusion will not apply to
cash dividends or cash distributions paid in respect of indirect equity
interests in Saguaro Power Company, a Limited Partnership, and Canso Chemicals
Limited to the extent included in clause (i) of this definition.

     "Consolidated Net Worth" means, for any Person, the total of the amounts
shown on the balance sheet of such Person and its consolidated Subsidiaries
(other than, in the case of the Borrower or PAAC, its Unrestricted
Subsidiaries), determined on a consolidated basis without duplication in
accordance with GAAP, as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter of such
Person ending at least 45 days prior to the taking of any action for the
purpose of which the determination is being made, as (i) the amount of Capital
Stock (other than Redeemable Stock) plus (ii) the amount of surplus and
retained earnings (or, in the case of a surplus or retained earnings deficit,
minus the amount of such deficit).

     "Contingent Liability" means any agreement, undertaking or arrangement by
which any Person guarantees, endorses or otherwise becomes or is contingently
liable upon (by direct or indirect agreement, contingent or otherwise, to
provide funds for payment, to supply funds to, or otherwise to invest in, a
debtor, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss) the indebtedness,
obligation or any other liability of any other Person (other than by
endorsements of instruments in the course of collection), or guarantees the
payment of dividends or other distributions upon the shares of any other
Person.  The amount of any Person's obligation under any Contingent Liability
shall (subject to any limitation set forth therein) be deemed to be the
outstanding principal amount of the debt, obligation or other liability
guaranteed thereby.





                                       9
<PAGE>   17
     "Contingent Payment Agreement" means the Contingent Payment Agreement
dated as of April 20, 1995 among PAAC, PCI and the sellers named therein.

     "Continuation/Conversion Notice" means a notice of continuation or
conversion and certificate duly executed by an Authorized Officer of the
Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto.

     "Credit Facility" means any revolving credit facility or similar
arrangement that makes credit available entered into by and among PAAC, the
Borrower and/or any PAI Guarantor and the lending institutions party thereto,
including any credit agreement, related notes, guarantees, collateral
documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and in
each case as amended, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced from
time to time.

     "Custodian" means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or similar
official under any Bankruptcy Law.

     "Default" means any Event of Default or any condition, occurrence or event
which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would, unless cured or waived,
constitute an Event of Default.

     "Disclosure Schedule" means the Disclosure Schedule attached hereto as
Schedule I, as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time
to time by the Borrower with the written consent of the Agents and the Required
Lenders.

     "DLJ" is defined in the preamble.

     "Documentation Agent" is defined in the preamble and includes each other
Person as shall have subsequently been appointed as the successor Documentation
Agent pursuant to Section 10.5.

     "Dollar" and the sign "$" mean lawful money of the United States.

     "Domestic Office" means, relative to any Lender, the office of such Lender
designated as such in Schedule II hereto or designated in the Lender Assignment
Agreement or such other office of a Lender (or any successor or assign of such
Lender) within the United States as may be designated from time to time by
notice from such Lender, as the case may be, to each other Person party hereto.
A Lender may have separate Domestic Offices for purposes of making or
maintaining, as the case may be, Base Rate Loans.

     "Effective Date" means the date this Agreement becomes effective pursuant
to Section 11.8.

     "Eligible Investments" means, (i) securities issued or directly and fully
guaranteed or insured by the United States of America or any agency or
instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of the United
States of America is pledged in support thereof) having maturities of not more
than 90 days from the date of acquisition, (ii) time deposits and certificates
of deposit with maturities of not more than 90 days from the date of
acquisition of any commercial banking institution that is a member of the
Federal Reserve System having capital and surplus in excess of $500,000,000,
whose debt has a rating at the time of any such investment of at least "A-2" or
the equivalent thereof by S&P or at least "P-2" or the equivalent





                                       10
<PAGE>   18
thereof by Moody's, or any Lender or any bank or financial institution party to
the Revolving Credit Facility, (iii) fully secured repurchase obligations with
a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities of the types
described in clause (i) entered into with any bank or financial institution
meeting the qualifications specified in clause (ii) above, (iv) commercial
paper issued by the parent corporation of any commercial banking institution
that is a member of the Federal Reserve System having capital and surplus in
excess of $500,000,000 and commercial paper or master notes of issuers, rated
at the time of any such investment at least "A-2" or the equivalent thereof by
S&P or at least "P-2" or the equivalent thereof by Moody's, or any bank or
financial institution party to the Revolving Credit Facility, and in each case
maturing within 270 days after the date of acquisition, and (v) any shares in
an open-end mutual fund organized by a bank or financial institution having
combined capital and surplus of at least $500,000,000 investing solely in
investments permitted by the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iv).

     "Environmental Laws" means, as the context may require, Canadian
Environmental Laws and/or U.S. Environmental Laws.

     "Equity Interests" means shares, interests, participations or other
equivalents (however designated) of Capital Stock and all warrants, options or
other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security which is
convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).

     "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, and any successor statute of similar import, together with the
regulations thereunder, in each case as in effect from time to time.
References to sections of ERISA also refer to any successor sections.

     "ERISA Affiliate" means any corporation, partnership, or other trade or
business (whether or not incorporated) that is, along with PAAC, a member of a
controlled group of corporations or a controlled group of trades or businesses,
as described in Section 414(b) and 414(c), respectively, of the Code or Section
4001 of ERISA, or a member of the same affiliated service group within the
meaning of Section 414(m) of the Code.

     "Event of Default" is defined in Section 8.1.

     "Excess Land" means certain real property adjoining the sites of PCAC's
Henderson, Nevada and St. Gabriel, Louisiana plants and the Mojave, California
property owned by Imperial that is not used in the business conducted at such
sites, which real property is referred to and defined in the Contingent Payment
Agreement as the "Subject Parcels".

     "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     "Exempt Properties" means (i) the real property located at Cornwall,
Ontario, Canada which is to be leased by PCICC from the Canadian Seller
pursuant to the Lease referred to in the definition of "Acquisition Agreements"
and (ii) the real property located at Point Tupper, Nova Scotia, Canada upon
which storage tanks to be acquired by PCICC from the Canadian Seller under the
Purchase Agreement are situated.

     "Existing Affiliate Agreements" means (i) agreements between PAAC or any
of its Subsidiaries and Saguaro Power Company, a Limited Partnership, relating
to the delivery of steam and other services, existing on the date hereof and
listed on Item 7.2.8 ("Existing Affiliate





                                       11
<PAGE>   19
Agreements") of the Disclosure Schedule, (ii) the Tax Sharing Agreement and
(iii) agreements between PAAC or  any of its Subsidiaries and Basic
Investments, Inc. relating to the delivery of water and power, power
transmission services, and other services, existing on the date hereof and
listed on Item 7.2.8 ("Existing Affiliate Agreements") of the Disclosure
Schedule hereto and (iv) any other agreements with affiliates of the Borrower,
existing on the date hereof and listed on Item 7.2.8 ("Existing Affiliate
Agreements") of the Disclosure Schedule hereto.

     "Existing Indebtedness" means all Indebtedness (other than the Senior
Secured Notes and Existing Senior Secured Notes outstanding and the loans
outstanding under the Existing Term Loan Agreement) of PAAC or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries existing on the date hereof and listed on Item 7.2.1(c)
("Existing Indebtedness") of the Disclosure Schedule.

     "Existing Senior Secured Note Indenture" means the Indenture dated as of
June 17, 1997, among PAAC, the guarantors party thereto, and United States
Trust Company of New York, as trustee, as the same may be amended, restated,
amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with
the terms hereof and thereof.

     "Existing Senior Secured Notes" means the 91/4% Senior Secured Notes due
2007 of PAAC issued pursuant to the Existing Senior Secured Note Indenture,
including any senior secured notes of PAAC with substantially identical terms
exchanged therefor pursuant to a registration statement under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended.

     "Existing Term Loan Agreement" means the Term Loan Agreement dated as of
June 17, 1997, among PAAC, the financial institutions from time to time party
thereto, DLJ, as syndication agent, BofA, as administrative agent and Salomon,
as documentation agent for such financial institutions, as the same may be
amended, restated, amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time
in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof.

     "Fair Market Value" means, with respect to any asset or property, the
price which could be negotiated in an arm's-length transaction, for cash,
between a willing seller and a willing buyer, neither of whom is under undue
pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction. Fair Market Value will be
determined by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Person
the asset or property of which is being sold or transferred and a majority of
the disinterested members of such Board of Directors, if any, acting in good
faith and will be evidenced by a duly and properly adopted resolution of such
Board of Directors.

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

     "Fee Letter" means the confidential fee letter, dated as of August 18,
1997, among the Borrower, the Arranger, the Syndication Agent and the
Documentation Agent, as amended, supplemented, amended and restated or
otherwise modified from time to time.





                                       12
<PAGE>   20
     "Fiscal Quarter" means any fiscal quarter of a Fiscal Year.

     "Fiscal Year" means any period of twelve consecutive months ending on
December 31; references to a Fiscal Year with a numbering corresponding to any
calendar year refer to the fiscal year ending on the 31st of December during
such calender year.

     "F.R.S. Board" means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
or any successor thereto.

     "GAAP" is defined in Section 1.4.

     "Guarantors" means, collectively, the Parent Guarantor and the PAI
Guarantors.

     "Guaranty" means, as the context may require, any PAI Guaranty and/or the
provisions of Article IX.

     "Hazardous Materials" means, as the context may require, any Canadian
Hazardous Materials and/or any U.S. Hazardous Materials.

     "Hedging Obligations" means the obligations of any Person or entity
pursuant to any swap or cap agreement, exchange agreement, collar agreement,
option, futures or forward hedging contract, derivative instrument or other
similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect such Person or entity
against fluctuations in interest rates or foreign exchange rates or the price
of raw materials and other chemical products used or produced in the Borrower's
business, as the case may be.

     "herein", "hereof", "hereto", "hereunder" and similar terms contained in
this Agreement or any other Loan Document refer to this Agreement or such other
Loan Document, as the case may be, as a whole and not to any particular
Section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement or such other Loan Document.

     "ICI Parent" is defined in the first recital.

     "Imperial" means Imperial West Chemical Co., a Nevada corporation and
direct Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of PAI.

     "including" means including without limiting the generality of any
description preceding such term, and, for purposes of this Agreement and each
other Loan Document, the parties hereto agree that the rule of ejusdem generis
shall not be applicable to limit a general statement, which is followed by or
referable to an enumeration of specific matters, to matters similar to the
matters specifically mentioned.

     "incur" has the meaning ascribed in Section 7.2.1; provided that (a) with
respect to any Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC (including the
Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries) that is owing to PAAC or another
Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC (including the Borrower and its Restricted
Subsidiaries) any disposition, pledge or transfer of such Indebtedness to any
Person (other than PAAC or a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC) shall
be deemed to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness and (b) with respect to any
Indebtedness of PAAC or a Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC (including the Borrower
and its Restricted Subsidiaries) that is owing to another Restricted Subsidiary
of PAAC (including the Borrower and its 




                                       13
<PAGE>   21
Restricted Subsidiaries), any transaction pursuant to which a Wholly-Owned
Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC to which such Indebtedness is owing ceases to be
a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC shall be deemed to be an
incurrence of such Indebtedness; and provided, further, that any Indebtedness
of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of
PAAC shall be deemed to be incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary at the time
it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC.  The term "incurrence" has a
corresponding meaning.

     "Indebtedness"  of any Person means, without duplication, all liabilities
with respect to (i) indebtedness for money borrowed or which is evidenced by a
bond, debenture, note or other similar instrument or agreement, but excluding
trade credit evidenced by any such instrument or agreement; (ii) reimbursement
obligations, letters of credit and bankers' acceptances; (iii) indebtedness
with respect to Hedging Obligations; (iv) Capitalized Lease Obligations; (v)
indebtedness, secured or unsecured, created or arising in connection with the
acquisition or improvement of any property or asset or the acquisition of any
business; (vi) all indebtedness secured by any Lien upon property owned by such
Person and all indebtedness secured in the manner specified in this clause even
if such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment thereof; (vii)
all indebtedness of such Person created or arising under any conditional sale
or other title retention agreement with respect to property acquired by such
Person or otherwise representing the deferred and unpaid balance of the
purchase price of any such property, including all indebtedness created or
arising in the manner specified in this clause even though the rights and
remedies of the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default
are limited to repossession or sale of such property; (viii) guarantees, direct
or indirect, of any indebtedness of other Persons referred to in clauses (i)
through (vii) above, or of dividends or leases, taxes or other obligations of
other Persons, excluding any guarantee arising out of the endorsement of
negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business; (ix)
contingent obligations in respect of, or to purchase or otherwise acquire or be
responsible or liable for, through the purchase of products or services,
irrespective of whether such products are delivered or such services are
rendered, or otherwise, any such indebtedness referred to in clauses (i)
through (vii) above; (x) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, arising under
any surety, performance or maintenance bond; and (xi) Redeemable Stock of PAAC
valued at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary maximum fixed repurchase
price plus accrued and unpaid dividends; which indebtedness, Capitalized Lease
Obligation, guarantee or contingent or other obligation such Person has
directly or indirectly created, incurred, assumed, guaranteed or otherwise
become liable or responsible for, whether then outstanding or thereafter
created in the case of clauses (i) through (x) above, to the extent any of the
foregoing indebtedness (other than letters of credit and Hedging Obligations)
would appear as a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance
with GAAP.  For purposes of the foregoing definition, the "maximum fixed
repurchase price" of any Redeemable Stock which does not have a fixed
repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such
Redeemable Stock as if such Redeemable Stock were purchased on any date on
which Indebtedness is required to be determined pursuant to the Senior Secured
Note Indenture.  As used herein, Indebtedness with respect to any Hedging
Obligation means, with respect to any specified Person on any date, the net
amount (if any) that would be payable by such specified Person upon the
liquidation, close-out or early termination on such date of such Hedging
Obligation.  For purposes of the foregoing, any settlement amount payable upon
the liquidation, close-out or early termination of a Hedging Obligation shall
be calculated by the Borrower in good faith and in a commercially reasonable
manner on the basis that such liquidation, close-out or early termination
results from





                                       14
<PAGE>   22
an event of default or other similar event with respect to such specified
Person.  Any reference in this definition to indebtedness shall be deemed to
include any renewals, extensions and refundings of any such indebtedness or any
indebtedness, issued in exchange for such indebtedness.

   "Indemnified Liabilities" is defined in Section 11.4.


   "Indemnified Parties" is defined in Section 11.4.

   "Independent Director" means, with respect to any Person, a director of such
Person other than a director (i) who (apart from being a director of such
Person or any of its Subsidiaries) is an employee, insider, associate or
Affiliate of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or has held any such
position during the previous year or (ii) who is a director, an employee,
insider, associate or Affiliate of another party to the transaction in
question.

   "Insurance Proceeds" has the meaning specified in the applicable Mortgage.

   "Intercreditor Agreement" means the Intercreditor and Collateral Agency
Agreement, dated as of October 30, 1997, among the Borrower, PCICC, PAAC, the
Trustee, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, substantially in
the form of Exhibit I attached hereto, as amended, supplemented, amended and
restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

   "Intercreditor Collateral Account" means the Collateral Account as defined
in the Intercreditor Agreement.

   "Interest Expense" means, for any applicable period, the aggregate
consolidated interest expense of PAAC and its Subsidiaries for such applicable
period, as determined in accordance with GAAP, including the portion of any
payments made in respect of Capitalized Lease Liabilities allocable to interest
expense, but excluding (to the extent included in interest expense) up-front
fees and expenses and other deferred financing costs incurred in connection
with the Transaction.

   "Interest Period" means, as to any LIBO Rate Loan, the period commencing on
the Borrowing date of such Term Loan or on the date on which any Term Loan is
converted into or continued as a LIBO Rate Loan, and ending on the date one,
two, three, six or, if available in the Administrative Agent's reasonable
determination, nine or twelve months thereafter as selected by the Borrower in
its Borrowing Request or its Conversion/Continuation Notice; provided however
that:

               (i)  if any Interest Period would otherwise end on a day that is
   not a Business Day, that Interest Period shall be extended to the following
   Business Day unless the result of such extension would be to carry such
   Interest Period into another calendar month, in which event such Interest
   Period shall end on the preceding Business Day;

               (ii)  any Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day
   of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically
   corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period)
   shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such
   Interest Period;





                                        15
<PAGE>   23
               (iii)  no Interest Period for any Term Loan shall extend beyond
   the Stated Maturity Date for such Term Loan;

               (iv)  no Interest Period applicable to a Term Loan or portion
   thereof shall extend beyond any date upon which is due any scheduled
   principal payment in respect of the Term Loans unless the aggregate
   principal amount of Term Loans represented by Base Rate Loans, or by LIBO
   Rate Loans having Interest Periods that will expire on or before such date,
   equals or exceeds the amount of such principal payment; and

               (v)  there shall be no more than five Interest Periods in effect
   at any one time.

   "Investment" means any direct or indirect advance, loan, other extension of
credit or capital contribution (by means of any transfer of cash or other
property to others or any payment for property or services for the account or
use of others) to, purchase or acquisition of Equity Interests, bonds, notes,
debentures or other securities of, or purchase or other acquisition of all or a
substantial part of the business, Equity Interests or other evidence of
beneficial ownership of, or any other investment in or guarantee of any
Indebtedness of, any Person or any other item that would be classified as an
investment on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP.  Investments do
not include advances to customers and suppliers in the ordinary course of
business and on commercially reasonable terms.  In the event PAAC or any
Subsidiary of PAAC (including the Borrower and its Subsidiaries) sells or
otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect Subsidiary
of PAAC such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such
Person is no longer a Subsidiary of PAAC, PAAC shall be deemed to have made an
Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the Fair Market
Value of the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary not sold or disposed of
determined as provided in the final paragraph of Section 7.2.3.

   "Kemwater" means Kemwater North America Company, a Delaware corporation, and
any successor thereto.

   "Lender Assignment Agreement" means a Lender Assignment Agreement
substantially in the form of Exhibit H hereto.

   "Lender Parties" means the Lenders, the Agents and their respective
successors, transferees and assigns.

   "Lenders" is defined in the preamble.

   "LIBO Rate" means, relative to any Interest Period for LIBO Rate Loans, the
rate of interest per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be the
arithmetic mean (rounded upward to the next 1/16th of 1%) of the rates of
interest per annum at which Dollar deposits in the approximate amount of the
Term Loan to be made or continued as, or converted into, a LIBO Rate Loan by
the Administrative Agent and having a maturity comparable to such Interest
Period would be offered to the Administrative Agent in the London interbank
market at its request at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business
Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.





                                        16
<PAGE>   24
   "LIBO Rate Loan" means a Term Loan bearing interest, at all times during an
Interest Period applicable to such Term Loan, at a fixed rate of interest
determined by reference to the LIBO Rate (Reserve Adjusted).

   "LIBO Rate (Reserve Adjusted)" means, relative to any Term Loan to be made,
continued or maintained as, or converted into, a LIBO Rate Loan for any
Interest Period, the rate of interest per annum (rounded upwards to the next
1/100th of 1%) determined by the Administrative Agent as follows:

      LIBO Rate           =           LIBO Rate
                             -------------------------------
 (Reserve Adjusted)          1.00 - LIBOR Reserve Percentage

   The LIBO Rate (Reserve Adjusted) for any Interest Period for LIBO Rate Loans
will be adjusted automatically as to all LIBO Rate Loans then outstanding as of
the effective date of any change in the LIBOR Reserve Percentage.

   "LIBOR Office" means, relative to any Lender, the office of such Lender
designated as such in Schedule II hereto or designated in the Lender Assignment
Agreement pursuant to which such Lender became a Lender hereunder or such other
office of a Lender as shall be so designated from time to time by notice from
such Lender to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, whether or not
outside the United States, which shall be making, maintaining or continuing
LIBO Rate Loans of such Lender hereunder.

   "LIBOR Reserve Percentage" means, relative to any Interest Period for LIBO
Rate Loans, the reserve percentage (expressed as a decimal) equal to the
maximum aggregate reserve requirements (including all basic, emergency,
supplemental, marginal and other reserves and taking into account any
transitional adjustments or other scheduled changes in reserve requirements)
specified under regulations issued from time to time by the F.R.S. Board and
then applicable to assets or liabilities consisting of and including
"Eurocurrency Liabilities", as currently defined in Regulation D of the F.R.S.
Board, having a term approximately equal or comparable to such Interest Period.

   "Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, prior claim (within the meaning of the
Civil Code of Quebec), hypothec, lien, security interest, charge, servitude,
assignment, adverse claim, defect of title, restriction, trust, right of set
off or encumbrance of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title
retention agreement and any lease in the nature thereof).

   "Loan Document" means this Agreement, the Term Notes, each PAI Guaranty,
each Security Document, the Bond, each Borrowing Request, the Fee Letter and
each other agreement, document or instrument delivered in connection with this
Agreement or any other Loan Document, whether or not specifically mentioned
herein or therein.

   "Margin Stock" has the meaning ascribed to such term in Regulation U of the
Federal Reserve Board or any regulation substituted therefor, as in effect from
time to time.

   "Material Adverse Effect" means (a) a material adverse effect on the
business, assets, debt service capacity, liabilities (including environmental
liabilities), financial condition, operations or prospects of PAAC and its
Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (b) a material adverse effect upon
the ability of the Borrower, PAAC or any other Obligor to perform its





                                        17
<PAGE>   25
respective material obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is or will
be a party, or (c) an impairment of the validity or enforceability of, or a
material impairment of the rights, remedies or benefits available to the
Agents, the Arranger, the Collateral Agent or the Lenders under this Agreement
or any other Loan Document.

   "Mississauga Property" means the real property located in the city of
Mississauga, regional municipality of Peel; legally described as Part Block D
Plan 718, designated as Parts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9, Plan 43R-7079.

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

   "Mortgage" means, as the context may require, each Canadian Demand Debenture
and/or the Quebec Mortgage and Security Agreement.

   "Mortgaged Property" means, collectively,  "Immovable Property", "Real
Property" and "Leasehold Property" as defined in each applicable Mortgage.

   "Multiemployer Plan" means a "multiemployer plan" as defined in Section
4001(a)(3) of ERISA, that is maintained for employees of PAAC or any ERISA
Affiliate.

   "Net Award" has the meaning specified in each applicable Mortgage.

   "Net Cash Proceeds" means, with respect to any issuance or sale of Equity
Interests or debt securities that have been converted into or exchanged for
Equity Interests, as referred to in Section 7.2.3,  the proceeds of such
issuance or sale in the form of cash or cash equivalents, net of attorneys'
fees, accountants' fees and brokerage, consultation, underwriting and other
fees and expenses actually incurred in connection with such issuance or sale
and net of taxes paid or payable as a result thereof.

   "Net Income" means, for any period, the net income of PAAC and its
Subsidiaries (other than its Unrestricted Subsidiaries) for such period on a
consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP.

   "Net Proceeds" means the aggregate cash proceeds received by PAAC or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries (including the Borrower and its Restricted
Subsidiaries) in respect of any Asset Sale (including the proceeds of insurance
paid on account of the loss of or damage to any property, or compensation or
other proceeds for any property taken by condemnation, eminent domain or
similar proceedings, and any non-cash consideration received by PAAC or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries from any Asset Sale that is converted into or sold
or otherwise disposed of for cash within 90 days after the relevant Asset
Sale), net of (i) the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale (including
legal, accounting and investment banking fees and sales commissions), (ii) any
taxes paid or payable as a result thereof, (iii) all amounts required to be
applied to the repayment of, or representing the amount of permanent reductions
in the commitments relating to, Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the asset or
assets the subject of such Asset Sale which Lien is permitted pursuant hereto,
(iv) any reserve for adjustment in respect of the sale price of such asset or
assets required by GAAP, (v) all distributions and other payments required to
be made (including any amounts held pending distribution) to minority interest
holders in Subsidiaries or joint ventures as a result of such Asset Sale, and
(vi) all payments due under Existing Affiliate Agreements arising out of an
Asset Sale.  The amount of any taxes required to





                                        18
<PAGE>   26
be accrued as a liability under GAAP as a consequence of an Asset Sale shall be
the amount thereof as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the
Person making such Asset Sale.

   "Obligations" means all obligations (monetary or otherwise) of the Borrower
and each other Obligor arising under or in connection with this Agreement, the
Term Notes, and each other Loan Document.

   "Obligor" means the Borrower, PAAC or any other Person (other than any
Agent, the Arranger, or any Lender) obligated under any Loan Document.

   "Occupational Safety and Health Law" means the Occupational Safety and
Health Act of 1970 and any other U.S. or Canadian federal, state, provincial or
local statute, law, ordinance, code, rule, regulation, order or decree
regulating, relating to or imposing liability or standards of conduct
concerning employee health and/or safety.

   "Offering Memorandum" means the offering memorandum of PCICC, dated October
22, 1997, in connection with the offer and sale of the Senior Secured Notes.

   "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate executed by the Chairman of the
Board, Vice Chairman, the President or a Vice President (regardless of vice
presidential designation), and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of PAAC, the Borrower, or any PAI
Guarantor, as the case may be, and delivered to the Administrative Agent.

   "Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel
for PAAC, the Borrower, or any of the PAI Guarantors and who shall be
reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders.

   "Organic Document" means, relative to any Obligor, its certificate of
incorporation, its by-laws and all shareholder agreements, voting trusts and
similar arrangements to which such Obligor is a party applicable to any of its
authorized shares of Capital Stock.

   "Original Currency" is defined in clause (a) of Section 8.4.

   "Other Currency" is defined in clause (a) of Section 8.4.

   "PAAC" is defined in the preamble.

   "PAAC Asset Sale" means, with respect to PAAC or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries (other than a PCIFP Company), the sale, lease, conveyance or other
disposition (including by way of merger or consolidation, and whether by
operation of law or otherwise) to any Person other than PAAC or any of its
Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a PCIFP Company) of any of
PAAC's or such Restricted Subsidiary's assets (including (x) any sale or other
disposition of Equity Interests of any such Restricted Subsidiary and (y) any
sale or other disposition of any noncash consideration received by PAAC or such
Restricted Subsidiary from any prior transaction or series of related
transactions that constituted a PAAC Asset Sale hereunder), whether owned on
the date hereof or subsequently acquired, in one transaction or a series of
related transactions; provided, however, that the following will not constitute
PAAC Asset Sales:  (i) transactions (other than transactions described in
clause (y) above) in any





                                        19
<PAGE>   27
calendar year with aggregate cash and/or Fair Market Value of any other
consideration received (including the unconditional assumption of Indebtedness)
of less than $1,000,000; (ii) a transaction or series of related transactions
that results in a Change of Control; (iii) any sale of assets of PAAC and its
Restricted Subsidiaries or merger permitted pursuant to Section 7.2.5; (iv) any
sale or other disposition of inventory, property (whether real, personal,
movable, immovable or mixed) or equipment that has become worn out, obsolete or
damaged or otherwise unsuitable or no longer needed for use in connection with
the business of PAAC or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be,
in the good faith determination of the Board of Directors of PAAC; and (v) any
sale of inventory to customers in the ordinary and customary course of
business.

   "PAI Guarantor" means any guarantor under a PAI Guaranty.

   "PAI Guaranty" means, as the context may require, the Affiliate Guaranty,
the Canadian Subsidiary Guaranty, and/or any other guaranty, substantially in
form and substance of any existing PAI Guaranty, together with such other
modifications acceptable to the Agents and their counsel which are necessary to
permit the guarantee (whether direct or pass-through in nature) by the
guarantor thereunder of the Obligations of the Borrower.

   "Parent Guarantor" is defined in the preamble.

   "Parent Guarantor Closing Date Certificate" means a certificate of an
Authorized Officer of the Parent Guarantor substantially in the form of Exhibit
G-2 hereto, delivered pursuant to Section 5.11.

   "Participant" is defined in Section 11.11.2.

   "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and any successor
entity.

   "PCAC" means Pioneer Chlor Alkali Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation and
indirect Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC, and any successor thereto.

   "PCI" is defined in the first recital.

   "PCICC" is defined in the first recital.

   "PCIFP Asset Sale" means, with respect to any PCIFP Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries, the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition
(including by way of merger or consolidation, and whether by operation of law
or otherwise) to any Person other than such PCIFP Company or a Wholly-Owned
Restricted Subsidiary of such PCIFP Company of any assets of such PCIFP Company
or such Restricted Subsidiary (including (x) any sale or other disposition of
Equity Interests of any such Restricted Subsidiary and (y) any sale or other
disposition of any noncash consideration received by such PCIFP Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary from any prior transaction or series of related
transactions that constituted a PCIFP Asset Sale hereunder), whether owned on
the date hereof or subsequently acquired, in one transaction or a series of
related transactions; provided, however, that the following will not constitute
PCIFP Asset Sales: (i) transactions (other than transactions described in
clause (y) above) in any calendar year with aggregate cash and/or Fair Market
Value of any other consideration received (including the unconditional
assumption of Indebtedness) of less than





                                        20
<PAGE>   28
$1,000,000; (ii) a transaction or series of related transactions that
results in a Change of Control; (iii) any sale of assets of a PCIFP Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries or merger permitted pursuant to Section 7.2.5; (iv)
any sale or other disposition of inventory, property (whether real, personal or
mixed) or equipment that has become worn out, obsolete or damaged or otherwise
unsuitable or no longer needed for use in connection with the business of a
PCIFP Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, in the
good faith determination of the Board of Directors of such PCIFP Company; and
(v) any sale of inventory to customers in the ordinary and customary course of
business.

   "PCI Carolina" is defined in the first recital.

   "PCI Closing Date Certificate" means a certificate of an Authorized Officer
of PCI, substantially in the form of Exhibit G-3 hereto, delivered pursuant to
Section 5.11.

   "PCIFP Company" means PCICC, PCI Carolina or Pioneer Licensing.

   "Pension Plan" means a "pension plan", as such term is defined in section
3(2) of ERISA, which is subject to Title IV of ERISA (other than a
Multiemployer Plan), and to which PAAC or any corporation, trade or business
that is, along with PAAC, an ERISA Affiliate, may have any liability, including
any liability by reason of being deemed to be a contributing sponsor under
section 4069 of ERISA.

   "Percentage" means, relative to any Lender, the applicable percentage
relating to Term Loans, as set forth in Schedule II hereto or set forth in the
Lender Assignment Agreement as such percentage may be adjusted from time to
time pursuant to Lender Assignment Agreement(s) executed by such Lender and its
Assignee Lender(s) and delivered pursuant to Section 11.11.

   "Permitted Investment" means (i) any Eligible Investment, (ii) any
Investment in PAAC, (iii) Investments in existence on the date hereof and
listed in Item 7.2.3 ("Existing Investments") of the Disclosure Schedule and
any such Investment in Basic Investments, Inc., Basic Land Company, Basic
Management, Inc., Basic Water Company or Victory Valley Land Company, L.P.
which has been reclassified or converted into an alternate form of Investment
in the same or a successor entity, (iv) intercompany notes permitted pursuant
to Section 7.2.1, (v) Investments in any Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of
PAAC or any Person which, as a result of such Investment, becomes a
Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC; provided that such Wholly-Owned
Restricted Subsidiary is engaged in a Related Business, and (vi) other
Investments after the date hereof in joint ventures, corporations, limited
liability companies, partnerships or Unrestricted Subsidiaries engaged in a
Related Business that do not at any one time outstanding exceed $5,000,000;
provided that the amount of Investments pursuant to clause (vi) will be
included in the calculation of Restricted Payments pursuant to Section 7.2.3.

   "Permitted Liens" means as of any particular time, any one or more of the
following:

          (a)  Liens for taxes, rates and assessments or for prior claims
     within the meaning of the Civil Code of Quebec not yet past due or, if
     past due, the validity of which is being contested in good faith by PAAC
     or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries by appropriate proceedings promptly
     instituted and diligently conducted and against which PAAC or such
     Restricted Subsidiary has established appropriate reserves in accordance
     with GAAP;





                                        21
<PAGE>   29
          (b)  the Lien of any judgment rendered which is being contested in
     good faith by PAAC or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries by appropriate
     proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted and against which
     PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary has established appropriate reserves in
     accordance with GAAP and which does not have a material adverse effect on
     the ability of PAAC and its Restricted Subsidiaries to operate their
     business or conduct their operations;

          (c)  other than in connection with Indebtedness, any Lien arising in
     the ordinary course of business (i) to secure payments of workers'
     compensation, unemployment insurance, pension or other social security or
     retirement benefits, or to secure the performance of bids, tenders,
     leases, progress payments, contracts (other than for the payment of money)
     or to secure public or statutory obligations of PAAC or any of its
     Restricted Subsidiaries, or to secure surety or appeal bonds to which PAAC
     or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is a party, (ii) imposed by law
     dealing with materialmen's, suppliers', mechanics', workmen's,
     repairmen's, warehousemen's, landlords', vendors' or carriers' Liens
     created by law, or deposits or pledges which are not yet due or, if due,
     the validity of which is being contested in good faith by PAAC or any of
     its Restricted Subsidiaries by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted
     and diligently conducted and against which PAAC or such Restricted
     Subsidiary has established appropriate reserves in accordance with GAAP,
     (iii) rights of financial institutions to setoff, effect compensation, and
     chargeback arising by operation of law and (iv) similar Liens;

          (d)  servitudes, licenses, easements, encumbrances, restrictions,
     rights-of-way and rights in the nature of easements or similar charges as
     well as encroachments or minor title defects which will not in the
     aggregate materially adversely impair the use of the subject property by
     PAAC or a Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC;

          (e)  zoning and building by-laws and ordinances, municipal bylaws and
     regulations, and restrictive covenants, which do not materially interfere
     with the use of the subject property by PAAC or a Restricted Subsidiary of
     PAAC as such property is used as of the date hereof;

          (f)  any extension, renewal, substitution or replacement (or
     successive extensions, renewals, substitutions or replacements), as a
     whole or in part, of any of the Liens referred to in clauses (a) through
     (e) of this definition or the Indebtedness secured thereby; provided that
     (i) such extension, renewal, substitution or replacement Lien is limited
     to that portion of the property or assets, now owned or hereafter
     acquired, that secured the Lien prior to such extension, renewal,
     substitution or replacement Lien and (ii) the Indebtedness secured by such
     Lien (assuming all available amounts were borrowed) at such time is not
     increased; and

          (g)  provisos, restrictions, limitations and reservations contained
     in any original grants from the Crown, and any statutory limitations,
     exceptions, reservations and qualifications which will not in the
     aggregate materially adversely impair the use of the subject property by
     the Borrower, PAAC or any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries.





                                        22
<PAGE>   30
          "Person" means any natural person, corporation, partnership, firm,
     association, trust, government, governmental agency, limited liability
     company or any other entity, whether acting in an individual, fiduciary or
     other capacity.

     "Pioneer East" means Pioneer (East), Inc., a Delaware corporation and
direct Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of PAI.

     "Pioneer Licensing" is defined in the first recital.

     "Plan" means any Pension Plan or Welfare Plan.

     "PPSA" means, as the context may require, the Personal Property Security
Act (Ontario), the Personal Property Security Act (New Brunswick) and/or
Personal Property Security Act (Nova Scotia).

     "Preferred Stock" means, as applied to the Equity Interests of any
corporation, stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is
preferred over shares of stock of any other class of such corporation as to the
distribution of assets on any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or
dissolution of such corporation or as to dividends.

     "Pro Forma Balance Sheets" is defined in clause (d) of Section 5.12.

     "Purchase Agreement" is defined in the first recital.

     "Quarterly Payment Date" means the last Business Day of each March, June,
September and December, commencing with December, 1997.

     "Quebec Mortgage and Security Agreement" means the deed of hypothec
executed and delivered by an Authorized Officer of PCICC pursuant to Section
5.10, substantially in the form of Exhibit E-2 attached hereto, as amended,
supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

     "Redeemable Stock" means any Equity Interest that by its terms or
otherwise (i) is required to be redeemed prior to June 30, 2007, (ii) matures
or is redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of PAAC or any Subsidiary
of PAAC or the holder thereof or pursuant to a mandatory sinking fund at any
time prior to June 30, 2007, or (iii) is convertible into or exchangeable for
debt securities which provide for any scheduled payment of principal prior to
June 30, 2007, at the option of the issuer thereof at any time prior to June
30, 2007, until the right to so convert or exchange is irrevocably
relinquished.

     "Refinancing" is defined in clause (j) of Section 7.2.1.

     "Refinancing Indebtedness" is defined in clause (j) of Section 7.2.1.

     "Related Business" means any corporation or other entity engaged in, and
any asset utilized in, the manufacture or distribution of chlorine, caustic
soda, bleach, hydrochloric acid, iron and other chlorides and aluminum sulfate,
and in lines of business reasonably related thereto.





                                        23
<PAGE>   31
     "Related Party" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person (a)
that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is
controlled by, or is under common control with, such first Person or a
subsidiary of such first Person, (b) that beneficially owns or holds ten
percent (10%) or more of the equity interest of such first Person or a
subsidiary of such first Person or (c) ten percent (10%) or more of the equity
interest of which is beneficially owned or held by such first Person or a
subsidiary of such first Person.  The term "control" means the possession,
directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the
management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting
securities, by contract or otherwise.

     "Release" means any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting,
emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing of
any Hazardous Material into the environment (including the abandonment or
discarding of barrels, containers, and other closed receptacles containing any
Hazardous Material), including with respect to any event, occurrence or
incident subject to the jurisdiction of any U.S. federal, state or local
regulatory, enforcement or judicial institution, body or department, any
release as such term is defined in CERCLA.

     "Reportable Event" has the meaning given to such term in ERISA.

     "Required Lenders" means, at any time, (i) prior to the Closing Date
hereunder, Lenders having at least 51% of the sum of the Term Loan Commitments
and (ii) on and after the Closing Date, Lenders holding at least 51% of the
principal amount of the Term Loans.

     "Resource Conservation and Recovery Act" means the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901, et seq., as in effect from time to
time.

     "Restoration" has the meaning specified in each applicable Mortgage.

     "Restricted Investment" means any Investment other than a Permitted
Investment.

     "Restricted Payment" is defined in Section 7.2.3.

     "Restricted Payment Computation Date" is defined in Section 7.2.3.

     "Restricted Payment Computation Period" is defined in Section 7.2.3.

     "Restricted Subsidiary" means (a) with respect to PAAC, (i) the Borrower
and any PAI Guarantor, (ii) any Subsidiary of PAAC in existence on the date
hereof to which any line of business or division (and the assets associated
therewith) of any PAI Guarantor are transferred after the date hereof, (iii)
any Subsidiary of PAAC organized or acquired after the date hereof, unless such
Subsidiary has been designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary by a resolution of
the Board of Directors of PAAC as provided in the definition of "Unrestricted
Subsidiary" and (iv) any Unrestricted Subsidiary which is designated as a
Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC by the Board of Directors of PAAC; provided, that
immediately after giving effect to any such designation (A) no Default or Event
of Default has occurred and is continuing and (B) in the case of any
designation referred to in clause (iii) or (iv) hereof, PAAC could incur at
least $1.00 of Indebtedness pursuant to Section 7.2.1, on a pro forma basis
taking into account such designation, and (b) with respect to the Borrower, any
Subsidiary of the Borrower that is a





                                        24
<PAGE>   32
Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC.  PAAC will evidence any such designation to the
Administrative Agent by promptly filing with the Administrative Agent an
Officers' Certificate certifying that such designation has been made and
complies with the requirements of the immediately preceding sentence.
Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, from and after the
Effective Date, each of the Borrower, and each PAI Guarantor will be, and shall
at all times thereafter be, a Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC.

     "Revolving Credit Agreement" means the Loan and Security Agreement dated
as of June 17, 1997, between PAAC and BofA, as agent and lender, and the
lenders named therein, as amended, supplemented, amended and restated or
otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof
and thereof.

     "S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Group,  division of McGraw Hill,
Inc.

     "Sale and Leaseback Transaction" means, with respect to any Person, any
arrangement with another Person for the leasing of any real or tangible
personal property, which property has been or is to be sold or transferred by
such Person to such other Person in contemplation of such leasing.

     "Salomon" is defined in the preamble.

     "Secured Parties" means the Collateral Agent, the Lenders, the Agents, the
Trustee, the holders of the Senior Secured Notes and their respective
successors, transferees and assigns.

     "Security Agreement" means, as the context may require, the Canadian
Subsidiary Security Agreement and/or the Affiliate Security Agreement.

     "Security Documents" means (i) each Mortgage, (ii) each Security
Agreement, (iii) the Intercreditor Agreement, (iv) the documentation relating
to the Intercreditor Collateral Account, and (v) each pledge agreement
delivered pursuant to Section 7.1.9 and each other security agreement,
mortgage, hypothec, deed of trust, pledge, collateral assignment and other
document evidencing or creating any security interest in favor of the
Collateral Agent in all or any portion of the Collateral or delivered in
connection with any of the foregoing, in each case as amended, supplemented,
amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

     "Senior Indebtedness" means the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on any Indebtedness of PAAC or its Restricted Subsidiaries (including
the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries), whether outstanding on the date
hereof or thereafter incurred as permitted herein, unless, in the case of any
particular Indebtedness, the agreement or instrument creating or evidencing the
same or pursuant to which the same is outstanding expressly provides that such
Indebtedness is junior or subordinated in right of payment to any item of
Indebtedness of PAAC or its Restricted Subsidiaries. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, "Senior Indebtedness" includes the principal of,
premium, if any, and interest and all other obligations of every nature of the
Borrower (or any other Obligor) from time to time owed under the Term Facility.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, "Senior Indebtedness" does not include (i) in
the case of the obligation of the Borrower in respect of each Term Note, the
obligation of the Borrower in respect of the other Term Notes, (ii) any
liability for foreign, federal, state, provincial, local or other taxes owed or
owing by PAAC or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent that such
liability constitutes Indebtedness, (iii) Indebtedness of the Borrower (or any
other Obligor) to





                                        25
<PAGE>   33
PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC, (iv) that portion of any
Indebtedness which at the time of issuance is issued in violation hereof and
(v) Indebtedness and amounts incurred in connection with obtaining goods,
materials or services in the ordinary course of business (other than such
Indebtedness which is owed to banks and other financial institutions or secured
by the goods or materials which were purchased with such Indebtedness).

     "Senior Secured Note Indenture" means the Indenture dated as of October
30, 1997, among PCICC, the guarantors party thereto and United States Trust
Company of New York, as Trustee, as the same may be amended, restated, amended
and restated or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the
terms hereof and thereof.

     "Senior Secured Note Offering" is defined in the second recital.

     "Senior Secured Notes" means the 9 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2007 of
PCICC issued pursuant to the Senior Secured Note Offering and the Senior
Secured Note Indenture, including any senior secured notes of PCICC with
substantially identical terms exchanged therefor pursuant to a registration
statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

     "St. Gabriel Pipeline" means the approximately seven-mile liquid chlorine
pipeline to be constructed by PCAC from its plant in St. Gabriel, Louisiana to
Geismar, Louisiana, including all leak and excavation detection systems and all
other equipment, fixtures, improvements, licenses, permits, approvals,
warranties, contract rights, leases, access agreements and other real property
interests owned or acquired by PCAC in connection therewith (not including any
"Mortgaged Property" as such term is defined in the Existing Term Loan
Agreement), together with all insurance proceeds and condemnation awards
related thereto and all rents, issues, profits and proceeds thereof.

     "Stated Maturity Date" means, in the case of all Term Loans, December 5,
2006.

     "Subordinated Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of the Borrower or any PAI
Guarantor subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations.

     "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, (i) any corporation of
which the outstanding Capital Stock having at least a majority of the votes
entitled to be cast in the election of directors, under ordinary circumstances,
is at the time owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person, by such Person
and one or more of its Subsidiaries or by one or more of such Person's
Subsidiaries or (ii) any other Person of which at least a majority of voting
interest, under ordinary circumstances, is at the time owned, directly or
indirectly, by such Person, by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries
or by one or more of such Person's Subsidiaries.

     "Substantial Shareholder" means each of (i) William R. Berkley and his
Affiliates and/or (ii) Interlaken Capital, Inc. and its Affiliates.

     "Syndication Agent" is defined in the preamble and includes each other
Person as shall have subsequently been appointed as the successor Syndication
Agent pursuant to Section 10.5.

     "Target Business" is defined in the first recital.





                                        26
<PAGE>   34
     "Tax Sharing Agreement" means the Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of April
20, 1995, among PCI and its Subsidiaries.

     "Taxes" is defined in Section 4.6.

     "TCH" means T.C. Holdings, Inc., a New Mexico corporation and direct
Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of All-Pure.

     "Term Facility" is defined in the third recital.

     "Term Loan" is defined in Section 2.1.1.

     "Term Loan Commitment" is defined in Section 2.1.1.

     "Term Loan Commitment Amount" means $100,000,000.

     "Term Loan Commitment Termination Date" means the earliest of (i) December
31, 1997, if the Term Loans have not been made on or prior to such date, (ii)
the Closing Date (immediately after the making of the Term Loans on such date),
and (iii) the date on which any Commitment Termination Event occurs.

     "Term Note" means a promissory note of the Borrower payable to the order
of any Lender, in the form of Exhibit A hereto (as such promissory note may be
amended, endorsed or otherwise modified from time to time), evidencing the
aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from
outstanding Term Loans, and also means all other promissory notes accepted from
time to time in substitution therefor or renewal thereof.

     "Transaction" is defined in the second recital.

     "Transaction Documents" means each of the Acquisition Agreements, the
Senior Secured Note Indenture, the form of Senior Secured Note and all other
agreements, documents, instruments, certificates, filings, consents, approvals,
board of directors resolutions and opinions furnished pursuant to or in
connection with the Acquisition, the Senior Secured Note Offering and the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, each as amended, supplemented,
amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time as permitted in
accordance with the terms hereof, of any other Loan Document and thereof.

     "Trust Moneys" means all cash or Eligible Investments received by the
Collateral Agent: (a) in exchange for the release of property from the Lien of
any of the Security Documents; (b) as compensation for or proceeds of the sale
of all or any part of the Collateral taken by eminent domain or purchased by,
or sold pursuant to any order of, a governmental authority or otherwise
disposed of; (c) as proceeds of insurance upon any, all or part of the
Collateral (other than any liability insurance proceeds payable to the
Collateral Agent for any loss, liability or expense incurred by it); (d) as
proceeds of any other sale or other disposition of all or any part of the
Collateral by or on behalf of either of the Collateral Agent or any collection,
recovery, receipt, appropriation or other realization of or from all or any
part of the Collateral pursuant to the Security Documents or otherwise; or (e)
for application under this Agreement as provided in this Agreement or any other
Security Document, or whose disposition is not otherwise specifically provided
for in this Agreement or in any other Security Document.





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<PAGE>   35
     "Trustee" means United States Trust Company of New York, in its capacity
as "trustee" under the Senior Secured Note Indenture, and each successor
trustee thereunder to become such pursuant to the applicable provisions
thereof.

     "type" means, relative to any Term Loan, the portion thereof, if any,
being maintained as a Base Rate Loan or a LIBO Rate Loan.

     "UCC" means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in
the State of New York.

     "United States" or "U.S." means the United States of America, its fifty
states and the District of Columbia.

     "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means, until such time as it may be designated
as a Restricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors of PAAC as provided in and
in compliance with the definition of "Restricted Subsidiary," (i) any
Subsidiary of PAAC organized or acquired after the date hereof designated as an
Unrestricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors of PAAC in which all
investments by PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC are made only from
funds available for the making of Restricted Payments pursuant to Section 7.2.3
and (ii) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.  The Board of Directors
of PAAC may designate any Subsidiary of PAAC (including any newly acquired or
newly formed Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such
Subsidiary owns any Equity Interests of, or owns, or holds any Lien upon, any
property of, any Subsidiary of PAAC which is not a Subsidiary of such
Subsidiary to be so designated; provided that (w) each Subsidiary to be so
designated and each of its Subsidiaries has not, at the time of designation,
and does not thereafter, directly or indirectly, incur any Indebtedness
pursuant to which the lender with respect thereto has recourse to any of the
assets of PAAC or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, (x) immediately after
giving effect to such designation no Default or Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, (y) all outstanding Investments by PAAC and its
Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent repaid in cash) in the Subsidiary
so designated will be deemed to be Restricted Payments at the time of such
designation equal in amount to the Fair Market Value of such Investments at the
time of such designation and would be Restricted Payments permitted to be paid
pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.2.3 and (z) the amount of such
Restricted Payments will be included in the calculation of the amount of
Restricted Payments previously made pursuant to such covenant.  PAAC will
evidence any such designation by promptly filing with the Administrative Agent
an Officers' Certificate certifying that such designation has been made and
complies with the requirements of the immediately preceding sentence.  Each
Unrestricted Subsidiary that is a Subsidiary of the Borrower shall be deemed to
be an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Borrower.

     "U.S. Bankruptcy Law" means chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States
Code, as amended, or any similar United States federal or state law relating to
bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, winding-up, liquidation, reorganization
or relief of debtors or any amendment to, succession to or change in any such
law.

     "U.S. Environmental Laws" means all applicable U.S. federal, state or
local statutes, laws, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations and guidelines
(including consent decrees and administrative orders) relating to the
protection and conservation of the environment concerning any hazardous, toxic
or dangerous waste, substance or constituent, or any pollutant or contaminant.





                                        28
<PAGE>   36
     "U.S. Hazardous Materials" means any toxic substance, hazardous substance,
hazardous material, hazardous chemical or hazardous waste defined or qualifying
as such in (or for the purposes of) any U.S.  Environmental Law, or any
pollutant or contaminant, and shall include, but not be limited to, petroleum,
including crude oil, any radioactive material, including any source, special
nuclear or by-product material as defined at 42 U.S.C. Section 2011 et seq., as
amended or hereafter amended, polychlorinated biphenyls and asbestos in any
form or condition.

     "U.S. Seller" is defined in the first recital.

     "U.S. Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is
incorporated or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any
state thereof.

     "Voting Stock" of any Person means Capital Stock of such Person which
ordinarily has voting power for the election of directors (or Persons
performing similar functions) of such Person, whether at all times or only so
long as no senior class of securities has such voting power by reason of any
contingency.

     "Wholly-Owned Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, any
Subsidiary of such Person all of the Capital Stock (and all rights and options
to purchase such Capital Stock) of which, other than directors' qualifying
shares, are owned, beneficially and of record, by such Person and/or one or
more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

     "Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, a
Restricted Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or
other ownership interests of which (other than capital stock constituting
directors' qualifying shares or interests held by directors or shares or
interests required to be held by foreign nationals, to the extent mandated by
applicable law) are owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly-Owned
Restricted Subsidiaries of such Person.

     SECTION 1.2.  Use of Defined Terms.  Unless otherwise defined or the
context otherwise requires, terms for which meanings are provided in this
Agreement shall have such meanings when used in the Disclosure Schedule and in
each other Loan Document, notice and other communication delivered from time to
time in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

     SECTION 1.3.  Cross-References.  Unless otherwise specified, references in
this Agreement and in each other Loan Document to any Article or Section are
references to such Article or Section of this Agreement or such other Loan
Document, as the case may be, and, unless otherwise specified, references in
any Article, Section or definition to any clause are references to such clause
of such Article, Section or definition.

     SECTION 1.4.  Accounting and Financial Determinations.  Unless otherwise
specified, all accounting terms used herein or in any other Loan Document shall
be interpreted, all accounting determinations and computations hereunder or
thereunder shall be made, and all financial statements required to be delivered
hereunder or thereunder shall be prepared in accordance with, those generally
accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), as in effect from time to time in the
United States and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein, shall be
computed or determined on a consolidated basis and without duplication.





                                        29
<PAGE>   37
     SECTION 1.5.  Use of UCC Terms.  Unless the context otherwise requires,
the terms "accounts receivable", "inventory" and "general intangibles" shall
have the meanings ascribed thereto in the UCC.

     SECTION 1.6.  Officers' Certificates and Opinions.  Every Officers'
Certificate or Opinion of Counsel with respect to compliance with a condition
or covenant provided for in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be
addressed to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders and shall
include:

          (a)  a statement that each individual signing such certificate or
     opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein
     relating thereto;

          (b)  a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination
     or investigation upon which the statements or opinion contained in such
     certificate or opinion are based;

          (c)  a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he has
     made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to
     express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or
     condition has been complied with; and

          (d)  a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such
     individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

Absent any actual knowledge to the contrary, the Administrative Agent may rely
on any such certificate without further inquiry.


                                   ARTICLE II

                  COMMITMENTS, BORROWING PROCEDURES AND NOTES

     SECTION 2.1.  Commitments. On the terms and subject to the conditions of
this Agreement (including Article V), each Lender severally agrees to make Term
Loans pursuant to the Term Loan Commitments described in this Section 2.1.

     SECTION 2.1.1.  Term Loan Commitments.  On the Closing Date, which shall
be a Business Day occurring prior to the Term Loan Commitment Termination Date,
each Lender will make loans (relative to such Lender, its "Term Loans") to the
Borrower equal to such Lender's Percentage of the aggregate amount of the
Borrowing of Term Loans requested by the Borrower to be made on such day with
the commitment of each such Lender to make the Term Loans described in this
Section referred to as its "Term Loan Commitment".  No amounts paid or prepaid
with respect to any Term Loans may be reborrowed.

     SECTION 2.1.2.  Lenders Not Permitted or Required to Make the Term Loans.
No Lender shall be permitted or required to, and the Borrower shall not request
any Lender to, make any Term Loan on the Closing Date if, after giving effect
thereto, the aggregate original principal amount of all the Term Loans

          (a)  of all Lenders would exceed the Term Loan Commitment Amount, or





                                        30
<PAGE>   38
          (b)  of such Lender would exceed such Lender's Percentage of the Term
     Loan Commitment Amount.

     SECTION 2.2.  Borrowing Procedures and Funding Maintenance.  By delivering
a Borrowing Request to the Administrative Agent on or before 10:00 a.m.
(Chicago time) on a Business Day, the Borrower may request, on not less than
one Business Day's notice (in the case of Base Rate Loans) or three Business
Days' notice (in the case of LIBO Rate Loans), that a Borrowing be made on the
Closing Date.  On the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement,
each Borrowing shall be comprised of the type of Term Loans, and shall be made
on the Business Day, specified in such Borrowing Request.  On or before 11:00
a.m. (Chicago time) on such Business Day each Lender shall deposit with the
Administrative Agent same day funds in an amount equal to such Lender's
Percentage of the requested Borrowing.  Such deposit will be made to an account
which the Administrative Agent shall specify from time to time by notice to the
Lenders.  To the extent funds are received from the Lenders, the Administrative
Agent shall make such funds available to the Borrower by wire transfer to the
accounts the Borrower shall have specified in its Borrowing Request.  No
Lender's obligation to make any Term Loan shall be affected by any other
Lender's failure to make any Term Loan.

     SECTION 2.3.  Continuation and Conversion Elections.  By delivering a
Continuation/Conversion Notice to the Administrative Agent on or before 10:00
a.m. (Chicago time) on a Business Day, the Borrower may from time to time
irrevocably elect, on not less than one Business Day's notice (in the case of a
conversion of LIBO Rate Loans to Base Rate Loans) or three Business Days'
notice (in the case of a continuation of LIBO Rate Loans or a conversion of
Base Rate Loans into LIBO Rate Loans) nor more than five Business Days' notice
that all, or any portion in a minimum amount of $5,000,000 or any larger
integral multiple of $250,000, be, in the case of Base Rate Loans, converted
into LIBO Rate Loans or a minimum amount of $250,000 or any larger integral
multiple of $250,000, in the case of LIBO Rate Loans, converted into Base Rate
Loans or continued as LIBO Rate Loans (in the absence of delivery of a
Continuation/Conversion Notice with respect to any LIBO Rate Loan at least
three Business Days before the last day of the then current Interest Period
with respect thereto, such LIBO Rate Loan shall, on such last day,
automatically convert to a Base Rate Loan); provided, however, that (x) each
such conversion or continuation shall be pro rated among the applicable
outstanding Term Loans of all Lenders, and (y) no portion of the outstanding
principal amount of any Term Loans may be continued as, or be converted into,
LIBO Rate Loans when any Default has occurred and is continuing.

     SECTION 2.4.  Funding.  Each Lender may, if it so elects, fulfill its
obligation to make, continue or convert LIBO Rate Loans hereunder by causing
one of its foreign branches or Affiliates (or an international banking facility
created by such Lender) to make or maintain such LIBO Rate Loan; provided,
however, that such LIBO Rate Loan shall nonetheless be deemed to have been made
and to be held by such Lender, and the obligation of the Borrower to repay such
LIBO Rate Loan shall nevertheless be to such Lender for the account of such
foreign branch, Affiliate or international banking facility.  In addition, the
Borrower hereby consents and agrees that, for purposes of any determination to
be made for purposes of Section 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 or 4.4, it shall be conclusively
assumed that each Lender elected to fund all LIBO Rate Loans by purchasing
Dollar deposits in its LIBOR Office's interbank eurodollar market.

     SECTION 2.5.  Term Notes.  Each Lender's Term Loans under its Term Loan
Commitment shall be evidenced by a Term Note payable to the order of such
Lender in a





                                        31
<PAGE>   39
maximum principal amount equal to such Lender's Percentage of the original Term
Loan Commitment Amount.  The Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes each Lender
to make (or cause to be made) appropriate notations on the grid attached to
such Lender's Term Note (or on any continuation of such grid), which notations,
if made, shall evidence, inter alia, the date of, the outstanding principal
amount of, and the interest rate and Interest Period applicable to the Term
Loans evidenced thereby.  Such notations shall be conclusive and binding on the
Borrower absent manifest error; provided, however, that the failure of any
Lender to make any such notations shall not limit or otherwise affect any
Obligations of the Borrower or any other Obligor.


                                  ARTICLE III

                   REPAYMENTS, PREPAYMENTS, INTEREST AND FEES

     SECTION 3.1.  Repayments and Prepayments; Application.

     SECTION 3.1.1.  Repayments and Prepayments.  The Borrower shall repay in
full the unpaid principal amount of each Term Loan upon the Stated Maturity
Date therefor.  Prior thereto, the Borrower

          (a)  may, from time to time on any Business Day, make a voluntary
     prepayment, in whole or in part, of the outstanding principal amount of
     any Term Loans; provided, however, that

               (i)  any such prepayment shall be made pro rata among Term Loans
          of the same type and, if applicable, having the same Interest Period
          of all Lenders;

               (ii)  the Borrower shall comply with Section 4.4 in the event
          that any LIBO Rate Loan is prepaid on any day other than the last day
          of the Interest Period for such Term Loan;

               (iii)  all such voluntary prepayments shall require at least one
          Business Day's notice in the case of Base Rate Loans and three
          Business Days' notice in the case of LIBO Rate Loans, but no more
          than five Business Days' notice, in each case in writing to the
          Administrative Agent; and

               (iv)  all such voluntary partial prepayments shall be, in the
          case of LIBO Rate Loans, in an aggregate minimum amount of $5,000,000
          or any larger integral multiple of $1,000,000 and, in the case of
          Base Rate Loans, in an aggregate minimum amount of $1,000,000 or any
          larger integral multiple of $500,000 or in the aggregate principal
          amount of all Term Loans of the type then outstanding; and

               (v)  any voluntary prepayment of Term Loans made on or prior to
          the third anniversary of the Closing Date shall be subject to the
          payment of a premium, as set forth below:





                                        32
<PAGE>   40
                         (A)  3.0% of the principal amount of Term Loans
                    prepaid pursuant to this clause (a) of this Section 3.1.1
                    on or prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date;

                         (B)  2.0% of the principal amount of Term Loans
                    prepaid pursuant to this clause (a) of this Section 3.1.1
                    subsequent to the first anniversary and prior to or on the
                    second anniversary of the Closing Date; and

                         (C)  1.0% of the principal amount of Term Loans
                    prepaid pursuant to this clause (a) of this Section 3.1.1
                    subsequent to the second anniversary and prior to or on the
                    third anniversary of the Closing Date.

          (b)  shall, make a mandatory prepayment of the Term Loans on account
     of Net Proceeds in accordance with Section 7.2.6;

          (c)  shall, (i) on each Quarterly Payment Date occurring on or during
     any period set forth below, make a scheduled repayment of the aggregate
     outstanding principal amount, if any, of all Term Loans in an amount equal
     to the amount set forth below opposite such period, and (ii) on the Stated
     Maturity Date, make a scheduled repayment of the outstanding principal
     amount of all Term Loans in the amount set forth opposite such date below
     (in each case as such amounts may have otherwise been reduced pursuant to
     this Agreement):

                                           SCHEDULED
                                           QUARTERLY
                                           PRINCIPAL
                           PERIOD          REPAYMENT
                     ------------------    ---------
                     Closing Date to
                     (and including)
                     December 31, 1997     $250,000

                     January 1, 1998 to
                     (and including)
                     December  31, 2005    $250,000

                     January 1, 2006 to
                     (and including)
                     September 30, 2006    $250,000

                     Stated Maturity
                       Date             $91,000,000


               (d) shall, subject to Section 3.1.2, make a mandatory prepayment
          of the Term Loans upon the occurrence of a Change of Control; and

               (e)  shall, immediately upon the acceleration of the Stated
          Maturity Date of any Term Loans pursuant to Section 8.2 or Section
          8.3, repay all outstanding Term Loans, unless, pursuant to Section
          8.3, only a portion of all Term Loans are so accelerated (in which
          case the portion so accelerated shall be so prepaid).





                                        33
<PAGE>   41
     Each prepayment of any Term Loans made pursuant to this Section shall be
     without premium or penalty, except as may be required by clause (a)(v) of
     this Section and/or Section 4.4.

     SECTION 3.1.2.  Application.  Amounts prepaid and repaid shall be applied
as set forth in this Section.

          (a)  Subject to clauses (b) and (c) below, each prepayment or
     repayment of principal of the Term Loans shall be applied, to the extent
     of such prepayment or repayment, first, to the principal amount thereof
     being maintained as Base Rate Loans, and second, to the principal amount
     thereof being maintained as LIBO Rate Loans.

          (b)  Each prepayment of any Term Loans made pursuant to clause (a) of
     Section 3.1.1 shall be applied, to the extent of such prepayment, in the
     inverse order of the scheduled repayments of such Term Loans, as set forth
     in clause (c) of Section 3.1.1 with respect to such Term Loans.

          (c)  Each prepayment of Term Loans made pursuant to clause (b) or
     clause (d) of Section 3.1.1 shall be applied to the outstanding principal
     amount of all Term Loans, except that, (i) with respect to the amount of
     any such prepayment, the Administrative Agent will as soon as is
     practicable (but in any event no later than the date on which the Borrower
     has provided such prepayment to the Administrative Agent) provide notice
     of such prepayment to each Lender prior to the distribution of the funds
     from such prepayment, and (ii) each Lender will have the right to refuse
     any such prepayment by giving written notice of such refusal to the
     Administrative Agent within three Business Days after such Lender's
     receipt of notice from the Administrative Agent of such prepayment.  In
     addition, any prepayment of Term Loans shall be applied to the remaining
     amortization payments in the inverse order of the scheduled repayments of
     such Term Loans, as set forth in clause (c) of Section 3.1.1 with respect
     to such Term Loans.

     SECTION 3.2.  Interest Provisions.  Interest on the outstanding principal
amount of the Term Loans shall accrue and be payable in accordance with this
Section 3.2.

     SECTION 3.2.1.  Rates.   Each Base Rate Loan shall accrue interest on the
unpaid principal amount thereof for each day from and including the day upon
which such was made or converted to a Base Rate Loan to but excluding the date
such Term Loan is repaid or converted to a LIBO Rate Loan at a rate per annum
equal to the sum of the Alternate Base Rate for such day plus the Applicable
Margin for such Term Loan on such day.  Each LIBO Rate Loan shall accrue
interest on the unpaid principal amount thereof for each day during each
Interest Period applicable thereto at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the
LIBO Rate (Reserve Adjusted) for such Interest Period plus the Applicable
Margin for such Term Loan on such day.  All LIBO Rate Loans shall bear interest
from and including the first day of the applicable Interest Period to (but not
including) the last day of such Interest Period at the interest rate determined
as applicable to such LIBO Rate Loan.

     SECTION 3.2.2.  Post-Maturity Rates.  Upon the occurrence and continuance
of (i) any Default described in Section 8.1.1 or (ii) any Event of Default
which shall remain uncured for thirty days (without giving effect to any grace
period therefor), all Term Loans shall bear, and the Borrower shall pay, but
only to the extent permitted by law, interest (after as well as before





                                        34
<PAGE>   42
judgment) thereon at a rate per annum equal to the rate that would
otherwise be applicable to such Term Loans pursuant to Section 3.2.1 plus 2.0%.

     SECTION 3.2.3.  Payment Dates.  Interest accrued on each Term Loan shall
be payable, without duplication:

          (a)  on the Stated Maturity Date therefor;

          (b)  on the date of any payment or prepayment, in whole or in part,
     of principal outstanding on such Term Loan;

          (c)  with respect to Base Rate Loans, on each Quarterly Payment Date
     occurring after the Closing Date;

          (d)  with respect to LIBO Rate Loans, on the last day of each
     applicable Interest Period (and, if such Interest Period shall exceed
     three months, at intervals of three months after the first day of such
     Interest Period);

          (e)  with respect to the principal amount of any Base Rate Loans
     converted into LIBO Rate Loans on a day when interest would not otherwise
     have been payable pursuant to clause (c), on the date of such conversion;
     and

          (f)  on that portion of any Term Loans the Stated Maturity Date of
     which is accelerated pursuant to Section 8.2 or Section 8.3, immediately
     upon such acceleration.

Interest accrued on Term Loans or other monetary Obligations arising under this
Agreement or any other Loan Document after the date such amount is due and
payable (whether on the Stated Maturity Date, upon acceleration or otherwise)
shall be payable upon demand.

     SECTION 3.3.  Fees.  The Borrower agrees to pay the fees set forth in this
Section 3.3.  All such fees shall be non-refundable.

     SECTION 3.3.1.  Arrangement, Structuring and Commitment Fees.  In
accordance with the Fee Letter, PAAC shall, or shall cause the Borrower to, pay
on the Effective Date to each of the Arranger, the Syndication Agent and the
Documentation Agent for its account their applicable portion of the arrangement
and structuring fee referred to therein and, for the account of the Arranger,
the commitment fee referred to therein.

     SECTION 3.3.2.  Administrative Agent Fee.  The Borrower agrees to pay an
annual administration fee to the Administrative Agent, for its own account, in
the amounts mutually agreed to between the Borrower and the Administrative
Agent, payable in advance on the Closing Date and annually thereafter.





                                        35
<PAGE>   43
                                   ARTICLE IV

                     CERTAIN LIBO RATE AND OTHER PROVISIONS

     SECTION 4.1.  LIBO Rate Lending Unlawful.  If any Lender
shall determine (which determination shall, upon notice thereof to the Borrower
and the Lenders, be conclusive and binding on the Borrower) that the
introduction of or any change in or in the interpretation of any law makes it
unlawful, or any central bank or other governmental authority asserts that it
is unlawful, for such Lender to make, continue or maintain any Term Loan as, or
to convert any Term Loan into, a LIBO Rate Loan of a certain type, the
obligations of all Lenders to make, continue, maintain or convert any such Term
Loans shall, upon such determination, forthwith be suspended until such Lender
shall notify the Administrative Agent that the circumstances causing such
suspension no longer exist, and all LIBO Rate Loans of such type shall
automatically convert into Base Rate Loans at the end of the then current
Interest Periods with respect thereto or sooner, if required by such law or
assertion.

     SECTION 4.2.  Deposits Unavailable.  If the Administrative Agent shall
have determined that (i)  Dollar deposits in the relevant amount and for the
relevant Interest Period are not available to the Administrative Agent in its
relevant market, or (ii) by reason of circumstances affecting the
Administrative Agent's relevant market, adequate means do not exist for
ascertaining the interest rate applicable hereunder to LIBO Rate Loans, then,
upon notice from the Administrative Agent to the Borrower and the Lenders, the
obligations of all Lenders under Section 2.3 and Section 2.4 to make or
continue any Term Loans as, or to convert any Term Loans into, LIBO Rate Loans
shall forthwith be suspended until the Administrative Agent shall notify the
Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no
longer exist.

     SECTION 4.3.  Increased LIBO Rate Loan Costs, etc.  The Borrower agrees to
reimburse each Lender for any increase in the cost to such Lender of, or any
reduction in the amount of any sum receivable by such Lender in respect of,
making, continuing or maintaining (or of its obligation to make, continue or
maintain) any Term Loans as, or of converting (or of its obligation to convert)
any Term Loans into, LIBO Rate Loans.  Such Lender shall promptly notify the
Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing of the occurrence of any such
event, such notice to state, in reasonable detail, the reasons therefor and the
additional amount required fully to compensate such Lender for such increased
cost or reduced amount.  Such additional amounts shall be payable by the
Borrower directly to such Lender within five days of its receipt of such
notice, and such notice shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive
and binding on the Borrower.

     SECTION 4.4.  Funding Losses.  In the event any Lender shall incur any
loss or expense (including any loss or expense incurred by reason of the
liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds acquired by such Lender
to make, continue or maintain any portion of the principal amount of any Term
Loan as, or to convert any portion of the principal amount of any Term Loan
into, a LIBO Rate Loan) as a result of (i) any conversion or repayment or
prepayment of the principal amount of any LIBO Rate Loans on a date other than
the scheduled last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, whether
pursuant to Section 3.1 or otherwise, (ii) Borrower's failure to borrow any
Term Loans as LIBO Rate Loans in accordance with the Borrowing Request
therefor, or (iii) Borrower's failure to continue, or to convert Base Rate
Loans into LIBO Rate Loans in accordance with the Continuation/Conversion
Notice therefor,





                                        36
<PAGE>   44
then, upon the written notice of such Lender to the Borrower (with a copy to
the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall, within five days of its receipt
thereof, pay directly to such Lender such amount as will (in the reasonable
determination of such Lender) reimburse such Lender for such loss or expense.
Such written notice (which shall include calculations in reasonable detail)
shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the
Borrower.

     SECTION 4.5.  Increased Capital Costs.  If any change in, or the
introduction, adoption, effectiveness, interpretation, reinterpretation or
phase-in of, any law or regulation, directive, guideline, decision or request
(whether or not having the force of law) of any court, central bank, regulator
or other governmental authority affects or would affect the amount of capital
required or expected to be maintained by any Lender or any Person controlling
such Lender, and such Lender determines (in its sole and absolute discretion)
that the rate of return on its or such controlling Person's capital as a
consequence of its Term Loan Commitment or the Term Loans made by such Lender
is reduced to a level below that which such Lender or such controlling Person
could have achieved but for the occurrence of any such circumstance, then, in
any such case upon notice from time to time by such Lender to the Borrower, the
Borrower shall immediately pay directly to such Lender additional amounts
sufficient to compensate such Lender or such controlling Person for such
reduction in rate of return.  A statement of such Lender as to any such
additional amount or amounts (including calculations thereof in reasonable
detail) shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on
the Borrower.  In determining such amount, such Lender may use any method of
averaging and attribution that it (in its sole and absolute discretion) shall
deem applicable.

     SECTION 4.6.  Taxes.  All payments by the Borrower of principal of, and
interest on, the Term Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder shall be
made free and clear of and without deduction for any present or future income,
excise, stamp or franchise taxes and other taxes, fees, duties, withholdings or
other charges of any nature whatsoever imposed by any taxing authority, but
excluding franchise taxes and taxes imposed on or measured by any Lender's net
income or receipts (such non-excluded items being called "Taxes").  In the
event that any withholding or deduction from any payment to be made by the
Borrower hereunder is required in respect of any Taxes pursuant to any
applicable law, rule or regulation, then the Borrower will

          (a)  pay directly to the relevant authority the full amount required
     to be so withheld or deducted;

          (b)  promptly forward to the Administrative Agent an official receipt
     or other documentation satisfactory to the Administrative Agent evidencing
     such payment to such authority; and

          (c)  pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders
     such additional amount or amounts as is necessary to ensure that the net
     amount actually received by each Lender will equal the full amount such
     Lender would have received had no such withholding or deduction been
     required.

Moreover, if any Taxes are directly asserted against the Administrative Agent
or any Lender with respect to any payment received by the Administrative Agent
or such Lender hereunder, the Administrative Agent or such Lender may pay such
Taxes and the Borrower will promptly pay such additional amounts (including any
penalties, interest or expenses) as is necessary in order that the net amount
received by such person after the payment of such Taxes (including any





                                        37
<PAGE>   45
Taxes on such additional amount) shall equal the amount such person would have
received had not such Taxes been asserted.

     If the Borrower fails to pay any Taxes when due to the appropriate taxing
authority or fails to remit to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the
respective Lenders, the required receipts or other required documentary
evidence, the Borrower shall indemnify the Lenders for any incremental Taxes,
interest or penalties that may become payable by any Lender as a result of any
such failure. For purposes of this Section 4.6, a distribution hereunder by the
Administrative Agent or any Lender to or for the account of any Lender shall be
deemed a payment by the Borrower.

     Upon the request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, each Lender
that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States
shall, prior to the due date of any payments under the Term Notes, execute and
deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, on or before the first
scheduled payment date in each Fiscal Year, one or more (as the Borrower or the
Administrative Agent may reasonably request) United States Internal Revenue
Service Forms 4224 or Forms 1001 or such other forms or documents (or successor
forms or documents), appropriately completed, as may be applicable to establish
the extent, if any, to which a payment to such Lender is exempt from
withholding or deduction of Taxes.

     SECTION 4.7.  Payments, Computations, etc.  Unless otherwise expressly
provided, all payments by or on behalf of the Borrower pursuant to this
Agreement, the Term Notes or any other Loan Document shall be made by the
Borrower to the Administrative Agent for the pro rata account of the Lenders,
Agents or Arranger, as applicable, entitled to receive such payment.  All such
payments required to be made to the Administrative Agent shall be made, without
setoff, deduction or counterclaim, not later than 11:00 a.m. (Chicago time) on
the date due, in same day or immediately available funds, to such account as
the Administrative Agent shall specify from time to time by notice to the
Borrower.  Funds received after that time shall be deemed to have been received
by the Administrative Agent on the next succeeding Business Day.  The
Administrative Agent shall promptly remit in same day funds to each Lender,
Agent or Arranger, as the case may be, its share, if any, of such payments
received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender, Agent or
Arranger, as the case may be.  All interest and fees shall be computed on the
basis of the actual number of days (including the first day but excluding the
last day) occurring during the period for which such interest or fee is payable
over a year comprised of 360 days (or, in the case of interest on a Base Rate
Loan that is not calculated at the Federal Funds Rate, 365 days or, if
appropriate, 366 days).  Whenever any payment to be made shall otherwise be due
on a day which is not a Business Day, such payment shall (except as otherwise
required by clause (i) of the definition of the term "Interest Period" with
respect to LIBO Rate Loans) be made on the next succeeding Business Day and
such extension of time shall be included in computing interest and fees, if
any, in connection with such payment.

     SECTION 4.8.  Sharing of Payments.  If any Lender shall obtain any payment
or other recovery (whether voluntary, involuntary, by application of setoff or
otherwise) on account of any Term Loan (other than pursuant to the terms of
Sections 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5) in excess of its pro rata share of payments then or
therewith obtained by all Lenders entitled thereto, such Lender shall purchase
from the other Lenders such participations in the Term Loans made by them as
shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment
or other recovery ratably with each of them; provided, however, that if all or
any portion of the excess payment or other





                                        38
<PAGE>   46
recovery is thereafter recovered from such purchasing Lender, the purchase
shall be rescinded and each Lender which has sold a participation to the
purchasing Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price to
the ratable extent of such recovery together with an amount equal to such
selling Lender's ratable share (according to the proportion of (i) the amount
of such selling Lender's required repayment to the purchasing Lender in respect
of such recovery, to (ii) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing
Lender) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing
Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered.  The Borrower agrees that
any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender pursuant to this
Section may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all its rights of
payment (including pursuant to Section 4.9) with respect to such participation
as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the
amount of such participation.  If under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency
or other similar law, any Lender receives a secured claim in lieu of a setoff
to which this Section applies, such Lender shall, to the extent practicable,
exercise its rights in respect of such secured claim in a manner consistent
with the rights of the Lenders entitled under this Section to share in the
benefits of any recovery on such secured claim.

     SECTION 4.9.  Setoff.  Each Lender shall, upon the occurrence of any Event
of Default described in clause (a), (b) or (c) of Section 8.1.9 with respect to
any Obligor or, with the consent of the Required Lenders, upon the occurrence
of any other Event of Default, to the fullest extent permitted by law, have the
right to appropriate and apply to the payment of the Obligations then owing to
it (whether or not then due), and (as security for such Obligations) the
Borrower hereby grants to each Lender a continuing security interest in, any
and all balances, credits, deposits, accounts or moneys of the Borrower then or
thereafter maintained with or otherwise held by such Lender; provided, however,
that any such appropriation and application shall be subject to the provisions
of Section 4.8.  Each Lender agrees promptly to notify the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent after any such setoff and application made by such Lender;
provided, however, that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the
validity of such setoff and application.  The rights of each Lender under this
Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of
setoff under applicable law or otherwise) which such Lender may have.


                                   ARTICLE V

                       CONDITIONS TO TERM LOAN EXTENSION

     The obligation of each Lender to fund its Term Loans shall be subject to
the prior or concurrent satisfaction of each of the conditions precedent set
forth in this Article V.

     SECTION 5.1.  Resolutions, etc.  The Arranger, the Syndication Agent and
the Administrative Agent shall have received from each Obligor a certificate,
dated the Closing Date, of its Secretary or Assistant Secretary as to (i)
resolutions of its Board of Directors then in full force and effect authorizing
the execution, delivery and performance of each Loan Document to be executed by
it, and (ii) the incumbency and signatures of those of its officers authorized
to act with respect to each Loan Document executed by it, upon which
certificate each Agent and each Lender may conclusively rely until it shall
have received a further





                                        39
<PAGE>   47
certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of such Obligor
canceling or amending such prior certificate.

     SECTION 5.2.  Delivery of Term Notes and the Bond.  (a)  Each Lender shall
have received its Term Note duly executed and delivered by the Borrower.

     (b)  The Collateral Agent shall have received the Bond and the Bond Pledge
Agreement related thereto, each duly executed and delivered by the Borrower.

     SECTION 5.3.  Guarantees.  The Agents shall have received executed
counterparts of (a) the Affiliate Guaranty, dated the date hereof and duly
executed and delivered by an Authorized Officer of each of the Affiliate
Guarantors and (b) the Canadian Subsidiary Guaranty, dated the date hereof and
duly executed and delivered by an Authorized Officer of PCICC.

     SECTION 5.4.  Consummation of Acquisition.  The Agents shall have received
evidence satisfactory to each of them that all actions necessary to consummate
the Acquisition shall have been taken in accordance with all applicable law and
that the Acquisition shall have been consummated in accordance with the terms
of the Purchase Agreement without amendment or waiver of any material provision
thereof by PCI, PCICC, PCI Carolina or any of their Affiliates.  There shall
exist at and as of the Closing Date (after giving effect to the transactions
contemplated by the Purchase Agreement) no conditions that would constitute a
default or an event of default under the Purchase Agreement.

     SECTION 5.5.  Issuance of the Senior Secured Notes.  The Agents shall have
received evidence satisfactory to each of them that PCICC shall have received
gross proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Secured Notes in a principal
amount not to exceed $175,000,000, which proceeds (net of underwriting and
other fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Senior Secured Note
Offering) shall have been applied to the purchase price in connection with the
Acquisition.  The Agents shall be reasonably satisfied with all terms and
provisions of all documentation relating to such Senior Secured Notes
(including the Senior Secured Note Indenture).

     SECTION 5.6.  Revolving Credit Agreement.  The Agents shall have received
copies of fully executed versions of the Revolving Credit Agreement, certified
to be true and complete copies thereof by an Authorized Officer of PAAC, and be
satisfied with the terms of such Revolving Credit Agreement.  As of the Closing
Date, each condition to the amendment thereof contemplated by the Revolving
Credit Agreement shall have been satisfied or, with appropriate consents,
waived.  There shall exist at and as of the Closing Date (after giving effect
to the transactions contemplated by the Revolving Credit Agreement) no
conditions that would constitute a default or event of default under the
Revolving Credit Agreement.

     SECTION 5.7.  Transaction Documents.  The Agents shall have received (with
copies for each Lender that shall have expressly requested in writing copies
thereof) copies of fully executed versions of all other Transaction Documents,
certified to be true and complete copies thereof by an Authorized Officer of
the Borrower, and be satisfied with the terms of all such agreements and
documents.  The Arranger, the Syndication Agent and the Documentation Agent
shall be reasonably satisfied with all other aspects of the Transaction,
including the aggregate





                                        40
<PAGE>   48
sources and uses of proceeds utilized to consummate the Transaction
(including fees and expenses not to exceed $14,400,000 in the aggregate).

     SECTION 5.8.  Canadian Demand Debenture.  PCICC shall have caused to be
delivered to the Collateral Agent, with copies to the Agents, the following
documents and instruments with regard to each Mortgaged Property of PCICC,
providing for first priority mortgages:

          (a)  each Canadian Demand Debenture and each Canadian Demand
     Debenture Pledge Agreement related thereto, each duly executed by PCICC,
     together with evidence of the due recordation thereof in the appropriate
     recording office of the political subdivision where such Mortgaged
     Property is situated (or evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Arranger,
     the Syndication Agent and the Documentation Agent that such Canadian
     Demand Debenture has been delivered to the appropriate recording office
     for recording and that all fees, taxes and other expenses associated with
     such recording have been paid);

          (b)  Other than in respect of the Exempt Properties, opinions of
     Counsel confirming that PCICC is the owner, in fee simple, of the
     Mortgaged Properties with a good and marketable title thereto, free and
     clear of all encumbrances except Permitted Liens and that such Canadian
     Demand Debenture is a good and valid first mortgage of PCICC's interest in
     the Mortgaged Properties, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
     the Arranger, the Syndication Agent and the Documentation Agent, subject
     only to such other matters as are acceptable to the Arranger, the
     Syndication Agent and the Documentation Agent;

          (c)  Other than in respect of the Exempt Properties, certified
     perimeter surveys or certificates of location of the real property covered
     by such Canadian Demand Debenture by registered surveyors as of a date and
     in form and substance acceptable to the Arranger, the Syndication Agent
     and the Documentation Agent, bearing legal descriptions indicating the
     length of exterior boundary lines of such Mortgaged Property, locations of
     all buildings, utility or other easements or servitudes, showing the
     location of all servitudes, easements of record, encroachments, if any,
     and means of access to the real property from a public way; and the
     surveyor's original certification to the Syndication Agent and the
     Collateral Agent, together with a statutory declaration of the senior
     officer of PCICC confirming that all buildings, fencing, erections,
     enclosures and other structures or improvements presently situated on the
     Mortgaged Properties are in the locations wholly within the limits of the
     Mortgaged Properties and that there are no additions or changes to the
     locations of the buildings as shown on such surveys since the date of such
     surveys; it being acknowledged and agreed by the parties hereto that any
     such certified perimeter survey in respect of the Missassauga Property
     shall be delivered to the Arranger, the Syndication Agent, the
     Documentation Agent and the Collateral Agent within 45 days of the Closing
     Date;

          (d)  evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Arranger, the
     Syndication Agent and the Documentation Agent of all filings of
     registrations or applications for registrations necessary or desirable to
     perfect the Lien created pursuant to such Canadian Demand Debenture (or
     evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Arranger, the Syndication Agent
     and the Documentation Agent that such registrations or applications for
     registrations have been delivered to the appropriate registry office(s)
     and that all fees, taxes and other





                                        41
<PAGE>   49
     expenses associated with such filings have been paid), together with such
     searches of Liens, judgment and tax lien records (other than in respect of
     the property located in Point Tupper, Nova Scotia, Canada) as the
     Arranger, the Syndication Agent and the Documentation Agent shall
     reasonably require;

          (e)  policies or certificates of insurance with respect to the
     insurance required to be maintained in respect of the property covered by
     such Canadian Demand Debenture pursuant to the terms of this Agreement,
     naming the Collateral Agent as loss payee or additional named insured, as
     appropriate; and

          (f)  such other agreements, instruments, approvals, consents,
     opinions, or documents as the Syndication Agent, the Documentation Agent,
     the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or their respective counsel
     may reasonably request.

     SECTION 5.9.  Security Agreements.  The Collateral Agent and each of the
Agents shall have received executed counterparts of each of the Canadian
Subsidiary Security Agreement and the Affiliate Security Agreement, each dated
as of the date hereof and duly executed and delivered by an Authorized Officer
of, in the case of the Canadian Subsidiary Security Agreement, PCICC, and in
the case of the Affiliate Security Agreement, each of PCI Carolina and Pioneer
Licensing, together with

          (a) in the case of PCI Carolina and Pioneer Licensing

               (i) executed Uniform Commercial Code financing statements (Form
          UCC-1) naming each of PCI Carolina and Pioneer Licensing, as the
          debtor and the Collateral Agent as the secured party, or other
          similar instruments or documents, to be filed under the Uniform
          Commercial Code or other similar laws for all jurisdictions as may be
          necessary or, in the opinion of the Collateral Agent, desirable to
          perfect the security interest of the Collateral Agent pursuant to the
          Security Agreements; and

               (ii) certified copies of Uniform Commercial Code Requests for
          Information or Copies (Form UCC-11), or a similar search report
          certified by a party acceptable to the Collateral Agent and the
          Agents, dated a date reasonably near to the Closing Date, listing all
          effective financing statements which name PCI Carolina, Pioneer
          Licensing or the U.S. Seller (under its present name and any previous
          names), as the debtor and which are filed in the jurisdiction in
          which filings were made pursuant to clause (a)(i) above, together
          with copies of such financing statements; and

          (b) in the case of PCICC, (i) evidence reasonably satisfactory to the
     Arranger, the Syndication Agent and the Documentation Agent of all
     financing statements under the applicable PPSA and all other filings and
     registrations necessary or desirable to perfect the Lien created pursuant
     to such Canadian Subsidiary Security Agreement (or evidence reasonably
     satisfactory to the Arranger, the Syndication Agent and the Documentation
     Agent that such financing statements have been delivered to the applicable
     filing office(s) and that all fees, taxes and other expenses associated
     with such filings have been paid), together with such searches of Liens,
     judgment and tax lien records as the Arranger, the Syndication Agent and
     the Documentation Agent shall reasonably require, and (ii) lien





                                        42
<PAGE>   50
     searches in the names of PCICC and each Subsidiary of PCICC (and in all
     names under which it has done business within the last five years) in each
     Canadian Province where each such Person maintains an office or has
     property, showing no financing statements or other lien instruments of
     record except for Permitted Liens (and Liens released in accordance with
     this Agreement).

     SECTION 5.10.  Quebec Mortgage and Security Agreement.  The Collateral
Agent and each of the Agents shall have received executed counterparts of the
Quebec Mortgage and Security Agreement, dated as of the date hereof and duly
executed and delivered by an Authorized Officer of PCICC, together with
evidence of the registration, filing and recording of the Liens (both moveable
and immoveable hypothecs) including:

          (a) an executed application for registration of those Liens
     constituting moveable hypothecs under the Quebec Mortgage and Security
     Agreement, naming PCICC as the grantor and the Collateral Agent as the
     holder, to be published in the Register of Personal and Moveable Real
     Rights in the Province of Quebec;

          (b) a statement of all the rights registered in the Register of
     Personal and Moveable Real Rights in the Province of Quebec against the
     moveable property, both tangible and intangible, of PCICC, certified by
     the Registrar and dated a date reasonably near to the date hereof,
     together with copies of the documents forming part of the records of the
     Registry Office;

          (c) certified perimeter surveys or certificates of location of the
     real immovable property covered by the Quebec Mortgage and Security
     Agreement by registered surveyors as of a date and in form and substance
     acceptable to the Arranger, the Syndication Agent and the Documentation
     Agent, bearing legal descriptions; indicating the length of exterior
     boundary lines of the Mortgaged Property, locations of all buildings,
     utility or other easements or servitudes, showing the location of all
     servitudes, easements of record, encroachments, if any, and means of
     access to the real property from a public way; and the surveyor's original
     certification to the Syndication Agent and the Collateral Agent;

          (d)  policies or certificates of insurance with respect to the
     insurance required to be maintained in respect of the property covered by
     the Quebec Mortgage and Security Agreement pursuant to the terms of this
     Agreement, naming the Collateral Agent as loss payee or additional named
     insured, as appropriate; and

          (e)  such other agreements, instruments, approvals, consents,
     opinions, or documents as the Syndication Agent, the Documentation Agent,
     the Administrative Agent, or their respective counsel may reasonably
     request.

     SECTION 5.11.  Closing Date Certificates.  The Agents shall have received,
with counterparts for each Lender, the Closing Date Certificates, substantially
in the form of Exhibits G-1, G-2 and G-3 hereto, respectively, dated the
Closing Date and duly executed and delivered by each of:

          (a)  the chief executive or financial (or equivalent) Authorized
     Officer of the Borrower, in which certificate the Borrower shall agree and
     acknowledge that the





                                        43
<PAGE>   51
     statements made therein shall be deemed to be true and correct
     representations and warranties of the Borrower made as of such date under
     this Agreement, and, at the time such certificate is delivered, such
     statements shall in fact be true and correct;

          (b)  the chief executive or financial (or equivalent) Authorized
     Officer of PAAC, in which certificate PAAC shall agree and acknowledge
     that the statements made therein shall be deemed to be true and correct
     representations and warranties of PAAC made as of such date under this
     Agreement, and, at the time such certificate is delivered, such statements
     shall in fact be true and correct; and

          (c)  the chief executive or financial (or equivalent) Authorized
     Officer of PCI, in which certificate PCI shall agree and acknowledge that
     the statements made therein shall be deemed to be true and correct
     representations and warranties of PCI made as of such date under this
     Agreement, and, at the time such certificate is delivered, such statements
     shall in fact be true and correct.

     SECTION 5.12.  Financial Information, etc.  The Agents shall have received

          (a)  the audited financial statements of PAAC as of December 31, 1996
     and for the period from March 6, 1995 through December 31, 1995;

          (b)  the audited financial statements of PAAC's predecessor, the
     Borrower, as of December 31, 1994 and for the period from January 1, 1995
     through April 20, 1995;

          (c)  the unaudited financial statements of PAAC for the period from
     April 1, 1997 through June 30, 1997 and for the cumulative period from
     January 1, 1997 through June 30, 1997; and

          (d)  a pro forma opening balance sheet of each of  the Borrower and
     of PAAC, in each case as of June 30, 1997, giving effect to the
     contemplated Transaction and reflecting the proposed legal and capital
     structure of the Borrower as of the Closing Date (the "Pro Form Balance
     Sheets"), which legal and capital structure shall be satisfactory in all
     respects to Agents.

     SECTION 5.13.  Pro Forma Balance Sheet Certificate.  The Agents shall have
received a certificate from the chief executive or financial Authorized Officer
of each of the Borrower and PAAC, dated the date of the initial Borrowing, with
respect to delivery of the Pro Forma Balance Sheets described in clause (d) of
Section 5.12.

     SECTION 5.14.  Target Business Financial Information.  The Agents shall
have received

          (a)  consolidated financial statements of the Target Business
     including balance sheets as at December 31, 1996, and December 31, 1995,
     and statements of operations and changes in financial position as of
     December 31, 1996, December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1994, audited by
     independent public accountants of recognized international standing and
     prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as
     then in effect in Canada (with a reconciliation to GAAP), together with
     the report thereon; and





                                        44
<PAGE>   52
          (b)  unaudited interim financial statements of the Target Business,
prepared in the same manner as the historical audited statements, for the
six-month period, ended June 30, 1997 and June 30, 1996.

     SECTION 5.15.  Indebtedness Certificate.  The Agents shall have received,
with copies for each Lender, a certificate from the chief financial Authorized
Officer of PAAC, dated the Closing Date, certifying that, immediately after the
making of the Term Loans hereunder and the issuance of the Senior Secured
Notes, PAAC's Consolidated Cash Flow Coverage Ratio is at least 2.0 to 1.0 as
required pursuant to Section 7.2.1 of the Existing Term Loan Agreement and
Section 1008 of the Existing Senior Secured Note Indenture, together with
detailed supporting calculations satisfactory in form and scope to the Agents.

     SECTION 5.16.  Intercreditor Agreement.  The Borrower, PCICC, the Trustee,
the Administrative Agent, BofA (as agent under the Revolving Credit Agreement)
and the Collateral Agent shall have entered into the Intercreditor Agreement,
and the Arranger and the Syndication Agent shall have received and be satisfied
with the terms of the executed versions thereof.

     SECTION 5.17.  Litigation.  There shall exist no pending or threatened
material litigation, proceedings or investigations which (x) contests the
consummation of the Transaction or (y) could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

     SECTION 5.18.  Material Adverse Change.  Since December 31, 1996, there
shall have occurred no material adverse change in the business, assets, debt
service capacity, liabilities (including environmental liabilities), financial
condition, operations or prospects of PAAC and its Subsidiaries or the Target
Business.

     SECTION 5.19.  Consents and Approvals, etc.  All governmental and third
party approvals necessary or advisable in connection with each aspect of the
Transaction and the continuing operations of the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and
the Target shall have been obtained and be in full force and effect, and all
applicable waiting periods shall have expired without any action being taken or
threatened by any competent authority which would restrain, prevent or
otherwise impose adverse conditions on any aspect of the Transaction.

     SECTION 5.20.  Reliance Letters.  The Syndication Agent and the
Administrative Agent  shall, unless otherwise agreed, have received reliance
letters, dated the Closing Date and addressed to each Lender and each Agent, in
respect of each of the legal opinions (other than "disclosure" and other
similar opinions) delivered in connection with the Transaction.

     SECTION 5.21.  Opinions of Counsel.  The Syndication Agent and the
Administrative Agent  shall have received opinions, dated the Closing Date and
addressed to the Agents and all Lenders from

          (a)  Willkie Farr & Gallagher, special New York counsel for the
     Borrower and the Guarantors, in form and substance satisfactory to the
     Agents,

          (b)  Stikeman, Elliott (Montreal), special Quebec counsel for PCICC
     and the Guarantors, in form and substance satisfactory to the Agents,





                                        45
<PAGE>   53
          (c)  Stikeman, Elliott (Toronto), special Ontario counsel for the
     Borrower and the Guarantors, in form and substance satisfactory to the
     Agents,

          (d)  Kent R. Stephenson, Esq., the General Counsel of PAAC,  in form
     and substance satisfactory to the Agents, and

          (e)  Stewart, McKelvey, Stirling & Scales, special New Brunswick and
     Nova Scotia counsel to the Borrower and the Guarantors, in form and
     substance satisfactory to the Agents.

     SECTION 5.22.  Closing Fees, Expenses, etc.  The Lenders, the Agents and
the Arranger shall have received, each for their own respective accounts
(including in their capacity as a Lender), as the case may be, all fees, costs
and expenses due and payable pursuant to Sections 3.3 and 10.4 if then
invoiced).

     SECTION 5.23.  Satisfactory Legal Form.  All documents executed or
submitted pursuant hereto by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries or any other Obligors shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and
substance to the Agents and their counsel; the Agents and their counsel shall
have received all information, approvals, opinions, documents or instruments as
the Agents or their counsel may reasonably request.

     SECTION 5.24.  Compliance with Warranties, No Default, etc.  Both before
and after giving effect to the making of any Term Loan hereunder, the following
statements shall be true and correct:

          (a)  the representations and warranties set forth in Article VI and
     each other Loan Document shall, in each case, be true and correct with the
     same effect as if then made (unless stated to relate solely to an earlier
     date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and
     correct as of such earlier date); and

          (b)  no Default shall have then occurred and be continuing, and
     neither PAAC, the Borrower, nor any of their respective Subsidiaries are
     in material violation of any law or governmental regulation or court order
     or decree.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     In order to induce the Lenders and the Agents to enter into this Agreement
and to make the Term Loans hereunder, each of the Borrower and PAAC represents
and warrants unto the Agents and each Lender as set forth in this Article VI.

     SECTION 6.1.  Organization, etc.  Each of the Borrower and PAAC and their
respective Subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its respective
incorporation or organization.  Each of the Borrower and PAAC and their
respective Subsidiaries is in good standing and is duly qualified to do
business in each jurisdiction where, because of the nature of its activities or
properties, such qualification





                                        46
<PAGE>   54
is required, except for those states in which its failure to qualify to do
business would not be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     SECTION 6.2.  Due Authorization, Non-Contravention, etc.  The Borrower is
duly authorized to execute and deliver this Agreement, the Term Notes, and each
other Loan Document to be executed by it and is duly authorized to borrow
monies hereunder and to perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Term
Notes and each other Loan Document to be executed by it.  PAAC is duly
authorized to execute and deliver this Agreement and each other Loan Document
to be executed by it and is and will continue to be duly authorized to perform
its obligations under this Agreement and each other Loan Document to be
executed by it.   Each other Obligor is duly authorized to execute and deliver
each Loan Document to be executed by it and is and will continue to be duly
authorized to perform its obligations thereunder.  The execution, delivery and
performance by (a) the Borrower of this Agreement, the Term Notes and each
other Loan Document to which it is a party and the Borrowings hereunder, (b)
PAAC of this Agreement and each other Loan Document to which it is a party and
(c) each other Obligor of each Loan Document to which it is a party do not and
will not require any consent or approval of any governmental agency or
authority.

     SECTION 6.3.  No Conflicts.  The execution, delivery and performance by
(a) the Borrower of this Agreement, the Term Notes and each other Loan Document
to which it is a party, (b) PAAC of this Agreement and each other Loan Document
to which it is a party and (c) each other Obligor of each Loan Document to
which it is a party do not and will not conflict with (i) any provision of law,
(ii) the Certificate or Articles of Incorporation, as applicable, or bylaws, of
the Borrower, PAAC or such other Obligor, (iii) any agreement binding upon the
Borrower, PAAC or such other Obligor which conflict is reasonably likely to
have a Material Adverse Effect or (iv) any court or administrative order or
decree applicable to the Borrower, PAAC or such other Obligor which conflict is
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect, and do not and will not
require, or result in, the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of
the Borrower, PAAC or any other Obligor, except as provided herein.

     SECTION 6.4.  Validity and Binding Effect.  This Agreement, the Term Notes
and each other Loan Document contemplated by this Agreement, when duly executed
and delivered, will be legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower,
PAAC and each other Obligor party thereto, as applicable, enforceable against
the Borrower, PAAC and each such Obligor in accordance with their respective
terms.

     SECTION 6.5.  No Default.  Neither the Borrower, PAAC nor any Subsidiary
of the Borrower or PAAC is in default under any agreement or instrument to
which the Borrower, PAAC or such Subsidiary is a party or by which any of their
respective properties or assets is bound or affected, which default is
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.  No Default or Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing.

     SECTION 6.6.  Financial Statements.  Each of the financial statements of
PAAC and of PAAC's predecessor, the Borrower, referred to in clauses (a), (b)
and (c) of Section 5.12 have been furnished to the Agents, have been prepared
in conformity with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with that of the
preceding Fiscal Year and period, and present fairly the financial condition of
PAAC and its Subsidiaries as of such dates and the results of their operations
for the periods then ended, subject (in the case of the interim financial
statement) to year-end audit adjustments.  The Pro Forma Balance Sheets include
appropriate pro forma adjustments to give





                                        47
<PAGE>   55
pro forma effect to the Transaction (including assumptions that have been made
on a reasonable basis).  Since December 31, 1996, there has not occurred or
arisen any event or condition which has had or is reasonably likely to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

     SECTION 6.7.  Insurance.  Item 6.7 ("Insurance") of the Disclosure
Schedule is a complete and accurate summary of the property and casualty
insurance program that is or will be carried by each of the Borrower, PAAC and
their Subsidiaries on the Closing Date.  Such Item 6.7 includes name(s) of
insurer(s), policy number(s), expiration date(s), amount(s) of coverage,
type(s) of coverage, the annual premium(s), deductibles and self-insured
retention and describes any retrospective rating plan, fronting arrangement or
any other self-insurance or risk assumption agreed to by the Borrower, PAAC or
any of their Subsidiaries or imposed upon the Borrower, PAAC or any such
Subsidiary by any such insurer.  This summary also includes any self-insurance
program that is in effect.

     SECTION 6.8.  Litigation; Contingent Liabilities.  (a)  As of the date
hereof and the Closing Date, except for those referred to in Item 6.8
("Litigation") of the Disclosure Schedule, there are no claims, litigation,
arbitration proceedings or governmental proceedings pending or threatened
against or affecting the Borrower, PAAC, any of their respective Subsidiaries
or any Related Party, the results of which are reasonably likely to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

     (b)  As of the date hereof and the Closing Date, other than any liability
incident to the claims, litigation or proceedings disclosed in Item 6.8 of the
Disclosure Schedule or provided for or disclosed in the financial statements
referred to in Section 6.6, neither the Borrower or PAAC nor any of their
Subsidiaries has any contingent liabilities which are reasonably likely to have
a Material Adverse Effect.

     SECTION 6.9.  Liens.  None of the Collateral or other property, revenues
or assets of the Borrower, PAAC or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries is
subject to any Lien except Liens permitted by clauses (a) and (b) of Section
7.2.2.

     SECTION 6.10.  Subsidiaries.  As of the date hereof and the Closing Date,
all of PAAC's Subsidiaries are listed in Item 6.10 ("Subsidiaries") of the
Disclosure Schedule.  Item 6.10 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth, for each
such Subsidiary, a complete and accurate statement of (a) PAAC's percentage
ownership of each of Subsidiaries, (b) the state or other jurisdiction of
formation or incorporation of each such Subsidiary and (c) each state in which
each such Subsidiary is qualified to do business.  As of the date hereof and
the Closing Date, no PCIFP Company has any Subsidiaries.

     SECTION 6.11.  Partnerships; Joint Ventures.  As of the date hereof and
the Closing Date, neither the Borrower or PAAC nor any of their Subsidiaries is
a partner or joint venturer in any partnership or joint venture other than the
partnerships and joint ventures listed in Item 6.11 ("Partnerships and Joint
Ventures") of the Disclosure Schedule.  Item 6.11 of the Disclosure Schedule
sets forth, for each such partnership or joint venture, a complete and accurate
statement of (a) PAAC's and each Subsidiary's percentage ownership of each such
partnership or joint venture, (b) the state or other jurisdiction of formation
or incorporation, as appropriate, of each such partnership or joint venture and
(c) each state in which each such partnership or joint venture is qualified to
do business.





                                        48
<PAGE>   56
     SECTION 6.12.  Senior Secured Notes.  The Senior Secured Notes have been
issued and sold to the initial purchasers thereof on or prior to the Closing
Date in accordance with and pursuant to the terms of the Offering Memorandum
and in compliance with all laws, including Rule 144A of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended and all other applicable federal and state securities laws.
The issuance of the Senior Secured Notes and the execution of the Senior
Secured Note Indenture have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
action on the part of PCICC and each of its Affiliates party thereto and will
not require any consent or approval of any governmental agency or authority
that has not been obtained prior to the date hereof.  The issuance of the
Senior Secured Notes and the execution of the Senior Secured Note Indenture do
not conflict with (i) any provision of law, (ii) the Certificate or Articles of
Incorporation or by- laws of PCICC or any of its Affiliates, (iii) any
agreement binding upon PCICC or any of its Affiliates which conflict is
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect, or (iv) any court or
administrative order or decree applicable to PCICC or any of its Affiliates
which conflict is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect, and do
not and will not require, or result in, the creation or imposition of any Lien
on any asset of PCICC or any of its Affiliates.  All representations and
warranties of PCICC and each of its Affiliates contained in the purchase
agreement relating to the Senior Secured Notes are true and correct in all
material respects as of the date hereof and the Closing Date.

     SECTION 6.13.  Intellectual Property.  Each of the Borrower, PAAC and
their respective Subsidiaries possesses adequate licenses, patents, patent
applications, copyrights, trademarks, trademark applications, trade styles, and
trade names to continue to conduct its respective business as heretofore
conducted by it or, in the case of the Target Business, its predecessors, and
all such licenses, patents, patent applications, copyrights, trademarks,
trademark applications, trade styles, and trade names that will be existing on
the Closing Date of the Borrower, PAAC or any such Subsidiary are listed in
Item 6.13 ("Intellectual Property") of the Disclosure Schedule.

     SECTION 6.14.  Solvency.  Each of the Borrower and the Guarantors,
immediately after giving effect to the Transaction on the Closing Date, will be
Solvent.  As used herein, the term "Solvent" means, with respect to any such
entity on a particular date (i) the fair value of the property of such entity
is greater than the total amount of liabilities (including contingent
liabilities) of such entity, (ii) the present fair saleable value of the assets
of such entity is greater than the probable liability of such entity on its
total existing debts (including contingent liabilities) as they become absolute
and matured, (iii) such entity will be able to pay its debts and liabilities as
they mature and (iv) such entity will not have unreasonably small capital for
the business in which it is engaged, as now conducted and as proposed to be
conducted following the consummation of the Transaction.

     SECTION 6.15.  Contracts; Labor Matters.  Except as disclosed in Item 6.15
("Contracts and Labor Matters") of the Disclosure Schedule: (a) neither the
Borrower or PAAC nor any of their Subsidiaries is a party to any contract or
agreement, or is subject to any charge, corporate restriction, judgment, decree
or order, which is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect; (b) as
of the date hereof and the Closing Date, no labor contract to which the
Borrower, PAAC or any of their Subsidiaries is a party or is otherwise subject
is scheduled to expire prior to the Stated Maturity Date; (c) neither the
Borrower or PAAC nor any of their Subsidiaries (or any of their respective
predecessors or, with respect to the Target Business, predecessors in interest)
has, within the two (2) year period preceding the date of this Agreement, taken
any action which would have constituted or resulted in a "plant closing" or
"mass layoff" within the





                                        49
<PAGE>   57
meaning of the Federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of
1988 or any similar applicable U.S. federal, state or local law or any Canadian
federal, provincial or local law that sets out requirements respecting plant
closings or layoffs, and neither the Borrower nor PAAC has any reasonable
expectation that any such action is or will be required any time prior to the
Stated Maturity Date; and (d) on the date of this Agreement and the Closing
Date (i) neither the Borrower or PAAC nor any of their Subsidiaries (or any of
their respective predecessors) is a party to, or subject to, any labor dispute
and (ii) there are no strikes or walkouts relating to any labor contracts to
which the Borrower or PAAC or any of its Subsidiaries (or any of their
respective predecessors) is a party or is otherwise subject.

     SECTION 6.16.  Pension and Welfare Plans.  (a)  Each Pension Plan
complies, and has been administered in compliance, in all material respects,
with all applicable statutes and governmental rules and regulations; no
Reportable Event has occurred and is continuing with respect to any Pension
Plan; neither the Borrower nor PAAC nor any ERISA Affiliate of either has
withdrawn from any Multiemployer Plan in a "complete withdrawal" or a "partial
withdrawal" as defined in section 4203 or 4205 of ERISA, respectively, with
respect to which the Borrower, PAAC or any ERISA Affiliate of either has any
unsatisfied liability; no steps have been instituted to terminate any Pension
Plan; no contribution failure has occurred with respect to any Pension Plan
sufficient to give rise to a Lien under section 302(f) of ERISA; no condition
exists or event or transaction has occurred in connection with any Pension Plan
or Multiemployer Plan that is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse
Effect; and neither the Borrower nor PAAC nor any ERISA Affiliate of either is
a "contributing sponsor" as defined in section 4001(a)(13) of ERISA of a
"single-employer plan" as defined in section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA that has two
or more contributing sponsors at least two of whom are not under common
control.  Except as listed in Item 6.16 ("Pension and Welfare Plans") of the
Disclosure Schedule, neither the Borrower nor PAAC nor any ERISA Affiliate of
either, to the extent there is joint and several liability with the Borrower or
PAAC to pay such benefits, has any liability to pay any welfare benefits under
any employee welfare benefit plan within the meaning of section 3(l) of ERISA
to former employees thereof or to current employees with respect to claims
incurred after the termination of their employment other than as required by
section 4980B of the Code or Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title 1 of ERISA.

     (b)  PCICC has entered into the Pension Transfer Agreement referred to in
the definition of "Acquisition Agreements" based (i) on a review to its
satisfaction of actuarial information requested by, and provided to, it by the
Canadian Seller, together with such other material as is referred to in Section
3.1(12) of the Purchase Agreement and (ii) on the representations of the
Canadian Seller set forth in Sections 3.1(12) and (13) of the Purchase
Agreement, pursuant to which PCICC will establish a Canadian Pension Plan, to
become effective October 31, 1997, which Canadian Pension Plan will receive
assets from prior pension plans for which the Canadian Seller was liable equal
to the greater of the going concern liabilities and the solvency liabilities in
respect of the initial participants as of October 31, 1997, such assets to be
computed (A) on the basis of the actuarial assumptions and methods specified in
the applicable legislation and the most recent actuarial valuations for the
prior pension plans and (B) subject to the approval of the relevant
authorities.

     SECTION 6.17.  Regulations G, U and X.  Neither the Borrower nor PAAC nor
any of their Subsidiaries is engaged in the business of purchasing or selling
Margin Stock or extending credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or
carrying Margin Stock, and no part of the





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<PAGE>   58
proceeds of the Term Loans will be used to purchase or carry any Margin Stock
or for any other purpose which would violate any of the margin regulations of
the Federal Reserve Board.

     SECTION 6.18.  Compliance.  The Borrower, PAAC and their respective
Subsidiaries are each in compliance with all statutes and governmental rules
and regulations applicable to it, the noncompliance with which is reasonably
likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     SECTION 6.19.  Taxes.  The Borrower, PAAC and their respective
Subsidiaries have each  filed all material tax returns which are required to
have been filed and has paid, or made adequate provisions for the payment of,
all of its Taxes which are due and payable, except such Taxes, if any, as are
being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and as to which
such reserves or other appropriate provisions as may be required by GAAP have
been maintained.  The federal income tax liability of PAAC and its Subsidiaries
has been audited by the Internal Revenue Service and has been finally
determined and satisfied (or the time for audit has expired) for all tax years
up to and including the tax year ended December 31, 1993.  Neither the Borrower
nor PAAC is aware of any proposed assessment against the Borrower, PAAC or any
of their  Subsidiaries for additional Taxes (or any basis for any such
assessment).

     SECTION 6.20.  Investment Company Act Representation.  Neither the
Borrower or PAAC nor any of their Subsidiaries is an "investment company" or a
company "controlled" by an "investment company" within the meaning of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

     SECTION 6.21.  Public Utility Holding Company Act Representation.  Neither
the Borrower or PAAC nor any of their  Subsidiaries is a "holding company" or a
"subsidiary company" of a "holding company" or an "affiliate" of a "holding
company" within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935,
as amended.

     SECTION 6.22.  Environmental and Safety and Health Matters.  Each of the
Borrower, PAAC and their Subsidiaries and/or each property, operations and
facility that the Borrower, PAAC or any such Subsidiary owns, operates or
controls

          (a)  complies in all respects with (i) all applicable Environmental
     Laws, the noncompliance with which is reasonably likely to have a Material
     Adverse Effect and (ii) all applicable Occupational Safety and Health
     Laws, the noncompliance with which is reasonably likely to have a Material
     Adverse Effect;

          (b)  has not received any notice (i) that it may be in violation of
     any Environmental Law or Occupational Safety and Health Law which is
     reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) threatening the
     commencement of any proceeding under any Environmental Law or Occupational
     Safety and Health Law, which is reasonably likely to have a Material
     Adverse Effect, or (iii) alleging that it is or may be responsible for any
     response, cleanup, or corrective action, including but not limited to any
     remedial investigation/feasibility studies, under any Environmental Law or
     Occupational Safety and Health Law, which, is reasonably likely to have a
     Material Adverse Effect;

          (c)  to PAAC's and the Borrower's knowledge, neither PAAC nor any of
     its Subsidiaries (including the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (including
     the Target





                                        51
<PAGE>   59
     Business)) is the subject of any Canadian or U.S. federal, state or
     provincial investigation evaluating whether any investigation, remedial
     action or other response is needed to respond to (i) a Release or
     threatened Release into the environment of any Hazardous Material or the
     spillage, disposal or release or threatened release into the environment
     of any other hazardous, toxic or dangerous waste, substance or
     constituent, or other substance regulated under any Environmental Law
     which is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) any
     allegedly unsafe or unhealthful condition regulated under any
     Environmental Law or Occupational Safety and Health Law which is
     reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect;

          (d)  has not filed any notice under or relating to any Environmental
     Law or Occupational Safety and Health Law indicating or reporting (i) any
     past or present Release into the environment of, or treatment, storage or
     disposal of, any Hazardous Material or spillage, disposal or release into
     the environment of any other hazardous, toxic or dangerous waste,
     substance or constituent, or other substance regulated under any
     Environmental Law or (ii) any potentially unsafe or unhealthful condition,
     in either case, which is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse
     Effect, and to PAAC's and the Borrower's knowledge, there exists no basis
     for such notice irrespective of whether such notice was actually filed;
     and

          (e)  has no contingent liability in connection with any actual
     Release into the environment of, or otherwise with respect to, any
     Hazardous Material or spillage, disposal or release into the environment
     of any other hazardous, toxic or dangerous waste, substance or
     constituent, or other substance, whether on any premises owned or occupied
     by the Borrower, PAAC or any or their respective Subsidiaries or on any
     other premises, which is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse
     Effect.

There are no Hazardous Materials on, in or under any property or facilities
owned, operated or controlled by the Borrower, PAAC or any of their respective
Subsidiaries the presence of which is reasonably likely to have a Material
Adverse Effect, including but not limited to such Hazardous Materials that may
be contained in underground storage tanks, but excepting such Hazardous
Materials used in accordance with all applicable laws and such Hazardous
Materials used in the same manner as an ordinary consumer (e.g., gasoline in
tanks of motor vehicles, small amounts of cosmetic cleaners, etc.).

     SECTION 6.23.  Related Agreements and Transaction Documents.  As of the
date hereof and the Closing Date, all representations and warranties of PCI,
the Borrower, PAAC and each of their respective Subsidiaries contained in any
Loan Document and all representations and warranties of PCI, the Borrower,
PCICC, PCI Carolina, Pioneer Licensing, PAAC and each of their respective
Subsidiaries contained in any Transaction Document (whether such
representations and warranties were made to the Agents or any Lender or to
another Person) are true and correct as if made on the date hereof and the
Closing Date (except for those representations and warranties which are
expressly made as of another specified date) and each of the Borrower and PAAC
hereby adopts and affirms all such representations and warranties which the
Borrower and PAAC agree shall be incorporated by reference herein and made a
part hereof.

     SECTION 6.24.  Holding Companies.  Each of PCI, PAAC, the Borrower, BMPC,
Pioneer East, TCH and Imperial is a holding company without material assets,
operations or





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<PAGE>   60
business, other than the direct ownership of (i) in the case of PCI, all of the
Capital Stock of PAAC and Pioneer Water Technologies, Inc., (ii) in the case of
PAAC, all of the Capital Stock of PAI, (iii) in the case of the Borrower, all
of the Capital Stock of PCICC, PCI Carolina, Pioneer Licensing, PCAC and its
other Subsidiaries, (iv) in the case TCH, all of the Capital Stock of T.C.
Products, Inc. and (v) in the case of Imperial, 50% of the Capital Stock of
Kemwater.  None of PCI, PAAC, the Borrower, BMPC, Pioneer East, TCH and
Imperial has any Indebtedness or other obligations other than, in the case of
PAAC, Indebtedness of PAAC in respect of the Existing Term Loans, the loans
made to PAAC pursuant to the Revolving Credit Agreement and the Existing Senior
Secured Notes and guaranties of the Indebtedness of the Borrower and PCICC, in
each case described below, in the case of the Borrower, the Obligations and
guaranties of the Indebtedness of PAAC described above and the Indebtedness of
PCICC under the Senior Secured Notes, and, in the case of BMPC, Pioneer East,
TCH and Imperial, guaranties of the Indebtedness of PAAC, the Borrower and
PCICC, in each case described above.

     SECTION 6.25.  PCICC, PCI Carolina and Pioneer Licensing.  PCICC, PCI
Carolina and Pioneer Licensing were formed for the purpose of acquiring the
assets of the Target Business and have not conducted any operations or incurred
any Indebtedness or obligations other than in connection with the Senior
Secured Notes, Acquisition Agreements and the other aspects of the Transaction.


                                  ARTICLE VII

                                   COVENANTS

     SECTION 7.1.  Affirmative Covenants.  The Borrower and PAAC agree with the
Agents and each Lender that, until all Term Loan Commitments have terminated
and all Obligations have been paid and performed in full, the Borrower and PAAC
will perform the obligations set forth in this Section 7.1.

     SECTION 7.1.1.  Financial Information, Reports, Notices, etc.  The
Borrower and PAAC will furnish, or will cause to be furnished, to each Lender
and each Agent copies of the following financial statements, reports, notices
and information (except to the extent any such Lender shall have provided
written notice to each of the Borrower and PAAC and the Administrative Agent
that it is not to receive any of the following statements, reports, notices and
information):

          (a)  Annual Audited Financial Statements.  Within ninety (90) days
     after each Fiscal Year, a copy of the annual audited financial statements
     of PAAC and its Subsidiaries, in each case prepared on a consolidated and
     consolidating basis and in conformity with GAAP and certified by an
     independent certified public accountant who shall be satisfactory to the
     Agents, together with (i) a certificate from such accountant to the effect
     that, in making the examination necessary for the signing of such annual
     audit report, such accountant has not become aware of any Default or Event
     of Default that has occurred and is continuing and that relates to
     financial or other accounting matters or the covenants set forth in this
     Article VII or, if such accountant has become aware of any such event,
     describing it and (ii) if prepared in connection with the annual audit
     report, the annual operating statements of PAAC and its Subsidiaries
     prepared on a consolidated and consolidating basis and in conformity with
     GAAP applied in a manner consistent





                                        53
<PAGE>   61
     with the audit report referred to in preceding clauses (a)(i), signed by
     PAAC's chief financial officer or assistant treasurer.

          (b)  Quarterly Financial Statements.  Within forty-five (45) days
     after the end of each Fiscal Quarter of PAAC except ninety (90) days after
     the end of the Fiscal Quarter closing a Fiscal Year, a copy of the
     unaudited financial statements of PAAC and its Subsidiaries prepared on a
     consolidated and consolidating basis and in conformity with GAAP applied
     in a manner consistent with the audit report referred to in preceding
     clause (a)(i), signed by PAAC's chief financial officer and consisting of
     at least a balance sheet as at the close of such Fiscal Quarter and an
     income statement and cash flow statement for such Fiscal Quarter and for
     the period from the beginning of such Fiscal Year to the close of such
     Fiscal Quarter, compared, in each case, to the actual results for the same
     period during the prior Fiscal Year and to PAAC's budget (delivered
     pursuant to paragraph (c) below, for the current Fiscal Year).

          (c)  Annual Budgets.  Within thirty (30) days after the end of each
     Fiscal Year of each of PAAC, a copy of an annual budget for PAAC for the
     current Fiscal Year, in each case prepared on a consolidated and
     consolidating basis and in conformity with GAAP applied in a manner
     consistent with the prior Fiscal Year's budget, signed by PAAC's chief
     financial officer or assistant treasurer and consisting of at least a
     balance sheet, an income statement and a cash flow statement, each
     calculated on a quarter by quarter basis.

          (d)  Officer's Certificate.  Together with the financial statements
     furnished by PAAC under the preceding clauses (a) and (b), a certificate
     of the chief executive or financial officer or assistant treasurer of PAAC
     stating that a review of the activities of PAAC and its Subsidiaries
     (including the Borrower) during the preceding Fiscal Year has been made
     under the supervision of the signing officers with a view to determining
     whether each has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations
     under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and further stating, as
     to each such officer signing such certificate, that to the best of his or
     her knowledge each has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and
     every covenant contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents
     and is not in default in the performance or observance of any of the
     terms, provisions and conditions hereof or thereof (or, if a Default or
     Event of Default shall have occurred, describing all such Defaults or
     Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge and what action
     each is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto).

          (e)  SEC and Other Reports.  Copies of each filing and report made by
     PCI, PAAC or any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries (including
     PCICC) with or to any securities exchange or the Securities and Exchange
     Commission, including any registration statement and all amendments
     thereto filed with respect to the Senior Secured Notes, or as required
     pursuant to the Senior Secured Note Indenture, the Senior Secured Notes or
     any other document relating thereto, promptly upon the filing or making
     thereof.

          (f)  Notice of Default.  Notice of the occurrence of (i) a Default or
     an Event of Default or (ii) a default by PCI, the Borrower, PAAC, any
     other Obligor or any Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC (including PCICC) under
     any material note, indenture, loan agreement, mortgage, lease, deed or
     other material similar agreement to which PCI,





                                        54
<PAGE>   62
     the Borrower, PAAC, any other Obligor or any such Restricted Subsidiary,
     as appropriate, is a party or by which it is bound (including any of the
     Loan Documents and the Senior Secured Notes).

          (g)  Notice of Judgment.  Notice of the entry of any judgment or
     decree against PCI,  the Borrower, PAAC, any other Obligor or any
     Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC if the amount of such judgment exceeds
     $500,000.

          (h)  Notice of Other Indebtedness.  Copies of any material
     amendments, waivers or consents, notices of breach or default, notices
     relating to the exercise or nonexercise of any remedy available to any
     Person, notices of indemnity or other claims, written materials relating
     to any dispute, written materials relating to the exercise of any rights
     derived from or arising in connection with any Indebtedness and other
     written communications of a material nature, including any communications
     by PCI, the Borrower, PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC in
     connection with the Loan Documents other than any such notice or other
     written materials already sent to the Agents pursuant to any other Section
     of this Agreement.

          (i)  Loan Documents.  Any statement, report, notice and/or
     information required to be delivered to the Collateral Agent pursuant to
     any of the Security Documents.

          (j)  Other Reports.  Any information required to be provided pursuant
     to other provisions of this Agreement, and such other reports or
     information from time to time reasonably requested by any Agent on behalf
     of itself or any Lender.

     SECTION 7.1.2.  Corporate Existence.  Subject to Section 7.2.5, each of
the Borrower and PAAC shall, subject to provisions herein, do or cause to be
done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect (i) its
corporate existence and the corporate existence of each of its Subsidiaries, in
accordance with their respective organizational documents (as the same may be
amended from time to time) and (ii) its (and its Subsidiaries) rights (charter
and statutory), licenses and franchises; provided, however, that neither the
Borrower nor PAAC shall be required to preserve any such right, license or
franchise, or the corporate existence of any of its Subsidiaries, if its Board
of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer
desirable in the conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
or PAAC and its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, taken as a whole, and that
the loss thereof is not adverse in any material respect to the Lenders.

     SECTION 7.1.3.  Maintenance of Properties. Each of the Borrower and PAAC
shall, and shall cause their respective Restricted Subsidiaries to, maintain
their respective (a) existing properties and assets in normal working order and
condition as of the date hereof and (b) properties and assets acquired after
the date hereof in normal working order and condition as of the date of such
acquisition (in each case, reasonable wear and tear excepted) and make all
repairs, renewals, replacements, additions, betterments and improvements
thereto, as shall be reasonably necessary for the proper conduct of the
business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole and
of PAAC and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole, respectively;
provided that nothing herein shall prevent the Borrower, PAAC or any of their
respective Restricted Subsidiaries from discontinuing any maintenance of any
such properties if such discontinuance is desirable in the conduct of the
business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole or of
PAAC and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole.





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<PAGE>   63
     SECTION 7.1.4.  Insurance. Each of the Borrower and PAAC shall and shall
cause their respective Restricted Subsidiaries to, maintain liability, casualty
and other insurance (subject to the customary deductibles and retentions) with
responsible insurance companies in such amounts and against such risks as is
customarily carried by responsible companies engaged in similar businesses and
owning similar assets in the general areas in which the Borrower, PAAC and
their respective Restricted Subsidiaries operate (which may include
self-insurance in comparable form to that maintained by such responsible
companies).

     SECTION 7.1.5.  Taxes.  Each of the Borrower and PAAC shall, and shall
cause each of their respective Subsidiaries to, pay prior to delinquency all
material taxes, assessments and governmental levies except as are being
contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and
in respect of which appropriate reserves (in the good faith judgment of
management of each of the Borrower and PAAC) are being maintained in accordance
with GAAP.

     SECTION 7.1.6.  Books and Records.  Each of the Borrower and PAAC will,
and will cause each of their respective Subsidiaries to, keep books and records
which accurately reflect in all material respects all of its business affairs
and transactions and permit the Agents and each Lender or any of their
respective representatives, at reasonable times and intervals, and upon
reasonable notice, to visit all of its offices, to discuss its financial
matters with its officers and, after notice to PAAC and provision of an
opportunity for PAAC to participate in such discussion, its independent public
accountant (and each of the Borrower and PAAC hereby authorizes such
independent public accountant to discuss the Borrower's and PAAC's financial
matters with each Lender or its representatives whether or not any
representative of either of the Borrower or PAAC is present, so long as PAAC
has been afforded a reasonable opportunity to be present) and to examine, and
photocopy extracts from, any of its books or other corporate records.  The cost
and expense of each such visit shall be borne by the applicable Agent or
Lender, except that each Agent may make one such visit each Fiscal Year and the
cost and expense thereof shall be borne, jointly and severally, by the Borrower
and PAAC.

     SECTION 7.1.7.  Use of Proceeds, etc.  The Borrower shall apply the
proceeds of the Term Loans to fund the Acquisition and pay certain fees and
expenses, which fees and expenses shall not exceed $14,400,000 in the
aggregate.

     SECTION 7.1.8.  Guarantees.  (a)  If (i) any Subsidiary of PAAC becomes a
Restricted Subsidiary after the Closing Date, (ii) any PCIFP Company or any of
their Restricted Subsidiaries transfers or causes to be transferred, in one
transaction or a series of related transactions, property or assets (including
businesses, divisions, real property, assets or equipment) to any Subsidiary or
Subsidiaries of PAAC that is not a PAI Guarantor or are not PAI Guarantors,
(iii) PAAC or any Subsidiary of PAAC (other than any PCIFP Company or any of
their Restricted Subsidiaries) that is a PAI Guarantor transfers or causes to
be transferred, in one transaction or a series of related transactions,
property or assets (including businesses, divisions, real property, assets or
equipment) which in the aggregate have a value equal to or greater than 15% of
PAAC's and its Subsidiaries' total assets determined on a consolidated basis as
of the time of transfer to any Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of PAAC that is not a
PAI Guarantor or are not PAI Guarantors, (iv) any Subsidiary of PAAC which has
a value equal to or greater than 5% of PAAC's and its Subsidiaries' total
assets determined on a consolidated basis as of the time of determination
directly or indirectly guarantees or otherwise becomes obligated with respect
to any Senior Indebtedness or (v) any Subsidiary of PAAC becomes a guarantor of
the





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<PAGE>   64
Senior Secured Notes, the Existing Senior Secured Notes or the Indebtedness
under the Existing Term Loan Agreement after the date hereof, PAAC shall cause
such Subsidiary or Subsidiaries to execute and deliver to the Administrative
Agent a duly executed PAI Guaranty or a supplement to an existing PAI Guaranty,
substantially in the form attached thereto, pursuant to which such Subsidiary
or Subsidiaries shall unconditionally guarantee, in accordance with the
provisions of such PAI Guaranty, all of the Borrower's Obligations under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents on the same terms as the other PAI
Guarantors, which guarantee shall rank pari passu with Senior Indebtedness of
such Subsidiary; provided, that clause (a)(i) of this Section 7.1.8 will not
apply to any newly acquired or created Subsidiary organized outside the United
States of America for so long as the issuance of a guarantee by such Subsidiary
would result in a material increase in the aggregate amount of income tax
payable by PAAC on a consolidated basis, and PAAC shall deliver to the
Administrative Agent an Officers' Certificate so stating.

     (b)  Each guarantee created pursuant to the provisions described in the
foregoing paragraph shall be deemed to be a "PAI Guaranty" and the issuer of
each such PAI Guaranty shall be referred to as a "PAI Guarantor".
Notwithstanding the foregoing (but subject to Section 7.2.6), any PAI Guaranty
shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon any
sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition to any Person of all of PAAC's
Equity Interest in (or if such Subsidiary is owned by a Restricted Subsidiary
of PAAC, of all of such Restricted Subsidiary's Equity Interest in), or all or
substantially all the assets of, such Subsidiary, which is in compliance with
this Agreement, including Section 7.2.6.

     SECTION 7.1.9.  Stock Pledge Agreements.  The Borrower and PAAC shall, and
shall cause the applicable Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower or PAAC
(the "Pledgor Subsidiary" or "Pledgor Subsidiaries") to, execute and deliver to
the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent one or more stock pledge
agreements substantially in the form of the Stock Pledge Agreement (as defined
in the Existing Term Loan Agreement) providing for the pledge to the Collateral
Agent for the benefit of (x) the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and (y)
the Trustee, for itself and the holders of Senior Secured Notes, of all the
Capital Stock of each Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC (including each PCIFP
Company) that (a) is engaged in any business activity other than the holding of
the Capital Stock of one or more Subsidiaries of PAAC (or in the case of
Imperial, engaging in any business activity other than the holding of its
Investment in Kemwater) and (b) has assets equal to or greater than 5% of
PAAC's total assets determined on a consolidated basis as of the time of
determination, together with delivery to the Collateral Agent of stock
certificates evidencing such Capital Stock (together with undated stock powers
executed in blank; which Capital Stock and stock powers will become
"Collateral" for purposes of the Intercreditor Agreement), in each case at such
time as (i) such Capital Stock is not pledged for the benefit of the lenders
under the Existing Term Loan Agreement and subject to the rights therein of the
holders of the Existing Senior Secured Notes and (ii) such pledge shall not
constitute a default or breach under the Existing Term Loan Agreement or the
Existing Senior Secured Notes.

     SECTION 7.1.10.  Concerning the Collateral and the Loan Documents.  (a)
In order to secure the due and punctual payment of the Obligations, including
principal of, premium (if any) and interest (including interest on overdue
principal) on the Term Loans, when and as the same shall become due and
payable, whether on the scheduled payment date therefor, at maturity, by
acceleration or otherwise, and performance of all other obligations of each of
the Borrower and PAAC to the Agents and the Lenders under this Agreement and
each other Loan Document and





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<PAGE>   65
of all obligations of the PAI Guarantors under the PAI Guarantees and each
other Loan Document, each of the Borrower, PAAC and the other Obligors have
entered into each of the applicable Loan Documents to which each is a party.

     (b)  Each of the Borrower and PAAC shall, and shall cause the other
Obligors to, perform at their sole cost and expense any and all acts and
execute any and all documents (including the execution, amendment or
supplementation of any application for registration, financing statement and
continuation statement or other statement) for filing under the provisions of
the UCC and the rules and regulations thereunder, the applicable PPSA and the
rules and regulations thereunder, the Civil Code of Quebec and any rules or
regulations thereunder or any other statute, rule or regulation of any
applicable Canadian or U.S. federal, state, provincial or local jurisdiction,
including any filings in local real estate land record or registry offices,
which are necessary or advisable and shall do such other acts and execute such
other documents as may be required under any of the Loan Documents, from time
to time, in order to create, grant, maintain, register, record, file, perfect,
protect or preserve valid and perfected Liens on the Collateral in favor of the
Collateral Agent in the priorities purported to be created by the Security
Documents, subject only to Liens permitted under the Security Documents to be
senior or pari passu to the Liens of the Collateral Agent, and to fully
preserve and protect the rights of the Agents and the Lenders under this
Agreement  and the other Loan Documents.  Each of the Borrower and PAAC shall,
and shall cause the other Obligors to, pay and satisfy promptly all mortgage
and financing and continuation statement recording and/or filing fees, charges
and taxes relating to this Agreement, the Security Documents and the other Loan
Documents, any amendments thereto and any other instruments of further
assurance.

     (c)  Each of the Borrower and PAAC shall, on each anniversary of the
Closing Date beginning in the 1998 year, furnish to the Administrative Agent an
Opinion of Counsel, dated as of such date, either (a) to the effect that, in
the opinion of such counsel, such action has been taken with respect to the
recordings, registerings, filings, re-recordings, re-registerings and
refilings of all applications for registration, financing statements,
continuation statements or other instruments of further assurance as is
necessary to maintain the Lien of each of the Security Documents and reciting
with respect to such Liens the details of such action or referencing prior
Opinions of Counsel in which such details are given, and stating that all
financing statements and continuation statements have been executed and filed
that are necessary as of such date and during the succeeding twelve months
fully to preserve and protect the rights of the Collateral Agent, the Lenders
and the Administrative Agent hereunder and under each of the Security Documents
with respect to the Liens, or (b) to the effect that, in the opinion of such
counsel, no such action is necessary to maintain such Liens.

     SECTION 7.1.11.  Maintenance of Corporate Separateness.  Each of the
Borrower and PAAC will, and will cause each of their respective Subsidiaries
to, satisfy customary corporate formalities, including the holding of regular
board of directors' and shareholders' meetings and the maintenance of corporate
offices and records.  Neither the Borrower nor PAAC nor any of their respective
Restricted Subsidiaries shall make any payment to a creditor of any
Unrestricted Subsidiary in respect of any liability of such Unrestricted
Subsidiary, and no bank account of an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be
commingled with any bank account of the Borrower, PAAC or any of their
respective Restricted Subsidiaries.  Any financial statements distributed to
any creditors of an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall clearly establish the
separateness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary from the Borrower, PAAC and their
respective Restricted Subsidiaries.  Neither the Borrower nor PAAC nor any of
their Subsidiaries shall take any action, or conduct





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<PAGE>   66
its affairs in a manner, which is likely to result in the corporate
existence of any Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Restricted Subsidiary being
ignored by any court of competent jurisdiction, or in the assets and
liabilities of the Borrower, PAAC or any of their respective Restricted
Subsidiaries being substantively consolidated with those of any Unrestricted
Subsidiary in a bankruptcy, reorganization or other insolvency proceeding.

     SECTION 7.1.12.  Working Capital Line.  The Borrower shall use its best
efforts to maintain a revolving credit facility or similar arrangement to the
extent it deems necessary based on its cash position and cash flows to fund the
foreseeable capital expenditure and working capital requirements of its
Restricted Subsidiaries.

     SECTION 7.1.13.  St. Gabriel Pipeline.  (a)  Within 90 days after the
Arranger, the Syndication Agent and the Documentation Agent have notified the
Borrower in writing that they have reasonably determined in good faith that the
St. Gabriel Pipeline has been substantially completed, each of PAAC and the
Borrower shall cause PCAC to use commercially reasonable efforts

          (i)  to grant to the Collateral Agent, for the pari passu benefit of
     the Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement) and as
     additional security for the Indenture Obligations and the Term Loan
     Obligations (as each such term is defined in the Intercreditor Agreement)
     a perfected first-priority Lien (the "St. Gabriel Lien") and

          (ii)  to deliver the following to the Collateral Agent:

               (A)  mortgages, security agreements, fixture filings and
          financing statements (collectively, the "Pipeline Security
          Documents") executed by PCAC and in form and substance acceptable to
          the Arranger, the Syndication Agent, the Documentation Agent and the
          Collateral Agent, sufficient to create the St. Gabriel Lien, together
          with evidence satisfactory to the Arranger, the Syndication Agent,
          the Documentation Agent and the Collateral Agent that all of such
          Pipeline Security Documents have been recorded and filed, as
          necessary, to perfect such Lien and that all fees, taxes and other
          expenses associated therewith have been paid;

               (B)  lien, title and Uniform Commercial Code financing statement
          searches showing no Liens (other than Permitted Liens and any other
          Liens acceptable to the Arranger, the Syndication Agent, the
          Documentation Agent and the Collateral Agent) on the St. Gabriel
          Pipeline prior to the St. Gabriel Lien;

               (C)  a complete set of as-built site plans, surveys or
          engineering drawings, certified as true and correct by PCAC, and
          showing all material components of the St. Gabriel Pipeline and the
          respective locations thereof;

               (D)  an opinion of local counsel to PCAC in Louisiana with
          respect to the form and enforceability of the Pipeline Security
          Documents and such other matters as the Arranger, the Syndication
          Agent, the Documentation Agent, the Collateral Agent and their
          respective counsel may reasonably require;







                                        59
<PAGE>   67
               (E)  an opinion of counsel to PCAC with respect to the due
          authorization, execution and delivery of the Pipeline Security
          Documents and such other matters as the Arranger, the Syndication
          Agent, the Documentation Agent, the Collateral Agent and their
          respective counsel may reasonably require;

               (F)  certificates of insurance with respect to the insurance
          coverage required to be maintained by PCAC in compliance with Section
          8.1.4 with respect to the St. Gabriel Pipeline, naming the Collateral
          Agent as loss payee and naming the Collateral Agent as an additional
          insured, as applicable; and

               (G)  such other approvals, consents, opinions or documents as
          the Arranger, the Syndication Agent, the Documentation Agent, the
          Collateral Agent or their respective counsel may reasonably request
          in connection with the Pipeline Security Documents and any matter
          related thereto;

     (b)  Each of PAAC and the Borrower shall cause PCAC to use its
commercially reasonable efforts to complete the St. Gabriel Pipeline in a
timely manner.

     SECTION 7.1.14.  Pension Transfer Agreement. Each of PAAC and the Borrower
shall cause PCICC to fulfill all of its obligations under the Pension Transfer
Agreement referred to in the definition of "Acquisition Agreements" in
accordance with the terms thereof that relate to the establishment, funding,
maintenance and operation of the Canadian Pension Plan to be established in
connection therewith.

     SECTION 7.2.  Negative Covenants.  The Borrower and PAAC agree with the
Agents and each Lender that, until the Term Loan Commitments have terminated,
and all Obligations have been paid and performed in full, the Borrower and PAAC
will perform the obligations set forth in this Section 7.2.

     SECTION 7.2.1.  Indebtedness.  The Borrower and PAAC will not, and will
not permit any of their Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly,
create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable with respect
to or become responsible for the payment of, contingently or otherwise
("incur"), any Indebtedness; provided, however, that the Borrower, PAAC or any
of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries may incur Indebtedness if at the
time of such incurrence and after giving pro forma effect thereto, PAAC's
Consolidated Cash Flow Coverage Ratio for the most recently ended four full
fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available
immediately preceding the date on which such Indebtedness is incurred,
calculated on a pro forma basis as if such Indebtedness was incurred on the
first day of such four full fiscal quarter period, would be at least 2.0 to
1.0.  For purposes of determining PAAC's Consolidated Cash Flow Coverage Ratio,
Cash Flow and Consolidated Interest Expense for all periods prior to the
Closing Date shall be calculated on a consolidated basis including each of
PAAC's and its Subsidiaries' predecessors.  Notwithstanding the foregoing
limitations, the incurrence of the following will not be prohibited:

          (a)  Indebtedness in respect of the Term Loans, the Guarantees and
     all other Obligations;

          (b)  Indebtedness of PAAC evidenced by the Senior Secured Notes, the
     Existing Senior Secured Notes and loans outstanding under the Existing
     Term Loan Agreement





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<PAGE>   68
     and Indebtedness of the Borrower and the PAI Guarantors in respect of
     guarantees of such Senior Secured Notes, Existing Senior Secured Notes and
     loans outstanding under the Existing Term Loan Agreement;

          (c)  Indebtedness of PAAC or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
     constituting Existing Indebtedness and any extension, deferral, renewal,
     refinancing or refunding thereof;

          (d)  Indebtedness of the Borrower, PAAC or any of their respective
     Restricted Subsidiaries incurred under one or more Credit Facilities in an
     aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the
     Borrowing Base at the time such Indebtedness was incurred, less the
     aggregate amount of all permanent repayments of revolving loans under such
     Credit Facilities made on account of the receipt by the Borrower, PAAC or
     any such Restricted Subsidiary of proceeds from the sale of any of its
     assets (as expressly permitted pursuant to the terms of any Senior
     Indebtedness);

          (e)  Capitalized Lease Obligations of the Borrower, PAAC or any of
     their respective Restricted Subsidiaries and Indebtedness of the Borrower,
     PAAC or any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries secured by Liens
     that secure the payment of all or part of the purchase price of assets or
     property acquired or constructed in the ordinary course of business after
     the date hereof; provided, however, that the aggregate principal amount of
     such Capitalized Lease Obligations plus such Indebtedness of the Borrower,
     PAAC and all of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries does not exceed
     $10,000,000 outstanding at any time;

          (f)  Indebtedness of PAAC to any Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC
     (including to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower)
     or of any Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC (including the Borrower or any
     Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower) to PAAC or another Restricted
     Subsidiary of PAAC (including the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of
     the Borrower);

          (g)  Indebtedness under Hedging Obligations; provided, however, that,
     in the case of foreign currency exchange or similar agreements which
     relate to other Indebtedness, such agreements do not increase the
     Indebtedness of the Borrower, PAAC or any of their respective Restricted
     Subsidiaries outstanding other than as a result of fluctuations in foreign
     currency exchange rates, and in the case of interest rate protection
     agreements, only if the notional principal amount of such interest rate
     protection agreement does not exceed the principal amount of the
     Indebtedness to which such interest rate protection agreement relates;

          (h)  Indebtedness in respect of performance, completion, guarantee,
     surety and similar bonds, banker's acceptances or letters of credit
     provided by the Borrower, PAAC or any of their respective Restricted
     Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

          (i)  in addition to any Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be
     incurred pursuant to the preceding clauses (a) through (h), up to
     $10,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness at any one time
     outstanding;





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<PAGE>   69
          (j)  any refinancing, refunding, deferral, renewal or extension
     (each, a "Refinancing") of any Indebtedness of the Borrower, PAAC or any
     of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries permitted by the first
     sentence of this Section or clause (b) above (the "Refinancing
     Indebtedness"); provided, however, that (i) such Refinancing Indebtedness
     does not exceed the aggregate principal amount of the Indebtedness so
     refinanced, plus the amount of any premium required to be paid in
     connection with such Refinancing in accordance with the terms of such
     Indebtedness or the amount of any premium reasonably determined by the
     Borrower or PAAC as necessary to accomplish such Refinancing, plus the
     amount of reasonable and customary out-of-pocket fees and expenses payable
     in connection therewith, (ii) the Refinancing Indebtedness does not
     provide for any mandatory redemption, amortization or sinking fund
     requirement in an amount greater than or at a time prior to the amounts
     and times specified in the Indebtedness being refinanced, refunded,
     deferred, renewed or extended and (iii) if the Indebtedness being
     refinanced, refunded, deferred, renewed or extended is subordinated to the
     Obligations, the Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to refinance, refund,
     defer, renew or extend such Indebtedness is subordinated in right of
     payment to the Obligations on terms at least as favorable to the Lenders
     as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being
     so refinanced, refunded, deferred, renewed or extended; and

          (k)  Indebtedness in respect of any guarantee provided by the
     Borrower, PAAC or any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries in
     respect of any other Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to
     this Section 7.2.1; provided, however, that in the event such Indebtedness
     guaranteed is subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness
     of the obligor thereof, then such guarantee shall be subordinated to
     Indebtedness of such guarantor to the same extent.

     SECTION 7.2.2.  Liens.  The Borrower and PAAC will not, and will not
permit any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries to, create, incur,
assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of their respective assets or
properties now owned or acquired after the date hereof, or any income or
profits therefrom, excluding, however, from the operation of the foregoing any
of the following:

          (a) (i)  Liens securing the Obligations, (ii) Liens on accounts
     receivable, inventory and related general intangibles securing obligations
     under the Revolving Credit Agreement, (iii) Liens securing the Senior
     Secured Notes, the Existing Senior Secured Notes and the obligations under
     the Existing Term Loan Agreement, and (iv) other Liens existing as of the
     Closing Date or pursuant to an agreement or document in existence on the
     Closing Date, in each case as set forth and described in Item 7.2.2(a)
     ("Existing Liens") of the Disclosure Schedule;

          (b)  Permitted Liens;

          (c)  Liens on assets or property of the Borrower or PAAC, or on
     assets or property of any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries, to
     secure the payment of all or a part of the purchase price of assets or
     property acquired or constructed in the ordinary course of business after
     the Closing Date; provided, however, that (i) the aggregate principal
     amount of Indebtedness secured by such Liens does not exceed the original
     cost or purchase price of the assets or property so acquired (including
     the reasonable and





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<PAGE>   70
     customary costs of installation of such acquired assets) or constructed,
     (ii) the Indebtedness secured by such Liens is otherwise permitted to be
     incurred hereunder, (iii) such Liens do not encumber any other assets or
     property of the Borrower, PAAC or any of their respective Restricted
     Subsidiaries and (iv) the Indebtedness secured by such Liens may not be
     created more than 100 days after the later of the acquisition, completion
     of construction, repair, improvement, addition or commencement of full
     operation of the property subject to such Liens;

          (d)  Liens on assets or property acquired by the Borrower, PAAC or
     any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries after the Closing Date;
     provided, however, that (i) such Liens existed on the date such assets or
     property were acquired and were not incurred as a result of or in
     anticipation of such acquisition and (ii) such Liens do not extend to or
     cover any assets or property of the Borrower, PAAC or any of their
     respective Restricted Subsidiaries other than the assets or property so
     acquired;

          (e)  Liens securing Indebtedness which is incurred to refinance
     Indebtedness which has been secured by a Lien permitted hereunder and
     which is permitted to be refinanced hereunder; provided, however, that
     such Liens do not extend to or cover any assets or property of the
     Borrower, PAAC or any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries not
     securing the Indebtedness so refinanced;

          (f)  Liens on assets or property of the Borrower, PAAC or any of
     their respective Restricted Subsidiaries that is subject to a Sale and
     Leaseback Transaction; provided, however, that the aggregate principal
     amount of Attributable Indebtedness in respect of all Sale and Leaseback
     Transactions then outstanding does not at the time such a Lien is incurred
     exceed $10,000,000;

          (g)  Liens on property or shares of Capital Stock of a Person at the
     time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower or PAAC;
     provided, however, that such Liens are not created, incurred or assumed in
     contemplation of the acquisition thereof by the Borrower, PAAC or a
     Subsidiary of the Borrower or PAAC; provided, further, that such Liens may
     not extend to any other property owned by the Borrower, PAAC or any of
     their respective Restricted Subsidiaries;

          (h) (i)  Liens securing Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary of
     any PCIFP Company owing such PCIFP Company or any other PCIFP Company or a
     Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of such PCIFP Company or such other
     PCIFP Company and (ii) Liens securing Indebtedness of a Restricted
     Subsidiary of PAAC (other than a PCIFP Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries) owing to PAAC or a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of
     PAAC (other than a PCIFP Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries);

          (i)  Liens on inventory, accounts receivable or related general
     intangibles of any Restricted Subsidiary securing Indebtedness which may
     be incurred under clause (d) of Section 7.2.1;

          (j)  Liens on collateral securing Indebtedness under the Existing
     Senior Secured Notes and the Existing Term Loan Agreement up to an
     aggregate principal amount of $50,000,000 of Indebtedness permitted to be
     incurred under the first sentence of 





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     Section 7.2.1; provided that (i) the proceeds of such Indebtedness are
     used to acquire or construct additional property, plant and equipment that
     will be utilized in one or more Related Businesses and (ii) the aggregate
     principal amount of Indebtedness secured by such Liens does not exceed the
     original cost or purchase price of the assets or property so acquired
     (including the reasonable and customary costs of installation of such
     acquired assets) or constructed; and

          (k)  Liens on assets or property of the Borrower or PAAC, or on
     assets or property of any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries,
     acquired or constructed after the Closing Date other than in the ordinary
     course of business and other than assets or property acquired or
     constructed in replacement, repair or improvement of any assets or
     property constituting Collateral; provided, however, that (i) the
     aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness secured by such Liens does not
     exceed the original cost or purchase price of the assets or property so
     acquired (including the reasonable and customary costs of installation of
     such acquired assets) or constructed, (ii) the Indebtedness secured by
     such Liens is otherwise permitted to be incurred hereunder and (iii) such
     Liens do not encumber any Collateral.

     SECTION 7.2.3.  Restricted Payments, etc.  PAAC will not, nor will it
cause, permit or suffer any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (including the
Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries) to, (i) declare or pay any dividends
or make any other distributions (including through mergers, amalgamations,
liquidations or other transactions commonly known as leveraged buyouts) on any
class of Equity Interests of PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary (other than
dividends or distributions payable or paid by a Wholly-Owned Restricted
Subsidiary of PAAC on account of its Equity Interests held by PAAC or another
Restricted Subsidiary or payable or paid in shares of Capital Stock of PAAC
other than Redeemable Stock), (ii) make any payment on account of, or set apart
money for a sinking or other analogous fund for, the purchase, redemption or
other retirement of such Equity Interests, (iii) purchase, defease, redeem or
otherwise retire any Subordinated Indebtedness or (iv) make any Restricted
Investment, either directly or indirectly, whether in cash or property or in
obligations of the Borrower, PAAC or any of their respective Restricted
Subsidiaries (all of the foregoing being called "Restricted Payments"), unless,
(x) in the case of a dividend, such dividend is payable not more than 60 days
after the date of declaration and (y) after giving effect to such proposed
Restricted Payment, all the conditions set forth in clauses (1) through (3)
below are satisfied (A) at the date of declaration (in the case of any
dividend), (B) at the date of such setting apart (in the case of any such fund)
or (C) on the date of such other payment or distribution (in the case of any
other Restricted Payment) (each such date being referred to as a "Restricted
Payment Computation Date"):

          (1)  no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or
     would result from the making of such Restricted Payment;

          (2)  at the Restricted Payment Computation Date for such Restricted
     Payment and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment on a pro forma
     basis, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary could incur $1.00 of additional
     Indebtedness pursuant to the first sentence of Section 7.2.1; and

          (3)  the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments declared, paid or
     distributed subsequent to the date hereof (including the proposed
     Restricted Payment) will not exceed the sum of (i) 50% of the cumulative
     Consolidated Net Income of PAAC for the





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     period subsequent to October 1, 1997 to and including the last day of
     PAAC's last fiscal quarter ending prior to the Restricted Payment
     Computation Date (each such period to constitute a "Restricted Payment
     Computation Period") (or, if such aggregate cumulative Consolidated Net
     Income is a loss, minus 100% of such loss of PAAC during the Restricted
     Payment Computation Period), (ii) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds of the
     issuance or sale or the exercise (other than to a Subsidiary or an
     employee stock ownership plan or other trust established by the Borrower,
     PAAC or any of their respective Subsidiaries for the benefit of their
     employees) of PAAC's Equity Interests (other than Redeemable Stock)
     subsequent to the Closing Date, (iii) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds of
     the issuance or sale (other than to a Subsidiary) of any debt securities
     of PAAC that have been converted into or exchanged for Equity Interests
     (other than Redeemable Stock) of PAAC to the extent such debt securities
     were originally issued or sold for cash, plus the aggregate Net Cash
     Proceeds received by PAAC at the time of such conversion or exchange, in
     each case subsequent to the Closing Date, (iv) cash contributions to
     PAAC's capital subsequent to the Closing Date and (v) $5,000,000.

If no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would occur
as a result thereof, the prohibitions set forth above are subject to the
following exceptions: (A) Restricted Investments in obligations representing a
portion of the proceeds of any Asset Sale consummated in accordance with
Section 7.2.6; provided, however, that such Restricted Investments will be
excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments previously
made for purposes of clause (3) above; (B) any purchase or redemption of Equity
Interests or Subordinated Indebtedness made by exchange for, or out of the
proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Equity Interests of PAAC
(other than Redeemable Stock and other than Equity Interests issued or sold to
a Subsidiary or an employee stock ownership plan); provided, however, that (x)
such purchase or redemption will be excluded in the calculation of the amount
of Restricted Payments previously made for purposes of clause (3) above and (y)
the Net Cash Proceeds from such sale will be excluded for purposes of clause
(3) above to the extent utilized for purposes of such purchase or redemption;
(C) any purchase or redemption of Subordinated Indebtedness of PAAC made by
exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of,
Subordinated Indebtedness of PAAC or any Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC which is
permitted to be issued pursuant to Section 7.2.1; provided, however, that such
purchase or redemption will be excluded in the calculation of the amount of
Restricted Payments previously made for purposes of clause (3) above; (D) the
repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of Capital
Stock of PAAC or PCI held by management or other employees of the PCI, PAAC or
any Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC pursuant to any shareholders agreement,
management or employee stock option agreement or management or employee equity
subscription agreement, in accordance with the provisions of any such
arrangement, in an amount not greater than $500,000 in any calendar year plus
the portion of any such amounts which remains unused at the end of the two
prior calendar years, but in no event to exceed $1,500,000 in any calendar
year; provided, however, that any such repurchase, redemption, acquisition or
retirement for value will be excluded in the calculation of the amount of
Restricted Payments previously made for purposes of clause (3) above; (E)
payments to PCI pursuant to any tax sharing arrangement so long as payments
thereunder do not exceed the amount of PAAC and its consolidated Subsidiaries'
share of Federal and state income taxes actually paid or to be paid by PAAC;
provided, however, that such payments will be excluded in the calculation of
the amount of Restricted Payments previously made for purposes of clause (3)
above; (F) payments to PCI to perform accounting, legal, corporate reporting
and administrative functions in the ordinary course of business in an amount
not greater than $500,000 in any calendar year, or to





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pay required fees in connection with the Acquisition and related
transactions, including the registration under applicable laws and
regulations of its debt or equity securities issued in connection
therewith; provided, however, that such payments will be excluded in the
calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments previously made for purposes
of clause (3) above; and (G) Investments described in clause (vi) of the
definition of Permitted Investments; provided, however, that such Investments
will be included in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments
previously made for purposes of clause (3) above.

     For purposes of this Section, (a) the amount of any Restricted Payment
declared, paid or distributed in property of PAAC or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries will be deemed to be the net book value of any such property that
is intangible property and the Fair Market Value (as determined by and set
forth in a resolution of the Board of Directors of PAAC) of any such property
that is tangible property at the Restricted Payment Computation Date, in each
case, after deducting related reserves for depreciation, depletion and
amortization; (b) the amount of any Restricted Payment declared, paid or
distributed in obligations of PAAC or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries will
be deemed to be the principal amount of such obligations as of the date of the
adoption of a resolution by the Board of Directors of PAAC or such Restricted
Subsidiary authorizing such Restricted Payment; and (c) a distribution to
holders of PAAC's Equity Interests of (i) shares of Capital Stock or other
Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC or (ii) other assets of
PAAC, without, in either case, the receipt of equivalent consideration therefor
will be regarded as the equivalent of a cash dividend equal to the excess of
the Fair Market Value of the Equity Interests or other assets being so
distributed at the time of such distribution over the consideration, if any,
received therefor.  Not later than the date of the making of any such
Restricted Payment, PAAC shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a
certificate of an Authorized Officer certifying that such Restricted Payment is
permitted, attaching a copy of the applicable resolution of the Board of
Directors pursuant to which the value of the Restricted Payment to be made was
determined and setting forth the basis upon which the calculations required by
this Section were computed.

     SECTION 7.2.4.  Payment Restrictions Affecting Guarantors.   The Borrower
and PAAC will not, and will not permit any of their respective Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to
exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction of any kind
on the ability of any such Restricted Subsidiary to (i) pay dividends or make
any other distribution to PAAC or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on its
Equity Interests, (ii) pay any Indebtedness owed to PAAC or any other such
Restricted Subsidiary, (iii) make loans or advances to PAAC or any other such
Restricted Subsidiary or (iv) transfer any of its property or assets to PAAC or
any other such Restricted Subsidiary except:

          (a)  consensual encumbrances or restrictions contained in or created
     pursuant to the Revolving Credit Agreement, the Security Documents, the
     Intercreditor Agreement, Senior Secured Notes, the Senior Secured Note
     Indenture, Existing Senior Secured Notes (if any), the Existing Senior
     Secured Note Indenture and the Existing Term Loan Agreement (including the
     security documents relating thereto);

          (b)  consensual encumbrances or restrictions in the Senior Secured
     Notes (if any) and the Senior Secured Note Indenture;

          (c)  any restriction, with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC
     that is not a Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC on the Closing Date, in
     existence at the time such entity





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<PAGE>   74
     becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC; provided that such encumbrance or
     restriction is not created in anticipation of or in connection with such
     entity becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC and is not applicable to
     any Person or the properties or assets of any Person other than a Person
     that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC;

          (d)  any encumbrances or restrictions pursuant to an agreement
     effecting a refinancing of Indebtedness referred to in clause (a) or (c)
     of this Section or contained in any amendment to any agreement creating
     such Indebtedness, provided that the encumbrances and restrictions
     contained in any such refinancing or amendment are not materially more
     restrictive taken as a whole (as determined in good faith by the chief
     financial officer of PAAC) than those provided for in such Indebtedness
     being refinanced or amended;

          (e)  encumbrances or restrictions contained in any other Indebtedness
     permitted to be incurred subsequent to the Closing Date pursuant to
     Section 7.2.1, provided that any such encumbrances or restrictions are not
     materially more restrictive taken as a whole (as determined in good faith
     by the chief financial officer of PAAC) than the most restrictive of those
     provided for in the Indebtedness referred to in clause (a), (b) or (c) of
     this Section;

          (f)  any such encumbrance or restriction consisting of customary
     nonassignment provisions in leases governing leasehold interests to the
     extent such provisions restrict the transfer of the lease;

          (g)  any restriction with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC
     imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the sale or disposition
     of all or substantially all of the Capital Stock or assets of such
     Restricted Subsidiary in compliance with the provisions hereof pending the
     closing of such sale or disposition; or

          (h)  any encumbrance or restriction due to applicable law.

     SECTION 7.2.5.  Consolidation, Merger, etc.  (a) Neither the Borrower nor
PAAC will consolidate with, merge into or amalgamate with, or sell, assign,
convey, lease or transfer all or substantially all of its assets and those of
its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to, any Person, unless

          (i)  the resulting, surviving or transferee Person expressly assumes
     all the obligations of the Borrower or PAAC, as the case may be, under
     this Agreement, the Term Notes and each other Loan Document to which the
     Borrower or PAAC, as the case may be, is a party pursuant to amendments in
     form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and
     the Required Lenders;

          (ii)  such Person is organized and existing under the laws of the
     United States of America, a state thereof or the District of Columbia, or,
     in the case of PCICC, Canada or a province thereof;

          (iii)  at the time of the occurrence of such transaction and after
     giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis, such Person could
     incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the first sentence of
     Section 7.2.1 (assuming a market rate of interest with respect to such
     additional Indebtedness);





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<PAGE>   75
          (iv)  at the time of the occurrence of such transaction and after
     giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis, the Consolidated
     Net Worth of such Person is equal to or greater than the Consolidated Net
     Worth of the Borrower or PAAC, as the case may be, immediately prior to
     such transaction;

          (v)  each Guarantor, to the extent applicable, will acknowledge and
     confirm in writing that its Guaranty will apply to such Person's
     obligations under this Agreement, the Term Notes and each other Loan
     Document to which it is (or will become) a party; and

          (vi)  immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such
     transaction and treating any Indebtedness which becomes an obligation of
     the Borrower, PAAC or any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries or
     of such Person as a result of such transaction as having been incurred by
     the Borrower, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary or such Person, as the
     case may be, at the time of such transaction, no Default or Event of
     Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

     The Borrower or PAAC, as the case may be, shall deliver to the
Administrative Agent prior to the consummation of the proposed transaction an
Officers' Certificate to the foregoing effect and an Opinion of Counsel,
covering clauses (i), (ii), (v) and (vi) above, stating that the proposed
transaction and such amendments comply with this Agreement.

     (b)  No PAI Guarantor will, and the Borrower and PAAC will not permit any
PAI Guarantor to, in a single transaction or series of related transactions
merge, amalgamate or consolidate with or into any other Person (other than, in
the case of a Restricted Subsidiary of a PCIFP Company, such PCIFP Company), in
the case of a PCIFP Company, another PCIFP Company, or in the case of any other
PAI Guarantor, the Borrower or PAAC (provided that the Borrower or PAAC, as the
case may be, would be in compliance with the other terms of this Agreement,
including the preceding paragraph (a)), or any other PAI Guarantor), or sell,
assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially
all of its properties and assets to any Person (other than, in the case of a
Restricted Subsidiary of a PCIFP Company, such PCIFP Company), in the case of a
PCIFP Company, another PCIFP Company, or in the case any other PAI Guarantor,
the Borrower or PAAC (provided that the Borrower or PAAC, as the case my be,
would be in compliance with the other terms of this Agreement, including the
preceding paragraph (a)), or any other PAI Guarantor) unless at the time and
giving effect thereto: (i) either (1) such PAI Guarantor is the continuing
corporation or (2) the Person (if other than such PAI Guarantor) formed by such
consolidation or into which such PAI Guarantor is merged or the Person which
acquires by sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or disposition the
properties and assets of such PAI Guarantor is a corporation duly organized and
validly existing under the laws of the United States of America, any state
thereof, the District of Columbia or Canada or a province thereof and expressly
assumes all the obligations of such PAI Guarantor under the applicable PAI
Guaranty and each other Loan Document to which it is a party pursuant to
amendments in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative
Agent and the Required Lenders; and (ii) immediately before and immediately
after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall
have occurred and be continuing.  Such PAI Guarantor shall deliver to the
Administrative Agent prior to the consummation of the proposed transaction, in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, an
Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such
consolidation, merger, amalgamation, sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer,
lease or disposition and such





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amendments, if required, comply with this Agreement.  The provisions of this
paragraph (b) will not apply to any transaction (including any Asset Sale made
in accordance with Section 7.2.6) with respect to any PAI Guarantor if the
applicable PAI Guaranty of such PAI Guarantor is released in connection with
such transaction in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Agreement
and the other Loan Documents.  Upon any sale, exchange, transfer or other
disposition to any Person of all of the Borrower's, PAAC's or their respective
Restricted Subsidiaries' Equity Interests in, or all or substantially all of
the assets of, any PAI Guarantor which is in compliance with this Agreement and
the other Loan Documents, such PAI Guarantor will be released from all its
obligations under the PAI Guaranty to which it is party.

     (c)  Upon any consolidation, merger or amalgamation, or any sale,
assignment, conveyance, transfer or disposition of all or substantially all of
the properties and assets of the Borrower, PAAC or any PAI Guarantor in
accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.2.5, the successor
Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Borrower, PAAC or such
PAI Guarantor, as the case may be, is merged or the successor Person to which
such sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or disposition is made shall
succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of,
the Borrower, PAAC or such PAI Guarantor, as the case may be, under this
Agreement, the Term Notes and/or the applicable PAI Guaranty, as the case may
be, with the same effect as if such successor had been named as the Borrower,
PAAC or such PAI Guarantor, as the case may be, herein, in the Term Notes
and/or in such PAI Guaranty, as the case may be.  When a successor assumes all
the obligations of its predecessor under this Agreement, the Term Notes or the
applicable PAI Guaranty, as the case may be, the predecessor shall be released
from those obligations; provided, that in the case of a transfer by lease, the
predecessor shall not be released from the payment of principal and interest
on, or any other Obligation relating to, this Agreement, the Term Notes or such
PAI Guaranty, as the case may be.

     SECTION 7.2.6.  Asset Dispositions, etc.  (a)  The Borrower and PAAC will
not, and will not permit any of their Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any
Asset Sale (other than, in the case of a PCIFP Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary of such PCIFP Company, to such PCIFP Company or another Restricted
Subsidiary of such PCIFP Company, and, in the case of PAAC or a Restricted
Subsidiary of PAAC (other than a PCIFP Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries), to PAAC or another Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC (other than a
PCIFP Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries)) unless (i) the Borrower, PAAC
or such Restricted Subsidiary receives consideration at the time of such Asset
Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value of the assets sold or otherwise
disposed of, and at least 80% of the consideration received by the Borrower,
PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary from such Asset Sale is in the form of cash
and no portion thereof shall consist of inventory or accounts receivable or
other property that would become subject to a Lien held by any other creditor
of the Borrower, PAAC or of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries; provided,
however, that the amount of any cash equivalent or note or other obligation
received by the Borrower, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary from the
transferee in any such transaction that is converted within 90 days by the
Borrower, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash will be deemed upon such
conversion to be cash for purposes of this provision;  (ii) to the extent such
Asset Sale involves Collateral, (x) the consent of the Required Lenders shall
be obtained prior to the consummation of such sale and (y) the Borrower and
PAAC shall cause the aggregate cash proceeds received by any PCIFP Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in respect of such Asset Sale which are
allocated to the Collateral, net of the items set forth in clauses (i) through
(vi) of the definition of Net Proceeds (the "Collateral Proceeds") to be
deposited with the Collateral Agent in the Intercreditor





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Collateral Account as and when received by any PCIFP Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries and shall otherwise comply with the Intercreditor
Agreement; and (iii) the Net Proceeds received by the Borrower, PAAC or such
Restricted Subsidiary from such Asset Sale are applied in accordance with the
following paragraphs.

     (b) (i) When the aggregate amount of Net Proceeds from all PAAC Asset
Sales since June 17, 1997 exceeds $35,000,000, the Borrower and PAAC shall
apply, subject to Section 3.1.2 and the provisions, if applicable, of the
Intercreditor Agreement, 100% of such Net Proceeds in excess of $35,000,000
(including 100% of the Net Proceeds of each PAAC Asset Sale subsequent to the
PAAC Asset Sale which results in Net Proceeds from all PAAC Asset Sales since
June 17, 1997 exceeding $35,000,000) that are not required pursuant to the
terms of the Existing Term Loan Agreement or the Existing Senior Secured Notes,
in each case as in effect on the date hereof, to prepay or purchase
Indebtedness outstanding under the Existing Term Loan Agreement or the Existing
Senior Secured Notes, respectively, to prepay the Term Loans on or prior to the
tenth Business Day following the date on which such Net Proceeds are received
by PAAC or its applicable Restricted Subsidiary at a price equal to 100% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest thereon to the date of
prepayment.

     (ii) When the aggregate amount of Net Proceeds from all PCIFP Asset Sales
since the Closing Date exceeds $35,000,000, the Borrower and PAAC shall apply,
subject to Section 3.1.2 and the provisions, if applicable, of the
Intercreditor Agreement, 100% of such Net Proceeds in excess of $35,000,000
(including 100% of the Net Proceeds of each PCIFP Asset Sale subsequent to the
PCIFP Asset Sale which results in Net Proceeds from all PCIFP Asset Sales since
the date hereof exceeding $35,000,000) to prepay the Term Loans on or prior to
the tenth Business Day following the date on which such Net Proceeds are
received by any PCIFP Company or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries at a
price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest
thereon to the date of prepayment.

     (c)  If all or a portion of the Net Proceeds of any Asset Sale are not
required to be applied to prepay the Term Loans pursuant to the preceding
paragraph (b), then the Borrower or PAAC may, within 365 days of such Asset
Sale, invest Net Proceeds resulting from a PAAC Asset Sale in PAAC or in one or
more of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a PCIFP Company or one of its
Restricted Subsidiaries) engaged in a Related Business and invest Net Proceeds
resulting from a PCIFP Asset Sale in the PCIFP Company whose assets were sold
or in one or more of such PCIFP Company's Restricted Subsidiaries engaged in a
Related Business.  The amount of such Net Proceeds not used to or invested as
set forth in this paragraph shall be applied by the Borrower or PAAC, subject
to Section 3.1.2 and the provisions, if applicable, of the Intercreditor
Agreement, to the prepayment of the Term Loans on or prior to the tenth
Business Day following the date such Net Proceeds are not so used or invested
at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest
thereon to the date of prepayment; provided, however, that to the extent such
Net Proceeds are subject to Section 1009 of the Senior Secured Note Indenture,
the principal amount of Term Loans required to be prepaid on account of such
Net Proceeds shall not exceed the Pro Rata Share (as defined in the
Intercreditor Agreement) of such Net Proceeds applicable to the Term Loans.

     (d)  Until such time as the Net Proceeds from any Asset Sale are applied
in accordance with this Section, such Net Proceeds will be segregated from the
other assets of the Borrower, PAAC and their respective Subsidiaries and
invested in cash or Eligible Investments, except that the Borrower, PAAC or
their relevant Restricted Subsidiary may use any Net Proceeds pending





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the utilization thereof in the manner (and within the time period)
described above, and (except as to Collateral Proceeds) to repay revolving
loans (under the Revolving Credit Agreement or otherwise) without a permanent
reduction of the commitment thereunder.

     (e)  The Borrower and PAAC will not, and will not permit any of their
Restricted Subsidiaries to, create or permit to exist or become effective any
consensual restriction other than restrictions not more restrictive taken as a
whole (as determined in good faith by the chief financial officer of PAAC) than
those in effect under Existing Indebtedness and the Revolving Credit Agreement
that would materially impair the ability of the Borrower or PAAC to comply with
the provisions of this Section.

     (f)  If at any time any non-cash consideration (other than any such
consideration consisting of inventory, accounts receivable and certain related
assets securing or permitting to secure the Revolving Credit Agreement) is
received by the Borrower, PAAC or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries, as the
case may be, in connection with any Asset Sale of assets which includes
Collateral, such non-cash consideration shall be made subject to the Lien of
the applicable Security Document in the manner contemplated in the
Intercreditor Agreement to the extent of the purchase price allocated to such
Collateral.  If and when any such non-cash consideration received from any
Asset Sale (whether or not relating to Collateral) is converted into or sold or
otherwise disposed of for cash, then such conversion or disposition shall be
deemed to constitute an Asset Sale hereunder and the Net Proceeds thereof shall
be applied in accordance with this Section 7.2.6.

     (g)  All Insurance Proceeds and all Net Awards required to be delivered to
the Collateral Agent pursuant to any Security Document shall constitute Trust
Moneys and shall be delivered by the Borrower, PAAC or the applicable
Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC, as the case may be, to the Collateral Agent
contemporaneously with receipt by the Borrower, PAAC or such Restricted
Subsidiary and be deposited into the Intercreditor Collateral Account  and
applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Intercreditor
Agreement.  Insurance Proceeds and Net Awards so deposited that may be applied
by the Borrower, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary to effect a Restoration of
the affected Collateral under the applicable Security Agreement may be
withdrawn from the Intercreditor Collateral Account only in accordance with the
applicable provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement.  Insurance Proceeds and
Net Awards so deposited that are not applied to effect a Restoration of the
affected Collateral under such Security Document may only be withdrawn in
accordance with applicable provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement.

     SECTION 7.2.7.  Modification of Certain Agreements.  The Borrower and PAAC
will not, and will not permit any of their Restricted Subsidiaries to, amend,
modify or supplement, or permit or consent to any amendment, modification or
supplement of, (i) the Security Documents in any manner or to any extent that
would constitute an Event of Default hereunder or under the Security Documents
(provided that this Agreement and the Security Documents may be amended,
modified or supplemented as set forth in Section 10.1), (ii) the Purchase
Agreement or any other Acquisition Agreement, except to the extent such
amendment, modification or supplement would not have an adverse effect on the
Lenders, (iii) the Senior Secured Notes, the Senior Secured Note Indenture, the
Existing Senior Secured Notes, the Existing Senior Secured Note Indenture and
the Existing Term Loan Agreement, except to the extent such amendment,
modification or supplement would not have a material adverse effect on the
Lenders (it being acknowledged by each of the Borrower and PAAC that, without
limitation, any increase in the interest rate on the Senior Secured Notes, the
Existing Senior Secured Notes or the loans under





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the Existing Term Loan Agreement, any reduction in the tenor or average life
thereof and any modification of (including any addition to) the covenants,
defaults and remedies set forth therein or applicable thereto (without a
corresponding modification to the covenants, defaults, defaults and remedies
applicable to the Obligations) which make such provisions more burdensome as a
whole to the Borrower, PAAC and their respective Restricted Subsidiaries shall
in each case be deemed to be materially adverse to the Lenders) or (iv) the
Revolving Credit Agreement, except to the extent such amendment, modification
or supplement would not have a material adverse effect on the Lenders (it being
acknowledged by each of the Borrower and PAAC that the extension or similar
modification of any grace period set forth therein shall in each case be deemed
to be materially adverse to the Lenders).

     SECTION 7.2.8.  Transactions with Affiliates.  (a) The Borrower, PAAC and
their respective Restricted Subsidiaries will not, directly or indirectly,
enter into any transaction or series of related transactions with or for the
benefit of any of their respective Affiliates (other than, in the case of a
PCIFP Company or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries, with such PCIFP Company or
one of its other Restricted Subsidiaries, or, in the case of PAAC or one of its
Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a PCIFP Company or one of its Restricted
Subsidiaries), with PAAC or one of its other Restricted Subsidiaries (other
than a PCIFP Company or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries)), except on an
arm's-length basis and if (x)(i) in the case of any such transaction in which
the aggregate rental value, remuneration or other consideration (including the
value of a loan), together with the aggregate rental value, remuneration or
other consideration (including the value of a loan) of all such other
transactions consummated in the year during which such transaction is proposed
to be consummated, exceeds $750,000, the Borrower or PAAC, as applicable,
delivers Board Resolutions to the Administrative Agent evidencing that the
Board of Directors and the Independent Directors that are disinterested each
have (by a majority vote) determined in good faith that the aggregate rental
value, remuneration or other consideration (including the value of any loan)
inuring to the benefit of such Affiliate from any such transaction is not
greater than that which would be charged to or extended by the Borrower, PAAC
or any of their Subsidiaries, as the case may be, on an arm's-length basis for
similar properties, assets, rights, goods or services by or to a Person not
affiliated with the Borrower, PAAC or any of their Subsidiaries, as the case
may be, and (ii) in the case of any such transaction in which the aggregate
rental value, remuneration or other consideration (including the value of any
loan), together with the aggregate rental value, remuneration or other
consideration (including the value of any loan) of all such other transactions
consummated in the year during which such transactions are proposed to be
consummated, exceeds $7,500,000, the Borrower or PAAC, as applicable, delivers
to the Administrative Agent Board Resolutions as described in clause (x)(i)
above and an opinion of a nationally recognized investment banking firm,
unaffiliated with the Borrower or PAAC, as applicable,  and the Affiliate which
is party to such transaction, to the effect that the aggregate rental price,
remuneration or other consideration (including the value of a loan) inuring to
the benefit of such Affiliate from any such transaction is not greater than
that which would be charged to or extended by the Borrower, PAAC or any of
their Subsidiaries, as the case may be, on an arm's-length basis for similar
properties, assets, rights, goods or services by or to a Person not affiliated
with the Borrower, PAAC or any of their Subsidiaries, as the case may be, and
(y) all such transactions referred to in clauses (x)(i) and (ii) above are
entered into in good faith. Any transaction required to be approved by
Independent Directors pursuant to the preceding paragraph must be approved by
at least one such Independent Director.





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     (b)  The provisions of the preceding paragraph do not prohibit (i) any
Restricted Payment permitted to be paid pursuant to Section 7.2.3, (ii) any
Investment made in Kemwater during a period of three years following the
Closing Date, provided that such Investment matures or is required to be
redeemed within one year of its being made, (iii) any issuance of securities,
or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant
to, or the funding of, employment arrangements, stock options and stock
ownership plans approved by the Board of Directors, (iv) loans or advances to
employees in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices,
not to exceed $500,000 aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time, (v)
the payment of fees and compensation to, and indemnity provided on behalf of,
officers, directors, employees or consultants of the Borrower, PAAC or any of
their Subsidiaries, as determined by the board of directors of the Borrower,
PAAC or any of their Subsidiaries in good faith and (vi) Existing Affiliate
Agreements, including amendments thereto entered into after the Closing Date
provided that the terms of any such amendment either (A) are not, in the
aggregate, less favorable to PAAC than the terms of such agreement prior to
such amendment, or (B) if such terms are, in the aggregate, less favorable to
PAAC such amendment satisfies the requirements of the preceding paragraph.

     SECTION 7.2.9.  Impairment of Security Interest.  (a)  The Borrower and
PAAC will not, and will not cause or permit any of their Restricted
Subsidiaries to, take or omit to take any action which action or omission might
or would have the result of affecting or impairing the Liens and security
interest in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders
with respect to the Collateral and the Borrower and PAAC will not grant to any
Person, or suffer any Person to have any interest whatsoever in the Collateral,
in each case other than as otherwise permitted by this Agreement, the Senior
Secured Note Indenture or the Security Documents.  The Borrower and PAAC will
not, and will not permit PCAC to, grant a security interest in, or permit any
Lien to exist on, the St. Gabriel Pipeline other than Permitted Liens and Liens
in favor of the Collateral Agent pursuant to a Security Document.

     (b)  The Borrower and PAAC will not, and will not cause or permit any of
their Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any agreement or instrument that
by its terms requires that the proceeds received from any sale of Collateral be
applied to repay, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire any
Indebtedness of any Person, other than pursuant to this Agreement or the Senior
Secured Indenture.  A release of any of the Collateral strictly in accordance
with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Security Documents will
not be deemed for any purpose to be an impairment of security under this
Agreement.

     (c)  Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Existing Term Loan
Agreement and the Intercreditor Agreement, the Borrower and PAAC will not, and
will not cause or permit any of their Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into
any agreement or instrument that by its terms requires that the Borrower, PAAC
or any such Restricted Subsidiary pledge the Capital Stock of (i) any PCIFP
Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and (ii) any other Restricted
Subsidiary of PAAC that (A) is engaged in any business activity other than the
holding of the Capital Stock of one or more Subsidiaries of PAAC (or in the
case of Imperial, engaging in any business activity other than the holding of
its Investment in Kemwater) and (B) has assets equal to or greater than 5% of
PAAC's total assets determined on a consolidated basis as of the time of
determination.

     SECTION 7.2.10.  Stock of Subsidiaries.  (a)  PAAC (i) will not, and will
not permit any of its Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a PCIFP
Company and its Subsidiaries)





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to, transfer, convey, sell or otherwise dispose of any Capital Stock of any
such Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary (other than All-Pure and its
Subsidiaries) to any Person (other than PAAC or a Wholly-Owned Restricted
Subsidiary of PAAC), unless (A) such transfer, conveyance, sale or other
disposition is of all the Capital Stock of such Wholly-Owned Restricted
Subsidiary and (B) the Net Proceeds from such transfer, conveyance, sale, lease
or other disposition are applied in accordance with Section 7.2.6, and (ii)
will not permit any such Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary (other than a PCIFP
Company and its Subsidiaries and All-Pure and its Subsidiaries) to issue any of
its Equity Interests (other than, if necessary, Capital Stock constituting
directors' qualifying shares or interests held by directors or shares or
interests required to be held by foreign nationals, to the extent mandated by
applicable law) to any Person other than to PAAC or a Wholly-Owned Restricted
Subsidiary of PAAC.

     (b)  The Borrower and PAAC (i) will not, and will not permit any
Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of a PCIFP Company to, transfer, convey,
sell or otherwise dispose of any Capital Stock of any Wholly-Owned Restricted
Subsidiary of a PCIFP Company to any Person (other than such PCIFP Company or a
Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of such PCIFP Company), and (ii) will not
permit any Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary of any PCIFP Company to issue any
of its Equity Interests (other than, if necessary, Capital Stock constituting
directors' qualifying shares or interests held by directors or shares or
interests required to be held by foreign nationals, to the extent mandated by
applicable law) to any Person other than to the Borrower or such PCIFP Company,
respectively, or any of their respective Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiaries.

     SECTION 7.2.11.  Sale and Leaseback.  The Borrower and PAAC will not, and
will not permit any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into
any Sale and Leaseback Transaction unless (i) at the time of the occurrence of
such transaction and after giving effect to such transaction and (x) in the
case of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction which is a Capitalized Lease
Obligation, giving effect to the Indebtedness in respect thereof, and (y) in
the case of any other Sale and Leaseback Transaction, giving effect to the
Attributable Indebtedness in respect thereof, the Borrower, PAAC or such
Restricted Subsidiary could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to
the first sentence of Section 7.2.1, (ii) at the time of the occurrence of such
transaction, the Borrower, PAAC or such Restricted Subsidiary could incur
Indebtedness secured by a Lien on property in a principal amount equal to or
exceeding the Attributable Indebtedness in respect of such Sale and Leaseback
Transaction pursuant to Section 7.2.2, and (iii) the transfer of assets in such
Sale and Leaseback Transaction is permitted by, and the Borrower or PAAC,
whichever applicable, applies the proceeds of such transaction in compliance,
with Section 7.2.6.

     SECTION 7.2.12.  Limitation on Applicability of Certain Covenants.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the covenants set forth in
Sections 7.2.1, 7.2.2, 7.2.3, 7.2.4, 7.2.6, and 7.2.8 hereof with respect to
PAAC and its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a PCIFP Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries) shall not apply to transactions effected pursuant to
and in accordance with the Contingent Payment Agreement and amounts related to
such transactions shall not be required to be included in any calculation
required by any such covenant.  Such transactions include (i) any payment made
by PAAC or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a PCIFP Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries), (ii) any assets or property transferred by PAAC
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a PCIFP Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries), (iii) the application of any proceeds received by
PAAC or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a PCIFP Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries) in connection with





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any transfer of assets or property made by such Person, (iv) any escrow or
segregation of moneys to be paid by PAAC or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
(other than a PCIFP Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries), (v) any
Investment of such escrowed or segregated moneys by PAAC or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a PCIFP Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries) or any other Investment under the Contingent Payment Agreement,
(vi) any obligation of PAAC or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a
PCIFP Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries) to make any such payments or to
effect any such escrow or segregation of moneys, (vii) any Indebtedness
incurred by PAAC or any of its  Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a PCIFP
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries) that is non-recourse to the assets of
PAAC, such Restricted Subsidiary or any other such Restricted Subsidiary, other
than the borrower's interest in Basic Investments, Inc., Victory Valley Land
Company, L.P., the Excess Land and/or any other assets or funds held under the
Contingent Payment Agreement, and as to which neither PAAC nor any Restricted
Subsidiary (other than the borrower) provides credit support or is directly or
indirectly liable, or (viii) any Lien incurred by PAAC or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries (other than a PCIFP Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries) in
connection with Indebtedness described in clause (vii) above that does not
extend to assets of PAAC or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries other than such
Person's interest in Basic Investments, Inc., Victory Valley Land Company,
L.P., the Excess Land and/or any other assets or funds held under the
Contingent Payment Agreement.


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                               EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     SECTION 8.1.  Listing of Events of Default.  Each of the following events
or occurrences described in this Section 8.1 shall constitute an "Event of
Default".

     SECTION 8.1.1.  Non-Payment of Obligations.  (a)  The Borrower shall
default in the payment or prepayment of any principal of, or premium with
respect to, any Term Loan when due or (b) any Obligor (including the Borrower)
shall default (and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of five
Business Days) in the payment when due of any interest or fee with respect to
any Term Loan or any other monetary Obligation.

     SECTION 8.1.2.  Breach of Warranty.  Any representation or warranty of the
Borrower, PAAC or any other Obligor made or deemed to be made hereunder or in
any other Loan Document executed by it or any other writing or certificate
(including each Closing Date Certificate) furnished by or on behalf of PCI, the
Borrower, PAAC or any other Obligor to any Agent, the Arranger or any Lender
for the purposes of or in connection with this Agreement or any such other Loan
Document (including any certificates delivered pursuant to Article V) is or
shall be incorrect when made in any material respect.

     SECTION 8.1.3.  Non-Performance of Certain Covenants and Obligations.  Any
Obligor (including the Borrower and PAAC) shall default in the due performance
and observance of any of its obligations under Sections 7.1.7,
 7.1.9, 7.2.1, 7.2.2, 7.2.3, 7.2.5, 7.2.6, 7.2.10 or 7.2.11.

     SECTION 8.1.4.  Non-Performance of Other Covenants and Obligations.  Any
Obligor (including the Borrower and PAAC) shall default in the due performance
and observance of any other agreement contained herein or in any other Loan
Document executed by it, and such





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default shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after written notice
thereof shall have been given to the Borrower or PAAC by the Administrative
Agent at the direction of the Required Lenders specifying such default and
demanding that it be remedied.

     SECTION 8.1.5.  Disaffirmation of Obligations.  (a) The Borrower or PAAC
shall either deny or disaffirm its obligations under this Agreement or any
other Loan Document or (b) any PAI Guarantor or other Obligor shall either deny
or disaffirm its obligations under the Guaranty or any other Loan Document
executed by it.

     SECTION 8.1.6.  Effectiveness and Enforceability of Guarantees.  Any
Guaranty for any reason ceases to be, or is asserted in writing by any
Guarantor or  the Borrower not to be, in full force and effect and enforceable
in accordance with its terms, except to the extent contemplated in such
Guaranty.

     SECTION 8.1.7.  Default on Other Indebtedness.  A default shall occur (i)
in the payment when due (subject to any applicable grace period), whether by
acceleration or otherwise, of any Indebtedness, other than Indebtedness
described in Section 8.1.1, of the Borrower, PAAC or any of their Subsidiaries
having a principal amount in excess of $5,000,000 or (ii) in the performance or
observance of any obligation or condition with respect to such Indebtedness if
the effect of such default is to accelerate the maturity of any such
Indebtedness or such default shall continue unremedied for any applicable
period of time sufficient to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness,
or any trustee or agent for such holders, to cause such Indebtedness to become
due and payable prior to its expressed maturity.

     SECTION 8.1.8.  Judgments.  A final judgment or final judgments for the
payment of money are entered by a court or courts of competent jurisdiction
against the Borrower, PAAC or any or their Restricted Subsidiaries and such
judgment or judgments remain undischarged, unbonded or unstayed for a period of
sixty days, provided that the aggregate of all such judgments (other than any
judgment as to which, and only to the extent, a reputable insurance company has
acknowledged coverage of such claim in writing) equals or exceeds $5,000,000.

     SECTION 8.1.9.  Bankruptcy, Insolvency, etc.

          (a)  The Borrower, PAAC, any PAI Guarantor or any Restricted
     Subsidiary of PAAC pursuant to or within the meaning of any U.S.
     Bankruptcy Law:

               (i)  commences a voluntary case,

               (ii)  consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in
          an involuntary case in which it is a debtor,

               (iii)  consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for
          all or substantially all of its property,

               (iv)  makes a general assignment for the benefit of its
          creditors,

               (v)  admits in writing its inability to pay debts as the same
          become due;





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<PAGE>   84
          (b)  a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree
     under any U.S. Bankruptcy Law that:

               (i)  is for relief against the Borrower, PAAC, any PAI Guarantor
          or any Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC in an involuntary case in which
          it is a debtor,

               (ii)  appoints a Custodian of the Borrower, PAAC, any PAI
          Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC or for all or
          substantially all of their property,

               (iii)  orders the liquidation of the Borrower, PAAC, or any PAI
          Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC,

     and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for sixty days; or

          (c)  PCICC, any other Restricted Subsidiary of PAAC subject to any
     Canadian Bankruptcy Law or any PAI Guarantor subject to Canadian
     Bankruptcy Law within the meaning of any Canadian Bankruptcy Law:

               (i)  becomes insolvent or generally does not pay its debts as
          such debts become due,

               (ii)  admits in writing its inability to pay its debts generally
          or makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors,

               (iii)  files a notice of intention to file a proposal under any
          Canadian Bankruptcy Law,

               (iv)  institutes or has instituted against it any proceeding
          seeking:

                    (A)  to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent,

                    (B)  any liquidation, winding-up, reorganization,
               arrangement, adjustment, protection, relief or composition of it
               or its debts under any Canadian Bankruptcy Law, or

                    (C)  the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of
               a receiver, interim receiver, receiver and manager, assignee,
               liquidator, sequestrator, trustee or other similar official for
               it or for any substantial part of its property,

          and in the case of any such proceeding instituted against it (but not
          instituted by it), it shall not be actively and diligently contesting
          such proceeding in good faith by appropriate legal proceedings or any
          of the actions sought in such proceeding (including the entry of an
          order for relief against it or the appointment of a receiver,
          trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for any
          substantial part of its Property) shall occur, or

               (v)  takes any corporate action to authorize any of the
          foregoing actions.





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     SECTION 8.1.10.  Impairment of Security, etc.  Any of the Security
Documents ceases to give the Collateral Agent a valid and perfected Lien of the
priority required thereby or the rights, powers and privileges purported to be
created thereby (other than in accordance with their respective terms), or any
of the Security Documents is declared null and void, or the Borrower, or any
other Obligor denies any of its obligations under any of the Security Documents
or any Collateral becomes subject to any Lien other than the Liens created or
permitted by the Security Documents or this Agreement.

     SECTION 8.2.  Action if Bankruptcy, etc.  If any Event of Default
described in clause (a), (b) or (c) of Section 8.1.9 shall occur the Term Loan
Commitments (if not theretofore terminated) shall automatically terminate and
the outstanding principal amount of all outstanding Term Loans and all other
Obligations shall automatically be and become immediately due and payable,
without notice or demand.

      SECTION 8.3.  Action if Other Event of Default.  If any Event of Default
(other than an Event of Default described in clause (a), (b) or (c) of Section
8.1.9) shall occur for any reason, whether voluntary or involuntary, and be
continuing, the Administrative Agent, upon the direction of the Required
Lenders, shall by notice to the Borrower declare all or any portion of the
outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans and other Obligations to be due
and payable and/or declare the Term Loan Commitments (if not theretofore
terminated) to be terminated, whereupon the full unpaid amount of such Term
Loans and other Obligations which shall be so declared due and payable shall be
and become immediately due and payable, without further notice, demand or
presentment, and/or, as the case may be, the Term Loan Commitments shall
terminate.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                    GUARANTY

     SECTION 9.1.  Guaranty.  The Parent Guarantor hereby absolutely,
unconditionally and irrevocably

          (a)  guarantees the full and punctual payment when due, whether at
     stated maturity, by required prepayment, declaration, acceleration, demand
     or otherwise, of all Obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter
     existing, whether for principal, interest, fees, expenses or otherwise
     (including all such amounts which would become due but for the operation
     of the automatic stay under Section 362(a) of the United States Bankruptcy
     Code, 11 U.S.C. Section 362(a), and the operation of Sections 502(b) and
     506(b) of the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. Section 502(b) and
     Section 506(b)), and

          (b)  indemnifies and holds harmless each Lender Party and each holder
     of a Term Note for any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable
     attorney's fees and expenses) incurred by such Lender Party or such
     holder, as the case may be, in enforcing any rights under the guaranty set
     forth in this Article IX.

The guaranty set forth in this Article IX constitutes a guaranty of payment
when due and not of collection, and the Parent Guarantor specifically agrees
that it shall not be necessary or required that any Lender Party or any holder
of any Term Note exercise any right, assert any claim or demand or enforce any
remedy whatsoever against the Borrower or any other Obligor (or any





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other Person) before or as a condition to the obligations of the Parent
Guarantor under the guaranty set forth in this Article IX.

     SECTION 9.2.  Acceleration of Parent Guaranty.  The Parent Guarantor
agrees that, in the event of any Default of the nature set forth in clause (a),
(b) or (c) of Section 8.1.9, and if such event shall occur at a time when any
of the Obligations of the Borrower and each other Obligor may not then be due
and payable, the Parent Guarantor agrees that it will pay to the Administrative
Agent for the account of the Lender Parties forthwith the full amount which
would be payable under the guaranty set forth in this Article IX by the Parent
Guarantor if all such Obligations were then due and payable.

     SECTION 9.3.  Guaranty Absolute, etc.  The guaranty set forth in this
Article IX shall in all respects be a continuing, absolute, unconditional and
irrevocable guaranty of payment, and shall remain in full force and effect
until all Obligations of the Borrower and each other Obligor have been paid in
full in cash, all obligations of the Parent Guarantor under the guaranty set
forth in this Article IX shall have been paid in full in cash and the Term Loan
Commitment shall have terminated.  The Parent Guarantor guarantees that the
Obligations of the Borrower will be paid strictly in accordance with the terms
of this Agreement and each other Loan Document under which they arise,
regardless of any law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect in any
jurisdiction affecting any of such terms or the rights of any Lender Party or
any holder of any Term Note with respect thereto.  The liability of the Parent
Guarantor under the guaranty set forth in this Article IX shall be absolute,
unconditional and irrevocable irrespective of:

          (a)  any lack of validity, legality or enforceability of this
     Agreement, any Term Note or any other Loan Document;

          (b)  the failure of any Lender Party or any holder of any Term Note

               (i)  to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or
          remedy against the Borrower, any other Obligor or any other Person
          (including any other guarantor (including the Parent Guarantor))
          under the provisions of this Agreement, any Term Note, any other Loan
          Document or otherwise, or

               (ii)  to exercise any right or remedy against any other
          guarantor (including the Parent Guarantor) of, or collateral
          securing, any Obligations of the Borrower;

          (c)  any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any
     other term of, all or any of the Obligations of the Borrower, or any other
     extension, compromise or renewal of any Obligation of the Borrower;

          (d)  any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination of any
     Obligations of the Borrower for any reason, including any claim of waiver,
     release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be subject to
     (and the Parent Guarantor hereby waives any right to or claim of) any
     defense or setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever by
     reason of the invalidity, illegality, nongenuineness, irregularity,
     compromise, unenforceability of, or any other event or occurrence
     affecting, any Obligations of the Borrower or otherwise;





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          (e)  any amendment to, rescission, waiver, or other modification of,
     or any consent to departure from, any of the terms of this Agreement, any
     Term Note or any other Loan Document;

          (f)  any addition, exchange, release, surrender or non-perfection of
     any collateral, or any amendment to or waiver or release or addition of,
     or consent to departure from, any other guaranty, held by any Lender Party
     or any holder of any Term Note securing any of the Obligations of the
     Borrower;

          (g)  the occurrence of any change in the laws, rules, regulations or
     ordinances of any jurisdiction by any present or future action of any
     governmental authority or court amending, varying, reducing or otherwise
     affecting, or purporting to amend, vary, reduce or otherwise affect, any
     of the Obligations and the obligations of any Guarantor;

          (h)  the application by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders of
     all monies at any time and from time to time received from the Borrower,
     any Guarantor or any other Person on account of any Obligations owing by
     the Borrower or any Guarantor to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders,
     in such manner as the Administrative Agent or the Lenders deems best and
     the changing of such application in whole or in part and at any time or
     from time to time, or any manner of application of Collateral, or proceeds
     thereof, to all or any of the Obligations;

          (i)  any change in the name, business, capital structure or governing
     instrument of the Borrower or any Guarantor or any refinancing or
     restructuring of any of the Obligations;

          (j)  the sale of the Borrower's or any Guarantor's business or any
     part thereof;

          (k)  subject to Section 7.2.5, any merger or consolidation,
     arrangement or reorganization of the Borrower, any Guarantor, any Person
     resulting from the merger or consolidation of the Borrower or any
     Guarantor with any other Person or any other successor to such Person or
     merged or consolidated Person or any other change in the corporate
     existence, structure or ownership of the Borrower or any Guarantor; or

          (l)  any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a
     defense available to, or a legal or equitable discharge of, the Borrower,
     any surety or any guarantor.

     SECTION 9.4.  Reinstatement, etc.  The Parent Guarantor agrees that the
guaranty set forth in this Article IX shall continue to be effective or be
reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any payment (in whole or in
part) of any of the Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by
any Lender Party or any holder of any Term Note, upon the insolvency,
bankruptcy or reorganization of the Borrower or otherwise, all as though such
payment had not been made.

     SECTION 9.5.  Waiver, etc.  The Parent Guarantor hereby waives promptness,
diligence, notice of acceptance and, to the extent permitted by law, any other
notice with respect to any of the Obligations of the Borrower and the guaranty
set forth in this Article IX and any requirement that the Administrative Agent,
any other Lender Party or any holder of any Term Note protect, secure, perfect
or insure any security interest or Lien, or any property subject





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<PAGE>   88
thereto, or exhaust any right or take any action against the Borrower, any
other Obligor or any other Person (including any other guarantor) or entity or
any collateral securing the Obligations of the Borrower.

     SECTION 9.6.  Postponement of Subrogation, etc.  The Parent Guarantor
agrees that it will not exercise any rights which it may acquire by way of
rights of subrogation under the guaranty set forth in this Article IX, by any
payment made under the guaranty set forth in this Article IX or otherwise,
until the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations of the Borrower and
each other Obligor and the termination of the Term Loan Commitment.  Any amount
paid to the Parent Guarantor on account of any such subrogation rights prior to
the payment in full in cash of all Obligations of the Borrower and each other
Obligor shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Lender Parties and each
holder of a Term Note and shall immediately be paid to the Administrative Agent
for the benefit of the Lender Parties and each holder of a Term Note and
credited and applied against the Obligations of the Borrower and each other
Obligor, whether matured or unmatured, in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement; provided, however, that if

          (a)  the Parent Guarantor has made payment to the Lender Parties and
     each holder of a Term Note of all or any part of the Obligations of the
     Borrower, and

          (b)  all Obligations of the Borrower and each other Obligor have been
     paid in full in cash, and the Term Loan Commitment has been terminated,

each Lender Party and each holder of a Term Note agrees that, at the Parent
Guarantor's request, the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lender Parties
and the holders of the Term Notes, will execute and deliver to the Parent
Guarantor appropriate documents (without recourse and without representation or
warranty) necessary to evidence the transfer by subrogation to the Parent
Guarantor of an interest in the Obligations of the Borrower resulting from such
payment by the Parent Guarantor.  In furtherance of the foregoing, for so long
as any Obligations or the Term Loan Commitment remain outstanding, the Parent
Guarantor shall refrain from taking any action or commencing any proceeding
against the Borrower (or its successors or assigns, whether in connection with
a bankruptcy proceeding or otherwise) to recover any amounts in the respect of
payments made under the guaranty set forth in this Article IX to any Lender
Party or any holder of a Term Note.

     SECTION 9.7.  Successors, Transferees and Assigns; Transfers of Term
Notes, etc.  The guaranty set forth in this Article IX shall:

          (a)  be binding upon the Parent Guarantor, and its successors,
     transferees and assigns; and

          (b)  inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Administrative
     Agent and each other Lender Party.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing clause (b), any Lender may
assign or otherwise transfer (in whole or in part) any Term Note or Term Loan
held by it to any other Person, and such other Person shall thereupon become
vested with all rights and benefits in respect thereof granted to such Lender
under any Loan Document (including the guaranty set forth in this





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Article IX) or otherwise, subject, however, to any contrary provisions in such
assignment or transfer, and to the provisions of Section 11.11 and Article X.


                                   ARTICLE X

                                   THE AGENTS

     SECTION 10.1.  Appointment of Agents.  Each Lender hereby irrevocably
appoints DLJ as Syndication Agent, Salomon as Documentation Agent and BofA as
its Administrative Agent under and for purposes of this Agreement, the Term
Notes and each other Loan Document.  Each Lender authorizes the Administrative
Agent to act on behalf of such Lender under this Agreement, the Term Notes and
each other Loan Document and, in the absence of other written instructions from
the Required Lenders received from time to time by the Administrative Agent
(with respect to which the Administrative Agent agrees that it will comply,
except as otherwise provided in this Section or as otherwise advised by
counsel), to exercise such powers hereunder and thereunder as are specifically
delegated to or required of the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof and
thereof, together with such powers as may be reasonably incidental thereto.
The provisions of this Article X are solely for the benefit of the Agents and
Lenders, and neither the Borrower, PAAC nor any other Obligor shall have any
rights as a third- party beneficiary of any of the provisions hereof other than
with respect to an Agent's resignation.  In performing their functions and
duties under this Agreement and each other Loan Document, the Agents shall act
solely as agents of the Lenders and do not assume and shall not be deemed to
have assumed any obligation toward or relationship of agency or trust with or
for the Borrower, PAAC or any other Obligor.

     SECTION 10.2.  Intercreditor Agreement and Collateral Agent; Power of
Attorney.

     (a)  Each Agent (in its capacity as an Agent) and each Lender consents and
agrees to all of the terms and provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement and
the other Security Documents, as the same may be amended, supplemented, amended
and restated or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the
provisions of the Security Documents and this Agreement, and authorizes and
directs the Collateral Agent to act as mortgagee or secured party with respect
thereto or to act as collateral agent pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement.

     (b)  For purposes of constituting security on PCICC's property located in
the Province of Quebec pursuant to the Quebec Mortgage and Security Agreement
as security for the due payment of all obligations of PCICC under each Canadian
Demand Debenture and the performance by PCICC of all of its obligations
contained in the Canadian Demand Debenture, the Administrative Agent and each
Lender hereby irrevocably grants to the Collateral Agent, for the purposes of
holding, on behalf of and for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the
Lenders, the security constituted by PCICC under the Quebec Mortgage and
Security Agreement, a power of attorney (within the meaning of the Civil Code
of Quebec) of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders.  To the extent that any
Person becomes the Administrative Agent or a Lender under this Agreement after
the date hereof, then such Person, by becoming bound by the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, whether by assignment or otherwise, shall be
automatically deemed to have ratified and consented to the irrevocable granting
by the Administrative Agent and Lenders to the Collateral Agent of the power of
attorney constituted hereunder.





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     SECTION 10.3.  Nature of Duties of the Agents.  The Agents shall have no
duties, obligations or responsibilities except those expressly set forth in
this Agreement and each other Loan Document.  Neither the Agents nor any of
their officers, directors, employees or agents shall be liable for any action
taken or omitted by it as such hereunder or under each other Loan Document or
in connection herewith or therewith, unless caused by its or their gross
negligence or willful misconduct.  The duties of the Agents shall be mechanical
and administrative in nature; the Agents shall not have by reason of this
Agreement or any other Loan Document a fiduciary relationship in respect of any
Lender; and nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, expressed or
implied, is intended to or shall be so construed as to impose upon the Agents
any obligations in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document except
as expressly set forth herein or therein.  No duty to act, or refrain from
acting, and no other obligation whatsoever, shall be implied on the basis of or
imputed in respect of any right, power or authority granted to any Agent or
shall become effective in the event of any temporary or partial exercise of
such rights, power or authority.

     SECTION 10.4.  General Immunity.  Neither the Agents, the Arranger nor any
of their directors, officers, agents, attorneys or employees shall be liable to
any Lender for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them under this
Agreement or any other Loan Document or in connection herewith or therewith
except for its or their own willful misconduct or gross negligence.  Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Agents and the Arranger:  (i)
shall not be responsible to the Lenders for any recitals, statements,
warranties or representations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document
or any agreement or document relative hereto or thereto or for the financial or
other condition of any Obligor, (ii) shall not be responsible to the Lenders
for the authenticity, accuracy, completeness, value, validity, effectiveness,
due execution, legality, genuineness, enforceability, collectibility or
sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any other
agreements or any assignments, certificates, requests, financial statements,
projections, notices, schedules or opinions of counsel executed and delivered
pursuant hereto or thereto, (iii) shall not be bound to ascertain or inquire as
to the performance or observance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions
of this Agreement or any other Loan Document on the part of Obligors or of any
of the terms of any such agreement by any party hereto or thereto and shall
have no duty to inspect the property (including the books and records) of any
Obligor, (iv) shall have no obligation whatsoever to the Lenders or to any
other Person to assure that the Collateral exists or is owned by the Borrower,
PAAC or another Obligor or is cared for, protected or insured or that the Liens
granted to the Administrative Agent herein or in any other Loan Document or
pursuant hereto or thereto have been properly or sufficiently or lawfully
created, perfected, protected, enforced, realized upon or are entitled to any
particular priority, and (v) shall incur no liability under or in respect of
this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any other document by acting upon
any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which may be
by telegram, cable, telex, telecopier or similar form of facsimile
transmission) believed by the Agents to be genuine and signed or sent by the
proper party.  The Agents may consult with legal counsel (including counsel for
the Borrower), independent public accountants and other experts selected by the
Agents and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in
good faith in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or
experts.

     SECTION 10.5.  Successor.  Each of the Syndication Agent and the
Documentation Agent may resign as such upon one Business Day's notice to the
Borrower and the Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent may resign as
such at any time upon at least 30 days' prior notice to the Borrower and all
Lenders.  If the Administrative Agent at any time





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shall resign, the Required Lenders may, with the prior consent of the
Borrower (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), appoint
another Lender as a successor Administrative Agent which shall thereupon become
the Administrative Agent hereunder.  If no successor Administrative Agent shall
have been so appointed by the Required Lenders, and shall have accepted such
appointment, within 20 days after the retiring Administrative Agent's giving
notice of resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of
the Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which shall be one of
the Lenders or a commercial banking institution organized under the laws of the
United States or a United States branch or agency of a commercial banking
institution, and having a combined capital and surplus of at least
$500,000,000.  Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent
hereunder by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative
Agent shall be entitled to receive from the retiring Administrative Agent such
documents of transfer and assignment as such successor Administrative Agent may
reasonably request, and shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all
rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and
the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and
obligations under this Agreement.  After any retiring Administrative Agent's
resignation hereunder as the Administrative Agent, the provisions of (i) this
Article X shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be
taken by it while it was the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, and
(ii)  Section 11.3 and Section 11.4 shall continue to inure to its benefit.

     SECTION 10.6.  Agents in their Capacity as Lenders.  With respect to their
obligation (if any) to lend under this Agreement and each other Loan Document,
the Agents shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement and each
other Loan Document as any Lender and may exercise the same as though it were
not an Agent. "Lender" or "Lenders" shall, unless the context otherwise
indicates, include each Agent in its capacity as a Lender hereunder.  The
Agents, any Lender and their respective affiliates may accept deposits from,
lend money to, and generally engage in any kind of banking or trust business
with the Borrower or any other Obligor, as if it were not an Agent or as if it
or they were not a Lender hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to
the other parties to this Agreement; provided, that the obligations of the
Borrower under such transactions shall not be deemed to be Obligations secured
by any Collateral without the prior written agreement of the Required Lenders.
In furtherance of the foregoing, each Lender acknowledges that, as of the date
hereof, (i) BofA is not a Lender under this Agreement, (ii) BofA is the sole
lender (and the administrative agent) under the Revolving Credit Agreement and
(iii) pursuant to the Revolving Credit Agreement, BofA is the beneficiary of
certain Liens on the inventory, receivables and related general intangibles of
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

     SECTION 10.7.  Actions by Each Agent.  (a)  Actual Knowledge.  Each Agent
may assume that no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, unless such
Agent has actual knowledge of the Event of Default, has received notice from
the Borrower or the Borrower's independent certified public accountants stating
the nature of the Event of Default, or has received notice from a Lender
stating the nature of the Event of Default and that such Lender considers the
Event of Default to have occurred and to be continuing.

     (b)  Discretion to Act.  Each Agent shall have the right to request
instructions from the Required Lenders by notice to each Lender.  If such Agent
shall request instructions from the Required Lenders with respect to any act or
action (including the failure to act) in connection with this Agreement or any
other Loan Document, such Agent shall be entitled to refrain from such act or
taking such action unless and until it shall have received instructions from
the





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Required Lenders, and such Agent shall not incur liability to any Person by
reason of so refraining.  Without limiting the foregoing, no Lender shall have
any right of action whatsoever against any Agent as a result of such Agent
acting or refraining from acting hereunder or under any other Loan Document in
accordance with the instructions of the Required Lenders.  Each Agent may give
any notice required under Article VIII hereof without the consent of any of the
Lenders unless otherwise directed by the Required Lenders in writing and will,
at the direction of the Required Lenders, give any such notice required under
Article VIII. Except for any obligation expressly set forth in this Agreement
or any other Loan Document, each Agent may, but shall not be required to,
exercise its discretion to act or not act, except that such Agent shall be
required to act or not act upon the instructions of the Required Lenders
(unless all of the Lenders are required to provide such instructions as
provided in Section 10.1) and those instructions shall be binding upon each
Agent and all Lenders; provided, however, that each Agent shall not be required
to act or not act if to do so would expose such Agent to liability or would be
contrary to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or to applicable law.

     SECTION 10.8.  Right to Indemnity.  Each Agent shall be fully justified in
failing or refusing to take any action under this Agreement or any other Loan
Document or in relation hereto or thereto unless it shall first be indemnified
(upon requesting such indemnification) to its satisfaction by the Lenders
against any and all liability and expense which it may incur by reason of
taking or continuing to take any such action.  The Lenders further agree to
indemnify each Agent ratably in accordance with their Percentages for any and
all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments,
suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind and nature whatsoever which
may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against such Agent in any way
relating to or arising out of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or the enforcement of any of the
terms hereof or thereof or of any other documents, and either not indemnified
by the Borrower pursuant to Section 11.4 or with respect to which the Borrower
has failed to fully honor its indemnification obligations under Section 11.4;
provided, however, that no such liability, obligation, loss, damage, penalty,
action, judgment, suit, cost, expense or disbursement results from such Agent's
gross negligence or willful misconduct.  Each Lender agrees to reimburse each
Agent in the amount of its pro rata share of any out-of-pocket expenses for
which such Agent is entitled to receive, but has not received, reimbursement
pursuant to this Agreement.  The agreements in this Section 10.8 shall survive
the payment and fulfillment of the Obligations and termination of this
Agreement.

     SECTION 10.9.  Suits to Protect Collateral.  Subject to the provisions of
the Intercreditor Agreement, the Administrative Agent, acting at the written
direction of the Required Lenders, shall have power to institute and to
maintain, or direct the Collateral Agent to institute and maintain, such suits
and proceeds as the Administrative Agent may deem expedient to prevent any
impairment of the Collateral by any acts which may be unlawful or in violation
of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and such suits and proceedings as
the Administrative Agent may deem expedient to preserve or protect its interest
and the interests of the Lenders in the Collateral (including the power to
institute and maintain suits or proceedings to restrain the enforcement of or
compliance with any legislative or other governmental enactment, rule or order
that may be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid if the enforcement of, or
compliance with, such enactment, rule or order would impair the Liens of the
Collateral Agent in the Collateral or be prejudicial to the interests of the
Lender or the Administrative Agent).

     SECTION 10.10.  Determinations Relating to Collateral.  In the event (i)
the Administrative Agent shall receive any written request from the Borrower,
PAAC or any other





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Obligor under this Agreement or any other Loan Document for consent or approval
with respect to any matter relating to any Collateral or the Borrower's, PAAC's
or such Obligor's obligations with respect thereto or (ii) there shall be due
to or from the Administrative Agent under the provisions of any this Agreement
or any other Loan Document, any performance or the delivery of any instrument
or (iii) the Administrative Agent shall become aware of any nonperformance by
the Borrower, PAAC or any other Obligor of any covenant or any breach of any
representation or warranty for the Borrower, PAAC or any other Obligor set
forth in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, then, in each such event,
the Administrative Agent shall be entitled, at the expense of the Borrower and
subject to Section 10.7(b), to hire experts, consultants, agents and attorneys
(including internal counsel) to advise the Administrative Agent on the manner
in which the Administrative Agent should respond to such request or render any
requested performance or response to such nonperformance or breach.  The
Administrative Agent shall be fully protected in the taking of any action
recommended or approved by any such expert, consultant, agent or attorney
(including internal counsel) or agreed to by the Required Lenders pursuant to
Section 10.7(b).

     SECTION 10.11.  Trust Moneys.  To the extent Trust Moneys consist of
insurance proceeds or condemnation or other taking awards, any such moneys
which may be used to effect a restoration of the affected Collateral shall be
permitted to be withdrawn by the Borrower and paid by the Collateral Agent in
accordance with the Intercreditor Agreement.

     SECTION 10.12.  Release of Collateral.  Each Lender hereby irrevocably
authorizes the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may
be, at its option and in its discretion, to release any and all guaranties of
the Obligations and any Lien granted to or held by or in favor of the
Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, for the
benefit of the Lenders with respect to any Guarantor or Collateral (i) upon
termination of the Lenders' obligations to make Term Loans and payment and
satisfaction of all Term Loans and all other Obligations and which the
Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, has been
notified in writing are then due and payable; (ii) constituting Collateral
being sold or disposed of if the Borrower certifies to the Administrative Agent
and the Collateral Agent pursuant to an Officers' Certificate that the sale or
disposition is made in compliance with the terms of this Agreement and the
other Loan Documents (and, absent any actual knowledge of the Administrative
Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, to the contrary, the
Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, may rely
conclusively on any such certificate, without further inquiry); (iii) as
provided in Section 7.1.8(b); (iv) constituting property in which the Borrower,
PAAC or any other Obligor owned no interest at the time the Lien was granted
and at all times thereafter; or (v) if approved, authorized or ratified in
writing by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may
be, at the direction of all Lenders.  Upon request by the Administrative Agent
or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, at any time, each Lender will
confirm in writing the Administrative Agent's or the Collateral Agent's, as the
case may be, authority to release particular types or items of Collateral
pursuant to this Section 10.12.

     Section 10.13.  Holding of Security.  Each Lender agrees (i) with the
other Lenders that it will not, without the prior consent of the other Lenders,
take or obtain any Lien on any property of PCICC to secure the Obligations of
the Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document, except for the benefit
of the Collateral Agent, for and on behalf of the Administrative Agent and of
all the Lenders or as may otherwise be required by law; and (ii) that,
notwithstanding the provisions of Section 32 of the Special Corporate Powers
Act (Quebec), the





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Collateral Agent, may as the person holding the power of attorney of the
Administrative Agent and of the Lenders, acquire any title to indebtedness
secured by any hypothec in its favor related to this Agreement or any other
Loan Document.

     Section 10.14.  Application of Proceeds of Collateral.  The Administrative
Agent shall apply the proceeds of any collection of the Collateral payable to
the Administrative Agent for the benefit of it and the Lenders, first, to the
payment of all costs and expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent in
connection with such collection or otherwise in connection with this Agreement
or any other Loan Document, including and together with any amounts then due
and payable to the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as such) hereunder
(including any amount then due and payable to the Administrative Agent pursuant
to its rights to indemnification under Sections 10.5 and 10.8), and, second, to
the payment in full of the Obligations then due and payable to the Lenders
(such payment to be distributed among the Lenders pro rata in accordance with
the amount of such Obligations owed to them on the date of such distribution).

     SECTION 10.15.  Rights and Remedies to be Exercised by Administrative
Agent Only.  In the event any remedy may be exercised with respect to this
Agreement or any other Loan Document or the Collateral, the Administrative
Agent shall pursue remedies designated by the Required Lenders subject to the
proviso set forth in Section 10.7(b).  Each Lender agrees that no Lender shall
have any right individually to realize upon the security created by any
Security Document.

     SECTION 10.16.  Credit Decisions.  Each Lender acknowledges that it has,
independently of and without reliance upon each Agent, the Arranger and each
other Lender, and based on such Lender's review of the financial information of
the Borrower and each other Obligor, this Agreement, the other Loan Documents
(the terms and provisions of which being satisfactory to such Lender) and such
other documents, information and investigations as such Lender has deemed
appropriate, made its own credit decision to extend its Term Loan Commitment.
Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently of and without
reliance upon each Agent, the Arranger and each other Lender, and based on such
other documents, information and investigations as it shall deem appropriate at
any time, continue to make its own credit decisions as to exercising or not
exercising from time to time any rights and privileges available to it under
this Agreement or any other Loan Document.  Except as otherwise expressly
provided for herein, the Agents shall not have any duty or responsibility to
provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the affairs,
financial condition, litigation, liabilities or business of the Parent, the
Borrower or any other Obligor.

     SECTION 10.17.  Copies, etc.  The Administrative Agent shall give prompt
notice to each Lender of each notice or request required or permitted to be
given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement (unless concurrently delivered to the Lenders by the Borrower).  The
Administrative Agent will distribute to each Lender each document or instrument
received for such Lender's account and copies of all other communications
received by the Administrative Agent from the Borrower for distribution to the
Lenders by the Administrative Agent in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement (except to the extent any such Lender shall have provided written
notice to the Administrative Agent that it is not to receive any such
documents, instruments or communications).  In the event such information is so
furnished by any Agent, such Agent shall have no duty to confirm or verify its
accuracy or completeness and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect
thereto.





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     SECTION 10.18.  The Syndication Agent, the Documentation Agent and the
Administrative Agent.  Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary contained
in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the Agents, in their respective
capacities as such, each in such capacity, shall have no duties or
responsibilities under this Agreement or any other Loan Document nor any
fiduciary relationship with any Lender, and no implied covenants, functions,
responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this
Agreement or otherwise exist against the Syndication Agent, the Documentation
Agent or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, in such capacity except as
are explicitly set forth herein or in the other Loan Documents.

     SECTION 10.19.  Agreement to Cooperate.  Each Lender agrees to cooperate
to the end that the terms and provisions of this Agreement may be promptly and
fully carried out.  The Lenders also agree, from time to time, at the request
of the Agents, to execute and deliver any and all other agreements, documents
or instruments and to take such other actions, all as may be reasonably
necessary or desirable to effectuate the terms, provisions and intent of this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

     SECTION 10.20.  Lenders to Act as Agents.  If any Collateral or proceeds
thereof at any time comes into the possession or under the control of any
Lender, such Lender shall hold such Collateral or proceeds thereof as agent for
the joint benefit of the Lenders, and will, upon receipt therefor, deliver such
Collateral or proceeds thereof to the Administrative Agent.


                                   ARTICLE XI

                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

     SECTION 11.1.  Waivers, Amendments, etc.  The provisions of this Agreement
and of each other Loan Document may from time to time be amended, modified or
waived, if such amendment, modification or waiver is in writing and consented
to by the Borrower and the Required Lenders; provided, however, that no such
amendment, modification or waiver which would:

          (a)  modify any requirement hereunder that any particular action be
     taken by all the Lenders or by the Required Lenders shall be effective
     unless consented to by each Lender;

          (b)  modify this Section 11.1, or clause (a) of Section 11.10, change
     the definition of "Required Lenders", increase the Term Loan Commitment
     Amount or the Percentage of any Lender, reduce any fees described in
     Section 3.3, release any Guarantor from its obligations under any Guaranty
     or release a substantial portion of the Collateral (except in each case as
     otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, such Guaranty or
     applicable Security Document) or extend the Term Loan Commitment
     Termination Date shall be made without the consent of each Lender
     adversely affected thereby;

          (c)  extend the due date for, or reduce the amount of, any scheduled
     repayment or prepayment of principal of or interest on or fees payable in
     respect of any Term Loan or reduce the principal amount of or rate of
     interest on any Term Loan shall be made without the consent of the holder
     of the Term Note evidencing such Term Loan; or





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          (d)  affect adversely the interests, rights or obligations of any
     Agent or Arranger (in its capacity as Agent or Arranger), unless consented
     to by such Agent or Arranger, as the case may be. 

     No failure or delay on the part of any Agent, any Lender or the holder of
any Term Note in exercising any power or right under this Agreement or any other
Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial
exercise of any such power or right preclude any other or further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other power or right.  No notice to or demand on
the Borrower in any case shall entitle it to any notice or demand in similar or
other circumstances.  No waiver or approval by any Agent, any Lender or the
holder of any Term Note under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall,
except as may be otherwise stated in such waiver or approval, be applicable to
subsequent transactions.  No waiver or approval hereunder shall require any
similar or dissimilar waiver or approval thereafter to be granted hereunder.

     SECTION 11.2.  Notices.  All notices and other communications provided to
any party hereto under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be in
writing or by facsimile and addressed, delivered or transmitted to such party
at its address or facsimile number set forth in Schedule II hereto or, in the
case of a Lender that becomes a party hereto after the date hereof, as set
forth in the Lender Assignment Agreement pursuant to which such Lender becomes
a Lender hereunder or at such other address or facsimile number as may be
designated by such party in a notice to the other parties.  Any notice, if
mailed and properly addressed with postage prepaid or if properly addressed and
sent by pre-paid courier service, shall be deemed given when received; any
notice, if transmitted by facsimile, shall be deemed given when transmitted
(and electronic confirmation of receipt thereof has been received).

     SECTION 11.3.  Payment of Costs and Expenses.  The Borrower agrees to pay
on demand all expenses of each of the Agents (including the fees and
out-of-pocket expenses of counsel to the Agents (including internal counsel)
and of local counsel, if any, who may be retained by counsel to the Agents) in
connection with

          (a)  the syndication by the Syndication Agent and the Arranger of the
     Term Loans, the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this
     Agreement and of each other Loan Document, including schedules and
     exhibits, and any amendments, waivers, consents, supplements or other
     modifications to this Agreement or any other Loan Document as may from
     time to time hereafter be required, whether or not the transactions
     contemplated hereby are consummated;

          (b)  the filing, recording, refiling or rerecording of each Mortgage,
     each Security Agreement, any Uniform Commercial Code or PPSA financing
     statements and each other Security Document relating thereto and all
     amendments, supplements and modifications to any thereof and any and all
     other documents or instruments of further assurance required to be filed
     or recorded or refiled or rerecorded by the terms hereof or of such
     Mortgage, Security Agreement or other Security Document; and

          (c)  the preparation and review of the form of any document or
     instrument relevant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document.





                                        89
<PAGE>   97
The Borrower further agrees to pay, and to save the Agents and the Lenders
harmless from all liability for, any stamp or other similar taxes which may be
payable in connection with the execution or delivery of this Agreement, the
Term Loans made hereunder or the issuance of the Term Notes or any other Loan
Documents.  The Borrower also agrees to reimburse each Agent and each Lender
upon demand for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including attorneys'
fees and legal expenses (including those of internal counsel)) incurred by such
Agent or such Lender in connection with (x) the negotiation of any
restructuring or "work-out", whether or not consummated, of any Obligations,
(y) the enforcement of any Obligations and (z) any litigation relating to the
Obligations, this Agreement or any Loan Document.

     SECTION 11.4.  Indemnification.  In consideration of the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by each Lender and the extension of the Term Loan
Commitments, each of the Borrower and PAAC hereby, to the fullest extent
permitted under applicable law, indemnifies, exonerates and holds each Agent,
the Arranger and each Lender and each of their respective Affiliates, and each
of their respective partners, officers, directors, employees and agents, and
each other Person controlling any of the foregoing within the meaning of either
Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Section 20 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (collectively, the "Indemnified
Parties"), free and harmless from and against any and all actions, causes of
action, suits, losses, costs, liabilities and damages, and expenses incurred in
connection therewith (irrespective of whether any such Indemnified Party is a
party to the action for which indemnification hereunder is sought), including
reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements (including those of internal
counsel) (collectively, the "Indemnified Liabilities"), incurred by the
Indemnified Parties or any of them as a result of, or arising out of, or
relating to

          (a)  any transaction financed or to be financed in whole or in part,
     directly or indirectly, with the proceeds of any Term Loan;

          (b)  the entering into and performance of this Agreement and any
     other Loan Document by any of the Indemnified Parties (including any
     action brought by or on behalf of the Borrower or PAAC as the result of
     any determination by the Required Lenders pursuant to Article V not to
     fund any Borrowing);

          (c)  any investigation, litigation or proceeding related to any
     acquisition or proposed acquisition by the Borrower, PAAC or any of their
     Subsidiaries of all or any portion of the stock or assets of any Person,
     whether or not such Agent, such Arranger or such Lender is party thereto;

          (d)  any investigation, litigation or proceeding related to any
     environmental cleanup, audit, compliance or other matter relating to the
     protection of the environment or the Release by the Borrower, PAAC or any
     of their Subsidiaries of any Hazardous Material;

          (e)  the presence on or under, or the escape, seepage, leakage,
     spillage, discharge, emission, discharging or releases from, any real
     property owned or operated by the Borrower, PAAC or any of their
     Subsidiaries of any Hazardous Material (including any losses, liabilities,
     damages, injuries, costs, expenses or claims asserted or arising under any
     Environmental Law), regardless of whether caused by, or within the control
     of, the Borrower, PAAC or such Subsidiary; or





                                        90
<PAGE>   98
          (f) with respect to BofA, any action taken by BofA in its capacity as
     agent under the Revolving Credit Agreement,

except for any such Indemnified Liabilities arising for the account of a
particular Indemnified Party by reason of the relevant Indemnified Party's
gross negligence or willful misconduct.  If and to the extent that the
foregoing undertaking may be unenforceable for any reason, each of the Borrower
and PAAC hereby agrees to make the maximum contribution to the payment and
satisfaction of each of the Indemnified Liabilities which is permissible under
applicable law.

     SECTION 11.5.  Survival.  The obligations of the Borrower and PAAC under
Sections 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, Article IX, Sections 11.3 and 11.4, and the
obligations of the Lenders under Section 11.1, shall in each case survive any
termination of this Agreement, the payment in full of all Obligations and the
termination of all Term Loan Commitments.  The representations and warranties
made by the Borrower, PAAC and each other Obligor in this Agreement and in each
other Loan Document shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement
and each such other Loan Document.

     SECTION 11.6.  Severability.  Any provision of this Agreement or any other
Loan Document which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall,
as to such provision and such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of
such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining
provisions of this Agreement or such other Loan Document or affecting the
validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

     SECTION 11.7.  Headings.  The various headings of this Agreement and of
each other Loan Document are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect
the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or such other Loan Document or
any provisions hereof or thereof.

     SECTION 11.8.  Execution in Counterparts, Effectiveness, etc.  This
Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in several counterparts, each
of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which shall constitute
together but one and the same agreement.  This Agreement shall become effective
when counterparts hereof executed on behalf of the Borrower, each Lender and
the Administrative Agent (or notice thereof satisfactory to the Administrative
Agent) shall have been received by the Administrative Agent.

     SECTION 11.9.  Governing Law; Entire Agreement.  THIS AGREEMENT, THE TERM
NOTES AND, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY PROVIDED THEREIN, EACH
OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL EACH BE DEEMED TO BE A CONTRACT MADE UNDER AND
GOVERNED BY THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.  This Agreement, the
Term Notes and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire understanding
among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersede any prior agreements, written or oral, with respect thereto.  Upon
the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the parties hereto, all
obligations and liabilities of the Arranger under or relating or with respect
to the  Commitment Letter shall be terminated and of no further force or
effect.

     SECTION 11.10.  Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall be binding
upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns; provided, however, that (i) neither the Borrower nor
PAAC may assign or transfer its rights or





                                        91
<PAGE>   99
obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each of the Agents
and all Lenders, and (ii) the rights of sale, assignment and transfer of the
Lenders are subject to Section 11.11.

     SECTION 11.11.  Sale and Transfer of Term Loans and Term Notes;
Participations in Term Loans and Term Notes.  Each Lender may assign, or sell
participations in, its Term Loan and Term Loan Commitment to one or more other
Persons in accordance with this Section 11.11.

     SECTION 11.11.1.  Assignments.  Any Lender (the "Assignor Lender"),

          (a)  with written notice to the Administrative Agent and the written
     consents of the Borrower and the Syndication Agent (which consents shall
     not be (i) unreasonably delayed or withheld or (ii) required in the case
     of any assignments made by the Syndication Agent or any of its Affiliates
     and which consent in the case of the Borrower, shall be deemed to have
     been given in the absence of a written notice delivered by the Borrower to
     the Administrative Agent, on or before the fifth Business Day after
     receipt by the Borrower of such Assignor Lender's request for consent,
     stating, in reasonable detail, the reasons why the Borrower proposes to
     withhold such consent), may at any time assign and delegate to one or more
     commercial banks or other financial institutions (including funds engaged
     in the business of investing in loans), and

          (b)  with notice to the Borrower, the Syndication Agent and the
     Administrative Agent, but without the consent of the Borrower or any
     Agent, may assign and delegate to any of its Affiliates or to any other
     Lender or to any Person whose investment manager or investment advisor is
     the investment manager or investment advisor of such Lender

(each Person described in either of the foregoing clauses as being the Person
to whom such assignment and delegation is to be made, being hereinafter
referred to as an "Assignee Lender"), all or any fraction of such Assignor
Lender's total Term Loans and Term Loan Commitment in a minimum aggregate
amount of (i) $1,000,000 or (ii) the then remaining amount of such Lender's
Term Loans and Term Loan Commitment; provided, however, that any such Assignee
Lender will comply, if applicable, with the provisions contained in the last
sentence of Section 4.6 and provided, further, however, that, the Borrower,
each other Obligor and the Agents shall be entitled to continue to deal solely
and directly with such Assignor Lender in connection with the interests so
assigned and delegated to an Assignee Lender until

          (i)  written notice of such assignment and delegation, together with
     payment instructions, addresses and related information with respect to
     such Assignee Lender, shall have been given to the Borrower and the Agents
     by such Assignor Lender and such Assignee Lender;

          (ii)  such Assignor Lender and such Assignee Lender shall have
     executed and delivered to the Borrower and the Agents a Lender Assignment
     Agreement, accepted by the Administrative Agent; and

          (iii)  the processing fees described below shall have been paid.

From and after the date that the Administrative Agent accepts such Lender
Assignment Agreement, (x) the Assignee Lender thereunder shall be deemed
automatically to have become a party hereto and to the extent that rights and
obligations hereunder have been assigned and





                                        92
<PAGE>   100
delegated to such Assignee Lender in connection with such Lender Assignment
Agreement, shall have the rights and obligations of a Lender hereunder and
under the other Loan Documents, and (y) the Assignor Lender, to the extent that
rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned and delegated by it in
connection with such Lender Assignment Agreement, shall be released from its
obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents.  Within ten Business
Days after its receipt of notice that the Administrative Agent has accepted an
executed Lender Assignment Agreement, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to
the Administrative Agent (for delivery to the relevant Assignee Lender) a new
Term Note evidencing such Assignee Lender's assigned Term Loans and Term Loan
Commitments  and, if the Assignor Lender has retained Term Loans and Term Loan
Commitments  hereunder, a replacement Term Note in the principal amount of the
Term Loans and Term Loan Commitments  retained by the Assignor Lender hereunder
(such Term Note to be in exchange for, but not in payment of, that Term Note
then held by such Assignor Lender).  Each such Term Note shall be dated the
date of the predecessor Term Note.  The Assignor Lender shall mark the
predecessor Term Note "exchanged" and deliver it to the Borrower.  Accrued
interest on that part of the predecessor Term Note evidenced by the new Term
Note, and accrued fees, shall be paid as provided in the Lender Assignment
Agreement.  Accrued interest on that part of the predecessor Term Note
evidenced by the replacement Term Note shall be paid to the Assignor Lender.
Accrued interest and accrued fees shall be paid at the same time or times
provided in the predecessor Term Note and in this Agreement.  Such Assignor
Lender or such Assignee Lender must also pay a processing fee to the
Administrative Agent upon delivery of any Lender Assignment Agreement in the
amount of $2,500, unless such assignment and delegation is by a Lender to its
Affiliate or if such assignment and delegation is by a Lender to a Federal
Reserve Bank, as provided below or is otherwise consented to by the
Administrative Agent.  Any attempted assignment and delegation not made in
accordance with this Section 11.11.1 shall be null and void.  Nothing contained
in this Section 11.11.1 shall prevent or prohibit any Lender from pledging its
rights (but not its obligations to make Loans) under this Agreement and/or its
Loans and/or its Term Note hereunder to a Federal Reserve Bank in support of
Borrowings made by such Lender from such Federal Reserve Bank.

     SECTION 11.11.2.  Participations.  Any Lender may at any time sell to one
or more commercial banks or other Persons (each such commercial bank and other
Person being herein called a "Participant") participating interests in any of
the Term Loans, Term Loan Commitments or other interests of such Lender
hereunder; provided, however, that

          (a)  no participation contemplated in this Section shall relieve such
     Lender from its Term Loan Commitments  or its other obligations hereunder
     or under any other Loan Document;

          (b)  such Lender shall remain solely responsible for the performance
     of its Term Loan Commitments  and such other obligations;

          (c)  the Borrower and each other Obligor and the Agents shall
     continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with
     such Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement and each of the
     other Loan Documents;

          (d)  no Participant, unless such Participant is an Affiliate of such
     Lender, or is itself a Lender, shall be entitled to require such Lender to
     take or refrain from taking any action hereunder or under any other Loan
     Document, except that such Lender may agree





                                        93
<PAGE>   101
     with any Participant that such Lender will not, without such Participant's
     consent, agree to (i) any reduction in the interest rate or amount of fees
     that such Participant is otherwise entitled to, (ii) a decrease in the
     principal amount, or an extension of the final Stated Maturity Date, of
     any Term Loan in which such Participant has purchased a participating
     interest or (iii) a release of all or substantially all of the collateral
     security under the Loan Documents or any Guarantor under any Guaranty, in
     each case except as otherwise specifically provided in a Loan Document;
     and

          (e)  the Borrower shall not be required to pay any amount under
     Section 4.6, that is greater than the amount which it would have been
     required to pay had no participating interest been sold.

The Borrower acknowledges and agrees that each Participant, for purposes of
Sections 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.8, 4.9, 11.3 and 11.4, shall be considered a
Lender.

     SECTION 11.12.  Other Transactions.  Nothing contained herein shall
preclude any Agent or any other Lender from engaging in any transaction, in
addition to those contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document,
with the Borrower, PAAC or any of their Affiliates in which the Borrower, PAAC
or such Affiliate is not restricted hereby from engaging with any other Person.

     SECTION 11.13.  Forum Selection and Consent to Jurisdiction.  ANY
LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS
AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF
DEALING, STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF THE AGENTS, THE
LENDERS, THE BORROWER OR PAAC RELATING THERETO SHALL BE BROUGHT AND MAINTAINED
EXCLUSIVELY (TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW) IN THE COURTS OF THE
STATE OF NEW YORK, NEW YORK COUNTY, OR IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT ANY SUIT SEEKING
ENFORCEMENT AGAINST ANY COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE BROUGHT, AT THE
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT'S OPTION, IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH
COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE FOUND.  EACH OF THE BORROWER AND PAAC
HEREBY EXPRESSLY AND IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF
THE STATE OF NEW YORK, NEW YORK COUNTY,  AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT
COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY SUCH
LITIGATION AS SET FORTH ABOVE AND IRREVOCABLY AGREES TO BE BOUND BY ANY
JUDGMENT RENDERED THEREBY IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH LITIGATION.   EACH OF THE
BORROWER AND PAAC IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF PROCESS BY REGISTERED
MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, OR BY PERSONAL SERVICE WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE STATE OF
NEW YORK.  EACH OF THE BORROWER AND PAAC HEREBY EXPRESSLY AND IRREVOCABLY
WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION WHICH IT MAY HAVE
OR HEREAFTER MAY HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUCH LITIGATION BROUGHT IN
ANY SUCH COURT REFERRED TO ABOVE AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH LITIGATION HAS
BEEN BROUGHT IN AN





                                        94
<PAGE>   102
INCONVENIENT FORUM.  TO THE EXTENT THAT THE BORROWER OR PAAC HAS OR
HEREAFTER MAY ACQUIRE ANY IMMUNITY FROM JURISDICTION OF ANY COURT OF FROM ANY
LEGAL PROCESS (WHETHER THROUGH SERVICE OR NOTICE, ATTACHMENT PRIOR TO JUDGMENT,
ATTACHMENT IN AID OF EXECUTION OR OTHERWISE) WITH RESPECT TO ITSELF OR ITS
PROPERTY, THE BORROWER OR PAAC, WHICHEVER APPLICABLE, HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES
(TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW) SUCH IMMUNITY IN RESPECT OF ITS
OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS.

     SECTION 11.14.  Waiver of Jury Trial.  THE AGENTS, THE LENDERS, THE
BORROWER AND PAAC HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE ANY
RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED
HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY
OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENTS
(WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF THE AGENTS, THE LENDERS OR THE BORROWER
RELATING THERETO.  EACH OF THE BORROWER AND PAAC ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT
IT HAS RECEIVED FULL AND SUFFICIENT CONSIDERATION FOR THIS PROVISION (AND EACH
OTHER PROVISION OF EACH OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT TO WHICH IT IS A PARTY) AND THAT
THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR THE AGENTS AND THE LENDERS ENTERING
INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH SUCH OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT.

      SECTION 11.15.  Judgment Currency.  (a)  If, for purposes of obtaining
judgment in any court, it is necessary to convert any sum due or owing under
any Loan Document to the Administrative Agent or any one or more of the Lenders
in any currency (the "Original Currency") into another currency (the "Other
Currency"), the parties hereto agree, to the fullest extent that they may
effectively do so, that the rate of exchange used shall be that at which, in
accordance with normal banking procedures, the Administrative Agent could
purchase the Original Currency with the Other Currency on the Business Day
preceding that on which the final judgment is granted.

     (b)  The Obligations of the Borrower in respect of any sum due in the
Original Currency from it to the Administrative Agent or any one or more of the
Lenders under any of the Loan Documents shall, notwithstanding any judgment in
any Other Currency, be discharged only to the extent that on the Business Day
following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any sum adjudged to be so due
or owing in such Other Currency, the Administrative Agent may in accordance
with normal banking procedures purchase the Original Currency with such Other
Currency.  If the amount of the Original Currency so purchased is less than the
sum originally due or owing to the Administrative Agent or any one or more of
the Lenders in the Original Currency, the Borrower shall, as a separate
obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, indemnify the Administrative
Agent or such Lender(s) against such loss, and if the amount of the Original
Currency so purchased exceeds the sum originally due or owing to the
Administrative Agent or such Lender(s) in the Original Currency, the
Administrative Agent or such Lender(s) shall remit such excess to the Borrower.





                                        95
<PAGE>   103
                  [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]





                                        96
<PAGE>   104
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the day
and year first above written.


                                   PIONEER AMERICAS, INC.


                                   By: /s/ Philip J. Ablove         
                                      -------------------------------------
                                      Title: Vice President



                                   PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.


                                   By: /s/ Philip J. Ablove
                                      -------------------------------------
                                      Title: Vice President


                                   DLJ CAPITAL FUNDING, INC., as the
                                      Syndication Agent and as Lender


                                   By: /s/ Harold Philipps
                                      -------------------------------------
                                      Title: Managing Director


                                   SALOMON BROTHERS HOLDING
                                      COMPANY INC, as the Documentation
                                      Agent and as Lender


                                   By: /s/ Townsend Weekes
                                      -------------------------------------
                                      Title: Vice President


                                   BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL
                                      TRUST AND SAVINGS
                                      ASSOCIATION,
                                      as the Administrative Agent


                                   By: /s/ David Johanson
                                      -------------------------------------
                                      Title: Vice President






<PAGE>   105
                                   UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF
                                      NEW YORK, as the Collateral Agent


                                   By: /s/ Patricia Stermer
                                      -------------------------------------
                                      Title: Assistant Vice President





<PAGE>   106
                                                                      SCHEDULE I
                                      
                                      
                             DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE

ITEM 6.7                Insurance.

ITEM 6.8                Litigation.

                Description of Proceedings               Action or Claim Sought
                --------------------------               ----------------------

ITEM 6.10               Subsidiaries.

ITEM 6.11               Partnerships; Joint Ventures.

ITEM 6.13               Intellectual Property.

ITEM 6.15               Contracts and Labor Matters.

ITEM 6.16               Pension and Welfare Plans.

ITEM 7.2.1 (c)          Existing Indebtedness.

ITEM 7.2.2 (a)          Existing Liens.

ITEM 7.2.3              Existing Investments.

ITEM 7.2.8              Existing Affiliate Agreements.





<PAGE>   107
                                                                  SCHEDULE II to
                                                                Credit Agreement



                                 PERCENTAGES
                                 -----------
                                  TERM LOAN

 DLJ Capital Funding, Inc.           60%
     
 Salomon Brothers
 Holding Company Inc                 40%
              



                          ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
                          --------------------------

                        Notice Information
                        ------------------

Pioneer Americas, Inc.          700 Louisiana Street
                                Houston, Texas 77002
                                Contact:  Vice President, Chief Financial 
                                Officer
                                Fax:  713-225-4426

Pioneer Americas Acquisition
  Corp.                         700 Louisiana Street
                                Houston, Texas 77002
                                Contact:  Vice President, Chief Financial 
                                Officer
                                Fax:  713-225-4426

DLJ Capital Funding, Inc.,
  as Syndication Agent          277 Park Avenue
                                New York, New York 10172
                                Contact: Sheila O'Sullivan
                                Fax: 212-892-5286

Salomon Brothers Holding
  Company Inc,
  as Documentation Agent        Seven World Trade Center
                                New York, New York 10048
                                Contact: Simone Dagnino
                                Fax: 212-783-2823





<PAGE>   108

Bank of America National
  Trust and Savings Association,
  as Administrative Agent        231 South LaSalle Street, Eighth Floor
                                 Chicago, Illinois 60697
                                 Contact: Richard A. Beutel
                                 Fax: 312-974-0761

United States Trust Company of
  New York,
  as Collateral Agent            114 West 47th Street
                                 New York, New York  10036-1532
                                 Contact: Patricia Stermer
                                 Fax: 212-852-1625




                                 Lenders' Domestic and LIBOR Offices
                                 -----------------------------------


DLJ Capital Funding, Inc.        525 Washington Blvd.
                                 Jersey City, New Jersey  07310
                                 Contact: Ed Vowinkel
                                 Fax:  201-610-1965

Salomon Brothers Holding
  Company Inc                    Seven World Trade Center
                                 New York, New York 10048
                                 Contact:  Simone Dagnino
                                 Fax:  212-783-2823
 





<PAGE>   1

                                                                  EXHIBIT 4.8(b)


                               AFFILIATE GUARANTY

         This AFFILIATE GUARANTY (as amended, supplemented, amended and
restated or otherwise modified from time to time, this "Guaranty"), dated as of
October 30, 1997, is made by each of the signatories hereto and each other
Person which may from time to time hereafter become a party hereto pursuant to
Section 5.5 (each, individually, an "Additional Affiliate Guarantor", and,
collectively, the "Additional Affiliate Guarantors", and, together with each of
the signatories hereto, each, individually, an "Affiliate Guarantor", and,
collectively, the "Affiliate Guarantors"), in favor of BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL
TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, as administrative agent (the "Administrative
Agent") for each of the Lender Parties (as defined below).


                              W I T N E S S E T H:

         WHEREAS, pursuant to a Term Loan Agreement, dated as of October 30,
1997 (as amended, supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise modified from
time to time, the "Term Loan Agreement"), among Pioneer Americas, Inc., a
corporation organized under the laws of Delaware (the "Borrower"), the Parent
Guarantor named therein, the various financial institutions as are, or may from
time to time become, parties thereto (each, individually, a "Lender", and
collectively, the "Lenders"), DLJ Capital Funding, Inc., as Syndication Agent
for the Lenders, Salomon Brothers Holding Company Inc, as Documentation Agent
for the Lenders, the Administrative Agent, and United States Trust Company of
New York, as Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties, the Lenders have
extended Term Loan Commitments to make Term Loans to the Borrower;

         WHEREAS, as a condition precedent to the making of the Term Loans
under the Term Loan Agreement, each Affiliate Guarantor is required to execute
and deliver this Guaranty;

         WHEREAS, each Affiliate Guarantor has duly authorized the execution,
delivery and performance of this Guaranty; and

         WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of each Affiliate Guarantor to
execute this Guaranty inasmuch as each Affiliate Guarantor will derive
substantial direct and indirect benefits from the making of Term Loans to the
Borrower by the Lenders pursuant to the Term Loan Agreement;

         NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration the receipt of
which is hereby acknowledged, and in order to induce the Lenders to make the
Term Loans to the Borrower pursuant to the Term Loan Agreement, each Affiliate
Guarantor agrees, for the benefit of each Lender Party, as follows:





<PAGE>   2

                                   ARTICLE I

                                  DEFINITIONS

         SECTION 1.1.  Certain Terms.  The following terms (whether or not
underscored) when used in this Guaranty, including its preamble and recitals,
shall have the following meanings (such definitions to be equally applicable to
the singular and plural forms thereof):

         "Additional Affiliate Guarantor" and "Additional Affiliate Guarantors"
are defined in the preamble.

         "Administrative Agent" is defined in the preamble.

         "Affiliate Guarantor" and "Affiliate Guarantors" are defined in the
preamble.

         "Borrower" is defined in the first recital.

         "Guaranteed Obligations" is defined in clause (a) of Section 2.1.

         "Guaranty" is defined in the preamble.

         "Lender" and "Lenders" are defined in the first recital.

         "Lender Parties" means, collectively, the Agents, the Lenders and each
of their respective successors, transferees and assigns.

         "Original Currency" is defined in Section 2.9.

         "Other Currency" is defined in Section 2.9.

         "PCI Carolina" means PCI Carolina, Inc., a Delaware corporation and
any successor thereto.

         "Pioneer Licensing" means Pioneer Licensing, Inc., a Delaware
corporation and any successor thereto.

         "Term Loan Agreement" is defined in the first recital.

         SECTION 1.2.  Term Loan Agreement Definitions.  Unless otherwise
defined herein or the context otherwise requires, terms used in this Guaranty,
including its preamble and recitals, have the meanings provided in the Term
Loan Agreement.





<PAGE>   3
                                   ARTICLE II

                              GUARANTY PROVISIONS

         SECTION 2.1.  Guaranty.  Each Affiliate Guarantor hereby absolutely,
unconditionally and irrevocably

                 (a)  guarantees the full and punctual payment when due,
         whether at stated maturity, by required prepayment, declaration,
         acceleration, demand or otherwise, of all Obligations of the Borrower
         and each other Obligor, now or hereafter existing, whether for
         principal, interest, fees, expenses or otherwise (including all such
         amounts which would become due but for the operation of the automatic
         stay under Section 362(a) of the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11
         U.S.C. Section 362(a), and the operation of Sections 502(b) and 506(b)
         of the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. Section 502(b) and
         Section 506(b) or any applicable amount which would become due but for
         any similar stay under any Canadian Bankruptcy Law) (the "Guaranteed
         Obligations"), and

                 (b)  indemnifies and holds harmless each Lender Party and each
         holder of a Term Note for any and all costs and expenses (including
         reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) incurred by such Lender Party
         or such holder, as the case may be, in enforcing any rights under this
         Guaranty;

provided, however, that each Affiliate Guarantor shall be liable under this
Guaranty for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred
without rendering this Guaranty, as it relates to such Affiliate Guarantor,
voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent
transfer, and not for any greater amount.  This Guaranty constitutes a guaranty
of payment when due and not of collection, and each Affiliate Guarantor
specifically agrees that it shall not be necessary or required that any Lender
Party or any holder of any Term Note exercise any right, assert any claim or
demand or enforce any remedy whatsoever against the Borrower or any other
Obligor (or any other Person) before or as a condition to the obligations of
such Affiliate Guarantor hereunder.

         SECTION 2.2.  Acceleration of Guaranty.  Each Affiliate Guarantor
agrees that, in the event of any Default of the nature set forth in clause (a),
(b) or (c) of Section 8.1.9 of the Term Loan Agreement, and if such event shall
occur at a time when any of the Guaranteed Obligations may not then be due and
payable, such Affiliate Guarantor will pay to the Lenders forthwith the full
amount which would be payable hereunder by such Affiliate Guarantor if all such
Guaranteed Obligations were then due and payable.

         SECTION 2.3.  Guaranty Absolute, etc.  This Guaranty shall in all
respects be a continuing, absolute, unconditional and irrevocable guaranty of
payment, and shall remain in full force and effect until all Guaranteed
Obligations have been paid in full in cash, all obligations of each Affiliate
Guarantor hereunder shall have been paid in full in cash and all Term Loan
Commitments shall have terminated.  Each Affiliate Guarantor guarantees that
the Guaranteed





<PAGE>   4
Obligations will be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of the Term Loan
Agreement, the Term Notes and each other Loan Document under which they arise,
regardless of any law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect in any
jurisdiction affecting any of such terms or the rights of any Lender Party or
any holder of any Term Note with respect thereto.  The liability of each
Affiliate Guarantor under this Guaranty shall be absolute, unconditional and
irrevocable irrespective of:

                 (a)  any lack of validity, legality or enforceability of the
         Term Loan Agreement, any Term Note or any other Loan Document;

                 (b)  the failure of any Lender Party or any holder of any Term
         Note

                          (i)  to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any
                 right or remedy against the Borrower, any other Obligor or any
                 other Person (including any other guarantor (including any
                 Affiliate Guarantor)) under the provisions of the Term Loan
                 Agreement, any Term Note, any other Loan Document or
                 otherwise, or

                          (ii)  to exercise any right or remedy against any
                 other guarantor (including any Affiliate Guarantor) of, or
                 collateral securing, any Guaranteed Obligations;

                 (c)  any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or
         in any other term of, all or any of the Guaranteed Obligations, or any
         other extension, compromise or renewal of any Guaranteed Obligation;

                 (d)  any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination of
         any Guaranteed Obligations for any reason, including any claim of
         waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be
         subject to (and each Affiliate Guarantor hereby waives any right to or
         claim of) any defense or setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or
         termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality,
         nongenuineness, irregularity, compromise, unenforceability of, or any
         other event or occurrence affecting, any Guaranteed Obligations or
         otherwise;

                 (e)  any amendment to, rescission, waiver, or other
         modification of, or any consent to departure from, any of the terms of
         the Term Loan Agreement, any Term Note or any other Loan Document;

                 (f)  any addition, exchange, release, surrender or
         non-perfection of any collateral, or any amendment to or waiver or
         release or addition of, or consent to departure from, any other
         guaranty, held by any Lender Party or any holder of any Term Note
         securing any of the Guaranteed Obligations;

                 (g)  the occurrence of any change in the laws, rules,
         regulations or ordinances of any jurisdiction by any present or future
         action of any governmental authority or court amending, varying,
         reducing or otherwise affecting, or purporting to amend, vary, reduce





<PAGE>   5
         or otherwise affect, any of the Guaranteed Obligations and the
         obligations of any Affiliate Guarantor hereunder;

                 (h)  the application by the Administrative Agent or the
         Lenders of all monies at any time and from time to time received from
         the Borrower, any Affiliate Guarantor or any other Person on account
         of any Indebtedness owing by the Borrower or any Affiliate Guarantor
         to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders, in such manner as the
         Administrative Agent or the Lenders deems best and the changing of
         such application in whole or in part and at any time or from time to
         time, or any manner of application of collateral, or proceeds thereof,
         to all or any of the Guaranteed Obligations;

                 (i)  any change in the name, business, capital structure or
         governing instrument of the Borrower or any Affiliate Guarantor or any
         refinancing or restructuring of any of the Guaranteed Obligations;

                 (j)  the sale of the Borrower's or any Affiliate Guarantor's
         business or any part thereof;

                 (k)  subject to Section 7.2.5 of the Term Loan Agreement, any
         amalgamation, merger or consolidation, arrangement or reorganization
         of the Borrower, any Affiliate Guarantor, any Person resulting from
         the amalgamation, merger or consolidation of the Borrower or any
         Affiliate Guarantor with any other Person or any other successor to
         such Person or merged or consolidated Person or any other change in
         the corporate existence, structure or ownership of the Borrower or any
         Affiliate Guarantor; or

                 (l)  any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a
         defense available to, or a legal or equitable discharge of, the
         Borrower, any other Obligor, any surety or any guarantor.

         SECTION 2.4.  Reinstatement, etc.  Each Affiliate Guarantor agrees
that this Guaranty shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case
may be, if at any time any payment (in whole or in part) of any of the
Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by any Lender
Party or any holder of any Term Note, upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or
reorganization of the Borrower or any other Obligor or otherwise, all as though
such payment had not been made.

         SECTION 2.5.  Waiver, etc.  Each Affiliate Guarantor hereby waives
promptness, diligence, notice of acceptance and, to the extent permitted by
law, any other notice with respect to any of the Guaranteed Obligations and of
this Guaranty and any requirement that the Administrative Agent, any other
Lender Party or any holder of any Term Note protect, secure, perfect or insure
any security interest or Lien, or any property subject thereto, or exhaust any
right or take any action against the Borrower, any other Obligor or any other
Person (including any other guarantor) or entity or any collateral securing the
Guaranteed Obligations.





<PAGE>   6
         SECTION 2.6.  Postponement of Subrogation, etc.  Each Affiliate
Guarantor hereby agrees that it will not exercise any rights which it may
acquire by way of rights of subrogation under this Guaranty, by any payment
made hereunder or otherwise, until the prior payment in full in cash of all
Guaranteed Obligations, until the prior payment in full in cash of all
obligations of such Affiliate Guarantor hereunder and the termination of all
Term Loan Commitments.  Any amount paid to any Affiliate Guarantor on account
of any such subrogation rights prior to the payment in full in cash of all
Guaranteed Obligations shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Lender
Parties and each holder of a Term Note and shall immediately be paid to the
Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lender Parties and each holder of a
Term Note and credited and applied against the Guaranteed Obligations, whether
matured or unmatured, in accordance with the terms of the Term Loan Agreement;
provided, however, that if

                 (a)  such Affiliate Guarantor has made payment to the Lender
         Parties and each holder of a Term Note of all or any part of the
         Guaranteed Obligations, and

                 (b)  all Guaranteed Obligations have been paid in full in
         cash, all obligations of such Affiliate Guarantor hereunder shall have
         been paid in full in cash and all Term Loan Commitments have been
         terminated,

each Lender Party and each holder of a Term Note agrees that, at such Affiliate
Guarantor's request, the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lender Parties
and the holders of the Term Notes, will execute and deliver to such Affiliate
Guarantor appropriate documents (without recourse and without representation or
warranty) necessary to evidence the transfer by subrogation to such Affiliate
Guarantor of an interest in the Guaranteed Obligations resulting from such
payment by such Affiliate Guarantor.  In furtherance of the foregoing, for so
long as any Guaranteed Obligations, obligations of any Affiliate Guarantor
hereunder or Term Loan Commitments remain outstanding, each Affiliate Guarantor
shall refrain from taking any action or commencing any proceeding against the
Borrower or any other Obligor (or any of their respective successors or
assigns, whether in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding or otherwise) to
recover any amount in respect of any payment made under this Guaranty to any
Lender Party or any holder of a Term Note; provided, however, that an Affiliate
Guarantor may file appropriate proofs of claim in any bankruptcy or insolvency
proceeding of the Borrower or any other Affiliate Guarantor; provided further,
however, that such Affiliate Guarantor shall not accept any payment or
distribution of cash, securities or other property in respect of any such proof
of claim unless and until each of the conditions referred to in clause (b) of
the proviso to the preceding sentence shall have occurred and, in the event
such Affiliate Guarantor shall in any case receive or be entitled to receive
any such payment or distribution in contravention of this proviso, such payment
or distribution shall be received and held in trust for, and/or shall be
promptly paid over or delivered to, the Lender Parties to the extent necessary
to pay the Guaranteed Obligations and other obligations referred to in such
clause (b) in full.

         SECTION 2.7.  Right of Contribution.  Each Affiliate Guarantor hereby
agrees that to the extent that an Affiliate Guarantor shall have paid more than
its proportionate share of any payment made hereunder, such Affiliate Guarantor
shall be entitled to seek and receive





<PAGE>   7
contribution from and against any other Affiliate Guarantor hereunder who has
not paid its proportionate share of such payment.  Each Affiliate Guarantor's
right of contribution shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Section
2.6.  The provisions of this Section 2.7 shall in no respect limit the
obligations and liabilities of any Affiliate Guarantor to the Administrative
Agent and each other Lender Party, and each Affiliate Guarantor shall remain
liable to the Administrative Agent and each other Lender Party for the full
amount guaranteed by such Affiliate Guarantor hereunder.

         SECTION 2.8.  Successors, Transferees and Assigns; Transfers of Term
Notes, etc.  This Guaranty shall:

                 (a)  be binding upon each Affiliate Guarantor, and its
         successors, transferees and assigns; and

                 (b)  inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the
         Administrative Agent and each other Lender Party.

Without limiting the generality of clause (b), any Lender may assign or
otherwise transfer (in whole or in part) any Term Note or Term Loan held by it
to any other Person in accordance with the provisions of the Term Loan
Agreement, and such other Person shall thereupon become vested with all rights
and benefits in respect thereof granted to such Lender under any Loan Document
(including this Guaranty) or otherwise, subject, however, to any contrary
provisions in such assignment or transfer, and to the provisions of Section
11.11 and Article X of the Term Loan Agreement.

         SECTION 2.9.  Judgment Currency.

                 (a)  If, for purposes of obtaining judgment in any court, it
         is necessary to convert any sum due, or owing under any Loan Document
         to the Administrative Agent or any one or more of the Lenders in any
         currency (the "Original Currency") into another currency (the "Other
         Currency"), the parties signatory hereto agree, to the fullest extent
         that they may effectively do so, that the rate of exchange used shall
         be that at which, in accordance with normal banking procedures, the
         Administrative Agent could purchase the Original Currency with the
         Other Currency on the Business Day preceding that on which the final
         judgment is granted.

                 (b)  The Obligations of any Affiliate Guarantor in respect of
         any sum due in the Original Currency from it to the Administrative
         Agent or any one or more of the Lenders under any of the Loan
         Documents shall, notwithstanding any judgment in any Other Currency,
         be discharged only to the extent that on the Business Day following
         receipt by the Administrative Agent of any such adjudged to be so due
         or owing in such Other Currency, the Administrative Agent may in
         accordance with normal banking procedures purchase the Original
         Currency with such Other Currency.  If the amount of the Original
         Currency so purchased is less than the sum originally due or owing to
         the Administrative





<PAGE>   8
         Agent or any one or more of the Lenders in the Original Currency, such
         Affiliate Guarantor shall, as a separate obligation and
         notwithstanding any such judgment, indemnify the Administrative Agent
         or such Lender(s) against such loss, and if the amount of the Original
         Currency so purchased exceeds the sum originally due or owing to the
         Administrative Agent or such Lender(s) in the Original Currency, the
         Administrative Agent or such Lender(s) shall remit such excess to such
         Affiliate Guarantor.


                                  ARTICLE III

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         SECTION 3.1.  Representations and Warranties.  Each Affiliate
Guarantor hereby represents and warrants for itself unto each Lender Party as
to all matters contained in Article VI of the Term Loan Agreement and this
Article III, in each case insofar as applicable to such Affiliate Guarantor or
such Affiliate Guarantor's properties, together with all related definitions
and ancillary provisions, all of which are hereby incorporated into this
Article III as though specifically set forth herein.

         SECTION 3.2.  Organization, etc.  Each Affiliate Guarantor and such
Affiliate Guarantor's Subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
respective incorporation.  Each Affiliate Guarantor and such Affiliate
Guarantor's Subsidiaries is in good standing and is duly qualified to do
business in each jurisdiction where, because of the nature of its activities or
properties, such qualification is required, except for those states in which
its failure to qualify to do business would not be reasonably likely to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

         SECTION 3.3.  Due Authorization, Non-Contravention, etc.  Each
Affiliate Guarantor is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Guaranty and
each other Loan Document to be executed by it and to perform its obligations
under this Guaranty and each other Loan Document to be executed by it and is
and will continue to be duly authorized to perform its obligations thereunder.
The execution, delivery and performance by each Affiliate Guarantor of this
Guaranty and each other Loan Document to which it is a party do not and will
not require any consent or approval of any governmental agency or authority.

         SECTION 3.4.  No Conflicts.  The execution, delivery and performance
by each Affiliate Guarantor of this Guaranty and each other Loan Document to
which it is a party do not and will not conflict with (i) any provision of law,
(ii) the Certificate or Articles of Incorporation, as applicable, or bylaws, of
such Affiliate Guarantor, (iii) any agreement binding upon which conflict is
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect or (iv) any court or
administrative order or decree applicable to such Affiliate Guarantor which
conflict is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect, and do not and
will not require, or result in, the creation or imposition





<PAGE>   9
of any Lien on any asset of such Affiliate Guarantor, except to the extent
created pursuant to any Loan Document.

         SECTION 3.5.  Validity and Binding Effect.  This Guaranty and each
other Loan Document, when duly executed and delivered, will be legal, valid and
binding obligations of each Affiliate Guarantor party thereto, as applicable,
enforceable against such Affiliate Guarantor in accordance with their
respective terms.

         SECTION 3.6.  Investment Company Act Representation.  No Affiliate
Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries is an "investment company" or a company
"controlled" by an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended.

         SECTION 3.7.  Public Utility Holding Company Act Representation.  No
Affiliate Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries is a "holding company" or a
"subsidiary company" of a "holding company" or an "affiliate" of a "holding
company" within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935,
as amended.



                                   ARTICLE IV

                                COVENANTS, ETC.

         SECTION 4.1.  Affirmative Covenants.  Each Affiliate Guarantor
covenants and agrees that, until all Term Loan Commitments have terminated, all
Guaranteed Obligations have been paid in full in cash and all obligations of
such Affiliate Guarantor hereunder shall have been paid in full in cash, such
Affiliate Guarantor will perform, comply with and be bound by all the
agreements, covenants and obligations contained in the Term Loan Agreement
applicable to such Affiliate Guarantor or such Affiliate Guarantor's
properties.  Each such agreement, covenant and obligation contained in the Term
Loan Agreement and all related definitions and ancillary provisions are hereby
incorporated into this Guaranty as though specifically set forth herein.

         SECTION 4.2.  Concerning the Collateral and the Loan Documents.  (a)
In order to secure the due and punctual payment of the Guaranteed Obligations,
including principal of, premium (if any) and interest (including interest on
overdue principal) on the Term Loans, when and as the same shall become due and
payable, whether on the scheduled payment date therefor, at maturity, by
acceleration or otherwise, and performance of all other obligations of the
Borrower to the Agents and the Lenders under the Term Loan Agreement and each
other Loan Document and all obligations of each Affiliate Guarantor under this
Guaranty and each other Loan Document, the Borrower and the Affiliate
Guarantors acknowledge that they have entered into each of the applicable
Security  Documents (including this Guaranty) to which each is a party.





<PAGE>   10
         (b)  PCI Carolina, Pioneer Licensing and each Additional Affiliate
Guarantor that is a Restricted Subsidiary of any PCIFP Company shall, jointly
and severally, perform at their sole cost and expense any and all acts and
execute any and all documents (including the execution, amendment or
supplementation of any financing statement and continuation statement or other
statement) for filing under the provisions of the UCC and the rules and
regulations thereunder, or any other statute, rule or regulation of any
applicable federal, state or local jurisdiction, including any filings in local
real estate land record offices, which are necessary or advisable and shall do
such other acts and execute such other documents as may be required under any
of the Security Documents, from time to time, in order to grant and maintain
valid and perfected Liens on the Collateral in favor of the Collateral Agent in
the priorities purported to be created by the Security Documents, subject only
to Liens permitted under the Security Documents to be senior or pari passu to
the Liens of the Collateral Agent, and to fully preserve and protect the rights
of the Agents and the Lenders under the Term Loan Agreement and the other Loan
Documents.  PCI Carolina, Pioneer Licensing and such Additional Affiliate
Guarantor shall pay and satisfy promptly all mortgage and financing and
continuation statement recording and/or filing fees, charges and taxes relating
to this Term Loan Agreement, the Security Documents and the other Loan
Documents, any amendments thereto and any other instruments of further
assurance.

                                   ARTICLE V

                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

         SECTION 5.1.  Loan Document.  This Guaranty is a Loan Document
executed pursuant to the Term Loan Agreement and shall (unless otherwise
expressly indicated herein) be construed, administered and applied in
accordance with the terms and provisions thereof.

         SECTION 5.2.  Binding on Successors, Transferees and Assigns;
Assignment.  In addition to, and not in limitation of, Section 2.8, this
Guaranty shall be binding upon each Affiliate Guarantor and its successors,
transferees and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by
each Lender Party and each holder of a Term Note and their respective
successors, transferees and assigns (to the fullest extent provided pursuant to
Section 2.8); provided, however, that no Affiliate Guarantor may assign any of
its obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of all Lenders.

         SECTION 5.3.  Amendments, etc.  No amendment to or waiver of any
provision of this Guaranty, nor consent to any departure by any Affiliate
Guarantor herefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in
writing and signed by the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Lenders or the
Required Lenders, as the case may be) and then such waiver or consent shall be
effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which
given.

         SECTION 5.4.  Notices.  All notices and other communications provided
for hereunder shall be in writing and mailed or telecopied or delivered, if to
an Affiliate Guarantor, to such Affiliate Guarantor in care of the Borrower at
the address of the Borrower specified in the Term





<PAGE>   11
Loan Agreement, and, if to the Administrative Agent, to the Administrative
Agent at the address of the Administrative Agent specified in the Term Loan
Agreement, or as to any party, at such other address as shall be designated by
such party in a written notice to the Agent or the Affiliate Guarantors (in
care of the Borrower), as the case may be, complying as to delivery with the
terms of this Section.  All such notices and other communications, if mailed
and properly addressed with postage prepaid or if properly addressed and sent
by pre-paid courier service, shall be deemed given when received; any such
notice or communication, if transmitted by facsimile, shall be deemed given
when electronic confirmation thereof is received by the transmitter.

         SECTION 5.5.  Additional Affiliate Guarantors.  Upon the execution and
delivery by any other Person of an instrument in the form of Annex I hereto,
such Person shall become an "Affiliate Guarantor" hereunder with the same force
and effect as if originally named as an Affiliate Guarantor herein.  The
execution and delivery of any such instrument shall not require the consent of
any other Affiliate Guarantor hereunder.  The rights and obligations of each
Affiliate Guarantor hereunder shall remain in full force and effect
notwithstanding the addition of any new Affiliate Guarantor as a party to this
Guaranty.

         SECTION 5.6.  Guaranty Is in Addition to Other Security.  This
Guaranty shall be in addition to and not in substitution for any other
guarantees or other security which the Administrative Agent may now or
hereafter hold in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations owing to the
Administrative Agent or the Lenders by the Borrower and (except as may be
required by law) the Administrative Agent shall be under no obligation to
marshal in favor of each of the Affiliate Guarantors any other guarantees or
other security or any monies or other assets which the Administrative Agent may
be entitled to receive or upon which the Administrative Agent or the Lenders
may have a claim.

         SECTION 5.7.  No Waiver; Remedies.  In addition to, and not in
limitation of, Section 2.3 and Section 2.5, no failure on the part of any
Lender Party or any holder of a Term Note to exercise, and no delay in
exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall
any single or partial exercise of any right hereunder preclude any other or
further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right.  The remedies
herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by
law.

         SECTION 5.8.  Captions.  Section captions used in this Guaranty are
for convenience of reference only, and shall not affect the construction of
this Guaranty.

         SECTION 5.9.  Setoff.  In addition to, and not in limitation of, any
rights of any Lender Party or any holder of a Term Note under applicable law,
each Lender Party and each such holder shall,  upon the occurrence of any
Default described in any of clause (a), (b) or (c) of Section 8.1.9 of the Term
Loan Agreement or with the consent of the Required Lenders, any Event of
Default, have the right to appropriate and apply to the payment of the
obligations of any Affiliate Guarantor owing to it hereunder, whether or not
then due, and such Affiliate Guarantor hereby grants to each Lender Party and
each such holder a continuing security interest in, any





<PAGE>   12
and all balances, credits, deposits, accounts or moneys of such Affiliate
Guarantor then or thereafter maintained with such Lender Party, or such holder
or any agent or bailee for such Lender Party or such holder; provided, however,
that any such appropriation and application shall be subject to the provisions
of Section 4.8 of the Term Loan Agreement.

         SECTION 5.10.  Severability.  Wherever possible each provision of this
Guaranty shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under
applicable law, but if any provision of this Guaranty shall be prohibited by or
invalid under such law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of
such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such
provision or the remaining provisions of this Guaranty.

         SECTION 5.11.  Governing Law, Entire Agreement, etc.  THIS GUARANTY
SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE A CONTRACT MADE UNDER AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE
STATE OF NEW YORK.

         SECTION 5.12.  Forum Selection and Consent to Jurisdiction.  ANY
LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS
GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF
DEALING, STATEMENTS (WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF THE LENDER PARTIES
OR THE AFFILIATE GUARANTORS SHALL BE BROUGHT AND MAINTAINED EXCLUSIVELY IN THE
COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, NEW YORK COUNTY OR IN THE UNITED STATES
DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT
ANY SUIT SEEKING ENFORCEMENT AGAINST ANY COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE
BROUGHT, AT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT'S OPTION, IN THE COURTS OF ANY
JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE FOUND.  EACH
AFFILIATE GUARANTOR HEREBY EXPRESSLY AND IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE
JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK FOR THE
PURPOSE OF ANY SUCH LITIGATION AS SET FORTH ABOVE AND IRREVOCABLY AGREES TO BE
BOUND BY ANY JUDGMENT RENDERED THEREBY IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH LITIGATION.
EACH AFFILIATE GUARANTOR FURTHER IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF PROCESS
BY REGISTERED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, OR BY PERSONAL SERVICE WITHIN OR WITHOUT
THE STATE OF NEW YORK.  EACH AFFILIATE GUARANTOR HEREBY EXPRESSLY AND
IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION WHICH
IT MAY HAVE OR HEREAFTER MAY HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUCH LITIGATION
BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT REFERRED TO ABOVE AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH
LITIGATION HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.  TO THE EXTENT THAT ANY
AFFILIATE GUARANTOR HAS OR HEREAFTER MAY ACQUIRE ANY IMMUNITY FROM JURISDICTION
OF





<PAGE>   13
ANY COURT OR FROM ANY LEGAL PROCESS (WHETHER THROUGH SERVICE OR NOTICE,
ATTACHMENT PRIOR TO JUDGMENT, ATTACHMENT IN AID OF EXECUTION OR OTHERWISE) WITH
RESPECT TO ITSELF OR ITS PROPERTY, SUCH AFFILIATE GUARANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY
WAIVES SUCH IMMUNITY IN RESPECT OF ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS GUARANTY AND THE
OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS.

         SECTION 5.13.  Waiver of Jury Trial.  EACH AFFILIATE GUARANTOR HEREBY
KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE TO A
TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF,
UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR ANY
COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENTS (WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN) OR
ACTIONS OF THE LENDER PARTIES OR ANY AFFILIATE GUARANTOR.  EACH AFFILIATE
GUARANTOR ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT IT HAS RECEIVED FULL AND SUFFICIENT
CONSIDERATION FOR THIS PROVISION AND THAT THIS PROVISION (AND EACH OTHER
PROVISION OF EACH OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT TO WHICH SUCH AFFILIATE GUARANTOR IS A
PARTY) AND THAT THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR THE LENDER PARTIES
ENTERING INTO THE TERM LOAN AGREEMENT AND EACH SUCH OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT.

         SECTION 5.14.  Counterparts.  This Guaranty may be executed by the
parties hereto in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an
original and all of which shall constitute together but one and the same
agreement.





<PAGE>   14
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Guaranty to be
duly executed and delivered by their respective officers thereunto duly
authorized as of the date first above written.


                                                 PCI CAROLINA, INC.
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 By /s/ Philip J. Ablove
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Name:  Philip J. Ablove 
                                                   Title: Vice President     
                                                 
                                                 PIONEER LICENSING, INC.
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 By /s/ Philip J. Ablove
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Name:  Philip J. Ablove 
                                                   Title: Vice President     
                                                 
                                                 PIONEER CHLOR ALKALI COMPANY,
                                                   INC.
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 By /s/ Philip J. Ablove   
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Name:  Philip J. Ablove 
                                                   Title: Vice President     
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 ALL-PURE CHEMICAL CO.
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 By /s/ Philip J. Ablove   
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Name:  Philip J. Ablove 
                                                   Title: Vice President     
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 IMPERIAL WEST CHEMICAL CO.
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 By /s/ Philip J. Ablove   
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Name:  Philip J. Ablove 
                                                   Title: Vice President     





<PAGE>   15
                                                 BLACK MOUNTAIN POWER
                                                   COMPANY
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE      
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                                   Title: Vice President
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 ALL PURE CHEMICAL NORTHWEST,
                                                   INC.
                                                 

                                                 By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE      
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                                   Title: Vice President
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 PIONEER CHLOR ALKALI
                                                   INTERNATIONAL, INC.
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE      
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                                   Title: Vice President
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 G.O.W. CORPORATION
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE      
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                                   Title: Vice President
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 PIONEER (EAST), INC.
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE      
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                                   Title: Vice President
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 
<PAGE>   16
                                                 T.C. HOLDINGS, INC.
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE      
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                                   Title: Vice President
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 T.C. PRODUCTS, INC.
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE      
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                                   Title: Vice President
                                                 





<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 4.9


                         CONSENT AND AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
                          LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT



                                              November 5, 1997




Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp.
4300 NationsBank Center
700 Louisiana Street
Houston, Texas  77002
Attention:  Chief Financial Officer
                and Corporate Secretary

Ladies and Gentlemen:

              Reference is made hereby to the certain Loan and Security
Agreement dated as of June 17, 1997 among Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp.
("Borrower"), Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, successor
by merger to Bank of America Illinois, as Agent (the "Agent") and a Lender and
the other Lenders party thereto (the "Loan Agreement").  Unless otherwise
defined herein, capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings provided
to such terms in the Loan Agreement.

              1.     Background.  Borrower has informed Agent and Lenders that
(a) Borrower's Subsidiary, PAI, has established three new Subsidiaries, PCI
Chemicals Canada Inc., a New Brunswick corporation ("PCI Canada"), PCI
Carolina, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("PCI Carolina") and Pioneer Licensing,
Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Licensing"); (b) PCI Canada and PCI Carolina
have agreed to acquire (the PCI Acquisition") certain of the assets, and assume
certain of the liabilities, of ICI Canada Inc. ("ICI Canada") and ICI Americas
Inc. ("ICI Americas"); (c) PAI has agreed to obtain a $83,000,000 term loan
(the "Term Loan") from DLJ Capital Funding, Inc., ("DLJ") and Salomon Brothers
Holding Company Inc. ("Salomon"); (d) PCI Canada has agreed to issue
$175,000,000 of senior secured notes (the "Senior Secured Notes"), the sale of
which will be underwritten by DLJ and Salomon; (e) PCI Canada and PCI Carolina
has each agreed to grant to the Collateral Agent for the lenders in respect of
the Term Loan and the Senior Secured Notes, a lien on its real estate,
equipment and certain general intangibles, and certain related property (the
"Collateral Grant"), to secure the obligations in respect of the Term Loan and
the Senior Secured Notes; (f) Borrower and each Subsidiary of Borrower has
agreed to guaranty the obligations in respect of the Term Loan and in respect
of the Senior Secured Notes; (g) PCI Canada and PCI Carolina has each agreed to
transfer its rights in respect of certain license agreements to Licensing; and
(h) Borrower and its Subsidiaries intend to consummate certain other
transactions in
<PAGE>   2
Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp.
November 5, 1997
Page 2



connection with the foregoing (all of the foregoing being collectively referred
to as the "Transactions").  Consummation of the Transactions would violate
various provisions of the Loan Agreement.  Consequently, Borrower has requested
that Agent and Lenders consent to the consummation of the Transactions.

              Borrower has also requested that Agent and Lenders agree to amend
the Loan Agreement in certain respects in order to (i) increase the Revolving
Credit Amount from $35,000,000 to $65,000,000; (ii) add PCI Canada as a
borrowing entity thereunder; (iii) provide for loans in Canadian Dollars; (iv)
add Kemwater North America, Inc. as a borrower thereunder; (v) accept
Borrower's designation of PCI Canada, PCI Carolina and Licensing as Designated
Subsidiaries thereunder; and (vi) extend the term thereof, amend the interest
rates and fees payable in connection therewith, amend the financial covenants
contained therein and otherwise revise and amend the Loan Agreement in various
respects.  In connection with such requests, Agent and its affiliate,
BancAmerica Robertson Stephens ("BRS"), have issued a certain commitment letter
dated October 10, 1997 and accepted by Borrower on October 17, 1997 (the
"Commitment Letter"), which Commitment Letter describes the terms on which
Agent and Lenders have agreed to amend the Loan Agreement.  A copy of the
Commitment Letter is attached hereto as Exhibit B.

              Borrower and Agent have agreed that it will not be possible to
consummate the amendments described in the Commitment Letter prior to the
scheduled closing of the Transactions on November 5, 1997.  Consequently,
Borrower has requested that Agent and Lenders (x) enter into an amendment to
the Loan Agreement that increases the Revolving Credit Amount thereunder to
$65,000,000, adds PCI Canada as a borrowing entity thereunder (subject to
satisfaction of certain conditions prior to Loans actually being made available
to PCI Canada), amends the interest charges and fees payable in connection with
the Loans and accepts the designation of PCI Canada, PCI Carolina and Licensing
as Designated Subsidiaries and (y) agree with Borrower that after consummation
of the Transactions, Agent and Lenders will negotiate with Borrower an Amended
and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the "Amended Agreement") and related
agreements, instruments and documents, that collectively will effect the
financing terms described in the Commitment Letter.

              Agent and Lenders have agreed to all of the foregoing on the
terms described herein.
<PAGE>   3
Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp.
November 5, 1997
Page 3



              2.     Consent.  Agent and Lenders hereby consent to the
consummation of the Transactions and agree that notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in the Loan Agreement, the consummation of the Transactions
shall not constitute an Event of Default or an Unmatured Event of Default,
provided that:

                     a.     the Acquisition is consummated pursuant to the
       terms of the certain Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of September 22,
       1997, as amended October 31, 1997,  among PCI Canada, PCI Carolina,
       Parent, ICI Canada, ICI Americas and Imperial Chemical Industries PLC
       and related agreements, instruments and documents in the forms presented
       to Agent and its counsel prior to the date hereof;

                     b.     the Term Loan is consummated pursuant to the terms
       of a Term Loan Agreement dated as of October 30, 1997 and related
       agreements 31, 1997, instruments and documents in the forms presented to
       Agent and its counsel prior to the date hereof;

                     c.     the Senior Secured Notes are issued pursuant to the
       terms of a Senior Note Indenture and a Purchase Agreement, each dated as
       of October 30, 1997 and related agreements, instruments and documents in
       the forms presented to Agent and its counsel prior to the date hereof;

                     d.     the Collateral Grant is consummated pursuant to the
       terms of various agreements, instruments and documents in substantially
       the forms presented to Agent and its counsel prior to the date hereof;
       and

                     e.     the other Transactions are consummated pursuant to
       the terms of various agreements, instruments and documents in
       substantially the forms presented to Agent and its counsel prior to the
       date hereof.

              This Consent and Amendment No. 1 to Loan and Security Agreement
(the "Amendment") shall constitute a consent only to the matters specifically
described herein and shall not constitute a consent to any other departure from
the terms of the Loan Agreement or any Related Agreement or a waiver of any
existing or future Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default under any of
the foregoing, whether or not now known to Agent or any Lender.
<PAGE>   4


Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp.
November 5, 1997
Page 4





              3.     Amendments.  The Loan Agreement is hereby amended as
follows:

                     a.     The term "Revolving Credit Amount" contained in the
       Loan Agreement is hereby amended to increase the amount thereof to
       $65,000,000.

                     b.     PCI Canada is hereby added as a borrowing entity
       under the Loan Agreement.  However, the term "Borrower" shall be deemed
       to continue to refer only to PAAC until such time as the Amended
       Agreement is effective.  Notwithstanding PCI Canada's designation as a
       borrowing entity, PCI Canada shall not be entitled to request Loans or
       Letters of Credit under the Loan Agreement, nor shall Agent or any
       Lender have any obligation to make Loans to, or issue Letters of Credit
       on the application of, PCI Canada, in any case until the Amended
       Agreement is effective.

                     c.     The definition of the term "Applicable Margin"
       contained in the Loan Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its
       entirety, as follows:

                     "'Applicable Margin' means, at any time, a percentage
              determined with reference to Borrower's Interest Coverage Ratio
              for the twelve month period ending on the last day of Borrower's
              most recent fiscal quarter, as set forth below for the applicable
              interest rate or fee:
<PAGE>   5


Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp.
November 5, 1997
Page 5





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Applicable Margin       Applicable
                                             for LIBOR Rate         Margin for       Applicable
                 Interest                  Coverage and Letter     Floating Rate     Margin for
              Coverage Ratio              of Credit Commissions        Loans         Non-Use Fee
              --------------              ---------------------        -----         -----------
        <S>                                       <C>                  <C>              <C>
        Greater than or equal to                  1.75%                0.75%            0.35%
        3.5:1.0                                                                     
                                                                                    
        Less than 3.5:1.0 and                     2.00%                1.00%            0.40%
        greater than or equal to                                                 
        3.0:1.0                                                                     
                                                                                    
        Less than 3.0:1.0 and                     2.25%                1.25%            0.45%
        greater than or equal to                                                 
        2.5:1.0                                                                     
                                                                                    
        Less than 2.5:1.0                         2.50%                1.50%            0.50%
</TABLE>

              The Interest Coverage Ratio for any fiscal quarter shall be
              determined pursuant to Borrower's monthly financial statements
              for the last month in such quarter delivered pursuant to Section
              5.1.1(b) or, with respect to the last fiscal quarter in any
              Fiscal Year, Borrower's annual audited financial statements for
              such Fiscal Year delivered pursuant to Section 5.1.1(a).  Changes
              in the Applicable Margin shall become prospectively effective 5
              days after receipt by Agent of the applicable financial
              statements, accompanied by a calculation of the Interest Coverage
              Ratio.  The Applicable Margin for the period from November 5,
              1997 until 5 days after receipt by Agent of Borrower's financial
              statements for December 31, 1997 shall be set at the level that
              would be applicable if the Interest Coverage Ratio were less than
              2.5:1.0."

                     d.     The definition of the term "Floating Rate"
       contained in the Loan Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its
       entirety, as follows:

                     "'Floating Rate' means, at any time, the Reference Rate
              plus the Applicable Margin."
<PAGE>   6
Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp.
November 5, 1997
Page 6



                     e.     The first sentence of the definition of the term
       "Reference Rate" contained in the Loan Agreement is hereby amended and
       restated in its entirety, as follows:

                     "'Reference Rate' means, at any time, the higher of (a)
              the rate of interest than most recently announced by Bank of
              America National Trust and Savings Association at Chicago,
              Illinois as its reference rate and (b) the then applicable
              Federal Funds Rate plus one-half of one percent (0.50%)."

                     f.     Section 2.2(b) of the Loan Agreement is hereby
       amended to provide that the Letter of Credit commissions payable
       thereunder at any time that the Default Rate is not being charged, shall
       be equal to the Applicable Margin.

                     g.     Section 5.29 of the Loan Agreement is hereby
       amended to provide that the merger of Borrower and PAI must be completed
       on or before October 31, 1998.

                     h.     The Loan Agreement is hereby amended to provide
       that Borrower will pay to Agent, for its own account, an annual agency
       fee equal to $15,000 per annum, payable on the date hereof, on October
       10, 1998 and on each anniversary of October 10, 1998 until termination.

                     i.     The Loan Agreement is hereby amended to provide
       that on the date hereof, Borrower will pay BRS, for its own account, any
       unpaid portion of the $275,000 arrangement fee described in the
       Commitment Letter.

                     j.     The Loan Agreement is hereby amended to provide
       that interest on the Floating Rate Loans shall be payable in arrears on
       the last day of each quarter, commencing on December 31, 1997 and at
       maturity and that interest on LIBOR Rate Loans shall be payable in
       arrears on the last day of each quarter, commencing on December 31,
       1997, on the last day of each Interest Rate Period applicable thereto,
       and at maturity.

                     k.     PCI Canada, PCI Carolina and Licensing are hereby
       deemed to be "Designated Subsidiaries" under the Loan Agreement.
       Notwithstanding such designation, (i) no Accounts Receivable of any of
       such Persons shall be deemed to be Eligible Accounts Receivable; (ii) no
       Inventory of any such Person shall be deemed to be Eligible Inventory;
       and (iii) Borrower shall not be entitled to make
<PAGE>   7
Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp.
November 5, 1997
Page 7





       loans or advances to any such Person, in each case until each such
       Person has complied with the terms of Sections 5.19 and 5.20 of the Loan
       Agreement and until the Amended Agreement has become effective.

                     l.     This Amendment shall have the effect of amending
       the Loan Agreement, Supplement A and the Related Agreements as
       appropriate to express the agreements contained herein.  In all other
       respects, the Loan Agreement, Supplement A and the Related Agreements
       shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with their
       respective terms.

              4.     Agreement.  Agent and Lenders hereby agree with Borrower
that after consummation of the Transactions and prior to December 31, 1997,
Agent and Lenders will negotiate with Borrower an Amended Agreement and related
agreements, instruments and documents, that collectively will effect the
financing terms described in the Commitment Letter, subject to all of the
conditions set forth therein.

              5.     Conditions to Effectiveness.  This Amendment shall be
effective upon execution hereof by Agent and Lenders and acceptance hereof by
Borrower and each other Obligor, together with (a) each other item listed in
Section IX of the Closing Checklist attached hereto as Exhibit C, all in form
and substance satisfactory to Agent, (b) the balance of the $275,000
arrangement fee due to BRS in connection with the
<PAGE>   8
Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp.
November 5, 1997
Page 8



issuance of the Commitment Letter and the $15,000 initial annual agency fee due
to Agent in connection with the issuance of the Commitment Letter (each of
which fees may be paid by debit to the Loan Account) and (c) evidence
satisfactory to Agent that each of the other Transactions will be consummated
contemporaneously with, and in accordance with the terms of, this Amendment.


                                           Very truly yours,



                                           BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL
                                             TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION,
                                             as Agent and as a Lender



                                           By  /s/ David A. Johanson    
                                              --------------------------------
                                              Its    Vice President
                                                  ----------------------------



Acknowledged and agreed to as of
this 5th day of November, 1997


PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.



By       /s/ Philip J. Ablove                    
   ----------------------------------
  Its         Vice President                      
      -------------------------------


PCI CHEMICALS CANADA, INC.


By       /s/ Philip J. Ablove                    
   ----------------------------------
  Its         Vice President                      
      -------------------------------
<PAGE>   9
                  Acknowledgment and Acceptance of Guarantors





              Each of the undersigned is a party to the Master Corporate
Guaranty dated June 17, 1997 in favor of Bank of America National Trust and
Savings Association, as Agent for itself and Lenders (the "Guaranty"), pursuant
to which each of the undersigned has guaranteed the Liabilities of Borrower
under the Loan Agreement.  Each of the undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt
of the foregoing Consent and Amendment No. 1 to Loan and Security Agreement,
accepts and agrees to be bound by the term thereof, ratifies and confirms all
of its obligations under the Guaranty, and agrees that the Guaranty shall
continue in full force and effect as to it, notwithstanding such amendment.


                                                  Acknowledged and Agreed to
                                                  this 5th day of November,
                                                  1997.


                                                  EACH OF THE SUBSIDIARIES SET
                                                  FORTH ON EXHIBIT A ATTACHED
                                                  HERETO


                                                  By /s/ Philip J. Ablove     
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                         Vice President of each
                                                         such Subsidiary





<PAGE>   10
                                   EXHIBIT A

                                  Subsidiaries


                             Pioneer Americas, Inc.
                       Pioneer Chlor Alkali Company, Inc.
                           Imperial West Chemical Co.
                             All-Pure Chemical Co.
                       All-Pure Chemical Northwest, Inc.
                          Black Mountain Power Company






<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 4.10


                 INTERCREDITOR AND COLLATERAL AGENCY AGREEMENT


                 INTERCREDITOR AND COLLATERAL AGENCY AGREEMENT dated as of this
30th day of October, 1997, by and among UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF NEW
YORK, as Trustee for its own benefit and for the benefit of the Holders (as
hereinafter defined) under the Indenture (as hereinafter defined) (in such
capacity, the "Trustee"), BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS
ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent for its own benefit and for the benefit of
the Term Loan Lenders (as hereinafter defined) under the Term Loan Agreement
(as hereinafter defined) (in such capacity, the "Term Loan Agent"), BANK OF
AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, as Agent under the Revolving
Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined) (in such capacity, the "Agent Bank"),
UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK, as collateral agent (the "Collateral
Agent"), PCI CHEMICALS CANADA INC. ("PCI Canada"), PIONEER AMERICAS, INC.
("PAI") and PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP. ("PAAC" and together with PCI
Canada and PAI sometimes hereinafter referred to collectively as the
"Companies").


                                    Recitals

                 A.       Pursuant to that certain Indenture dated as of the
date hereof (as the same may be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or
otherwise modified from time to time, the "Indenture") among PCI Canada, the
Guarantors (as defined therein) and the Trustee, as trustee for the holders
(the "Holders") of the Notes (as hereinafter defined), PCI Canada will issue
its 9 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2007 (as the same may be amended, amended
and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, including
all notes issued in exchange or substitution therefor, upon the registration of
such notes pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 or otherwise, the "Notes") in
the aggregate principal amount of $175 million.

                 B.       Pursuant to that certain Loan Agreement dated as of
the date hereof (as the same may be amended, amended and restated, supplemented
or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Term Loan Agreement") among PAI,
PAAC, as parent guarantor, the Term Loan Agent, DLJ Capital Funding, Inc., as
syndication agent, Salomon Brothers Holding Company Inc, as documentation
agent, and the lenders from time to time parties thereto (the "Term Loan
Lenders"), the Term Loan Lenders will make loans to PAI to be evidenced by,
among other things, certain promissory notes (as the same may be amended,
amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time,
including all notes issued in exchange or substitution therefor, the "U.S. Term
Loan Notes") in an aggregate principal amount of up to $100 million and a Bond
(Quebec Law) (as the same may be amended,
<PAGE>   2
                                                                               2
 
amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time,
including all bonds issued in exchange or substitution therefor, the "Bond" and
together with the U.S. Term Loan Notes, the "Term Loan Notes").

                 C.       PAAC has entered into a Loan and Security Agreement,
dated as of June 17, 1997, as amended by a Consent and Amendment, dated as of
the date hereof (as the same may be further amended, amended and restated,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Revolving Credit
Agreement"), among PAAC, as borrower, the Agent Bank, as agent and a lender,
and the other lenders party thereto, under which the Agent Bank and such other
lenders (collectively, the "Bank Lenders") have agreed to provide certain
revolving loan and letter of credit facilities to PAI in an aggregate principal
or face amount not in excess of $65 million.

                 D.       Pursuant to the Guaranty dated as of the date hereof,
PCI Canada has guaranteed (such guarantee by PCI Canada being hereinafter
referred to as the "Term Loan Guarantee") the payment and performance of the
Term Loan Obligations (as hereinafter defined).

                 E.       PCI Canada (or, in the case of the Bond Pledge
Agreement described in clause (ii) below, PAI) has executed and delivered (or
will execute and deliver) the following documents (collectively, and as
amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to
time, the "Security Documents") to the Collateral Agent to secure the payment
and performance of its obligations under the Indenture, the U.S. Term Loan
Notes, the Bond and the Term Loan Guarantee, as applicable:

                 (i)      Deed of Hypothec (the "Deed of Hypothec") dated as of
the date hereof in respect, inter alia, of certain premises in Becancour,
Quebec by PCI Canada, as grantor, to the Collateral Agent, for its own account
and for the account of the Trustee, the Term Loan Agent, the Holders and the
Term Loan Lenders;

                 (ii)     Bond Pledge Agreement dated as of the date hereof in
respect, inter alia, of the Bond to the Collateral Agent for its own account
and for the account of the Trustee, the Term Loan Agent, the Holders and the
Term Loan Lenders;

                 (iii)    Demand Debenture (the "New Brunswick Debenture") in
the principal amount of $500,000,000 dated as of the date hereof in respect,
inter alia, of certain premises in Dalhousie, New Brunswick, by PCI Canada to
the Collateral Agent, as beneficiary, for the benefit of the Trustee, the Term
Loan Agent, the Holders and the Term Loan Lenders;
<PAGE>   3
                                                                               3



                 (iv)     Debenture Pledge Agreement dated as of the date
hereof in respect of the New Brunswick Debenture by PCI Canada, to the
Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Trustee, the Term Loan Agent, the
Holders and the Term Loan Lenders; and

                 (v)      Demand Debenture (the "Ontario Debenture") in the
principal amount of $500,000,000 dated as of the date hereof in respect, inter
alia, of certain premises in Cornwall, Ontario and Mississauga, Ontario, by PCI
Canada to the Collateral Agent, as beneficiary, for the benefit of the Trustee,
the Term Loan Agent, the Holders and the Term Loan Lenders;

                 (vi)     Debenture Pledge Agreement dated as of the date
hereof in respect of the Ontario Debenture by PCI Canada, to the Collateral
Agent, for the benefit of the Trustee, the Term Loan Agent, the Holders and the
Term Loan Lenders; and

                 (vii)    Demand Debenture (the "Nova Scotia Debenture") in the
principal amount of $500,000,000 dated as of the date hereof in respect, inter
alia, of certain premises in Point Tupper, Nova Scotia, by PCI Canada to the
Collateral Agent, as beneficiary, for the benefit of the Trustee, the Term Loan
Agent, the Holders and the Term Loan Lenders;

                 (viii)   Debenture Pledge Agreement dated as of the date
hereof in respect of the Nova Scotia Debenture by PCI Canada, to the Collateral
Agent, for the benefit of the Trustee, the Term Loan Agent, the Holders and the
Term Loan Lenders; and

                 (ix)     Borrower (Canadian) Security Agreement; Patent
Security Agreement; Trademark Security Agreement; and Copyright Security
Agreement (collectively, and as each of the same may be amended, amended and
restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "General
Security Agreement") dated as of the date hereof by PCI Canada, as grantor, to
the Collateral Agent, as secured party, for the benefit of the Trustee, the
Term Loan Agent, the Holders and the Term Loan Lenders.


                              A g r e e m e n t :

                 The parties agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE 1

                                  DEFINITIONS

                 Definitions.     (a) Capitalized terms that are not otherwise
defined herein are used herein with the meanings given thereto in the Deed of
Hypothec and the Debenture as in effect on the date of execution of this
Agreement.
<PAGE>   4
                                                                               4




                 (b)      The following terms shall have the respective
meanings set forth below:

                 "Agent Bank" is defined in the first paragraph of this
Agreement.

                 "Asset Sale Release Notice" is defined in Section 3.2(b)(i) of
this Agreement.

                 "Bank Lenders" is defined in Recital C of this Agreement.

                 "Bond" is defined in Recital B of this Agreement.

                 "Collateral" means the Hypothecated Property (as defined in
the Deed of Hypothec), the Collateral (as defined in the Debenture and as
defined in the General Security Agreement), the New Collateral and any other
property or assets (including, without limitation, the St. Gabriel Pipeline, as
defined in the Indenture) which may from time to time be subject to one or more
of the Liens evidenced or created by any of the Collateral Documents.

                 "Collateral Account" is defined in Section 5.1 of this
Agreement.

                 "Collateral Agent" is defined in the first paragraph of this
Agreement.

                 "Collateral Agent's Fees" means all fees, costs and expenses
of the Collateral Agent of the type described in Sections 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 and 7.6
of this Agreement.

                 "Collateral Documents" means, collectively, (i) the Security
Documents, (ii) this Intercreditor and Collateral Agency Agreement, (iii) the
documentation relating to the Collateral Account and (iv) all hypothecs,
debentures, security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, pledges, collateral
assignments or any other instruments (including, without limitation, the
Pipeline Security Documents, as defined in the Indenture, and the Affiliate
Security Agreements, as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) evidencing or
creating any security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit
of the Secured Parties or in favor of the Collateral Agent for its account and
for the account of the Secured Parties in all or any portion of any property or
assets of any Obligor, in each case as amended, supplemented or otherwise
modified from time to time.

                 "Companies" is defined in the first paragraph of this
Agreement.
<PAGE>   5
                                                                               5



                 "Debenture" means, collectively, the New Brunswick Debenture,
the Ontario Debenture and the Nova Scotia Debenture.

                 "Debt Instrument" means each of the Notes, the Bond and the
U.S. Term Loan Notes.

                 "Deed of Hypothec" is defined in Recital E(i) of this
Agreement.

                 "Default" means a Default under the Term Loan Agreement or
under the Indenture, as the case may be.

                 "Distribution Date" means the date on which any funds are
distributed by the Collateral Agent in accordance with the provisions of
Section 6.1 of this Agreement.

                 "Enforcement Notice" is defined in Section 2.2(a) of this
Agreement.

                 "Event of Default" means an Event of Default under the Term
Loan Agreement or under the Indenture, as the case may be.

                 "Excepted Liens" shall mean (a) Liens for taxes, assessments
or other governmental charges or levies not yet due or which are being
contested in good faith by appropriate action and for which appropriate
reserves have been maintained; (b) operators', vendors', carriers',
warehousemen's, repairmen's, mechanics', workmen's, materialmen's, construction
or other like Liens arising by operation of law in the ordinary course of
business or statutory landlord's liens; (c) any Liens reserved in leases for
rent and for compliance with the terms of the leases in the case of leasehold
estates, to the extent that any such Lien referred to in this clause does not
materially impair the use of the Collateral covered by such Lien for the
purposes for which such Collateral is held by PCI Canada or materially impair
the value of such Collateral subject thereto; (d) the registrations described
in the Title Opinion with respect to such Collateral; and (e) Liens and
encumbrances (other than to secure the payment of borrowed money or the
deferred purchase price of Collateral or services), easements, restrictions,
servitudes, permits, conditions, covenants, exceptions or reservations in any
rights of way for the purpose of roads, pipelines, transmission lines,
transportation lines, distribution lines for the removal of gas, oil, coal or
other minerals or timber, and other like purposes, or for the joint or common
use of real estate, rights of way, facilities and equipment, and defects,
irregularities, zoning restrictions and deficiencies in title to the Collateral
which in the aggregate do not prevent the use of the Collateral for the
purposes for which it is currently held by PCI Canada or have a Material
Adverse Effect on the Companies taken as a whole.
<PAGE>   6
                                                                               6



                 "General Security Agreement" is defined in Recital E(ix) of
this Agreement.

                 "Holders" is defined in Recital A of this Agreement.

                 "Indenture" is defined in Recital A of this Agreement.

                 "Indenture Obligations" means any and all indebtedness,
obligations and liabilities of PCI Canada now or hereafter existing under or in
respect of the Notes, including, without limitation, payment of principal,
premium, if any, interest and Liquidated Damages (as defined in the Indenture),
if any, when due and payable, and all other amounts due or to become due under
or in connection with the Indenture (including, without limitation, all sums
due to the Trustee pursuant to Section 606 thereof), the Notes and the
performance of all other obligations to the Trustee and the holders of the
Notes under the Indenture and the Notes, according to the terms thereof.

                 "Lien" means any interest in Collateral owed to, or a claim by
a Person, whether such interest is based on the common law, statute or
contract, and whether such obligation or claim is fixed or contingent, and
including but not limited to the lien or security interest arising from a
hypothec, debenture, debenture pledge, encumbrance, pledge, security agreement,
conditional sale or trust receipt or a lease, consignment or bailment for
security purposes. The term "Lien" shall include prior claims (within the
meaning of the Civil Code of Quebec) reservations, exceptions, encroachments,
easements, rights of way, covenants, conditions, restrictions, leases and other
title exceptions and encumbrances affecting the Collateral.

                 "Majority Holders" means the holders of Debt Instruments which
in principal amount constitute more than 50% of the Total Amount of Secured
Obligations; provided, however, that for purposes of this definition there
shall not be counted any interests in any Debt Instrument (A) for which (and to
the extent that) there are at such time on deposit with the Collateral Agent,
or the Trustee or the Term Loan Agent, as the case may be, amounts to be
applied to the payment of principal thereof or (B) which are held by any of the
Companies or any Affiliate (as defined in the Indenture as in effect on the
date hereof) of any of the Companies.

                 "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean, as to any Person, asset
or Property, a material adverse effect on the business, assets, properties,
condition (financial or other), operations or results of operations of such
Person, asset or Property, which effect is not adequately and effectively
insured or indemnified against by a financially sound insurance company, and
excepting effects arising solely out of general national economic
<PAGE>   7
                                                                               7



conditions and/or effects arising solely out of matters affecting the industry
in which such Person, asset or Property conducts business as a whole.

                 "New Brunswick Debenture" is defined in Recital E(iii) of this
Agreement.

                 "New Collateral" shall mean any Collateral pledged to the
Collateral Agent pursuant to stock pledge agreements executed and delivered
pursuant to Section 1017 of the Indenture or Section 7.1.9 of the Term Loan
Agreement.

                 "Note Majority Holders" shall mean the holders of the Notes
which in principal amount constitute more than 50% of the Indenture Obligation
provided that for purposes for this definition, there shall not be counted any
interest in the Notes (i) for which (and to the extent that) there are at such
time on deposit with the Collateral Agent or the Trustee amounts to be applied
to the payment of principal thereof or (ii) which are held by any of the
Companies or any Affiliate of any of the Companies.

                 "Notes" is defined in Recital A of this Agreement.

                 "Nova Scotia Debenture" is defined in Recital E(vii) of this
Agreement.

                 "Obligor" means PCI Canada and any other grantor, pledgor or
assignor under a Collateral Document.

                 "Obligor Collateral" is defined in the Revolving Credit
Agreement. As used in this definition, "Revolving Credit Agreement" shall mean
the Revolving Credit Agreement as in effect on the date hereof.

                 "Officers' Certificate" is defined in the Indenture as in
effect on the date hereof.

                 "Ontario Debenture" is defined in Recital E(v) of this
Agreement.

                 "Opinion of Counsel" has the meaning set forth in the
Indenture as in effect on the date hereof.

                 "Other Released Interest" is defined in Section 3.2(c) of this
Agreement.

                 "Other Valuation Date" is defined in Section 3.2(c)(i) of this
Agreement.
<PAGE>   8
                                                                               8



                 "PAAC" is defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

                 "PAI" is defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

                 "Person" shall mean any individual, corporation, legal person,
company, voluntary association, partnership, joint venture, trust,
unincorporated organization or government or any agency, instrumentality or
political subdivision thereof, or any other form of entity.

                 "PCI Canada" is defined in the first paragraph of this
Agreement.

                 "Property" shall mean any interest in any kind of property or
asset, whether real, personal or mixed, or tangible or intangible.

                 "Pro Rata Share" with respect to any Secured Party means, at
any date of determination thereof, the percentage derived by dividing (i) the
total, without duplication, of all outstanding Indenture Obligations or Term
Loan Obligations, as the case may be (whether by virtue of acceleration or
otherwise) under or in respect of the Debt Instruments held or administered by
such Secured Party, including all fees, expenses and other amounts owing to the
Trustee or the Term Loan Agent, less the amount of any cash collateral on
deposit with the Trustee or the Term Loan Agent, as the case may be, with
respect thereto, by (ii) the Total Amount of Secured Obligations.

                 "Quebec Secured Party" means each of the Holders, the Trustee,
the Term Loan Lenders and the Term Loan Agent, and their respective successors
and assigns.

                 "Real Property" means any interest in any real property or any
portion thereof, whether owned in fee or leased or otherwise owned.

                 "Release Notice" is defined in Section 3.2(c)(i) of this
Agreement.

                 "Released Interests" is defined in Section 3.2(b) of this
Agreement.

                 "Released Trust Moneys" is defined in Section 4.4 of this
Agreement.

                 "Revolving Credit Agreement" is defined in Recital C of this
Agreement.
<PAGE>   9
                                                                               9



                 "Secured Obligations" means, at any time, the obligations of
the Companies from time to time under or in respect of the Debt Instruments.

                 "Secured Party" means each of the Trustee (acting for its own
benefit and for the benefit of the Holders) and the Term Loan Agent (acting for
its own benefit and for the benefit of the Term Loan Lenders), and their
respective successors and assigns.
                 "Security Documents" is defined in Recital E of this
Agreement.

                 "Survey" means a survey or certificate of location of any
parcel of real property (and all improvements thereon): (i) prepared by a
surveyor or engineer licensed to perform surveys in the state in which such
property is located, (ii) dated (or redated) not earlier than six months prior
to the date of delivery thereof (unless there shall have occurred within six
months prior to such date of delivery any exterior construction on the site of
such property, in which event such survey shall be dated (or redated) to a date
after the completion of such construction, (iii) certified by the surveyor (in
a manner reasonably acceptable to the title company providing title insurance
in respect of the Liens of the Collateral Documents) and (iv) complying in all
respects with the minimum detail requirements of the American Land Title
Association, or local equivalent, as such requirements are in effect on the
date of preparation of such survey.

                 "Term Loan Agent" is defined in the first paragraph of this
Agreement.

                 "Term Loan Agreement" is defined in Recital B of this
Agreement.

                 "Term Loan Asset Sale" is defined in Section 3.2(b) of this
Agreement.

                 "Term Loan Collateral Proceeds" is defined in Section
3.2(b)(iv) of this Agreement.

                 "Term Loan Guarantee" is defined in Recital D of this
Agreement.

                 "Term Loan Lenders" is defined in Recital B of this Agreement.

                 "Term Loan Note Majority Holders" shall mean the holders of
the Term Loan Notes which in principal amount constitute more than 50% of the
Term Loan Obligation, provided that for purposes of this definition there shall
not be counted
<PAGE>   10
                                                                              10



any interest in the Term Loan Notes (i) for which (and to the extent that)
there are at such time on deposit with the Collateral Agent or the Term Loan
Agent amounts to be applied to the payment of principal thereof and (ii) which
are held by any of the Companies or any Affiliate of any of the Companies.

                 "Term Loan Notes" is defined in Recital B of this Agreement.

                 "Term Loan Obligations" means any and all indebtedness,
obligations and liabilities of PCI Canada and PAI now or hereafter existing
under or in respect of the Term Loan Guarantee and the Term Loan Notes,
including, without limitation, payment of principal, premium, if any, and
interest when due and payable, and all other amounts due or to become due under
or in connection with the Term Loan Agreement (including, without limitation,
all sums due to the Term Loan Agent pursuant to Section 11.3 and 11.4 thereof)
and the Term Loan Notes and the performance of all other obligations to the
Term Loan Agent and the Term Loan Lenders under the Term Loan Agreement and the
Term Loan Notes according to the terms thereof.

                 "Title Opinions" means the title opinions delivered to the
Collateral Agent with respect to the registration of the Liens under the
Security Documents.

                 "Total Amount of Secured Obligations" means, at any time, the
total, without duplication, of all amounts then outstanding under or in respect
of each of the Debt Instruments less, in each case, the amount of cash
collateral on deposit with the Trustee or the Term Loan Agent, as the case may
be, with respect thereto.

                 "Total Net Proceeds" is defined in Section 6.1(a) of this
Agreement.

                 "Trustee" is defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

                 "Trust Estate" means (i) the right, title and interest of the
Collateral Agent in and to the Collateral and in, to and under each of the
Collateral Documents, (ii) the right, title and interest of the Collateral
Agent in, to and under each of the Title Opinions and (iii) any amounts from
time to time held in the Collateral Account.

                 "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
as amended.

                 "Trust Moneys" is defined in Section 4.1 of this Agreement.
<PAGE>   11
                                                                              11




                 "U.S. Term Loan Notes" is defined in Recital B of this
Agreement.

                 "Valuation Date" is defined in Section 3.2(b)(i) of this
Agreement.

                 (c)      The words "hereof", "herein" and "hereunder" and
words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this
Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and
section references are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.


                                   ARTICLE 2

                         DECLARATION OF TRUST; REMEDIES

                 2.1      The Collateral Agent hereby declares, and the
Companies agree that, for purposes of constituting security in the Collateral
located in the Province of Quebec, the Collateral Agent has received a Power of
Attorney (within the meaning of the Civil Code of Quebec) from and for all and
each of the Quebec Secured Parties for the purposes of holding, on behalf of
and for the benefit of all of the Quebec Secured Parties, the security
constituted by the Deed of Hypothec. The Collateral Agent, for itself and its
successors, confirms its acceptance of such Power of Attorney.

                 2.1A     Declaration and Acceptance of Trust. The Collateral
Agent hereby declares, and the Companies agree, that the Collateral Agent holds
the Trust Estate as secured party, grantee or beneficiary, as the case may be,
in trust or under power of attorney (within the meaning of the Civil Code of
Quebec) under this Agreement and the Collateral Documents for the equal and
ratable benefit of the Secured Parties (and the Persons for whom the Secured
Parties act as trustee, agent or fiduciary, as applicable) or the Quebec
Secured Parties, as the case may be, without preference, priority or
distinction of any thereof over any other by reason of difference in time of
issuance, sale or otherwise, as provided herein. Each Secured Party, by
executing and delivering this Agreement, and each Person for whom such Secured
Party acts as trustee, agent or fiduciary, as applicable, by acceptance of the
benefits of this Agreement and the Collateral Documents, (i) consents to the
appointment of the Collateral Agent as agent hereunder and grants to the
Collateral Agent all rights and powers necessary for the Collateral Agent to
perform its obligations hereunder, (ii) confirms that the Collateral Agent
shall have the authority, subject to the terms of this Agreement, to act as the
exclusive agent and attorney-in-fact of such Secured Party (or Person, as
applicable) to make claims under and otherwise act in all respects as the
<PAGE>   12
                                                                              12



beneficiary of the Title Opinions, to enforce any remedies under or with
respect to any Collateral Document, to give or withhold any consent or approval
relating to any Collateral or the Collateral Documents or any obligations with
respect thereto, and otherwise to take any action on behalf of the Secured
Parties (and such Persons) contemplated in the Collateral Documents (including,
without limitation, receiving opinions, maintaining collateral accounts and
exercising remedies) and (iii) agrees that, except as provided in this
Agreement, such Secured Party (or Person, as applicable) shall not take any
action to enforce any of such remedies or give any such consents or approvals
relating to any Collateral or the Collateral Documents or itself make any claim
under the Title Opinions.

                 2.2      Remedies. (a) Upon the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default under the Indenture, the Note Majority
Holders shall have the right at any time, and, upon the occurrence and during
the continuance of an Event of Default under the Term Loan Agreement, the Term
Loan Note Majority Holders shall have the right at any time, to direct in one
or more writings (each, an "Enforcement Notice") addressed to the Collateral
Agent and the Secured Parties that any right or remedy available to the
Collateral Agent and the Trustee or the Term Loan Agent, as the case may be,
with respect to the Collateral be exercised by the Collateral Agent on behalf
of both Secured Parties or the Quebec Secured Parties, as the case may be,
(subject to Section 6.3 hereof), which Enforcement Notice shall be effective 10
days from the date of delivery thereof, provided, however, that the Note
Majority Holders or the Term Loan Note Majority Holders, as the case may be,
taking such action must hold an aggregate principal amount of Notes or Term
Loan Notes, as the case may be, representing at least 15% of the Total Amount
of Secured Obligations. Each Enforcement Notice shall state that an Event of
Default either under the Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement exists and
generally describe the nature of and any relevant facts relating to such Event
of Default. Following receipt of any Enforcement Notice, the Collateral Agent
shall, subject to the provisions hereof relating to indemnification of the
Collateral Agent by the Companies, take the actions directed therein and any
other actions which it deems proper and which are not inconsistent with such
direction, provided, however, that the Collateral Agent shall have no
obligation to take any actions outside the Enforcement Notice.

                 (b)      Upon the effective date of an Enforcement Notice from
the Note Majority Holders or the Term Loan Note Majority Holders, as the case
may be, the Collateral Agent shall notify PCI Canada and PAI in writing that
the Collateral Agent has received such Enforcement Notice, enclosing a copy of
such Enforcement Notice. An Enforcement Notice shall be deemed to be in effect
hereunder only if such notice shall have been given and
<PAGE>   13
                                                                              13



not rescinded, annulled or withdrawn in writing by the Note Majority Holders or
the Term Loan Note Majority Holders, as applicable, by whom such notice was
given.

                 (c)      Whether or not the Collateral Agent has been directed
to exercise any right or remedy with respect to the Collateral pursuant to the
provisions of this Section 2.2, the Bank Lenders shall have the right, subject
to all relevant provisions of the Revolving Credit Agreement, to pursue
remedies with respect to Obligor Collateral in accordance with the provisions
of the Revolving Credit Agreement, all related agreements and this Agreement.
In the event that the Collateral Agent has been so instructed to pursue
remedies with respect to the Collateral, the Collateral Agent shall take such
steps as it deems reasonable and appropriate to avoid interfering with the
Agent Bank's exercise of rights and remedies with respect to Obligor
Collateral.

                 (d)      In the event that the Agent Bank shall attempt to
exercise any of its remedies with respect to Obligor Collateral, the Collateral
Agent (i) shall not hinder, delay or otherwise prevent the Agent Bank from
taking any and all action to the extent permitted by law which the Agent Bank
deems necessary to enforce its security interest in the Obligor Collateral and
realize thereon and (ii) to the extent that the Collateral Agent is in
possession of the Collateral, shall permit the Agent Bank to access, occupy and
use the Collateral, in each case without rent, for a period not to exceed 90
days from the date the Agent Bank receives written notice from the Collateral
Agent that it has acquired possession of the Collateral, or such shorter period
as is necessary for the Agent Bank to complete Obligor Collateral consisting of
work-in-process, to store Obligor Collateral constituting inventory and to
otherwise remove such Obligor Collateral and complete its exercise of remedies
in respect thereof. Agent Bank shall indemnify the Collateral Agent for all
damage to the Collateral (ordinary wear and tear excepted) proximately caused
by the negligence or willful misconduct of the Agent Bank or its agents or
employees. The Collateral Agent further agrees that it will not enforce any
statutory, possessory or other liens (including, without limitation, rights of
levy) with respect to the Obligor Collateral without the prior written consent
of the Agent Bank.

                 2.3      Determinations Relating to Collateral. In the event
(i) the Collateral Agent shall receive any written request from any Obligor
under any Collateral Document for consent or approval with respect to any
matter or thing relating to any Collateral or such Obligor's obligations with
respect thereto or (ii) there shall be due to or from the Collateral Agent
under the provisions of any Collateral Document any material performance or the
delivery of any material instrument or (iii) the Collateral
<PAGE>   14
                                                                              14



Agent shall have actual knowledge of any nonperformance by any Obligor of any
covenant or any breach of any representation or warranty of any Obligor set
forth in any Collateral Document, then, in each such event, the Collateral
Agent shall, within five Business Days (as defined in the Indenture, as in
effect on the date hereof), advise the Secured Parties in writing of the matter
or thing as to which consent has been requested or the performance or
instrument required to be delivered or the nonperformance or breach of which
the Collateral Agent has become aware. The Majority Holders shall have the
exclusive authority to direct the Collateral Agent's response to any of the
circumstances contemplated in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above, provided that
the Majority Holders include the Term Loan Note Majority Holders.

                 2.4      Right to Make Advances. If an advance of funds shall
at any time be required for the preservation or maintenance of any Collateral,
then, upon three Business Days' notice to the applicable Obligor, the
Collateral Agent or either Secured Party shall be entitled (but shall not be
obligated) to make such advance (it being understood that the Trustee shall not
be obligated to make any such advance other than in accordance with the terms
of the Indenture and that the Term Loan Agent shall not be obligated to make
any such advance other than in accordance with the terms of the Term Loan
Agreement). Each such advance shall be reimbursed, with interest from the date
such advance was made (at the rate initially borne by the Notes or the Term
Loan Notes, as applicable), by the applicable Obligor, upon demand by the
Collateral Agent or such Secured Party, as the case may be, and if the
applicable Obligor fails to comply with any such demand, out of the proceeds of
any sale of or other realization upon any Collateral distributed pursuant to
clause FIRST of Section 4.1. In the event either Secured Party shall receive
any funds which, under this Section 2.4, belong to the Collateral Agent or the
other Secured Party, such Secured Party shall remit such funds promptly to the
Collateral Agent for distribution to the Collateral Agent or such other Secured
Party, as the case may be, and prior to such remittance shall hold such funds
in trust for the Collateral Agent or such other Secured Party, as the case may
be.

                 2.5      Nature of Secured Parties' Rights. Both Secured
Parties (and each Person for whom a Secured Party acts as trustee, agent or
fiduciary) shall be bound by any instruction or direction properly given by the
Majority Holders, the Note Majority Holders or the Term Loan Note Majority
Holders, as the case may be, as required by and subject to the provisions of
this Agreement.

                 2.6      Voting. In each case where any vote or consent of the
Holders or Term Loan Lenders, as the case may be, is required
<PAGE>   15
                                                                              15



or desired to be made or determined hereunder each Secured Party shall, to the
extent required pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of the
Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement, respectively, advise in writing the
Persons for whom it acts as trustee, agent or fiduciary of the matters or thing
to which such vote or consent pertain and afford such Persons an opportunity to
indicate (which may be accomplished by affirmative act or failure to act within
a prescribed time period) a response to the matters or things set forth in such
writing. The results of such voting or consent solicitation shall be promptly
reported in writing to the Collateral Agent and shall be certified as correct
to the best knowledge of such Secured Party. Any determination as to whether
the requisite vote or consent has been obtained shall be made by the Collateral
Agent on the basis of such written information, which information may be
conclusively relied upon by the Collateral Agent. The Collateral Agent shall
not be liable for errors in such determinations unless the Collateral Agent
shall have been grossly negligent or shall have acted in bad faith in
connection therewith.


                                   ARTICLE 3

                              COLLATERAL DOCUMENTS

                 3.1      Recording; Priority; Opinions, Etc. (a) Each Obligor
shall at its sole cost and expense perform any and all acts and execute any and
all documents (including, without limitation, the execution, amendment or
supplementation of any financing statement and continuation statement or other
statement) for filing under the provisions of, any statute, rule or regulation
of any applicable United States or Canadian federal, state, provincial or local
jurisdiction, including any filings or registrations in local real estate land
record offices or registry offices which are necessary or advisable and shall
do such other acts and execute such other documents as may be required from
time to time, in order to create, grant, maintain, register, record, file,
perfect, protect, renew and preserve in favor of the Collateral Agent for the
benefit of the Secured Parties or for its account and the account of the Quebec
Secured Parties a valid and perfected first priority Lien on the Collateral,
subject only to Liens permitted under the Collateral Documents to be senior to
the Liens of the Collateral Agent, and to fully preserve and protect the rights
of the Collateral Agent under the Collateral Documents.

                 Each Obligor shall from time to time promptly pay and satisfy
all recording, registration and/or filing fees, charges and taxes relating to
the Collateral Documents to which such Obligor is a party, any amendments
thereto and any other instruments of further assurance. Without limiting the
<PAGE>   16
                                                                              16



generality of the foregoing, if at any time the Trustee, the Term Loan Agent or
the Collateral Agent shall determine that additional recording, filing,
transfer or similar taxes are required to be paid to perfect or continue any
Lien on any Collateral, the applicable Obligor shall pay such taxes promptly
upon demand by the Collateral Agent.

                 (b)      The Obligors shall, with respect to clause (i) below,
on or prior to the date hereof, and, with respect to clause (ii) below, at such
times as contemplated therein, furnish to the Trustee, the Term Loan Agent and
the Collateral Agent:

                 (i)      Opinion(s) of Counsel either (a) to the effect that,
         in the opinion of such counsel, this Agreement and the grants of liens
         or security interests in the Collateral intended to be made by the
         Collateral Documents and all other instruments of further assurance,
         including, without limitation, financing statements and each of the
         Collateral Documents has been properly registered, recorded, renewed
         and filed to the extent necessary to perfect the Lien on the
         Collateral created by the Collateral Documents and reciting the
         details of such action, and stating that as to the Liens created
         pursuant to the Collateral Documents, such recordings, registrations,
         renewals and filings are the only recordings, registrations and
         filings necessary to give notice thereof and that no re-recordings,
         re-registrations, renewals or refilings are necessary to maintain such
         notice (other than as stated in such opinion), or (b) to the effect
         that, in the opinion of such counsel, no such action is necessary to
         perfect such Lien; and

                 (ii)     on each anniversary of the Closing Date (as defined
         in the Indenture, as in effect on the date hereof), beginning with
         such anniversary in the year 1998, an Opinion of Counsel dated as of
         such date, either (a) to the effect that, in the opinion of such
         counsel, such action has been taken with respect to the recordings,
         registerings, filings, renewals, re-recordings, re-registerings and
         refilings of all financing statements, continuation statements or
         other instruments of further assurance as is necessary to maintain the
         Lien of each of the Collateral Documents and reciting with respect to
         such Liens the details of such action or referencing prior Opinions of
         Counsel in which such details are given, and stating that all
         financing statements and continuation statements have been executed
         and filed that are necessary as of such date and during the succeeding
         twelve months fully to preserve and protect the rights of the
         Collateral Agent, the Holders, the Trustee, the Term Loan Lenders and
         the Term Loan Agent hereunder and under each of the Collateral
         Documents with respect to such Liens,
<PAGE>   17
                                                                              17



         or (b) to the effect that, in the opinion of such counsel, no such
action is necessary to maintain such Liens.

                 3.2      Release of Collateral. To the extent applicable, and
subject to applicable laws of Canada and provinces of Canada, the Obligors
shall cause Trust Indenture Act Section 314(d) relating to the release of
property or Liens to be complied with.

                 (a)      Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture Obligation
and Term Loan Obligation. The Obligors shall be entitled to obtain a full
release of all of the Collateral from the Lien of the Collateral Documents upon
compliance with all of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 1201 of
the Indenture for complete satisfaction and discharge of all of PCI Canada's
obligations under the Indenture and all of PAI's obligations under Section
10.12 of the Term Loan Agreement for complete satisfaction of all of PAI's
obligations under the Term Loan Agreement and the termination thereof. Upon
delivery by PCI Canada and PAI, respectively, to the Trustee, the Term Loan
Agent and the Collateral Agent of (i) an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion
of Counsel and (ii) an Officers' Certificate (as defined in the Term Loan
Agreement) and an Opinion of Counsel (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement),
all to the effect that such conditions precedent have been complied with, the
Trustee and the Term Loan Agent shall, at the written request and expense of
PCI Canada, promptly direct the Collateral Agent to release and reconvey to PCI
Canada all of the Collateral, and upon receipt of such direction by the Trustee
and the Term Loan Agent, the Collateral Agent shall do so and deliver any
Collateral in its possession to PCI Canada.

                 (b)      Sales of Collateral Permitted by Section 1009 of the
Indenture and Section 7.2.6 of the Term Loan Agreement. PCI Canada shall be
entitled to obtain a release of all or any part of the Collateral (other than
Trust Moneys) (the "Released Interests") subject to an Asset Sale (as defined
in the Indenture) or to an Asset Sale (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement
and for purposes hereof a "Term Loan Asset Sale"), and the Trustee and the Term
Loan Agent shall direct the Collateral Agent to release the Released Interests
from the Liens of the Collateral Documents, promptly upon (x) compliance with
(i) the conditions precedent specified in Section 1009 of the Indenture for any
Asset Sale involving Collateral, and (ii) the conditions precedent specified in
Section 7.2.6 of the Term Loan Agreement for any Term Loan Asset Sale involving
Collateral and (y) delivery by PCI Canada to the Trustee, the Term Loan Agent
and the Collateral Agent of the following:

                 (i)      Release Notice. A notice (each, an "Asset Sale
         Release Notice"), which shall (A) refer to this Section 3.2, (B)
         attach all the documents referred to below, (C) describe
<PAGE>   18
                                                                              18



         with particularity the Released Interests, (D) specify the fair market
         value of such Released Interests on a date within 60 days of the Asset
         Sale Release Notice (the "Valuation Date"), (E) certify that the
         purchase price received is not less than the fair market value of the
         Released Interests as of the date of such release, (F) state that the
         release of the Released Interests will not interfere with or impede
         the Collateral Agent's ability to realize the value of the remaining
         Collateral and will not impair the maintenance and operation of the
         remaining Collateral, and (G) be accompanied by a counterpart of the
         instruments proposed to give effect to the release fully executed and
         acknowledged (if applicable) by all parties thereto other than the
         Collateral Agent;

                 (ii)     Officers' Certificate. An Officers' Certificate
         certifying that (A) such Asset Sale covers only the Released Interests
         and complies with the terms and conditions of an Asset Sale pursuant
         to Section 1009 of the Indenture and Section 7.2.6 of the Term Loan
         Agreement, (B) all Collateral Proceeds (as defined in the Indenture)
         from the sale of the Released Interests will be applied pursuant to
         Section 1009 of the Indenture and Section 7.2.6 of the Term Loan
         Agreement, (C) there is no Default under either the Indenture or the
         Term Loan Agreement or Event of Default under either the Indenture or
         the Term Loan Agreement in effect or continuing on the date thereof,
         the Valuation Date or the date of such Asset Sale or Term Loan Asset
         Sale, (D) the release of the Released Interests will not result in a
         Default under either the Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement or Event
         of Default under either the Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement and
         (E) all conditions precedent to such release have been complied with;

                 (iii)    Regarding Real Property. If any Released Interest is
         only a portion of a discrete parcel of real property, evidence that
         Canadian counsel to PCI shall have committed to issue to the
         Collateral Agent a title opinion relating to the affected property,
         confirming that after such release, the Lien of the applicable
         Collateral Documents shall continue unimpaired as a first priority
         perfected Lien upon the remaining Collateral encumbered thereby
         subject only to Excepted Liens and that the remaining Collateral
         satisfies all applicable subdivision, zoning and land use requirements
         and is not part of a larger tax lot;

                 (iv)     Proceeds of Asset Sale. The Collateral Proceeds (as
         defined in the Indenture) and the Net Proceeds (as defined in the Term
         Loan Agreement) resulting from an Asset Sale in respect of Collateral
         ("Term Loan Collateral
<PAGE>   19
                                                                              19



         Proceeds") and other non-cash consideration received from an Asset
         Sale or Term Loan Asset Sale shall be required to be delivered to the
         Collateral Agent to be deposited in the Collateral Account to be
         applied pursuant to Article 4 hereof; and if any property other than
         cash or Cash Equivalents (as defined in the Indenture and the Term
         Loan Agreement) is included in such consideration, such instruments of
         conveyance, assignment and transfer, if any, delivered to the
         Collateral Agent as may be necessary, in the opinion of counsel to the
         Collateral Agent, to subject to the Lien of the Collateral Documents
         all right, title and interest of the applicable Obligor in and to such
         property;

                 (v)      Opinions of Counsel. One or more Opinions of Counsel
         which, when considered collectively, shall be substantially to the
         effect (A) that any obligation included in the consideration for any
         Released Interest and to be received by the Collateral Agent pursuant
         to paragraph (iv) above is a valid and binding obligation enforceable
         in accordance with its terms, subject to such customary exceptions
         regarding equitable principles and creditors' rights generally as
         shall be reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent, the Trustee
         and the Term Loan Agent, and the Collateral Documents are effective to
         create a valid and perfected security interest in such obligations,
         subject to customary exceptions, (B) either (1) that such instruments
         of conveyance, assignment and transfer as have been or are then
         delivered to the Collateral Agent are sufficient to subject to the
         Lien of the Collateral Documents all right, title and interest of the
         applicable Obligor in and to any property, other than cash or Cash
         Equivalents included in the consideration for the Released Interests
         and to be received by the Collateral Agent pursuant to paragraph (iv)
         above, or (2) that no instruments of conveyance, assignment or
         transfer are necessary for such purpose, (C) that the applicable
         Obligor has corporate power to own all property included in the
         consideration for such release and (D) that all conditions precedent
         provided in the Indenture, the Term Loan Agreement and the Collateral
         Documents relating to the Asset Sale or Term Loan Asset Sale and such
         release of the Released Interests have been complied with; and

                 (vi)     Other Documents. All documentation required by Trust
Indenture Act Section 314(d).

                 (c)      Other Release of Collateral. In the event PCI Canada
desires to release any Collateral not otherwise permitted by Section 3.2(b) or
3.3 of this Agreement (the "Other Released Interest"), PCI Canada, shall be
entitled to obtain a release of such Collateral upon (x) the consent of the
Majority Holders provided that such Majority Holders include Term Loan
<PAGE>   20
                                                                              20



Lenders holding 100% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term
Loan Notes (provided that for purposes of this Section there shall not be
counted any interest in Notes or Term Loan Notes (A) for which (and to the
extent that) there are at such time on deposit with the Collateral Agent, the
Trustee or the Term Loan Agent amounts to be applied to the payment of
principal thereof and (B) which are held by any of the Companies or any
Affiliate of any of the Companies) and (y) delivery by PCI Canada to the
Trustee, the Term Loan Agent and the Collateral Agent of the following:

                 (i)      Release Notice. A notice (each a "Release Notice"
         which shall (A) refer to this Section 3.2(c), (B) attach all the
         documents referred to below, (C) describe with particularity the Other
         Released Interest, (D) specify the fair market value of such Other
         Released Interest on a date within 60 days of the Release Notice (the
         "Other Valuation Date"), (E) certify that the purchase price to be
         received is not less than the fair market value of the Other Released
         Interest as of the date of the proposed release, (F) state that the
         release of the Other Released Interest will not interfere with or
         impede the Collateral Agent's ability to realize the value of the
         remaining Collateral and will not impair the maintenance and operation
         of the remaining Collateral and (G) be accompanied by a counterpart of
         the instruments proposed to give effect to the release fully executed
         and acknowledged (if applicable) by all parties thereto other than the
         Collateral Agent.

                 (ii)     Officers' Certificate. An Officers' Certificate
         certifying that (A) such sale covers only the Other Released Interest,
         (B) all proceeds from the sale of the Other Released Interest will be
         deemed Trust Moneys (as hereinafter defined) and deposited into the
         Collateral Account to be applied pursuant to Article 4 hereof, (C)
         there is no Default under either the Indenture or the Term Loan
         Agreement or Event of Default under either the Indenture or the Term
         Loan Agreement in effect or continuing on the date thereof, the Other
         Valuation Date or the date of such sale, (D) the release of the Other
         Released Interests will not result in a Default under either the
         Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement or Event of Default under either
         the Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement, (E) all conditions precedent
         to such release have been complied with, (F) requirements of Section
         3.2(b)(iii) have been met with respect to the Other Released Interest,
         as if such Other Released Interest were a Released Interest.

                 (iii)    Proceeds of Asset Sale. The Collateral Proceeds (as
         defined in the Indenture) and the Term Loan Collateral Proceeds and
         other non-cash consideration received from the
<PAGE>   21
                                                                              21



         sale of the Other Released Interest shall be required to be delivered
         to the Collateral Agent to be deposited in the Collateral Account to
         be applied pursuant to Article 4 hereof; and if any property other
         than cash or Cash Equivalents (as defined in the Indenture and the
         Term Loan Agreement) is included in such consideration, such
         instruments of conveyance, assignment and transfer, if any, delivered
         to the Collateral Agent as may be necessary, in the opinion of counsel
         to the Collateral Agent, to subject to the Lien of the Collateral
         Documents all right, title and interest of the applicable Obligor in
         and to such property.

                 (iv)     Opinion. One or more Opinions of Counsel meeting the
         requirements of Section 3.2(b)(v).

                 At any time when an Event of Default under either the
Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement shall have occurred and be continuing, no
release of Collateral pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement or the other
Collateral Documents shall be effective as against the Collateral Agent or the
Secured Parties.

                 (d)      Release of New Collateral. Any New Collateral shall
be released by the Collateral Agent upon delivery by PAAC of an Officer's
Certificate to the Trustee, the Term Loan Agent and the Collateral Agent that
the conditions set forth in Section 1017 of the Indenture (as in effect on the
date hereof) have been satisfied.

                 3.3      Disposition of Collateral Not Requiring Consent. (a)
So long as no Event of Default under either the Indenture or the Term Loan
Agreement shall have occurred and be continuing, PCI Canada may, without any
consent by the Collateral Agent, sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral
the sale or disposition of which would not constitute an Asset Sale (as defined
in the Indenture) or Term Loan Asset Sale by virtue of clauses (i) and (iv) of
the definitions thereof; provided, that notwithstanding the foregoing, if any
such Collateral consists of Real Property, PCI Canada shall deliver to the
Trustee, the Term Loan Agent and the Collateral Agent an Officers' Certificate
confirming that the requirements of Section 3.2(b)(iii) have been met and
containing the statement set forth in Section 3.2(b)(i)(F).

                 (b)      In the event that PCI Canada has sold, exchanged, or
otherwise disposed of or proposes to sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of any
portion of the Collateral which under the provisions of this Section 3.3 may be
sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of by PCI Canada without any release or
consent of the Collateral Agent, and PCI Canada requests in writing that the
Collateral Agent furnish a written disclaimer, release or quit-claim of any
interest in such property under any of the Collateral Documents, the Collateral
Agent shall promptly
<PAGE>   22
                                                                              22



execute such an instrument upon delivery to the Trustee, the Term Loan Agent
and the Collateral Agent of (i) an Officers' Certificate by PCI Canada reciting
the sale, exchange or other disposition made or proposed to be made and
describing in reasonable detail the property affected thereby, and stating and
demonstrating that such property is property which by the provisions of this
Section 3.3 may be sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of or dealt with by
PCI Canada without any release or consent of the Collateral Agent and (ii) an
Opinion of Counsel stating that the sale, exchange or other disposition made or
proposed to be made was duly made by PCI Canada in conformity with this
Agreement and that the execution of such written disclaimer, release or
quitclaim is appropriate to confirm the propriety of such sale, exchange or
other disposition under this Section 3.3. Notwithstanding the preceding
sentence, all purchasers and grantees of any property or rights purporting to
be released herefrom shall be entitled to rely upon any release executed by the
Collateral Agent hereunder as sufficient for the purposes hereof.

                 3.4      Eminent Domain, Expropriation and Other Governmental
Takings. Subject to the provisions of the Collateral Documents, should any of
the Collateral be taken by eminent domain or expropriation or be sold pursuant
to the exercise by Canada or any state, province, municipality or other
governmental authority of any right which any of them may then have to
purchase, or to designate a purchaser or to order a sale of, all or any part of
the Collateral, the Collateral Agent shall release the property so taken or
purchased, but only upon receipt by the Trustee, the Term Loan Agent and the
Collateral Agent of the following:

                 (a)      Officers' Certificates. An Officers' Certificate
stating that (i) such property has been taken by eminent domain or
expropriation and the amount of the award therefor, or that such property has
been sold pursuant to a right vested in Canada or a state, province,
municipality or other governmental authority to purchase, or to designate a
purchaser or order a sale of such property and the amount of the proceeds of
such sale, and (ii) that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating
to such release have been complied with;

                 (b)      Proceeds of Taking. The proceeds of such taking or
purchase, delivered to the Collateral Agent, to be held by the Collateral Agent
and applied as provided herein; and

                 (c)      Opinion of Counsel. An Opinion of Counsel
substantially to the effect:

                 (i)      that such property has been lawfully taken by
         exercise of the right of eminent domain or expropriation, or
<PAGE>   23
                                                                              23



         has been sold pursuant to the exercise of a right vested in Canada or
         a state, province, municipality or other governmental authority to
         purchase, or to designate a purchaser or order a sale of, such
         property;

                 (ii)     in the case of any taking by eminent domain or
         expropriation, that the award for the property so taken has become
         final or that appeal from such award is not advisable in the interests
         of the Companies or the Secured Parties;

                 (iii)    in the case of any such sale, that the amount of the
         proceeds of the property so sold is not less than the amount to which
         PCI Canada is legally entitled under the terms of such right to
         purchase or designate a purchaser, or under the order or orders
         directing such sale, as the case may be;

                 (iv)     in the event that the award for such property or the
         proceeds of such sale, or a specified portion thereof, shall be
         certified to have been deposited with the trustee, mortgagee or other
         holder of a Lien which is permitted by the Collateral Documents to be
         prior to the Lien of the Collateral Documents, that the property to be
         released, or a specified portion thereof, is or immediately before
         such taking or purchase was subject to such prior Lien permitted by
         the Collateral Documents, and that such deposit is required by such
         prior Lien permitted by the Collateral Documents; and

                 (v)      that the instrument or the instruments and the award
         or proceeds of such sale which have been or are therewith delivered to
         and deposited with the Collateral Agent conform to the requirements of
         this Agreement and the other Collateral Documents and that, upon the
         basis of such application, the Collateral Agent is permitted by the
         terms hereof and of the other Collateral Documents to execute and
         deliver the release requested, and that all conditions precedent
         herein provided for relating to such release have been complied with.

                 In any proceedings for the taking or purchase or sale of any
part of the Collateral, by eminent domain or expropriation or by virtue of any
such right to purchase or designate a purchaser or to order a sale, the
Collateral Agent may be represented by counsel who may be counsel for PCI
Canada.

                 3.5      Suits to Protect Collateral. Subject to the
provisions hereof, the Majority Holders (provided that such Majority Holders
include the Term Loan Majority Holders) shall have the right to direct the
Collateral Agent, and if so directed, the Collateral Agent shall have the
power, to institute
<PAGE>   24
                                                                              24



and to maintain such suits and proceedings as such Majority Holders may deem
expedient to prevent any impairment of the Collateral by any acts which may be
unlawful or in violation of any of the Collateral Documents, and such suits and
proceedings as such Majority Holders may deem expedient to preserve or protect
their interests in the Collateral (including power to institute and maintain
suits or proceedings to restrain the enforcement of or compliance with any
legislative or other governmental enactment, rule or order that may be
unconstitutional or otherwise invalid if the enforcement of, or compliance
with, such enactment, rule or order would impair the Liens of the Collateral
Agent in the Collateral or be prejudicial to the interests of the Secured
Parties).

                 3.6      Purchaser Protected. In no event shall any purchaser
in good faith of any property purported to be released hereunder be bound to
ascertain the authority of the Collateral Agent to execute the release or to
inquire as to the satisfaction of any conditions required by the provisions
hereof for the exercise of such authority or to see to the application of any
consideration given by such purchaser or other transferee; nor shall any
purchaser or other transferee of any property or rights permitted by this
Article 3 to be sold be under obligation to ascertain or inquire into the
authority of PCI Canada to make any such sale or other transfer.

                 3.7      Powers Exercisable by Receiver or Trustee. In case
the Collateral shall be in the possession of a receiver or trustee, lawfully
appointed, the powers conferred in this Article 3 upon PCI Canada with respect
to the release, sale or other disposition of such property may be exercised by
such receiver or trustee, and an instrument signed by such receiver or trustee
shall be deemed the equivalent of any similar instrument of PCI Canada or of
any officer or officers thereof required by the provisions of this Article 3.

                 3.8      Determinations Relating to Collateral. In the event
(i) the Collateral Agent shall receive any written request from PCI Canada
under any Collateral Document for consent or approval with respect to any
matter or thing relating to any Collateral or the obligations of any Obligor
with respect thereto or (ii) there shall be due to or from the Collateral Agent
under the provisions of any Collateral Document any performance or the delivery
of any instrument or (iii) the Collateral Agent shall have actual knowledge of
any nonperformance by any Obligor of any covenant or any breach of any
representation or warranty of such Obligor set forth in any Collateral
Document, then, in each such event, the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to
hire experts, consultants, agents and attorneys to advise the Collateral Agent
on the manner in which the Collateral Agent should respond to such request or
render any requested performance or response to
<PAGE>   25
                                                                              25



such nonperformance or breach. The Collateral Agent shall be fully protected in
the taking of any action recommended or approved by any such expert,
consultant, agent or attorney or agreed to by the Majority Holders and the Term
Loan Note Majority Holders.

                 3.9      Form and Sufficiency of Release. In the event that
PCI Canada has sold, exchanged, or otherwise disposed of or proposes to sell,
exchange or otherwise dispose of any portion of the Collateral which under the
provisions of this Article 3 may be sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of by
PCI Canada, and the applicable Obligor requests the Collateral Agent to furnish
a written disclaimer, release or quitclaim of any interest in such property
under any of the Collateral Documents, the Collateral Agent shall execute such
an instrument promptly after satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein
for delivery of such instrument. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, all
purchasers and grantees of any property or rights purporting to be released
herefrom shall be entitled to rely upon any release executed by the Collateral
Agent hereunder as sufficient for the purposes of this Indenture and as
constituting a good and valid release of the property therein described from
the Lien of this Indenture and the Collateral Documents.

                 3.10     Possession and Use of Collateral. Subject to and in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the other Collateral
Documents, so long as no Default under either the Indenture or the Term Loan
Agreement or Event of Default under either the Indenture or the Term Loan
Agreement shall have occurred and be continuing, the Obligors shall have the
right to remain in possession and retain exclusive control of the Collateral
(other than Trust Moneys, as defined in Section 4.1 hereof, securities and
other personal property held by, or required to be deposited or pledged with,
the Collateral Agent hereunder or under the other Collateral Documents), to
operate, manage, develop, use and enjoy the Collateral (other than Trust
Moneys, securities and other personal property held by, or required to be
deposited or pledged with, the Collateral Agent hereunder or under the other
Collateral Documents) and to collect, receive, use, invest and dispose of the
reversions, remainders, rates, interest, rents, issues, profits, revenues,
proceeds and other income thereof (other than Trust Moneys, securities and
other personal property held by, or required to be deposited or pledged with,
the Collateral Agent hereunder or under the other Collateral Documents).

                 3.11     Additional Collateral. All Liens on any Property of
the Companies or any Guarantor (as defined in the Indenture) at any time
granted to secure any Secured Obligation shall constitute Collateral for the
purposes of this Agreement and
<PAGE>   26
                                                                              26



shall be held by the Collateral Agent for the pari passu benefit of the Secured
Parties.


                                   ARTICLE 4

                          APPLICATION OF TRUST MONEYS

                 4.1      "Trust Moneys" Defined. All cash or Cash Equivalents
                   received by the Collateral Agent:

                 (a)      upon the release of property from the Lien of any of
the Collateral Documents; or

                 (b)      as proceeds of insurance upon any, all or part of the
Collateral (other than any liability insurance proceeds payable to either of
the Secured Parties or to the Collateral Agent, respectively, for any loss,
liability or expense incurred by it), including, without limitation, proceeds
of any insurance received pursuant to the terms of the Collateral Documents; or

                 (c)      as proceeds of any other sale or other disposition of
all or any part of the Collateral by or on behalf of the Collateral Agent
(including any proceeds received pursuant to the terms of the Collateral
Documents in respect of the sale or other disposition of all or any part of the
Collateral taken by eminent domain or expropriation or purchased by, or sold
pursuant to any order of a governmental authority) or any collection, recovery,
receipt, appropriation or other realization of or from all or any part of the
Collateral pursuant to the Collateral Documents or otherwise; or

                 (d)      for application under this Article 4 as elsewhere
provided in this Agreement or the other Collateral Documents, or whose
disposition is not elsewhere otherwise specifically provided for herein or in
the Collateral Documents;

(all such moneys being herein sometimes called "Trust Moneys") shall be subject
to a Lien and security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent and shall be
held by the Collateral Agent in the Collateral Account for the benefit of the
Secured Parties as a part of the Collateral.

                 The Collateral Agent shall apply such amount or proceeds as
soon as practicable after receipt as follows:

                 FIRST: To the Collateral Agent in an amount equal to the
Collateral Agent's Fees which are unpaid as of the applicable Distribution Date
and to any Secured Party which has theretofore advanced or paid any such
Collateral Agent's Fees in an amount equal to the amount thereof so advanced or
paid by such Secured
<PAGE>   27
                                                                              27



Party and to reimburse to the Collateral Agent and any Secured Party the amount
of any advance made pursuant to Section 2.4 (with interest thereon at the rate
initially borne by the Notes or the Term Loan Notes, as applicable);

                 SECOND: Provided that no Default under either the Indenture or
the Term Loan Agreement or Event of Default under either the Indenture or the
Term Loan Agreement shall have occurred and be continuing, (i) any such Trust
Moneys constituting Insurance Proceeds or Net Awards may be withdrawn by PAI or
PCI Canada pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof to be applied to effect a Restoration
in accordance with the applicable Security Document; (ii) in accordance with
the terms of Section 1009 of the Indenture governing Net Proceeds and Section
7.2.6 of the Term Loan Agreement governing Net Proceeds (as defined in the Term
Loan Agreement as in effect on the date hereof), any such Trust Moneys
constituting Collateral Proceeds (as defined in the Indenture) or Term Loan
Collateral Proceeds, Insurance Proceeds or Net Awards may be withdrawn by PAI
and PCI Canada pursuant to Sections 4.3 or 4.4 hereof to be applied to a
reinvestment in PAI or in one of its Subsidiaries that is a Restricted
Subsidiary for purposes of both the Indenture and the Term Loan Agreement in a
Related Business (as defined in the Indenture as in effect on the date hereof)
or to the permanent repayment or prepayment of any Senior Indebtedness (as
defined in the Indenture as in effect on the date hereof) then outstanding; and
(iii) any such Trust Moneys not so withdrawn and applied shall be held by the
Collateral Agent as Excess Proceeds (as defined in the Indenture) and shall be
transferred to the Trustee as and when required in connection with an Asset
Sale Offer in respect of such Excess Proceeds pursuant to Section 1009 of the
Indenture.

                 4.2      Withdrawals of Insurance Proceeds and Net Awards for
Restoration. To the extent that any Trust Moneys consist of either Insurance
Proceeds or Net Awards received by the Collateral Agent pursuant to the
Security Documents and such Insurance Proceeds or Net Awards may be applied by
PAI or PCI Canada to effect a Restoration of the affected Collateral, such
Trust Moneys may be withdrawn by PAI or PCI Canada and shall be paid by the
Collateral Agent, upon a request by a Company Order (as defined in the
Indenture as in effect on the date hereof) to reimburse the applicable Obligor
for expenditures made, or to pay costs incurred, by such Obligor to repair,
rebuild or replace the Collateral destroyed, damaged or taken, upon receipt by
the Trustee, the Term Loan Agent and the Collateral Agent of the following:

                 (a)      Officers' Certificate. An Officers' Certificate of
PAI or PCI Canada, as applicable, dated not more than 30 days prior to the date
of the application for the withdrawal and payment of such Trust Moneys:
<PAGE>   28
                                                                              28




                 (i)      that expenditures have been made, or costs incurred,
         by the Obligor in a specified amount for the purpose of making certain
         repairs, rebuildings and replacements of the Collateral, which shall
         be briefly described, and stating the fair market value thereof at the
         date of the expenditure or incurrence thereof by PAI or PCI Canada;

                 (ii)     that no part of such expenditures or costs has been
         or is being made the basis for the withdrawal of any Trust Moneys in
         any previous or then pending application pursuant to this Agreement;

                 (iii)    that there is no outstanding Indebtedness (as defined
         in the Indenture as in effect on the date hereof) other than costs for
         which payment is being requested, for the purchase price or
         construction of such repairs, rebuildings or replacements, or for
         labor, wages, materials or supplies in connection with the making
         thereof, which, if unpaid, might become the basis of a vendor's,
         mechanic's, laborer's, materialman's statutory or other similar Lien
         upon any Collateral;

                 (iv)     that the property to be repaired, rebuilt or replaced
         is necessary or desirable in the conduct of the business of PAI or PCI
         Canada, as the case may be;;

                 (v)      whether any part of such repairs, rebuildings or
         replacements within six months before the date of acquisition thereof
         by the Obligor has been used or operated by any person other than such
         Obligor in a business similar to that in which such property has been
         or is to be used or operated by such Obligor, and whether the fair
         value to such Obligor, at the date of such acquisition, of such part
         of such repairs, rebuildings or replacement is more than $25,000;

                 (vi)     that no Default under either the Indenture or the
         Term Loan Agreement or Event of Default under either the Indenture or
         the Term Loan Agreement shall have occurred and be continuing; and

                 (vii)    that all conditions precedent provided for herein and
         in the Indenture and the Term Loan Agreement (if any) relating to such
         withdrawal and payment have been complied with;

                 (b)      Opinion of Counsel. An Opinion of Counsel
substantially stating:
<PAGE>   29
                                                                              29



                 (i)      that the instruments that have been or are therewith
         delivered to the Collateral Agent, the Trustee and the Term Loan Agent
         conform to the requirements of this Agreement and the other Collateral
         Documents, and that, upon the basis of such request of PAI or PCI
         Canada, as the case may be, and the accompanying documents specified
         in this Section 4.2, all conditions precedent provided for herein and
         in the Indenture and the Term Loan Agreement (if any) relating to such
         withdrawal and payment have been complied with, and the Trust Moneys
         whose withdrawal is then requested may be lawfully paid over under
         this Section 4.2;

                 (ii)     that the Collateral Agent has a valid and perfected
         lien on such repairs, rebuildings and replacements, that the same and
         every part thereof are subject to no Liens prior to the Lien of the
         Collateral Documents, except Liens permitted under the Collateral
         Documents to which the property so destroyed or damaged shall have
         been subject at the time of such destruction or damage; and

                 (iii)    that all of the Obligor's right, title and interest
         in and to said repairs, rebuildings or replacements, or combination
         thereof, are then subject to the Lien of the Collateral Documents;

                 (c)      Architect's Certificate. An Architect's Certificate
(as defined in the applicable Security Document) stating:

                 (i)      that all Restoration Work to which such request
         relates has been done in compliance with the approved Plans and
         Specifications (as defined in the applicable Security Document) and in
         accordance with all provisions of law;

                 (ii)     the sums requested are required to reimburse the
         Obligor for payments by such Obligor to, or are due to, the
         contractors, subcontractors, materialmen, laborers, engineers,
         architects or other persons rendering services or materials for the
         Restoration, and that, when added to the sums, if any, previously paid
         out by the Collateral Agent, such sums do not exceed the cost of the
         Restoration to the date of such Architect's Certificate;

                 (iii)    whether or not the Estimate (as defined in the
         applicable Security Document) continues to be accurate, and if not,
         what the entire cost of such Restoration is then estimated to be; and

                 (iv)     that the amount of the Insurance Proceeds or Net
         Awards, as the case may be, plus any amount received by the
<PAGE>   30
                                                                              30



         Collateral Agent under an Additional Undertaking (as defined in the
         applicable Security Document) remaining after giving effect to such
         payment, will be sufficient on completion of the Restoration to pay
         for the same in full (including, in detail, an estimate by trade of
         the remaining costs of completion);

                 (d)      Final Request Documentation. If such request is the
final request for any payment, in addition to the documentation required by
(a), (b) and (c) above, such request shall be accompanied by:

                 (i)      an Opinion of Counsel satisfactory to the Collateral
         Agent confirming that there has not been filed with respect to all or
         any part of the applicable Collateral any Lien which is not either
         discharged of record or bonded and which could have priority over the
         Lien of the applicable Security Document; and

                 (ii)     an Officers' Certificate stating that all occupancy
         certificates, operating and other permits, licenses, waivers, other
         documents, or any combination of the foregoing required by law in
         connection with or as a result of such Restoration have been obtained;
         and

                 (e)      Other Documents. All documentation required under
Trust Indenture Act Section 314(d).

                 Upon compliance with the foregoing provisions of this Section
4.2, the Collateral Agent shall pay on the written request of the applicable
Obligor, as the case may be, an amount of Trust Moneys of the character
aforesaid equal to the amount of the expenditures or costs stated in the
Officers' Certificate required by clause (i) of subsection (a) of this Section
4.2, or the fair value to such Obligor, as the case may be, of such repairs,
rebuildings and replacements covered by such Officers' Certificate, whichever
is less.

                 4.3      Withdrawal of Trust Moneys on Basis of Retirement of
Securities or other Senior Indebtedness.  (a) Except with respect to Trust
Moneys subject to release pursuant to Section 4.3(b) and Section 4.4 hereof,
and as otherwise permitted by the Collateral Documents, (x) the Collateral
Agent shall transfer to the Term Loan Agent, at the written direction of the
Obligors, and the Term Loan Agent shall apply, Trust Moneys from time to time
to the payment of the principal of and interest on any Term Loan Notes then due
and payable or to the prepayment thereof, including, without limitation,
pursuant to a Change of Control (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) or a
Term Loan Asset Sale, or (y) the Collateral Agent shall apply, at the direction
of the Obligors, Trust Moneys from time to time to the permanent
<PAGE>   31
                                                                              31



repayment or prepayment of Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the Indenture as
in effect on the date hereof) in accordance with the terms of such Senior
Indebtedness and pursuant to Section 7.2.6(c) of the Term Loan Agreement and
Section 1009(b)(i) of the Indenture, in each case as the Obligors shall request
in writing, upon receipt by the Trustee, the Term Loan Agent and the Collateral
Agent of the following:

                 (i)      Board Resolution. Board Resolutions of each of the
         Obligors directing the application pursuant to this Section 4.3 of a
         specified amount of Trust Moneys and (A) if any such moneys are to be
         applied to the payment of Term Loan Notes and/or Securities (as
         defined in the Indenture), designating the Term Loan Notes and/or
         Securities so to be paid and, in case any such moneys are to be
         applied to the prepayment or purchase of Term Loan Notes and/or
         Securities, prescribing the method of prepayment or purchase, the
         price or prices to be paid and the maximum principal amount of Term
         Loan Notes and/or Securities to be prepaid or purchased and any other
         provisions of this Agreement, the Term Loan Agreement or the Indenture
         governing such prepayment or purchase, and (B) in case any such moneys
         are to be applied to the payment of other Senior Indebtedness,
         specifying such other Senior Indebtedness and the principal amount
         thereof to be paid, together with payment instructions therefor;

                 (ii)     Purchase Price. Cash in the maximum amount of the
         accrued interest, if any, required to be paid in connection with any
         such payment, prepayment or purchase, which cash shall be held by the
         Collateral Agent, in trust for such purpose;

                 (iii)    Officers' Certificate. An Officers' Certificate,
         dated not more than five Business Days prior to the date of the
         relevant application, stating (A) that no Default under either the
         Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement or Event of Default under either
         the Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement exists unless such Default or
         Event of Default would be cured by the application of Trust Moneys and
         that no such Default or Event of Default would result from such
         application, and (B) that all conditions precedent and covenants
         provided for herein and in the Indenture and the Term Loan Agreement
         (if any) relating to such application of Trust Moneys have been
         complied with; and

                 (iv)     Opinion of Counsel. An Opinion of Counsel stating
         that the documents and the cash or Cash Equivalents (as defined in the
         Indenture as in effect on the date hereof), if any, which have been or
         are therewith delivered to and deposited with the Collateral Agent,
         the Term Loan Agent or the Trustee conform to the requirements of the
<PAGE>   32
                                                                              32



         Indenture and that all conditions precedent provided for herein and in
         the Term Loan Agreement and the Indenture relating to such application
         of Trust Moneys have been complied with.

                 Upon compliance with the foregoing provisions of this Section
4.3(a), the Collateral Agent shall apply Trust Moneys as directed and specified
by such Board Resolution, up to, but not exceeding, the principal amount of the
Term Loan Notes, Securities or other Senior Indebtedness so paid, prepaid or
purchased, using the cash deposited pursuant to paragraph (ii) of this Section
4.3(a), to the extent necessary, to pay any accrued interest required in
connection with such payment, prepayment or purchase.

                 (b)      To the extent that any Trust Moneys consist of (i)
Term Loan Collateral Proceeds received by the Collateral Agent that result in
the requirement to prepay principal in respect of the Term Loan Notes pursuant
to Section 7.2.6 of the Term Loan Agreement and a Term Loan Lender refuses any
such prepayment or (ii) Collateral Proceeds received by the Collateral Agent
that result in the requirement pursuant to Section 1009 of the Indenture to
make an Asset Sale Offer (as defined in the Indenture) and PCI Canada has made
such Asset Sale Offer which is not fully subscribed to by the Holders (as
defined in the Indenture), the Trust Moneys remaining after completion of such
prepayment or Asset Sale Offer may be withdrawn by PAI or PCI Canada, as the
case may be, and shall be paid by the Collateral Agent to PAI or PCI Canada (or
as otherwise directed by the Obligors) upon a Company Order to the Collateral
Agent and upon receipt by the Secured Parties and the Collateral Agent of the
following:

                 (i)      Notice. A notice which shall (A) refer to this
         Section 4.3(b) and (B) describe with particularity the Asset Sale or
         Term Loan Asset Sale or the destruction or condemnation in respect of
         which such Trust Moneys were held as Collateral, the amount of Trust
         Moneys applied to the prepayment of principal in respect of Term Loan
         Notes or the purchase of Securities pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer
         and the remaining amount of Trust Moneys to be released;

                 (ii)     Officers' Certificate. An Officer's Certificate
         certifying that (A) the release of the Trust Moneys complies with the
         terms and conditions of Section 1009 of the Indenture and Section
         7.2.6 of the Term Loan Agreement, (B) there is no Default under either
         the Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement or Event of Default under
         either the Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement in effect or
         continuing on the date thereof, (C) the release of the Trust Moneys
         will not result in a Default under either the Indenture or
<PAGE>   33
                                                                              33



         the Term Loan Agreement or Event of Default under either the Indenture
         or the Term Loan Agreement, and (D) all conditions precedent and
         covenants provided for herein and in the Indenture and the Term Loan
         Agreement (if any) relating to such release have been complied with;

                 (iii)    Opinion of Counsel. An Opinion of Counsel stating
         that the documents that have been or are therewith delivered to the
         Collateral Agent or the Secured Parties conform to the requirements of
         this Agreement and that all conditions precedent provided for herein
         and in the Indenture and the Term Loan Agreement (if any) relating to
         such application of Trust Moneys have been complied with; and

                 (iv)     Other Documents. All documentation required under
Trust Indenture Act Section 314(d).

                 4.4      Withdrawal of Trust Moneys for Reinvestment. To the
extent that any Trust Moneys consist of Term Loan Collateral Proceeds received
by the Collateral Agent pursuant to the provisions hereof and to the extent the
aggregate amount of such Term Loan Collateral Proceeds since the date hereof
(when added to the aggregate amount of other Net Proceeds of Term Loan Asset
Sales since the date hereof) does not exceed $35,000,000, or to the extent that
any Trust Moneys consist of Collateral Proceeds received by the Collateral
Agent pursuant to the provisions of Section 1009 of the Indenture, and PAI and
PCI Canada, intend to reinvest such Term Loan Collateral Proceeds in PAI or in
one or more Restricted Subsidiaries in a Related Business (the "Released Trust
Moneys"), such Trust Moneys may be withdrawn by PAI and PCI Canada and shall be
paid by the Collateral Agent to PAI and PCI Canada (or as otherwise directed by
PAI and PCI Canada) upon a Company Order to the Trustee and the Collateral
Agent and upon receipt by the Trustee, the Agent Bank and the Collateral Agent
of the following:

                 (a)      Notice. A notice which shall (i) refer to this
Section 4.4, (ii) contain all documents referred to below, (iii) describe with
particularity the Released Trust Moneys and the Term Loan Asset Sale from which
such Released Trust Moneys were held as Collateral, (iv) describe with
particularity the investment to be made with respect to the Released Trust
Moneys and (v) be accompanied by a counterpart of the instruments proposed to
give effect to the release fully executed and acknowledged (if applicable) by
all parties thereto other than the Collateral Agent;

                 (b)      Officers' Certificate. An Officer's Certificate
certifying that (i) the release of the Released Trust Moneys complies with the
terms and conditions of Section 7.2.6 of the
<PAGE>   34
                                                                              34



Term Loan Agreement and Section 1009 of the Indenture, (ii) there is no Default
either under the Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement or Event of Default under
either the Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement in effect or continuing on the
date thereof, (iii) the release of the Released Trust Moneys will not result in
a Default either under the Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement or Event of
Default either under the Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement, (iv) the parties
executing any and all documents required under this Section 4.4 were duly
authorized to do so, and (v) all conditions precedent and covenants provided
for herein and in the Indenture and Term Loan Agreement (if any) relating to
such release and application of the Released Trust Moneys have been complied
with;

                 (c)      Real Property Investment Documentation. If the
Released Trust Moneys are to be invested in Real Property:

                 (i)      a hypothec, mortgage, debenture, pledge or other
         instrument or instruments in recordable form sufficient to grant to
         the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties or for its
         own account and for the account of the Quebec Secured Parties, as the
         case may be, (A) substantially the same rights and remedies in respect
         of such Real Property as granted thereto under the Security Documents
         executed and delivered on the date hereof and (B) a valid first
         priority mortgage Lien on such Real Property subject to no Liens other
         than Excepted Liens permitted under the Security Documents delivered
         on the date hereof and, if the Real Property is a leasehold or
         easement interest, such hypothec, mortgage, debenture, pledge or other
         instrument or instruments shall include normal and customary
         provisions with respect thereto, in each case together with evidence
         of the filing of all such financing statements, application for
         registration and other instruments as may be necessary to perfect such
         Lien;

                 (ii)     a title opinion verifying that the Lien of the
         instruments delivered pursuant to clause (i) above constitutes a valid
         and perfected first priority Lien on such Real Property in an
         aggregate amount equal to the lesser of the fair market value of the
         Real Property and the then outstanding principal amount of the Secured
         Obligations, together with an Officers' Certificate stating that any
         specific exceptions to such title opinion are Excepted Liens, together
         with opinions of the type included in the Title Opinions delivered to
         the Collateral Agent on the date hereof with respect to the
         Collateral;

                 (iii)    in the event such Real Property has a fair market
         value in excess of $250,000, a Survey with respect thereto;
<PAGE>   35
                                                                              35



                 (iv)     evidence of payment or a closing statement indicating
         payments to be made by the applicable Obligor of all title premiums,
         recording charges, transfer taxes and other costs and expenses,
         including reasonable legal fees and disbursements of counsel for the
         Collateral Agent (and any local counsel), that may be incurred to
         validly and effectively subject the Real Property to the Lien of any
         applicable Collateral Document to perfect such Lien;

                 (v)      an Officers' Certificate stating that PAI has caused
         there to be conducted by a reputable expert a review and analysis of
         the environmental conditions relating to such Real Property and that,
         in the reasonable and good faith judgment of the issuer thereof such
         Real Property does not contain any conditions which would cause a
         prudent institutional lender to decline to fund loans secured by such
         Real Property, together with a copy of the written report of such
         expert; and

                 (vi)     such further documents, opinions, certificates or
         instruments (including, without limitation (A) policies or
         certificates of insurance, (B) Uniform Commercial Code, judgment and
         tax lien searches and searches under relevant provincial personal
         property security legislation, (C) consents, approvals, estoppels and
         tenant subordination agreements and (D) Officers' Certificates in
         respect of compliance with local codes or ordinances relating to
         building or fire safety or structural soundness and the adequacy of
         utility services) as are customarily provided to institutional
         mortgage lenders and as the Collateral Agent, the Trustee or Term Loan
         Agent may require;

                 (d)      Personal Property Investment Documentation. If the
Released Trust Moneys are not invested in Real Property:

                 (i)      an instrument sufficient to grant to the Collateral
         Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties or for its own account
         and the account of the Quebec Secured Parties, as the case may be, (A)
         substantially the same rights and remedies in respect of such personal
         property interest as granted thereto under the Collateral Documents
         executed and delivered on the date hereof and (B) a valid first
         priority Lien on such personal property interest subject to no Liens
         other than Liens permitted under such instrument, together with
         evidence of the filing of such financing statements and other
         instruments as may be necessary to perfect such Liens, provided that
         in no event shall the Collateral Agent be granted any security
         interests in any Obligor Collateral; and
<PAGE>   36
                                                                              36



                 (ii)     evidence of payment or a closing statement indicating
         payments to be made by the applicable Obligor of all filing fees,
         recording charges, transfer taxes and other costs and expenses,
         including reasonable legal fees and disbursements of counsel for the
         Collateral Agent (and any local counsel), that may be incurred to
         validly and effectively subject such personal property to the Lien of
         any Collateral Document;

                 (e)      Opinion of Counsel. An Opinion of Counsel stating
that the documents that have been or are therewith delivered to the Collateral
Agent or the Secured Parties are enforceable (subject to customary exceptions),
create the Liens purported to be created thereby, have been duly authorized,
executed and delivered and do not conflict with any other agreements, conform
to the requirements of this Agreement and that all conditions precedent
provided for herein and in the Indenture and Term Loan Agreement (if any)
relating to such application of Trust Moneys have been complied with; and

                 (f)      Other Documentation. All documentation required under
Trust Indenture Act Section 314(d).

                 Upon compliance with the foregoing provisions of this Section,
the Collateral Agent, at the direction of the Trustee, shall apply or cause to
be applied the Released Trust Moneys as directed and specified by PAI.

                 4.5      Powers Exercisable Notwithstanding Default or Event
of Default. In case a Default either under the Indenture or the Term Loan
Agreement or an Event of Default either under the Indenture or the Term Loan
Agreement shall have occurred and shall be continuing, the Obligors, while in
possession of the Collateral (other than cash, Cash Equivalents (as defined in
the Indenture as in effect on the date hereof), securities and other personal
property held by, or required to be deposited or pledged with, the Collateral
Agent hereunder or under the Collateral Documents), may do any of the things
enumerated in Sections 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 hereof if the Majority Holders and Term
Loan Note Majority Holders shall consent to such action, in which event any
certificate filed under any of such Sections shall omit the statement to the
effect that no Default either under the Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement or
Event of Default either under the Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement has
occurred and is continuing. This Section 4.5 shall not apply, however, during
the continuance of an Event of Default (as defined in the Indenture) of the
type specified in Section 501(1) or (2) of the Indenture or an Event of Default
(as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) of the type specified in Section 8.1.1
of the Term Loan Agreement.
<PAGE>   37
                                                                              37



                 4.6      Powers Exercisable by Trustee or Receiver. In case
the Collateral (other than any cash, Cash Equivalents, securities and other
personal property held by, or required to be deposited or pledged with, the
Collateral Agent hereunder or under the Collateral Documents) shall be in the
possession of a receiver or trustee lawfully appointed, the powers hereinbefore
in this Article 4 conferred upon the Obligors with respect to the withdrawal or
application of Trust Moneys may be exercised by such receiver or trustee, in
which case a certificate signed by such receiver or trustee shall be deemed the
equivalent of any Officers' Certificate required by this Article. If the
Collateral Agent shall be in possession of any of the Collateral hereunder or
under any of the Collateral Documents, such powers may be exercised by the
Collateral Agent in its discretion, provided, however, that the Collateral
Agent shall not be required to exercise any such powers.


                                   ARTICLE 5

                               COLLATERAL ACCOUNT

                 5.1      Collateral Account. The Collateral Agent shall
establish and maintain until all amounts due to all Secured Parties and the
Quebec Secured Parties, as the case may be, have been paid to such Secured
Parties and the Quebec Secured Parties, as the case may be, at the office of
its corporate trust division, a separate collateral trust account (the
"Collateral Account"), which may be a notional account, for the benefit of the
Secured Parties and the Quebec Secured Parties, as the case may be. All funds
on deposit in the Collateral Account shall be held, applied and disbursed by
the Collateral Agent as part of the Trust Estate in accordance with the terms
of this Agreement.

                 5.2      Investment of Funds. The Collateral Agent shall
invest and reinvest moneys on deposit in the Collateral Account at any time in
Eligible Investments (as defined in the Indenture as in effect on the date
hereof) as directed in a writing from the Companies. The Companies shall bear
the risk of loss on any such investment (including loss of principal) made
hereunder and shall, upon demand of the Collateral Agent, deliver immediately
available funds to the Collateral Agent in an amount equal to such loss or
losses.


                                   ARTICLE 6

                  APPLICATION OF CERTAIN AMOUNTS UPON DEFAULT

                 6.1      Application of Trust Moneys upon Default. (a) If a
Default either under the Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement
<PAGE>   38
                                                                              38



or an Event of Default either under the Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement
has occurred and is continuing, and either the Indenture Obligation or the Term
Loan Obligation has been accelerated, then upon the instructions of either the
Note Majority Holders or the Term Loan Note Majority Holders, the Collateral
Agent shall, as soon as practicable, apply the Trust Moneys and any Insurance
Proceeds, Net Awards, Rents (as defined in the Security Documents) or other
amounts or proceeds from the sale or other disposition of or realization upon
any Collateral (including proceeds of any claim under the Title Opinions) as
follows: first to the Collateral Agent's Fees and thereafter (i) to the Trustee
in an amount equal to the product of (x) the total amount available for
distribution on such Distribution Date under this Section 6.1 (such amount,
"Total Net Proceeds") and (y) the Trustee's Pro Rata Share as of such
Distribution Date and (ii) to the Term Loan Agent in an amount equal to the
product of (x) Total Net Proceeds and (y) the Term Loan Agent's Pro Rata Share
as of such Distribution Date.

                 (b)      Upon payment in full of all Collateral Agent's Fees
and all Secured Obligations, any balance shall be paid by the Collateral Agent
to PAI or the successors or assigns of PAI, as their interests may appear, or
to such Person who may be lawfully entitled to receive the same.

                 6.2      Payment Provisions. For the purposes of Section 6.1,
all interest accrued and unpaid on any of the Secured Obligations pursuant to
the terms of any Debt Instrument shall, as between the Secured Parties and
irrespective of whether recognized or allowed by any bankruptcy proceeding, be
treated as due and owing on the Secured Obligations.

                 6.3      Foreclosure of Less than the Total Secured
Obligations. In the event that the Collateral Agent is not authorized pursuant
to Section 2.2(b) to accelerate the Secured Obligations as a whole in
connection with an exercise of remedies with respect to the Collateral, and the
Trustee or the Term Loan Agent, as the case may be, does not otherwise
accelerate its respective obligation prior to the exercise of remedies by the
Collateral Agent under the applicable Security Document, the proceeds of such
exercise of remedies shall be applied, notwithstanding Section 6.1, solely to
the obligation being accelerated.
<PAGE>   39
                                                                              39



                                   ARTICLE 7

                        AGREEMENTS WITH COLLATERAL AGENT

                 7.1      Delivery of Debt Instruments. On the date hereof,
each of the Companies shall deliver to the Collateral Agent a true and complete
copy of each document evidencing or securing the Term Loan Obligation and the
Indenture Obligation to which it is a party as in effect on the date hereof.
Promptly upon the execution thereof, each of the Companies shall deliver to the
Collateral Agent a true and complete copy of any and all amendments,
modifications or supplements of or to any of the foregoing to which it is a
party and copies of any such document or agreement it hereafter delivers.

                 7.2      Information as to Holders. The Companies shall
deliver to the Collateral Agent on or before each anniversary of the date of
this Agreement, and from time to time upon request of the Collateral Agent, a
list setting forth, for the Term Loan Agreement and for the Indenture, (i) the
aggregate principal amount outstanding thereunder, (ii) the interest rate or
rates then in effect thereunder, and (iii) to the extent known to the
Companies, the names of the Term Loan Lenders and Holders and the unpaid
principal amount owing to each. The Companies shall furnish to the Collateral
Agent within 30 days after the date hereof a list setting forth the name and
address of each party to whom notices must be sent under the Term Loan
Agreement and the Indenture, respectively, and the Companies shall furnish
promptly to the Collateral Agent any changes or additions to such list.

                 7.3      Compensation and Expenses. The Companies shall pay to
the Collateral Agent, from time to time upon demand, (i) compensation (which
shall be reasonable and not in excess of the Collateral Agent's customary
compensation for similar services and shall not be limited by any provision of
law in regard to compensation of a trustee of an express trust) for its
services hereunder and for administering the Trust Estate and (ii) all of the
fees, costs and expenses of the Collateral Agent (including, without
limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of its counsel) (a) arising
in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, modification and
termination of this Agreement, and the enforcement of any provisions hereof, or
(b) incurred or required to be advanced in connection with the administration
of the Trust Estate, and the preservation, protection or defense of the
Collateral Agent's rights under this Agreement under the Collateral Documents
and in and to the Collateral and the Trust Estate. The obligations of the
Companies under this Section 7.3 shall survive the termination of the other
provisions of this Agreement.
<PAGE>   40
                                                                              40



                 7.4      Stamp and Other Similar Taxes. The Companies shall
indemnify and hold harmless the Collateral Agent and each Secured Party (and
each Person for whom any Secured Party acts as trustee, agent or fiduciary)
from any present or future claim for liability for any filing, stamp,
recording, intangibles or other similar tax and any penalties or interest with
respect thereto, which may be assessed, levied or collected by any jurisdiction
in connection with this Agreement, any Collateral Document or any Secured
Obligation. The obligations of the Companies under this Section 7.4 shall
survive the termination of the other provisions of this Agreement.

                 7.5      Filing Fees, Excise Taxes, etc. The Companies shall
pay or reimburse the Collateral Agent for any and all amounts in respect of all
search, filing, intangibles, transfer, recording, renewal and registration
fees, taxes, excise taxes and other similar imposts which may be payable or
determined to be payable in respect of the execution, delivery, performance and
enforcement of this Agreement, any Collateral Document or any Secured
Obligation to the extent the same may be paid or reimbursed by the Companies
without subjecting the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party to any civil or
criminal liability. The obligations of the Companies under this Section 7.5
shall survive the termination of the other provisions of this Agreement.

                 7.6      Indemnification. (a) The Companies agree to pay,
indemnify, and hold the Collateral Agent harmless from and against any and all
liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments,
suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever with
respect to the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance and administration
of this Agreement and the Collateral Documents unless arising from the gross
negligence or willful misconduct of the Collateral Agent.

                 (b)      In any suit, proceeding or action brought by the
Collateral Agent with respect to the Collateral or for any sum owing in respect
of Secured Obligations, or to enforce the provisions of any Collateral
Document, the Companies shall save, indemnify and keep the Collateral Agent
harmless from and against all expenses, loss or damage suffered by reason of
any defense, set-off, counterclaim, recoupment or reduction of liability
whatsoever incurred or suffered by the Collateral Agent arising out of a breach
by the Companies of any obligation set forth in this Agreement, and all such
obligations of the Companies shall be and remain enforceable against and only
against the Companies. The provisions of this Section 7.6 shall survive the
termination of the other provisions of this Agreement.
<PAGE>   41
                                                                              41



                 7.7      Further Assurances. At any time and from time to
time, upon the written request of the Collateral Agent, and at the expense of
the Companies, the Companies shall promptly execute and deliver any and all
such further instruments and documents and take such further action as the
Collateral Agent reasonably deems necessary or desirable in obtaining the full
benefits intended to be provided by this Agreement.


                                   ARTICLE 8

                                COLLATERAL AGENT

                 8.1      Acceptance of Trust. The Collateral Agent, for itself
and its successors, hereby accepts the trust created by this Agreement upon the
terms and conditions hereof. The Collateral Agent's duties in respect of the
Trust Estate shall include, without limitation, the review of applications of
PCI Canada, PAI or others for consents, waivers, releases or other matters
relating to the Trust Estate or the Collateral and the prosecution following
any Event of Default under either the Indenture or the Term Loan Agreement of
any action or proceeding or the taking of any nonjudicial remedial action as
shall be determined to be required pursuant to Sections 2.2 and 2.3. The
Collateral Agent shall forward copies of any written communication it receives
from the Companies to the Secured Parties.

                 8.2      Exculpatory Provisions. (a) The Collateral Agent
shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for the correctness of any
recitals, statements, representations or warranties made by the Companies
herein or in any other Collateral Document. The Collateral Agent makes no
representations as to the value or condition of the Trust Estate or any part
thereof, or as to the title of PCI Canada or PAI, as applicable, thereto or as
to the security afforded by the Collateral Documents or this Agreement or as to
the validity, execution (except its own execution thereof), enforceability,
legality or sufficiency of the Collateral Documents or this Agreement or of the
Secured Obligations, and the Collateral Agent shall incur no liability or
responsibility in respect of any such matters. The Collateral Agent shall not
be responsible for insuring the Trust Estate or for the payment of taxes,
charges, assessments or Liens upon the Trust Estate, except that, subject to
the provisions of Section 8.4(c), in the event the Collateral Agent enters into
possession of a part or all of the Collateral, the Collateral Agent shall use
reasonable efforts to preserve the part in its possession.

                 (b)      The Collateral Agent shall not be required to
ascertain or inquire as to the performance by any Obligor of any
<PAGE>   42
                                                                              42



of the covenants or agreements contained herein, in any Collateral Document or
in any Debt Instrument or other document evidencing or securing the Secured
Obligations. Whenever it is necessary, or in the opinion of the Collateral
Agent advisable, for the Collateral Agent to ascertain the amount of Secured
Obligations then held by a Secured Party (or any Person for whom a Secured Part
acts as trustee, agent or fiduciary), the Collateral Agent may rely on a
certificate as to such amount from any trustee, agent or fiduciary constituting
or representing such Secured Party and if any such Secured Party shall not
provide such information to the Collateral Agent, such Secured Party shall not
be entitled to receive payments hereunder (in which case the amounts otherwise
payable to such Secured Party shall be held in trust for such Secured Party in
the Collateral Account) until such Secured Party has provided such information
to the Collateral Agent.

                 (c)      The Collateral Agent shall not be personally liable
for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in accordance with this
Agreement or any Collateral Document or any Debt Instrument or other document
evidencing or securing the Secured Obligations except for its own gross
negligence or willful misconduct.

                 8.3      Delegation of Duties. The Collateral Agent may
execute any of the trusts or powers hereof and perform any duty hereunder
either directly or by or through agents or attorneys-in-fact. The Collateral
Agent shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining
to such trusts, powers and duties. The Collateral Agent shall not be
responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agents or attorneys-in-fact
selected by it without gross negligence of willful misconduct in the employment
of such agents or attorneys-in-fact.

                 8.4      Reliance by the Collateral Agent. (a) The Collateral
Agent may consult with counsel, and any opinion of such counsel shall be full
and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or
suffered by it hereunder in accordance therewith. The Collateral Agent shall
have the right at any time to seek instructions concerning the administration
of the Trust Estate from any court of competent jurisdiction.

                 (b)      The Collateral Agent may rely, and shall be fully
protected in acting, upon any resolution, statement, certificate, instrument,
opinion, direction, instruction, report, notice, request, consent, order, bond
or other paper or document which it has no reason to believe to be other than
genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties or,
in the case of cables, telecopies and telexes, to have been sent by the proper
party or parties. In the absence of its gross
<PAGE>   43
                                                                              43



negligence or willful misconduct, the Collateral Agent may conclusively rely,
as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed
therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to the Collateral Agent
and conforming to the requirements of this Agreement or any Collateral
Document.

                 (c)      The Collateral Agent shall not be under any
obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in the Collateral
Agent by this Agreement unless the Collateral Agent shall have been provided
adequate security and indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities
that may be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction,
including, without limitation, such reasonable advances as may be requested by
the Collateral Agent. Nothing in this Agreement shall obligate any Secured
Party or any Person for whom a Secured Party acts as trustee, agent or
fiduciary, as applicable to provide any such security or indemnity or to make
any such advance unless such Secured Party or Person agrees to do so, in its
sole discretion.

                 8.5      Resignation or Removal of the Collateral Agent. (a)
The Collateral Agent may at any time, (i) by giving 60 days' prior written
notice to the Secured Parties and the Companies, resign and be discharged of
the responsibilities hereby created, such resignation to become effective upon
the appointment of a successor collateral agent or collateral agents by the
Majority Holders and the acceptance of such appointment by such successor
collateral agent or collateral agents or (ii) be removed from its capacity as
the Collateral Agent with or without cause by the Majority Holders. If no
successor collateral agent or collateral agents shall be appointed and approved
within 60 days from the date of the giving of the aforesaid notice of
resignation or within 60 days from the date of such removal, the Collateral
Agent (notwithstanding the termination of all of its other duties and
obligations hereunder by reason of such resignation or such removal) shall, or
any Secured Party may, apply to any court of competent jurisdiction to appoint
a successor collateral agent or collateral agents to act hereunder. Any
successor collateral agent or collateral agents so appointed by such court
shall immediately and without further act be superseded by any successor
collateral agent or collateral agents appointed by the Majority Holders upon
the acceptance of such appointment by such successor collateral agent or
collateral agents.

                 (b)      If at any time the Collateral Agent shall resign or
otherwise become incapable of acting, or if at any time a vacancy shall occur
in the office of the Collateral Agent by virtue of the removal of the
Collateral Agent pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 8.5(a) or for any other
cause, a successor collateral agent or collateral agents may be appointed by
the Majority Holders, and the powers, duties, authority and title of
<PAGE>   44
                                                                              44



the predecessor collateral agent or collateral agents shall be terminated and
cancelled without procuring the resignation of such predecessor collateral
agent or collateral agents, and without any other formality (except as may be
required by applicable law).

                 (c)      The appointment and designation referred to in
Section 8.5(b) shall, after any required filing, be full evidence of the right
and authority to make the same and of all the facts therein recited, and this
Agreement shall vest in such successor collateral agent or collateral agents,
without any further act, deed or conveyance, all of the estate and title of its
predecessor or their predecessors, and upon such filing for record the
successor collateral agent or collateral agents shall become fully vested with
all the estates, properties, rights, powers, trusts, duties, authority and
title of its predecessor or their predecessors; but such predecessor or
predecessors shall, nevertheless, on the written request of the Majority
Holders, the Companies or its or their successor collateral agent or collateral
agents, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor or
successors all the estates, properties, rights, powers, trusts, duties,
authority and title of such predecessor or predecessors hereunder. Each such
predecessor or predecessors shall deliver all securities and moneys held by it
or them to such successor collateral agent or collateral agents.

                 (d)      Any required filing for record of the instrument
appointing a successor collateral agent or collateral agents as hereinabove
provided shall be at the expense of the Companies. The resignation of any
collateral agent or collateral agents and the instrument or instruments
removing any collateral agent or collateral agents, together with all other
instruments, deeds and conveyances provided for in this Article 8 shall, if
required by law, be forthwith recorded, registered and filed by and at the
expense of the Companies, wherever this Agreement is recorded, registered and
filed.

                 8.6      Status of Successors to the Collateral Agent. Every
successor to the Collateral Agent appointed pursuant to Section 8.5 shall be a
bank or trust company in good standing and having power so to act, incorporated
under the laws of the United States or any State thereof or the District of
Columbia, and having its principal corporate trust office within the 48
contiguous States, and shall also have capital, surplus and undivided profits
of not less than $100,000,000, if there be such an institution with such
capital, surplus and undivided profits willing, qualified and able to accept
the trust upon reasonable or customary terms.

                 8.7      Merger of the Collateral Agent. Any corporation into
which the Collateral Agent may be merged, or with which it
<PAGE>   45
                                                                              45



may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger or
consolidation to which the Collateral Agent shall be a party, shall be the
Collateral Agent under this Agreement without the execution or filing of any
paper or any further act on the part of the parties hereto.

                 8.8      Appointment of Additional and Separate Collateral
Agent. Whenever (i) the Collateral Agent shall deem it necessary or prudent (in
accordance with the advice or opinion of its counsel) in order to conform to
any law of any jurisdiction in which all or any part of the Collateral shall be
situated or to make any claim or bring any suit with respect to or in
connection with the Collateral, or (ii) the Collateral Agent shall be advised
by counsel satisfactory to it that it is so necessary or prudent in the
interest of the Secured Parties, then, in any such case, the Collateral Agent
shall execute and deliver from time to time all instruments and agreements
necessary or proper to constitute another bank or trust company or one or more
Persons approved by the Collateral Agent either to act as additional trustee or
trustees of all or any part of the Trust Estate, jointly with the Collateral
Agent, or to act as separate trustee or trustees of all or any part of the
Trust Estate, in any such case with such powers as may be provided in such
instruments or agreements, and to vest in such bank, trust company or Person as
such additional trustee or separate trustee, as the case may be, any property,
title, right or power of the Collateral Agent deemed necessary or advisable by
the Collateral Agent. The Companies and the Secured Parties hereby consent to
all actions taken by the Collateral Agent under the foregoing provisions of
this Section 8.8.


                                   ARTICLE 9

                        CERTAIN INTERCREDITOR PROVISIONS

                 9.1      Contesting Liens or Security Interest. Each Company, 
the Collateral Agent, each Secured Party and, by acceptance of the benefits of
this Agreement and the Collateral Documents, each Person for whom a Secured
Party acts as trustee, agent or fiduciary, as applicable, hereby agree that (a)
the liens and security interests granted to the Collateral Agent or to the
Collateral Agent for its account and for the account of the Quebec Secured
Parties, as the case may be, under the Collateral Documents shall be treated,
as among the Secured Parties and the Quebec Secured Parties, as the case may
be, and each of such Persons, as having equal priority and shall at all times
be shared by the Secured Parties and the Quebec Secured Parties, as the case
may be, as provided herein, regardless of any claim or defense (including,
without limitation, any claims under the fraudulent transfer, preference or
similar avoidance
<PAGE>   46
                                                                              46



provisions of applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws affecting the
rights of creditors generally) to which the Collateral Agent or any Secured
Party or Quebec Secured Party, as the case may be, or any of such Persons may
be entitled or subject and (b) none of them shall contest the validity,
perfection, priority or enforceability of any lien or security interest granted
to the Collateral Agent or any obligation secured by any such lien or security
interest.

                 9.2      No Additional Rights for Companies Hereunder. If a
Secured Party shall enforce its rights or remedies in violation of the terms of
this Agreement, the Companies agree that they shall not raise such violation as
a defense to collection or enforcement by the other Secured Party with respect
to the Indenture Obligation or the Term Loan Obligation, as the case may be, or
assert such violation as a counterclaim or basis for setoff or recoupment
against either Secured Party.

                 9.3      Concerning Collateral Agent. Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary set forth herein, no provision of this Agreement shall require
the Collateral Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any
financial liability in the performance of its duties hereunder, or in the
exercise of any of its powers if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing
repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is
not reasonably assured to it.

                 9.4      Authority. Each of the parties hereto represents and
warrants to all other parties hereto that the execution, delivery and
performance by or on behalf of such party of this Agreement has been duly
authorized by all necessary action, corporate or otherwise, does not violate
any provision of law, governmental regulation, or any agreement or instrument
by which such party is bound, and requires no governmental or other consent
that has not been obtained and is not in full force and effect.


                                   ARTICLE 10

                   TERMINATION; EXPIRATION OF CERTAIN RIGHTS

                 10.1     Termination. This Agreement shall terminate when all
amounts owing in respect of all the Secured Obligations shall have been paid in
full in cash.

                 10.2     Amendment of Collateral Documents. Subject to the
requirements of Sections 2.2, 3.2(c) and 4.5 hereof, the Majority Holders
(provided that the Majority Holders include the Term Loan Note Majority
Holders) shall have the exclusive authority to direct the Collateral Agent to
amend, supplement or
<PAGE>   47
                                                                              47



waive any provision of any Collateral Document or to direct the Collateral
Agent to forebear from enforcing any provision of any Collateral Document;
provided, however, that no such amendment, supplement or waiver shall affect
the right of any Secured Party (or any Person for whom a Secured Part acts as
trustee, agent or fiduciary) not consenting thereto in writing to equal and
ratable security under the Collateral Documents. In addition, no amendment or
modification to any of the Collateral Documents shall impose any additional
obligations or responsibilities upon any Secured Party or otherwise adversely
effect its rights hereunder without the consent of each of the Secured Parties
affected thereby.


                                   ARTICLE 11

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

                 11.1     Amendments to Financing Arrangements or to This
Agreement. The Collateral Agent, the Term Loan Agent and the Trustee shall each
use its best efforts to notify the other or others of any amendment,
modification or waiver to any document evidencing or securing the Secured
Obligations, but the failure to do so shall not create a cause of action
against the party failing to give such notice or create any claim or right on
behalf of any third party. Each of the parties shall, upon request of the other
or others, provide copies of all such modifications, amendments and waivers and
copies of all other documentation relevant to the Collateral. All
modifications, amendments and waivers of this Agreement must be in writing and
duly executed by an authorized officer of the Collateral Agent and each Secured
Party to be binding and enforceable, and the written consent of the Companies
shall be required only if the amendment, modification or waiver would impose,
or have the effect of imposing, on the Companies, more restrictive covenants or
greater obligations than those applicable to the Companies under this
Agreement, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, provided, however,
the written consent of the Companies shall not be required with respect to an
amendment of this Agreement pursuant to Section 3.11.

                 11.2     Notices, Distributions and Payments. (a) In each case
herein or in any Collateral Document where any payment or distribution is to be
made or notice is to be given to Secured Parties, (i) such payments,
distributions and notices in respect of the Indenture Obligations shall be made
to the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders and (ii) such payments,
distributions and notices in respect of the Term Loan Obligations shall be made
to the Term Loan Agent for the benefit of the Term Loan Lenders.
<PAGE>   48
                                                                              48



                 (b)      All notices requests, demands and other
communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be in writing
(including telex and telecopy communications) and shall be sent by mail, telex,
telecopier or hand delivery:

                 (i)      If to any of the Companies, to such Company at the
          following address:

                          4200 NationsBank Center
                          700 Louisiana Street
                          Houston, Texas 77002
                          Attention: Vice President, General Counsel
                                        and Secretary

                 (ii)     If to the Collateral Agent, to the following address:

                          United States Trust Company of New York
                          114 West 47th Street
                          New York, New York 10036
                          Attention: Corporate Trust Department

                 (iii)    If to the Trustee, to the following address:

                          United States Trust Company of New York
                          114 West 47th Street
                          New York, New York 10036
                          Attention: Corporate Trust Department

                 (iv)     If to the Term Loan Agent, to the following address:

                          Bank of America National Trust
                          and Savings Association
                          231 South LaSalle Street
                          8th Floor
                          Chicago, Illinois 60697
                          Attention: Agency
                          Management Services

                 (v)      If to the Agent Bank, to the following address:

                          Bank of America National Trust
                          and Savings Association
                          231 South LaSalle Street
                          8th Floor
                          Chicago, Illinois 60697
                          Attention: Agency
                          Management Services
<PAGE>   49
                                                                              49



All such notices, requests, demands and communications shall be deemed to have
been duly given or made, when delivered by hand or five business days after
being deposited in the mail, postage paid, when telexed answer back received
and when telecopied, receipt acknowledged. Any party hereto may change its
address set forth in this Section 11.2(b) by notice to the other parties given
in accordance with the provisions of this Section 11.2(b).

                 11.3     Headings. Headings used in this Agreement are for
convenience only and shall not affect the construction of this Agreement.

                 11.4     Severability. Any provision of this Agreement that is
prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate the
remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in
any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in
any other jurisdiction.

                 11.5     Dealings with the Companies. Upon any application or
demand by the Companies to the Collateral Agent to take or permit any action
under any of the provisions of this Agreement or under any Collateral Document,
the Companies shall furnish to the Collateral Agent an officers' certificate
and opinion of counsel stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided
for in this Agreement or such Collateral Document, as the case may be, relating
to the proposed action have been complied with, except that in the case of any
such application or demand as to which the furnishing of such documents is
specifically required by any provision of this Agreement or any Collateral
Document relating to such particular application or demand, no additional
certificate or opinion need be furnished.

                 11.6     Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon
and inure to the benefit of each of the parties hereto and shall inure to the
benefit of the Secured Parties (and the Persons for whom the Secured Parties
act as trustee, agent or fiduciary, as applicable) and their respective
successors and assigns and nothing herein or in any Collateral Document is
intended or shall be construed to give any other Person any right, remedy or
claim under, to or in respect of this Agreement, the Collateral or the Trust
Estate.

                 11.7     GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY,
AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW
YORK.

                 11.8     Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
separate counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which
taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
<PAGE>   50
                                                                              50




                 11.9     Execution by Agent Bank. The Agent Bank has executed
and delivered this Agreement solely for purposes of agreeing to, and receiving
the benefits of, the provisions of Section 2.2(c) and (d) hereof.

                 11.10    FORUM SELECTION AND CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. ANY
LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS
AGREEMENT, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENTS (WHETHER
VERBAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF ANY PARTY RELATING HERETO SHALL BE BROUGHT AND
MAINTAINED EXCLUSIVELY (TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW) IN THE
COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, NEW YORK COUNTY, OR IN THE UNITED STATES
DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT
SUIT SEEKING ENFORCEMENT AGAINST ANY COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE
BROUGHT, AT THE COLLATERAL AGENT'S OPTION, IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION
WHERE SUCH COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE FOUND. THE OBLIGORS HEREBY
EXPRESSLY AND IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE
OF NEW YORK, NEW YORK COUNTY, AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY SUCH LITIGATION AS SET
FORTH ABOVE (AND, IN ANY SUIT BY THE COLLATERAL AGENT, SEEKING ENFORCEMENT
AGAINST COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY, TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF ANY
JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH COLLATERAL OR PROPERTY MAY BE FOUND) AND IRREVOCABLY
AGREE TO BE BOUND BY ANY JUDGMENT RENDERED THEREBY IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH
LITIGATION. THE OBLIGORS IRREVOCABLY CONSENT TO THE SERVICE OF PROCESS BY
REGISTERED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, OR BY PERSONAL SERVICE WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE
STATE OF NEW YORK. EACH OBLIGOR HEREBY EXPRESSLY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE
FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION WHICH IT MAY HAVE OR HEREAFTER
MAY HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUCH LITIGATION BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH
COURT REFERRED TO ABOVE AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH LITIGATION HAS BEEN BROUGHT
IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. TO THE EXTENT THAT ANY OBLIGOR HAS OR HEREAFTER MAY
ACQUIRE ANY IMMUNITY FROM JURISDICTION OF ANY COURT OR FROM ANY LEGAL PROCESS
(WHETHER THROUGH SERVICE OR NOTICE, ATTACHMENT PRIOR TO JUDGMENT, ATTACHMENT IN
AID OF EXECUTION OR OTHERWISE) WITH RESPECT TO ITSELF OR ITS PROPERTY, SUCH
OBLIGOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES (TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE
LAW) SUCH IMMUNITY IN RESPECT OF ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.

                 11.11    WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO KNOWINGLY,
VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY
IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN
CONNECTION WITH, THIS AGREEMENT, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING,
STATEMENTS (WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF ANY PARTY RELATING HERETO.
EACH OBLIGOR ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT IT HAS RECEIVED FULL AND SUFFICIENT
CONSIDERATION FOR THIS PROVISION (AND EACH OTHER PROVISION HEREOF AND OF EACH
OTHER DOCUMENT
<PAGE>   51
                                                                              51



DESCRIBED HEREIN TO WHICH IT IS A PARTY) AND THAT THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL
INDUCEMENT FOR THE COLLATERAL AGENT AND SECURED PARTIES ENTERING INTO THIS
AGREEMENT AND EACH SUCH OTHER DOCUMENT.
                           [Signature page follows.]
<PAGE>   52
                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this
Agreement or caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective
officers thereunto duly authorized as of the day and year first above written.


                                            UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF
                                              NEW YORK, as Trustee

                                            By  /s/ PATRICIA STERMER
                                              ---------------------------------
                                              Name: PATRICIA STERMER
                                              Title: ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT

                                            BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST
                                              AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, as
                                              Term Loan Agent

                                            By /s/ DAVID A. JOHANSON
                                              ---------------------------------
                                              Name: David A. Johanson
                                              Title: Vice President

                                            UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY
                                              OF NEW YORK, as
                                              Collateral Agent

                                            By /s/ PATRICIA STERMER
                                              ---------------------------------
                                              Name: PATRICIA STERMER
                                              Title: ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT

                                            PCI CHEMICALS CANADA INC.

                                            By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
                                              ---------------------------------
                                              Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                              Title: Vice President and
                                                     Chief Financial Officer

                                            PIONEER AMERICAS
                                            ACQUISITION CORP.

                                            By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
                                              ---------------------------------
                                              Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                              Title: Vice President and
                                                     Chief Financial Officer

                                            PIONEER AMERICAS, INC.

                                            By /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
                                              ---------------------------------
                                              Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                              Title: Vice President and
                                                     Chief Financial Officer
                                            
                                            BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST
                                            AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, as
                                            Agent Bank

                                            By /s/ DAVID A. JOHANSON
                                              ---------------------------------
                                              Name: David A. Johanson
                                              Title: Vice President
                                            

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 4.11


                                                                  EXECUTION COPY

================================================================================







                                 EXCHANGE AND
                         REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
                        


                          Dated as of November 5, 1997

                                  by and among

                           PCI Chemicals Canada Inc.
                   The Guarantors listed on Schedule I hereto

                                      and

            Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation and
                              Salomon Brothers Inc







================================================================================

<PAGE>   2

          This Registration Rights Agreement (this "AGREEMENT") is made and
entered into as of November 5, 1997 by and among PCI Chemicals Canada Inc., a
New Brunswick corporation (the "COMPANY"), the companies listed on Schedule I
hereto (each a "GUARANTOR" and, collectively, the "GUARANTORS"), and Donaldson,
Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation and Salomon Brothers Inc (each an
"INITIAL PURCHASER" and, collectively, the "INITIAL PURCHASERS"), each of whom
has agreed to purchase the Company's 9 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2007 (the
"SERIES A NOTES") pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (as defined below).


          This Agreement is made pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, dated
October 22, 1997 (the "PURCHASE AGREEMENT"), by and among the Company, the
Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers.  In order to induce the Initial
Purchasers to purchase the Series A Notes, the Company has agreed to provide
the registration rights set forth in this Agreement.  The execution and
delivery of this Agreement is a condition to the obligations of the Initial
Purchasers set forth in Section 2 of the Purchase Agreement.  Capitalized terms
used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning assigned to them
in the Indenture (the "INDENTURE"), dated as of October 30, 1997, among the
Company, the Guarantors, and United States Trust Company of New York, as
Trustee, relating to the Series A Notes and the Series B Notes (as defined).

          The parties hereby agree as follows:

SECTION 1.          DEFINITIONS

          As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have
the following meanings:

          ACT:  The Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

          AFFILIATE:  As defined in Rule 144 of the Act.

          BROKER-DEALER:  Any broker or dealer registered under the Exchange
Act.

          BUSINESS DAY:  Each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
which is not a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York or The
New York Stock Exchange are authorized or obligated by law or executive order
to close.

          CERTIFICATED SECURITIES:  Physical Securities, as defined in the
Indenture.

          CLOSING DATE:  The date hereof.

          COMMISSION:  The Securities and Exchange Commission.

          CONSUMMATE:  An Exchange Offer shall be deemed "Consummated" for
purposes of this Agreement upon the occurrence of (a) the filing and
effectiveness under the Act of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement
relating to the Series B Notes to be issued in the Exchange Offer, (b) the
maintaining of such Exchange Offer Registration Statement continuously
effective and the keeping of the Exchange Offer open for a period not less than
the period required pursuant to Section 3(b) hereof and (c) the delivery by the
Company to the Registrar under the Indenture of Series B Notes in the same
aggregate principal amount as the aggregate principal amount of Series A Notes
tendered by Holders thereof pursuant to the Exchange Offer.

          EFFECTIVENESS DEADLINE:  As defined in Section 3(a) and 4(a) hereof.

<PAGE>   3

          EXCHANGE ACT:  The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

          EXCHANGE OFFER:  The exchange and issuance by the Company of a
principal amount of Series B Notes (which shall be registered pursuant to the
Exchange Offer Registration Statement) equal to the outstanding principal
amount of Series A Notes that are tendered by such Holders in connection with
such exchange and issuance.

          EXCHANGE OFFER REGISTRATION STATEMENT:  The Registration Statement
relating to the Exchange Offer, including the related Prospectus.

          EXEMPT RESALES:  The transactions in which the Initial Purchasers
propose to sell the Series A Notes to certain "qualified institutional buyers,"
as such term is defined in Rule 144A under the Act.

          FILING DEADLINE:  As defined in Sections 3(a) and 4(a) hereof.

          HOLDERS:  As defined in Section 2 hereof.

          PROSPECTUS:  The prospectus included in a Registration Statement at
the time such Registration Statement is declared effective, as amended or
supplemented by any prospectus supplement and by all other amendments thereto,
including post-effective amendments, and including all material incorporated by
reference into such Prospectus.

          RECOMMENCEMENT DATE: As defined in Section 6(d) hereof.

          REGISTRATION DEFAULT:  As defined in Section 5 hereof.

          REGISTRATION STATEMENT:  Any registration statement of the Company
and the Guarantors relating to (a) an offering of Series B Notes pursuant to an
Exchange Offer or (b) the registration for resale of Transfer Restricted
Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, in each case, (i) that
is filed pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and (ii) including the
Prospectus included therein, all amendments and supplements thereto (including
post-effective amendments) and all exhibits and material incorporated by
reference therein.

          RESTRICTED BROKER-DEALER:  Any Broker-Dealer that holds Series B
Notes that were acquired in the Exchange Offer in exchange for Series A Notes
that such Broker-Dealer acquired for its own account as a result of market
making activities or other trading activities (other than Series A Notes
acquired directly from the Company or any of its affiliates).

          RULE 144: Rule 144 promulgated under the Act.

          SERIES B NOTES:  The Company's 9 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2007
to be issued pursuant to the Indenture: (i) in the Exchange Offer or (ii) as
contemplated by Section 4 hereof.

          SHELF REGISTRATION STATEMENT:  As defined in Section 4 hereof.

          SUSPENSION NOTICE:  As defined in Section 6(d) hereof.

          TIA: The Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. Section 77aaa-77bbbb)
as in effect on the date of the Indenture.





                                       2

<PAGE>   4

          TRANSFER RESTRICTED SECURITIES: Each Note, until the earliest to
occur of (a) the date on which such Note is exchanged in the Exchange Offer and
entitled to be resold to the public by the Holder thereof without complying
with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Act, (b) the date on which
such Note has been disposed of in accordance with a Shelf Registration
Statement, (c) the date on which such Note is disposed of by a Broker-Dealer
pursuant to the "Plan of Distribution" contemplated by the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement (including delivery of the Prospectus contained therein)
or (d) the date on which such Note is distributed to the public pursuant to
Rule 144 under the Act.

SECTION 2.          HOLDERS

          A Person is deemed to be a holder of Transfer Restricted Securities
(each, a "HOLDER") whenever such Person owns Transfer Restricted Securities.

SECTION 3.          REGISTERED EXCHANGE OFFER

          (a)  Unless the Exchange Offer shall not be permitted by applicable
federal law (after the procedures set forth in Section 6(a)(i) below have been
complied with), the Company and the Guarantors shall (i) cause the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement to be filed with the Commission as soon as
practicable after the Closing Date (the "EXCHANGE OFFER FILING DATE"), but in
no event later than 30 days after the Closing Date (such 30th day being the
"FILING DEADLINE"), (ii) use its best efforts to cause such Exchange Offer
Registration Statement to become effective at the earliest possible time, but
in no event later than 150 days after the Closing Date (such 150th day being
the "EFFECTIVENESS DEADLINE"), (iii) in connection with the foregoing, (A) file
all pre-effective amendments to such Exchange Offer Registration Statement as
may be necessary in order to cause it to become effective, (B) file, if
applicable, a post-effective amendment to such Exchange Offer Registration
Statement pursuant to Rule 430A under the Act and (C) cause all necessary
filings, if any, in connection with the registration and qualification of the
Series B Notes to be made under the Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as are
necessary to permit Consummation of the Exchange Offer, and (iv) upon the
effectiveness of such Exchange Offer Registration Statement, commence and
Consummate the Exchange Offer.  The Exchange Offer shall be on the appropriate
form permitting registration of the Series B Notes to be offered in exchange
for the Series A Notes that are Transfer Restricted Securities and to permit
resales of Series B Notes by Broker-Dealers that tendered into the Exchange
Offer Series A Notes that such Broker-Dealer acquired for its own account as a
result of market making activities or other trading activities (other than
Series A Notes acquired directly from the Company or any of its Affiliates) as
contemplated by Section 3(c) below.

          (b)  The Company and the Guarantors shall use their respective best
efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be declared
effective, and shall keep the Exchange Offer open for a period of not less than
the minimum period required under applicable federal and state securities laws
to Consummate the Exchange Offer; provided, however, that in no event shall
such period be less than 20 Business Days.  The Company and the Guarantors
shall cause the Exchange Offer to comply with all applicable federal and state
securities laws.  No securities other than the Series B Notes shall be included
in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement.  The Company and the Guarantors
shall use their respective best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer to be
Consummated on the earliest practicable date after the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement has become effective, but in no event later than 30
Business Days thereafter.

          (c)  The Company shall include a "Plan of Distribution" section in
the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and
indicate therein that any Broker-Dealer who holds Transfer Restricted
Securities that were acquired for the account of such Broker-Dealer as a result
of market-making activities or other trading activities (other than Transfer
Restricted Securities acquired directly





                                       3
<PAGE>   5
from the Company or any Affiliate of the Company), may exchange such Transfer
Restricted Securities  pursuant to the Exchange Offer; however, such
Broker-Dealer may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the
Act and must, therefore, deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the
Act in connection with its initial sale of any Series B Notes received by such
Broker-Dealer in the Exchange Offer and that the Prospectus contained in the
Exchange Offer Registration Statement may be used to satisfy such prospectus
delivery requirement.  Such "Plan of Distribution" section shall also contain
all other information with respect to such sales by such Broker-Dealers that
the Commission may require in order to permit such sales pursuant thereto, but
such "Plan of Distribution" shall not name any such Broker- Dealer or disclose
the amount of Transfer Restricted Securities held by any such Broker-Dealer,
except to the extent required by the Commission as a result of a change in
policy, rules or regulations after the date of this Agreement.

          To the extent necessary to ensure that the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement is available for sales of Series B Notes by
Broker-Dealers, the Company and the Guarantors agree to use their respective
best efforts to keep the Exchange Offer Registration Statement continuously
effective, supplemented and amended as required by the provisions of Section
6(c) hereof and in conformity with the requirements of this Agreement, the Act
and the policies, rules and regulations of the Commission as announced from
time to time, for a period of 180 days (or such longer period if extended
pursuant to Section 6(d) below) from the date on which the Exchange Offer is
Consummated, or such shorter period as will terminate when all Transfer
Restricted Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold
pursuant thereto.  The Company and the Guarantors shall promptly provide
sufficient copies of the latest version of such Prospectus to such
Broker-Dealers promptly upon request, and in no event later than one Business
Day after such request, at any time during such period.


SECTION 4.          SHELF REGISTRATION

          (a)  Shelf Registration.  If (i) the Exchange Offer is not permitted
by applicable law (after the Company and the Guarantors have complied with the
procedures set forth in Section 6(a)(i) below) or (ii) if any Holder of
Transfer Restricted Securities shall notify the Company within 10 Business Days
following the Consummation of the Exchange Offer that (A) such Holder was
prohibited by law or Commission policy from participating in the Exchange Offer
or (B) such Holder may not resell the Series B Notes acquired by it in the
Exchange Offer to the public without delivering a prospectus and the Prospectus
contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not appropriate or
available for such resales by such Holder or (C) such Holder is a Broker-Dealer
and holds Series A Notes acquired directly from the Company or any of its
Affiliates, then the Company and the Guarantors shall:

      (x) cause to be filed, on or prior to 30 days after the earlier of (i)
the date on which the Company determines that the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement cannot be filed as a result of clause (a)(i) above and (ii) the date
on which the Company receives the notice specified in clause (a) (ii) above,
(such earlier date, the "FILING DEADLINE"), a shelf registration statement
pursuant to Rule 415 under the Act (which may be an amendment to the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement (the "SHELF REGISTRATION STATEMENT")), relating to
all Transfer Restricted Securities, and

     (y) shall use their respective best efforts to cause such Shelf
Registration Statement to become effective on or prior to 150 days after the
Filing Deadline (such 150th day the "EFFECTIVENESS DEADLINE").

          If, after the Company has filed an Exchange Offer Registration
Statement that satisfies the requirements of Section 3(a) above, the Company is
required to file and make effective a Shelf





                                       4
<PAGE>   6
Registration Statement solely because the Exchange Offer is not permitted under
applicable federal law, then the filing of the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of clause (x) above;
provided that, in such event, the Company shall remain obligated to meet the
Effectiveness Deadline set forth in clause (y).

          The Company and the Guarantors shall use their respective best
efforts to keep any Shelf Registration Statement required by this Section 4(a)
effective, supplemented and amended as required by and subject to the
provisions of Sections 6(b) and (c) hereof to the extent necessary to ensure
that it is available for sales of Transfer Restricted Securities by the Holders
thereof entitled to the benefit of this Section 4(a), and to ensure that it
conforms with the requirements of this Agreement, the Act and the policies,
rules and regulations of the Commission as announced from time to time, for a
period of at least two years (as extended pursuant to Section 6(d)) following
the date on which such Shelf Registration Statement first became effective
under the Act, or such shorter period as will terminate when all Transfer
Restricted Securities covered by such Shelf Registration Statement have been
sold pursuant thereto.

          (b)  Provision by Holders of Certain Information in Connection with
the Shelf Registration Statement.  No Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities
may include any of its Transfer Restricted Securities in any Shelf Registration
Statement pursuant to this Agreement unless and until such Holder furnishes to
the Company in writing, within 15 Business Days after receipt of a request
therefor, the information specified in Item 507 or 508 of Regulation S-K, as
applicable, of the Act for use in connection with any Shelf Registration
Statement or Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus included therein.  No Holder
of Transfer Restricted Securities shall be entitled to liquidated damages
pursuant to Section 5 hereof unless and until such Holder shall have provided
all such information.  Each selling Holder agrees to promptly furnish
additional information required to be disclosed in order to make the
information previously furnished to the Company by such Holder not materially
misleading.


SECTION 5.          LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

          If (i) any Registration Statement required by this Agreement is not
filed with the Commission on or prior to the applicable Filing Deadline, (ii)
any such Registration Statement has not been declared effective by the
Commission on or prior to the applicable Effectiveness Deadline, (iii) the
Exchange Offer has not been Consummated within 30 Business Days after the
Exchange Offer Registration Statement is first declared effective by the
Commission or (iv) any Registration Statement required by this Agreement is
filed and declared effective but shall thereafter cease to be effective or fail
to be usable for its intended purpose for a period of 15 consecutive days
without being succeeded immediately by a post-effective amendment to such
Registration Statement that cures such failure and that is itself declared
effective (each such event referred to in clauses (i) through (iv), a
"REGISTRATION DEFAULT"), then the Company and the Guarantors hereby jointly and
severally agree to pay to each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities
affected thereby liquidated damages in an amount equal to $.05 per week per
$1,000 in principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities held by such
Holder for each week or portion thereof that the Registration Default continues
for the first 90-day period immediately following the occurrence of such
Registration Default.  The amount of the liquidated damages shall increase by
an additional $.05 per week per $1,000 in principal amount of Transfer
Restricted Securities with respect to each subsequent 90-day period until all
Registration Defaults have been cured, up to a maximum amount of liquidated
damages of $.50 per week per $1,000 in principal amount of Transfer Restricted
Securities; provided that the Company and the Guarantors shall in no event be
required to pay liquidated damages for more than one Registration Default at
any given time.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, (1)
upon filing of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (and/or, if
applicable, the Shelf Registration Statement), in the case of (i) above, (2)
upon the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (and/or, if





                                       5
<PAGE>   7
applicable, the Shelf Registration Statement), in the case of (ii) above, (3)
upon Consummation of the Exchange Offer, in the case of (iii) above, or (4)
upon the filing of a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or
an additional Registration Statement that causes the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement (and/or, if applicable, the Shelf Registration
Statement) to again be declared effective or made usable in the case of (iv)
above, the liquidated damages payable with respect to the Transfer Restricted
Securities as a result of such clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv), as applicable,
shall cease.

          All accrued liquidated damages shall be paid to the Holders entitled
thereto, in the manner provided for the payment of interest in the Indenture,
on each Interest Payment Date, as more fully set forth in the Indenture and the
Notes.  All obligations of the Company and the Guarantors set forth in the
preceding paragraph that are outstanding with respect to any Transfer
Restricted Security at the time such security ceases to be a Transfer
Restricted Security shall survive until such time as all such obligations with
respect to such security shall have been satisfied in full.


SECTION 6.          REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

          (a)  Exchange Offer Registration Statement.  In connection with the
Exchange Offer, the Company and the Guarantors shall comply with all applicable
provisions of Section 6(c) below, shall use their respective best efforts to
effect such exchange and to permit the resale of Series B Notes by
Broker-Dealers that tendered in the Exchange Offer Series A Notes that such
Broker-Dealer acquired for its own account as a result of its market making
activities or other trading activities (other than Series A Notes acquired
directly from the Company or any of its Affiliates) being sold in accordance
with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof, and shall comply
with all of the following provisions:

               (i)  If, following the date hereof there has been announced a
     change in Commission policy with respect to exchange offers such as the
     Exchange Offer, that in the reasonable opinion of counsel to the Company
     raises a substantial question as to whether the Exchange Offer is
     permitted by applicable federal law, the Company and the Guarantors hereby
     agree to seek a no-action letter or other favorable decision from the
     Commission allowing the Company and the Guarantors to Consummate an
     Exchange Offer for such Transfer Restricted Securities.  The Company and
     the Guarantors hereby agree to pursue the issuance of such a decision to
     the Commission staff level.  In connection with the foregoing, the Company
     and the Guarantors hereby agree to take all such other actions as may be
     reasonably requested by the Commission or otherwise required in connection
     with the issuance of such decision, including without limitation (A)
     participating in telephonic conferences with the Commission, (B)
     delivering to the Commission staff an analysis prepared by counsel to the
     Company setting forth the legal bases, if any, upon which such counsel has
     concluded that such an Exchange Offer should be permitted and (C)
     diligently pursuing a resolution (which need not be favorable) by the
     Commission staff.

               (ii)  As a condition to its participation in the Exchange Offer,
     each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities (including, without
     limitation, any Holder who is a Broker Dealer) shall furnish, upon the
     request of the Company, prior to the Consummation of the Exchange Offer, a
     written representation to the Company and the Guarantors (which may be
     contained in the letter of transmittal contemplated by the Exchange Offer
     Registration Statement) to the effect that (A) it is not an Affiliate of
     the Company, (B) it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in,
     and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in,
     a distribution of the Series B Notes to be issued in the Exchange Offer
     and (C) it is acquiring the Series B Notes in its ordinary course of
     business.  Each Holder using the Exchange Offer to participate in a
     distribution of the Series B Notes hereby acknowledges and agrees that, if
     the resales are of Series B Notes obtained





                                       6
<PAGE>   8
     by such Holder in exchange for Series A Notes acquired directly from the
     Company or an Affiliate thereof, it (1) could not, under Commission policy
     as in effect on the date of this Agreement, rely on the position of the
     Commission enunciated in Morgan Stanley and Co., Inc. (available June 5,
     1991) and Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), as
     interpreted in the Commission's letter to Shearman & Sterling (available
     July 2, 1993), and similar no-action letters (including, if applicable,
     any no-action letter obtained pursuant to clause (i) above), and (2) must
     comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
     Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction and that such a
     secondary resale transaction must be covered by an effective registration
     statement containing the selling security holder information required by
     Item 507 or 508, as applicable, of Regulation S-K.

               (iii)  Prior to effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration
     Statement, the Company and the Guarantors shall provide a supplemental
     letter to the Commission (A) stating that the Company and the Guarantors
     are registering the Exchange Offer in reliance on the position of the
     Commission enunciated in Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May
     13, 1988), Morgan Stanley and Co., Inc. (available June 5, 1991) as
     interpreted in the Commission's letter to Shearman & Sterling (available
     July 2, 1993), and, if applicable, any no-action letter obtained pursuant
     to clause (i) above, (B) including a representation that neither the
     Company nor any Guarantor has entered into any arrangement or
     understanding with any Person to distribute the Series B Notes to be
     received in the Exchange Offer and that, to the best of the Company's and
     each Guarantor's information and belief, each Holder participating in the
     Exchange Offer is acquiring the Series B Notes in its ordinary course of
     business and has no arrangement or understanding with any Person to
     participate in the distribution of the Series B Notes received in the
     Exchange Offer and (C) any other undertaking or representation required by
     the Commission as set forth in any no-action letter obtained pursuant to
     clause (i) above, if applicable.

          (b)  Shelf Registration Statement.  In connection with the Shelf
Registration Statement, the Company and the Guarantors shall comply with all
the provisions of Section 6(c) below and shall use their respective best
efforts to effect such registration to permit the sale of the Transfer
Restricted Securities being sold in accordance with the intended method or
methods of distribution thereof (as indicated in the information furnished to
the Company pursuant to Section 4(b) hereof), and pursuant thereto the Company
and the Guarantors will prepare and file with the Commission a Shelf
Registration Statement relating to the registration on any appropriate form
under the Act, which form shall be available for the sale of the Transfer
Restricted Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods of
distribution thereof within the time periods and otherwise in accordance with
the provisions hereof.

          (c)  General Provisions.  In connection with any Registration
Statement and any related Prospectus required by this Agreement, the Company
and the Guarantors shall:

               (i)  use their respective best efforts to keep such Registration
     Statement effective and provide all requisite financial statements for the
     period specified in Section 3 or 4 of this Agreement, as applicable; upon
     the occurrence of any event that would cause any such Registration
     Statement or the Prospectus contained therein (A) to contain a material
     misstatement or omission or (B) not to be effective and usable for resale
     of Transfer Restricted Securities during the period required by this
     Agreement, file promptly an appropriate amendment to such Registration
     Statement curing such defect, and, if Commission review is required, use
     their respective best efforts to cause such amendment to be declared
     effective as soon as practicable;

               (ii)  prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and
     post-effective amendments to the applicable Registration Statement as may
     be necessary to keep such Registration Statement





                                       7
<PAGE>   9
     effective for the applicable period set forth in Section 3 or 4 hereof, as
     the case may be; cause the Prospectus to be supplemented by any required
     Prospectus supplement, and as so supplemented to be filed pursuant to Rule
     424 under the Act, and to comply with Rules 424, 430A and 462, as
     applicable, under the Act in a timely manner; and comply with the
     provisions of the Act with respect to the disposition of all securities
     covered by such Registration Statement during the applicable period in
     accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution by the
     sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement or supplement to
     the Prospectus;

               (iii)  advise the selling Holders (to the extent known by the
     Company) and Initial Purchasers promptly and, if requested by such
     Persons, confirm such advice in writing, (A) when the Prospectus or any
     Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and,
     with respect to any applicable Registration Statement or any
     post-effective amendment thereto, when the same has become effective, (B)
     of any request by the Commission for amendments to the Registration
     Statement or amendments or supplements to the Prospectus or for additional
     information relating thereto, (C) of the issuance by the Commission of any
     stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement
     under the Act or of the suspension by any state securities commission of
     the qualification of the Transfer Restricted Securities for offering or
     sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation of any proceeding for any of
     the preceding purposes, (D) of the existence of any fact or the happening
     of any event that makes any statement of a material fact made in the
     Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any amendment or supplement
     thereto or any document incorporated by reference therein untrue, or that
     requires the making of any additions to or changes in the Registration
     Statement in order to make the statements therein not misleading, or that
     requires the making of any additions to or changes in the Prospectus in
     order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
     under which they were made, not misleading; if at any time the Commission
     shall issue any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
     Registration Statement, or any state securities commission or other
     regulatory authority shall issue an order suspending the qualification or
     exemption from qualification of the Transfer Restricted Securities under
     state securities or Blue Sky laws, use their respective best efforts to
     obtain the withdrawal or lifting of such order at the earliest possible
     time;

               (iv)  subject to Section 6(c)(i), if any fact or event
     contemplated by Section 6(c)(iii)(D) above shall exist or have occurred,
     prepare a supplement or post-effective amendment to the Registration
     Statement or related Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by
     reference or file any other required document so that, as thereafter
     delivered to the purchasers of Transfer Restricted Securities, the
     Prospectus will not contain 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;

               (v)   furnish to the Initial Purchasers and each selling Holder
     named in any Registration Statement or Prospectus in connection with such
     exchange or sale, if any, before filing with the Commission, copies of any
     Registration Statement or any Prospectus included therein or any
     amendments or supplements to any such Registration Statement or Prospectus
     (including all documents incorporated by reference after the initial
     filing of such Registration Statement), which documents will be subject to
     the review and comment of such Persons in connection with such sale, if
     any, for a period of at least five Business Days, and the Company will not
     file any such Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or
     supplement to any such Registration Statement or Prospectus (including all
     such documents incorporated by reference) to which such Persons shall
     reasonably object within five Business Days after the receipt thereof;
     such Persons shall be deemed to have reasonably objected to such filing if
     such Registration Statement, amendment, Prospectus or supplement, as
     applicable, as proposed to be filed, contains a material misstatement or





                                       8
<PAGE>   10
     omission or fails to comply with the applicable requirements of the Act
     (except with respect to information provided by the Holders or the Initial
     Purchasers for use therein);

               (vi)  promptly prior to the filing of any document that is to be
     incorporated by reference into a Registration Statement or Prospectus,
     provide copies of such document to the selling Holders and Initial
     Purchasers in connection with such exchange or sale, if any, make the
     Company's and the Guarantors' representatives available for discussion of
     such document and other customary due diligence matters, and include such
     information in such document prior to the filing thereof, in each case as
     such Persons may reasonably request (except to the extent any such
     information requested to be included would in the reasonable judgment of
     the Company make the statements therein misleading);

               (vii)  make available at reasonable times for inspection by the
     selling Holders participating in any disposition pursuant to such
     Registration Statement and Initial Purchasers and any attorney or
     accountant retained by such Persons, all financial and other records,
     pertinent corporate documents of the Company and the Guarantors and cause
     the Company's and the Guarantors' officers, directors and employees to
     supply all information reasonably requested by any such Persons, attorney
     or accountant in connection with such Registration Statement or any post-
     effective amendment thereto subsequent to the filing thereof and prior to
     its effectiveness;

               (viii)  if requested by any selling Holders in connection with
     such exchange or sale or any Initial Purchasers, in connection with market
     making activities, promptly include in any Registration Statement or
     Prospectus, pursuant to a supplement or post-effective amendment if
     necessary, such information as such selling Holders and Initial Purchasers
     may reasonably request to have included therein, including, without
     limitation, information relating to the "Plan of Distribution" of the
     Transfer Restricted Securities and the use of the Registration Statement
     or Prospectus for market making activities; and make all required filings
     of such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment as soon as
     practicable after the Company is notified of the matters to be included in
     such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment;

               (ix)  furnish to each selling Holder so requesting, in
     connection with such exchange or sale, without charge, at least one copy
     of the Registration Statement, as first filed with the Commission, and of
     each amendment thereto, including all documents incorporated by reference
     therein and all exhibits (including exhibits incorporated therein by
     reference);

               (x)  deliver to each selling Holder so requesting, without
     charge, as many copies of the Prospectus (including each preliminary
     prospectus) and any amendment or supplement thereto as such selling Holder
     reasonably may request; the Company and the Guarantors hereby consent to
     the use (in accordance with law) of the Prospectus and any amendment or
     supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders in connection with the
     offering and the sale of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the
     Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto;

               (xi)  upon the request of any selling Holder, enter into such
     agreements (including underwriting agreements) and make such
     representations and warranties and take all such other actions in
     connection therewith in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of
     the Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to any Shelf Registration
     Statement contemplated by this Agreement as may be reasonably requested by
     any Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities in connection with any sale
     or resale pursuant to any Shelf Registration Statement.  In such
     connection, the Company and the Guarantors shall:





                                       9
<PAGE>   11
               (A)  upon request of any selling Holder, furnish (or in the case
          of paragraphs (2) and (3), use its best efforts to cause to be
          furnished) to each selling Holder, upon the effectiveness of the
          Shelf Registration Statement;

                    (1)  a certificate, dated such date, signed on behalf of
               the Company and each Guarantor by (x) the President or any Vice
               President and (y) a principal financial or accounting officer of
               the Company and each Guarantor, confirming, as of the date
               thereof, the matters set forth in paragraphs (a) through (c) of
               Section 9 of the Purchase Agreement and such other similar
               matters as the selling Holders may reasonably request;

                    (2)  an opinion, dated the date of effectiveness of the
               Shelf Registration Statement, of counsel for the Company and the
               Guarantors covering matters similar to those set forth in
               paragraph (e) of Section 9 of the Purchase Agreement and such
               other matter as the selling Holders may reasonably request, and
               in any event including a statement to the effect that such
               counsel has participated in conferences with officers and other
               representatives of the Company and the Guarantors,
               representatives of the independent public accountants for the
               Company and the Guarantors and have considered the matters
               required to be stated therein and the statements contained
               therein, although such counsel has not independently verified
               the accuracy, completeness or fairness of such statements; and
               that such counsel advises that, on the basis of the foregoing
               (relying as to materiality to the extent such counsel deems
               appropriate upon the statements of officers and other
               representatives of the Company and the Guarantors and without
               independent check or verification), no facts came to such
               counsel's attention that caused such counsel to believe that the
               Shelf Registration Statement, at the time such Shelf
               Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto
               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 contained in such
               Registration Statement as of its date, as of the date of
               Consummation, contained an untrue statement of a material fact
               or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make
               the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under
               which they were made, not misleading.  Without limiting the
               foregoing, such counsel may state further that such counsel
               assumes no responsibility for, and has not independently
               verified, the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the
               financial statements, notes and schedules and other financial
               data included in any Registration Statement contemplated by this
               Agreement or the related Prospectus; and

                    (3)  a customary comfort letter, dated the date of
               effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement, as the case
               may be, from the Company's independent accountants, in the
               customary form and covering matters of the type customarily
               covered in comfort letters to underwriters in connection with
               underwritten offerings, and affirming the matters set forth in
               the comfort letters delivered pursuant to Section 9(s) of the
               Purchase Agreement; and

               (B) deliver such other documents and certificates as may be
          reasonably requested by the selling Holders to evidence compliance
          with clause (A) above and with any customary conditions contained in
          any agreement entered into by the Company and the Guarantors pursuant
          to this clause (xi);

               (xii)  prior to any public offering of Transfer Restricted
     Securities, cooperate with the selling Holders and their counsel in
     connection with the registration and qualification of the Transfer
     Restricted Securities under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such
     jurisdictions as the selling Holders may request and do any and all other
     acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the disposition





                                       10
<PAGE>   12
     in such jurisdictions of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the
     applicable Registration Statement; provided, however, that neither the
     Company nor any Guarantor shall be required to register or qualify as a
     foreign corporation where it is not now so qualified or to take any action
     that would subject it to the service of process in suits or to taxation,
     in any jurisdiction where it is not now so subject;

               (xiii)  issue, upon the request of any Holder of Series A Notes
     covered by any Shelf Registration Statement contemplated by this
     Agreement, Series B Notes having an aggregate principal amount equal to
     the aggregate principal amount of Series A Notes surrendered to the
     Company by such Holder in exchange therefor or being sold by such Holder;
     such Series B Notes to be registered in the name of such Holder or in the
     name of the purchaser(s) of such Series B Notes, as the case may be; in
     return, the Series A Notes held by such Holder shall be surrendered to the
     Company for cancellation;

               (xiv)  in connection with any sale of Transfer Restricted
     Securities that will result in such securities no longer being Transfer
     Restricted Securities, cooperate with the selling Holders to facilitate
     the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Transfer
     Restricted Securities to be sold and not bearing any restrictive legends;
     and to register such Transfer Restricted Securities in such denominations
     and such names as the selling Holders may request at least two Business
     Days prior to such sale of Transfer Restricted Securities;

               (xv)  use their respective best efforts to cause the disposition
     of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Registration
     Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental
     agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the seller or
     sellers thereof to consummate the disposition of such Transfer Restricted
     Securities, subject to the proviso contained in clause (xii) above;

               (xvi)  provide a CUSIP number for all Transfer Restricted
     Securities not later than the effective date of a Registration Statement
     covering such Transfer Restricted Securities and provide the Trustee under
     the Indenture with printed certificates, if so requested, for the Transfer
     Restricted Securities which are in a form eligible for deposit with The
     Depository Trust Company;

               (xvii)  otherwise use their respective best efforts to comply
     with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and make
     generally available to its security holders with regard to any applicable
     Registration Statement, as soon as practicable, a consolidated earnings
     statement meeting the requirements of Rule 158 (which need not be audited)
     covering a twelve-month period beginning after the effective date of the
     Registration Statement (as such term is defined in paragraph (c) of Rule
     158 under the Act);

               (xviii)  make appropriate officers of the Company reasonably
     available to the selling Holders for meetings with prospective purchasers
     of the Transfer Restricted Securities and prepare and present to potential
     investors customary "road show" material in a manner consistent with other
     new issuances of other securities similar to the Transfer Restricted
     Securities; and

               (xix)  cause the Indenture to be qualified under the TIA not
     later than the effective date of the first Registration Statement required
     by this Agreement and, in connection therewith, cooperate with the Trustee
     and the Holders to effect such changes to the Indenture as may be required
     for such Indenture to be so qualified in accordance with the terms of the
     TIA; and execute and use its best efforts to cause the Trustee to execute,
     all documents that may be required to effect such changes and





                                       11
<PAGE>   13
     all other forms and documents required to be filed with the Commission to
     enable such Indenture to be so qualified in a timely manner; and

               (xx)  provide promptly to each Holder and Initial Purchaser upon
     request each document filed with the Commission pursuant to the
     requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

          (d)  Restrictions on Holders.  Each Holder agrees by acquisition of a
Transfer Restricted Security that, upon receipt of the notice referred to in
Section 6(c)(iii)(C) or any notice from the Company of the existence of any
fact of the kind described in Section 6(c)(iii)(D) hereof (in each case, a
"SUSPENSION NOTICE"), such Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of
Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the applicable Registration
Statement until (i) such Holder has received copies of the supplemented or
amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 6(c)(iv) hereof, or (ii) such Holder
is advised in writing by the Company that the use of the Prospectus may be
resumed, and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that
are incorporated by reference in the Prospectus (in each case, the
"RECOMMENCEMENT DATE").  Each Holder  receiving a Suspension Notice hereby
agrees that it will either (i) destroy any Prospectuses, other than permanent
file copies, then in such Holder's possession which have been replaced by the
Company with more recently dated Prospectuses or (ii) deliver to the Company
(at the Company's expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies, then
in such Holder's possession of the Prospectus covering such Transfer Restricted
Securities that was current at the time of receipt of the Suspension Notice.
The time period regarding the effectiveness of such Registration Statement set
forth in Section 3 or 4 hereof, as applicable, shall be extended by a number of
days equal to the number of days in the period from and including the date of
delivery of the Suspension Notice to the date of delivery of the Recommencement
Date.


SECTION 7.          REGISTRATION EXPENSES

          (a)  All expenses incident to the Company's and the Guarantors'
performance of or compliance with this Agreement will be borne by the Company,
regardless of whether a Registration Statement becomes effective, including
without limitation: (i) all registration and filing fees and expenses; (ii) all
fees and expenses of compliance with federal securities and state Blue Sky or
securities laws; (iii) all expenses of printing (including printing
certificates for the Series B Notes to be issued in the Exchange Offer and
printing of Prospectuses), messenger and delivery services and telephone; (iv)
all fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, the Guarantors and, with
respect to a Shelf Registration Statement only, the Holders of Transfer
Restricted Securities; and (v) all fees and disbursements of independent
certified public accountants of the Company and the Guarantors (including the
expenses of any special audit and comfort letters required by or incident to
such performance).  Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything in this Agreement
to the contrary, each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities being registered
shall pay all commissions, placement agent fees and underwriting discounts and
commissions with respect to any Transfer Restricted Securities sold by it and
the fees and disbursements of any counsel, other than as set forth in clause
(iv) above and paragraph (b) below.

          The Company will, in any event, bear its and the Guarantors' internal
expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its
officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the expenses of
any annual audit and the fees and expenses of any Person, including special
experts, retained by the Company or the Guarantors.

          (b)  In connection with any Shelf Registration Statement required by
this Agreement, the Company and the Guarantors will reimburse the Initial
Purchasers and the Holders of Transfer Restricted





                                       12
<PAGE>   14
Securities resold pursuant to the "Plan of Distribution" contained in the
Exchange Offer Registration Statement, for the reasonable fees and
disbursements of not more than one counsel, who shall be Milbank, Tweed, Hadley
& McCloy, unless another firm shall be chosen by the Holders of a majority in
principal amount of the Transfer Restricted Securities for whose benefit such
Registration Statement is being prepared.


SECTION 8.          INDEMNIFICATION

          (a)  The Company and the Guarantors agree, jointly and severally, to
indemnify and hold harmless each Holder, its directors, its officers and each
Person, if any, who controls such Holder (within the meaning of Section 15 of
the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) (each, an "INDEMNIFIED HOLDER"),
from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and judgments
(including without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred
in connection with investigating or defending any matter, including any action
that could give rise to any such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
judgments) caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact contained in any Registration Statement, preliminary prospectus
or Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) provided by the Company
or any Guarantor to any holder or any prospective purchaser of Series B Notes,
or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
judgments are caused by an untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue
statement or omission that is based upon information relating to any of the
Holders furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder; provided, however,
that the indemnity obligations arising under this Section 8(a) with respect to
a specific untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission
of a material fact in any preliminary Prospectus shall not inure to the benefit
of any Indemnified Holder if the person asserting any losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or judgments with respect to such untrue statement or omission
purchased the Series A Notes and Subsidiary Guarantees from such Indemnified
Holder and if it is established in the related proceeding that a copy
(provided, that the Company and the Guarantors have complied with their
obligations under Section 6(c)(x) hereof) of a final Prospectus was not sent or
given by or on behalf of such Indemnified Holder to such person at or prior to
the written confirmation of the sale of the Series A Notes or Series B Notes
and Subsidiary Guarantees to such person if required by applicable law, and if
the final Prospectus would have cured the untrue statement or omission giving
rise to such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and judgments; provided,
further, that the Company and the Guarantors shall not be relieved thereby by
their indemnity obligation with respect to any other untrue statement or
omission or alleged untrue statement or omission of a material fact.

          (b)  Each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities agrees, severally
and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and the Guarantors,
and their respective directors and officers, and each person, if any, who
controls (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the
Exchange Act) the Company or the Guarantors to the same extent as the foregoing
indemnity from the Company and the Guarantors to each of the Indemnified
Holders, but only with reference to information relating to such Holder
furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder expressly for use in any
Registration Statement.  In no event shall any Holder be liable or responsible
for any amount in excess of the amount by which the total amount received by
such Holder with respect to its sale of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant
to a Registration Statement exceeds (i) the amount paid by such Holder for such
Transfer Restricted Securities and (ii) the amount of any damages that such
Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged
untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.





                                       13
<PAGE>   15
          (c)  In case any action shall be commenced involving any person in
respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 8(a) or 8(b) (the
"INDEMNIFIED PARTY"), the indemnified party shall promptly notify the person
against whom such indemnity may be sought (the "INDEMNIFYING PERSON") in
writing and the indemnifying party shall assume the defense of such action,
including the employment of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified
party and the payment of all fees and expenses of such counsel, as incurred
(except that in the case of any action in respect of which indemnity may be
sought pursuant to both Sections 8(a) and 8(b), an Indemnified Holder shall not
be required to assume the defense of such action pursuant to this Section 8(c),
but may employ separate counsel and participate in the defense thereof, but the
fees and expenses of such counsel, except as provided below, shall be at the
expense of the Indemnified Holder).  Any indemnified party shall have the right
to employ separate counsel in any such action and participate in the defense
thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of
the indemnified party unless (i) the employment of such counsel shall have been
specifically authorized in writing by the indemnifying party, (ii) the
indemnifying party shall have failed to assume the defense of such action or
employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party or (iii) the
named parties to any such action (including any impleaded parties) include both
the indemnified party and the indemnifying party, and the indemnified party
shall have been advised by such counsel that there may be one or more legal
defenses available to it which are different from or additional to those
available to the indemnifying party (in which case the indemnifying party shall
not have the right to assume the defense of such action on behalf of the
indemnified party).  In any such case, the indemnifying party shall not, in
connection with any one action or separate but substantially similar or related
actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or
circumstances, be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of more than one
separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel) for all
indemnified parties and all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they
are incurred.  Such firm shall be designated in writing by a majority of the
Indemnified Holders, in the case of the parties indemnified pursuant to Section
8(a), and by the Company, in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to
Section 8(b).  The indemnifying party shall indemnify and hold harmless the
indemnified party from and against any and all losses, claims, damages,
liabilities and judgments by reason of any settlement of any action (i)
effected with the written consent of the indemnifying party or (ii) effected
without the written consent of the indemnifying party if the settlement is
entered into more than twenty Business Days after the indemnifying party shall
have received a request from the indemnified party for reimbursement for the
fees and expenses of counsel (in any case where such fees and expenses are at
the expense of the indemnifying party) and, prior to the date of such
settlement, the indemnifying party shall have failed to comply with such
reimbursement request.   No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written
consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement or compromise of, or
consent to the entry of judgment with respect to, any pending or threatened
action in respect of which the indemnified party is or could have been a party
and indemnity or contribution may be or could have been sought hereunder by the
indemnified party, unless such settlement, compromise or judgment (i) includes
an unconditional release of the indemnified party from all liability on claims
that are or could have been the subject matter of such action and (ii) does not
include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to
act, by or on behalf of the indemnified party.

          (d)  To the extent that the indemnification provided for in this
Section 8 is unavailable to an indemnified party or insufficient in respect of
any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or judgments referred to therein, then
each indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall
contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result
of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or judgments (i) in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the
Company and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders, on the other
hand, from their sale of Transfer Restricted Securities or (ii) if the
allocation provided by clause (i) 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 the Company and the
Guarantors, on the one hand, and of





                                       14
<PAGE>   16
the Indemnified Holder, on the other hand, in connection with the statements or
omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
judgments, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.  The
relative fault of the Company and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and of the
Indemnified Holder, on the other hand, 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 the Company or such Guarantor, on the one
hand, or by the Indemnified Holder, on the other hand, and the parties'
relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or
prevent such statement or omission.  The amount paid or payable by a party as a
result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and judgments referred to
above shall be deemed to include any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably
incurred by such party in connection with investigating or defending any action
or claim.

          The Company, the Guarantors and each Holder agree that it would not
be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 8(d) were
determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Holders were treated as one
entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not
take account of the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately
preceding paragraph.  The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a
result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities or judgments referred to in
the immediately preceding paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the
limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses incurred by such
indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any matter,
including any action that could have given rise to such losses, claims,
damages, liabilities or judgments.  Notwithstanding the provisions of this
Section 8, no Holder or its related Indemnified Holders shall be required to
contribute, in the aggregate, any amount in excess of the amount by which the
total amount received by such Holder with respect to the sale of its Transfer
Restricted Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement exceeds the sum of
(A) the amount paid by such Holder for such Transfer Restricted Securities plus
(B) the amount of any damages which such Holder has otherwise been required to
pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged
omission.  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 Holders'
obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 8(d) are several in
proportion to the respective principal amount  of Transfer Restricted
Securities held by each of the Holders hereunder and not joint.

          (e)  The remedies provided for in this Section 8 are not exclusive
and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to
any indemnified party at law or in equity.


SECTION 9.                RULE 144 AND RULE 144A

          The Company and each Guarantor agree with each Holder, for so long as
any Transfer Restricted Securities remain outstanding and during any period in
which the Company or such Guarantor (i) is not subject to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Exchange Act, to make available, upon request of any Holder of Transfer
Restricted Securities, to any Holder or beneficial owner of Transfer Restricted
Securities in connection with any sale thereof and any prospective purchaser of
such Transfer Restricted Securities designated by such Holder or beneficial
owner, the information required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Act in order to
permit resales of such Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to Rule 144A,
and (ii) is subject to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Exchange Act, to make all
filings required thereby in a timely manner in order to permit resales of such
Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to Rule 144.





                                       15
<PAGE>   17
SECTION 10.         MISCELLANEOUS

          (a)  Remedies.  The Company and the Guarantors acknowledge and agree
that any failure by the Company and/or the Guarantors to comply with their
respective obligations under Sections 3 and 4 hereof may result in material
irreparable injury to the Initial Purchasers or the Holders for which there is
no adequate remedy at law, that it will not be possible to measure damages for
such injuries precisely and that, in the event of any such failure, the Initial
Purchasers or any Holder may obtain such relief as may be required to
specifically enforce the Company's and the Guarantor's obligations under
Sections 3 and 4 hereof.  The Company and the Guarantors further agree to waive
the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would
be adequate.

          (b)  No Inconsistent Agreements.  Neither the Company nor any
Guarantor will, on or after the date of this Agreement, enter into any
agreement with respect to its securities that is inconsistent with the rights
granted to the Holders in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the
provisions hereof.  Neither the Company nor any Guarantor has previously
entered into any agreement granting any registration rights with respect to its
outstanding securities (other than the Exchange and Registration Rights
Agreement dated as of June 17, 1997, entered into with respect to the Company's
9 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2007) to any Person.  The rights granted to the
Holders hereunder do not in any way conflict with and are not inconsistent with
the rights granted to the holders of the Company's and the Guarantors'
securities under any agreement in effect on the date hereof.

          (c)  Amendments and Waivers.  The provisions of this Agreement may
not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to or
departures from the provisions hereof may not be given unless (i) in the case
of Section 5 hereof and this Section 10(c)(i), the Company has obtained the
written consent of Holders of all outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities
and (ii) in the case of all other provisions hereof, the Company has obtained
the written consent of Holders of a majority of the outstanding principal
amount of Transfer Restricted Securities (excluding Transfer Restricted
Securities held by the Company or its Affiliates).  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, a waiver or consent to departure from the provisions hereof that
relates exclusively to the rights of Holders whose securities are being
tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer and that does not affect directly or
indirectly the rights of other Holders whose securities are not being tendered
pursuant to such Exchange Offer may be given by the Holders of a majority of
the outstanding principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities subject to
such Exchange Offer.

          (d)  Third Party Beneficiary.  The Holders shall be third party
beneficiaries to the agreements made hereunder between the Company and the
Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Initial Purchasers, on the other hand, and
shall have the right to enforce such agreements directly to the extent they may
deem such enforcement necessary or advisable to protect the rights of Holders
hereunder.

          (e) Notices.  All notices and other communications provided for or
permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, first-class mail
(registered or certified, return receipt requested), telex, telecopier, or air
courier guaranteeing overnight delivery:

               (i)  if to a Holder, at the address set forth on the records of
     the Registrar under the Indenture, with a copy to the Registrar under the
     Indenture;





                                       16
<PAGE>   18
               (ii) if to the Company or the Guarantors, at:

                    PCI Chemicals Canada Inc.
                    4300 NationsBank Center
                    700 Louisiana Street
                    Houston, Texas  77002
                    Attention:  General Counsel


          All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly
given:  at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business
Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when
receipt acknowledged, if telecopied; and on the next Business Day, if timely
delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery.

          Copies of all such notices, demands or other communications shall be
concurrently delivered by the Person giving the same to the Trustee at the
address specified in the Indenture.

          Upon the date of filing of the Exchange Offer or a Shelf Registration
Statement, as the case may be, notice shall be delivered to Donaldson, Lufkin &
Jenrette Securities Corporation, on behalf of the Initial Purchasers (in the
form attached hereto as Exhibit A) and shall be addressed to:  Attention:
Louise Guarneri (Compliance Department), 277 Park Avenue, New York, New York
10172.

          (f)  Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall inure to the
benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of each of the
parties, including without limitation and without the need for an express
assignment, subsequent Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities; provided,
that nothing herein shall be deemed to permit any assignment, transfer or other
disposition of Transfer Restricted Securities in violation of the terms hereof
or of the Purchase Agreement or the Indenture.  If any transferee of any Holder
shall acquire Transfer Restricted Securities in any manner, whether by
operation of law or otherwise, such Transfer Restricted Securities shall be
held subject to all of the terms of this Agreement, and by taking and holding
such Transfer Restricted Securities such Person shall be conclusively deemed to
have agreed to be bound by and to perform all of the terms and provisions of
this Agreement, including the restrictions on resale set forth in this
Agreement and, if applicable, the Purchase Agreement, and such Person shall be
entitled to receive the benefits hereof.

          (g)  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which
when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken
together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

          (h)  Headings.  The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

          (i)  Governing Law.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD
TO THE CONFLICT OF LAW RULES THEREOF.

          (j)  Severability.  In the event that any one or more of the
provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is
held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and
enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the
remaining provisions contained herein shall not be affected or impaired
thereby.





                                       17
<PAGE>   19
          (k)  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement is intended by the parties as
a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and
exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in
respect of the subject matter contained herein.  There are no restrictions,
promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to
herein with respect to the registration rights granted with respect to the
Transfer Restricted Securities.  This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements
and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.

                            (signature pages follow)





                                       18
<PAGE>   20
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of
the date first written above.


                                         PCI CHEMICALS CANADA INC.

                                         By:  /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
                                            -----------------------------
                                            Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                            Title: Vice President and
                                                   Chief Financial Officer
                                           
                                         PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.


                                         By: /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE          
                                            -----------------------------
                                            Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                            Title: Vice President and 
                                                   Chief Financial Officer


                                         PIONEER AMERICAS, INC.


                                         By: /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE          
                                            -----------------------------
                                            Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                            Title: Vice President and
                                                   Chief Financial Officer

                                         PIONEER CHLOR ALKALI COMPANY, INC.


                                         By: /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE          
                                            -----------------------------
                                            Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                            Title: Vice President and
                                                   Chief Financial Officer 

                                         IMPERIAL WEST CHEMICAL CO.


                                         By: /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE          
                                            -----------------------------
                                            Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                            Title: Vice President and
                                                   Chief Financial Officer





<PAGE>   21
                                         ALL-PURE CHEMICAL CO.

                                         By:  /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
                                            -----------------------------
                                              Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                              Title: Vice President and
                                                     Chief Financial Officer

                                         BLACK MOUNTAIN POWER COMPANY


                                         By:                      
                                         By:  /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
                                            -----------------------------
                                              Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                              Title: Vice President and
                                                     Chief Financial Officer


                                         ALL PURE CHEMICAL NORTHWEST, INC.


                                         By:  /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
                                            -----------------------------
                                              Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                              Title: Vice President and
                                                     Chief Financial Officer


                                         PIONEER CHLOR ALKALI INTERNATIONAL,
                                           INC.


                                         By:  /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
                                            -----------------------------
                                              Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                              Title: Vice President and
                                                     Chief Financial Officer



                                         G.O.W. CORPORATION


                                         By:  /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
                                            -----------------------------
                                              Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                              Title: Vice President and
                                                     Chief Financial Officer


                                         PIONEER (EAST), INC.


                                         By:  /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
                                            -----------------------------
                                              Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                              Title: Vice President






<PAGE>   22
                                         T.C. HOLDINGS, INC.

                                         By:  /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
                                            -----------------------------
                                              Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                              Title: Vice President and
                                                     Chief Financial Officer



                                         T.C. PRODUCTS, INC.


                                         By:  /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
                                            -----------------------------
                                              Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                              Title: Vice President and
                                                     Chief Financial Officer



                                         PCI CAROLINA, INC.


                                         By:  /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
                                            -----------------------------
                                              Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                              Title: Vice President and
                                                     Chief Financial Officer



                                         PIONEER LICENSING, INC.


                                         By:  /s/ PHILIP J. ABLOVE
                                            -----------------------------
                                              Name:  Philip J. Ablove
                                              Title: Vice President



Accepted as of the date hereof:

DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
  SECURITIES CORPORATION

SALOMON BROTHERS INC

By:  DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
       SECURITIES CORPORATION


By:       [ILLEGIBLE]                        
   -----------------------------
   Name:
   Title:





<PAGE>   23

                                                                    SCHEDULE 1


                                   Guarantors



Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp.
Pioneer Americas, Inc.
Pioneer Chlor Alkali Company, Inc.
Imperial West Chemical Co.
All-Pure Chemical Co.
Black Mountain Power Company
All Pure Chemical Northwest, Inc.
Pioneer Chlor Alkali International, Inc.
G.O.W. Corporation
Pioneer (East), Inc.
T.C. Holdings, Inc.
T.C. Products, Inc.
PCI Carolina, Inc.
Pioneer Licensing, Inc.





                                       22

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.11


                            PIONEER COMPANIES, INC.

                      NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT


                 THIS AGREEMENT, made as of the 15th day of May, 1997, by and
between Pioneer Companies, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company") and
Andrew M. Bursky (the "Optionee").

                             W I T N E S S E T H :

                 WHEREAS, the Optionee is a director of the Company of the
Company and in such capacity provides services to the Company and its
subsidiaries, and the Company desires to have him continue to provide such
services and to afford him the opportunity to acquire, or enlarge, his
ownership of the Company's Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
("Stock"), so that he may have a direct proprietary interest in the Company's
success;

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

                 1.  Grant of Option.  Subject to the terms and conditions set
forth herein, the Company hereby grants to the Optionee, during the period
commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending on May 15, 2007 (the
"Termination Date"), the right and option (the right to purchase any one share
of Stock hereunder being an "Option") to purchase from the Company an aggregate
of 85,000 shares of Stock at a price of $5.56 per share.  The Options granted
hereunder shall be  "nonqualified stock options" within the meaning of the
regulations adopted under Section 89 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.

                 2.  Limitations on Exercise of Option.  (a)  Subject to the
terms and conditions set forth herein, the Optionee may exercise 40,000 of the
Options on May 15, 1998, with none being exercisable prior to such date, an
additional 20,000 on May 15, 1999, an additional 20,000 on May 15, 2000, and an
additional 5,000 on May 15, 2001.

                 (b)  Notwithstanding the limitations set forth in paragraph
2(a), 100% of the Options shall become immediately exercisable (i) in the event
of a change in control of the Company, or (ii) if Optionee's service as a
director of the Company is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary thereof,
as the case may be, without Cause (as defined in paragraph 3 hereof).  For
purposes of the preceding sentence, a "change of control" shall, unless the
Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") otherwise directs by resolution
adopted prior thereto, be deemed to occur if (i) any "person" (as that term is
used in Sections 13 and 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
"Exchange Act")) other than William R. Berkley or his "affiliates" (as that
term is defined in Rule 144 promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act of
<PAGE>   2
1933 (the "Securities Act")) is or becomes the beneficial owner (as that term
is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of 30%
or more of either the outstanding shares of Common Stock or the combined voting
power of the Company's then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote
generally, (ii) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at
the beginning of such period constitute the Board cease for any reason to
constitute at least a majority thereof, unless the election or the nomination
for election by the Company's shareholders of each new director was approved by
a vote of at least three-quarters of the directors then still in office who
were directors at the beginning of the period, or (iii) the Company undergoes a
liquidation or dissolution or a sale of all or substantially all of the assets
of the Company.  Any merger, consolidation or corporate reorganization in which
the owners of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding
securities entitled to vote generally prior to said combination, own 50% or
more of the resulting entity's outstanding securities entitled to vote
generally shall not, by itself, be considered a change in control.

                 3.  Termination as a Director.  (a) If the Optionee's service
as a director shall cease by reason of Normal Termination, the Options shall
remain exercisable until the earlier of the Termination Date or the date that
is three months after the date of such Normal Termination to the extent the
Options were exercisable at the time of such Normal Termination.  For purposes
of this Agreement, the term "Normal Termination" shall mean termination of
Optionee's service as a director of the Company (i) on account of Disability;
(ii) with the written approval of the Board of Directors of the Company (the
"Board"); or (iii) by the Board without Cause. For purposes of the preceding
sentence, (I) "Disability" shall mean the complete and permanent inability by
reason of illness or accident to perform the duties of a member of the Board,
and (II) "Cause" shall mean the Board having cause to terminate the Optionee's
service as a director upon (A) the determination by the Board that the Optionee
has ceased to perform his duties to the Company (other than as a result of his
incapacity due to physical or mental illness or injury), which failure amounts
to an intentional and extended neglect of his duties to the Company, (B) the
Board's determination that the Optionee has engaged or is about to engage in
conduct materially injurious to the Company or a subsidiary thereof, or (C) the
Optionee having been convicted of a felony.

                 (b)  If the Optionee shall die on or prior to the Termination
Date or within three months of Normal Termination, the executor or
administrator of the estate of the Optionee or the person or persons to whom
the Options shall have been validly transferred by the executor or
administrator pursuant to will or the laws of descent and distribution shall
have the right, until the earlier of the Termination Date or the date that is
12 months after the date of the Optionee's death, to exercise the Options to
the extent that the Options were exercisable at the date of death, subject to
any other limitation contained herein on the exercise of the Options in effect
on the date of exercise.


                                      2
<PAGE>   3
                 (c) If the Optionee terminates his service as a director for
reasons other than death or Normal Termination, the Options, to the extent not
exercised prior to such termination, shall lapse and be cancelled.

                 (d)  Any provision of paragraphs 3(a), 3(b) or 3(c) hereof to
the contrary notwithstanding, the Options may not be exercised beyond the
Termination Date.

                 (e)      Whether the Optionee's service as a director has been
or could have been terminated for the purposes of this Agreement, and the
reasons therefor, shall be determined by the Board, whose determination shall
be final, binding and conclusive.

                 (f)  After the expiration of any exercise period described in
either of paragraphs 3(a), 3(b) or 3(c) hereof, the Options shall terminate
together with all of the Optionee's rights hereunder, to the extent not
previously exercised.

                 4. Method of Exercising Option.  The Optionee may exercise any
or all of the Options by delivering to the Board a written notice signed by the
Optionee stating the number of Options that the Optionee has elected to
exercise at that time and full payment of the purchase price of the shares to
be thereby purchased from the Company.  Payment of the purchase price of the
shares may be made (a) by certified or bank cashier's check payable to the
order of the Company, (b) by surrender or delivery to the Company of shares of
Stock having an aggregate fair market value equal to the exercise price, or (c)
in the discretion of the Board, by surrender or delivery to the Company of, (X)
other property having a fair market value on the date of exercise equal to the
purchase price or (Y) a copy of irrevocable instructions to a stockbroker to
deliver promptly to the Company an amount of sale or loan proceeds sufficient
to pay the purchase price.

                 5.  Issuance of Shares.  As promptly as practical after
receipt of such written notification and full payment of such purchase price,
the Company shall issue or transfer to the Optionee the number of shares with
respect to which Options have been so exercised, and shall deliver to the
Optionee a certificate or certificates therefor, registered in the Optionee's
name.

                 6.  Optionee.   Whenever the word "Optionee" is used in any
provision of this Agreement under circumstances where the provision should
logically be construed to apply to the executors, the administrators, or the
person or persons to whom the Options may be transferred by will or by the laws
of descent and distribution, the word "Optionee" shall be deemed to include
such person or persons.

                 7.  Non-Transferability.  The Options are not transferable by
the Optionee otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and
are exercisable during the Optionee's lifetime only by him.  No assignment or
transfer of the Options, or of the rights represented thereby, whether
voluntary or involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise (except by will or
the laws of descent and distribution), shall vest in the assignee or transferee
any


                                      3
<PAGE>   4
interest or right herein whatsoever, but immediately upon such assignment or
transfer the Options shall terminate and become of no further effect.

                 8.  Rights as Stockholder.  The Optionee or a transferee of
the Options shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any share
covered by the Options until he shall have become the holder of record of such
share, and no adjustment shall be made for dividends or distributions or other
rights in respect of such share for which the record date is prior to the date
upon which he shall become the holder of record thereof.

                 9. Recapitalizations, Reorganizations, etc.  (a) The existence
of the Options shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Company or
its stockholders to make or authorize any or all adjustments,
recapitalizations, reorganizations or other changes in the Company's capital
structure or its business, or any merger or consolidation of the Company, or
any issue of stock or of options, warrants or rights to purchase stock or of
bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stocks ahead of or affecting
the Stock or the rights thereof or convertible into or exchangeable for Stock,
or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or transfer of
all or any part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or
proceeding, whether of a similar character or otherwise.

                 (b)  The shares with respect to which the Options are granted
are shares of Stock of the Company as presently constituted, but if, and
whenever, prior to the delivery by the Company of all of the shares of the
Stock with respect to which the Options are granted, the Company shall effect a
subdivision or consolidation of shares of the Stock outstanding, without
receiving compensation therefor in money, services or property, the number and
price of shares remaining under the Options shall be appropriately adjusted.
Such adjustment shall be made by the Board, whose determination as to what
adjustment shall be made, and the extent thereof, shall be final, binding and
conclusive.  Any such adjustment may provide for the elimination of any
fractional share which might otherwise become subject to the Options.

                 (c)  In the event of any change in the outstanding shares of
Stock by reason of any recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off,
combination or exchange of shares or other corporate change, or any
distributions to common shareholders other than cash dividends, the Board shall
make such substitution or adjustment, if any, as it deems to be equitable, as
to the number or kind or shares of Stock or other securities covered by the
Options and the option price thereof.

                 (d)  Except as expressly provided, the issue by the Company of
shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into or exchangeable
for shares of stock of any class, for cash or property, or for labor or
services, either upon direct sale or upon the exercise of options, rights or
warrants to subscribe therefor, or to purchase the same, or upon conversion of
shares or obligations of the Company convertible into such shares or other
securities, shall not affect, and

                                      4
<PAGE>   5
no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or
price of shares of Stock subject to the Options.

                 10.  Compliance with Law.  (a)  Notwithstanding any of the
provisions hereof, the Optionee hereby agrees that he will not exercise the
Options, and that the Company will not be obligated to issue or transfer any
shares to the Optionee hereunder, if the exercise hereof or the issuance or
transfer of such shares shall constitute a violation by the Optionee or the
Company of any provisions of any law or regulation of any governmental
authority.  Any determination in this connection by the Board shall be final,
binding and conclusive.  The Company shall in no event be obliged to register
any securities pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 (as now in effect or as
hereafter amended) or to take any other affirmative action in order to cause
the exercise of the Options or the issuance or transfer of shares pursuant
thereto to comply with any law or regulation of any governmental authority.

                 (b)  Upon demand by the Board, the Optionee shall deliver to
the Board at the time of any exercise of an Option hereunder a written
representation that the shares to be acquired upon such exercise are to be
acquired for investment and not for resale or with a view to the distribution
thereof.  Upon such demand, delivery of such representation prior to the
delivery of any shares issued upon exercise of an Option shall be a condition
precedent to the right of the Optionee or such other person to purchase any
shares.  In the event certificates for Stock are delivered under this Agreement
with respect to which such investment representation has been obtained, the
Board may cause a legend or legends to be placed on such certificates to make
appropriate reference to such representation and to restrict transfer in the
absence of compliance with applicable federal or state securities laws.

                 11.  Notice.  Every notice or other communication relating to
this Agreement shall be in writing, and shall be mailed to or delivered to the
party for whom it is intended at such address as may from time to time be
designated by it in a notice mailed or delivered to the other party as herein
provided; provided that, unless and until some other address be so designated,
all notices or communications by the Optionee to the Company shall be mailed or
delivered to the Company at its principal executive office, and all notices or
communications by the Company to the Optionee may be given to the Optionee
personally or may be mailed to him at the Optionee's last known address as
reflected in the Company's records.

                 12.  Disposition of Stock.  The Optionee agrees to notify the
Company in writing, within 30 days of any disposition (whether by sale,
exchange, gift or otherwise) of shares of Stock purchased under this Option,
within two years from the date of the granting of the Option or within one year
of the transfer of such shares of Stock to the Optionee.

                 13.      Binding Effect.  Subject to Section 7 hereof, this
Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators and
successors of the parties hereto.

                                      5
<PAGE>   6
                 14.      Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be construed and
interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas without reference
to the principles of conflicts of law thereof.

                 15.      Restrictions in Certificate of Incorporation.  The
Options and any shares acquired upon exercise thereof may be subject to certain
restrictions on transfer contained in the Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company, a copy of which may be obtained by the Optionee upon written request
to the Secretary of the Company.


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as
of the day and year first above written.

                                         PIONEER COMPANIES, INC.


                                         By: /s/ Michael J. Ferris            
                                            ----------------------------------
                                                Michael J. Ferris
                                                President and Chief
                                                  Executive Officer



                                                /s/ Andrew M. Bursky            
                                            ----------------------------------
                                                Andrew M. Bursky, Optionee





                                      6

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.12


                            NONCOMPETITION AGREEMENT


         THIS NONCOMPETITION AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made between Imperial
Chemical Industries PLC, a corporation incorporated under the laws of the
United Kingdom ("Imperial"), ICI Canada Inc., a corporation incorporated under
the laws of Canada ("ICI Canada"), ICI Americas Inc., a Delaware corporation
("ICI Americas") (each an "ICI Party") and collectively, the "ICI Parties") and
PCI Chemicals Canada Inc., a New Brunswick corporation ("PCI Canada"), and PCI
Carolina Inc., a Delaware corporation ("PCI Carolina" and, with PCI Canada,
collectively, the "Pioneer Parties").

                                  WITNESSETH:

         WHEREAS, ICI Canada, ICI Americas and the Pioneer Parties have entered
into an Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of September 22, 1997 (the "Purchase
Agreement"), as amended, pursuant to which PCI Canada and PCI Carolina will
acquire the Assets, the U.S. Assets, the Business and the U.S. Business as
defined and described therein (the Business and the U.S. Business being herein
collectively called the "Pioneer Business"); and

         WHEREAS, in partial consideration and as a material inducement to the
Pioneer Parties to enter into the Purchase Agreement and related transactions,
the ICI Parties have agreed to enter into this Agreement relating to
noncompetition with the Pioneer Parties;

         WHEREAS, the ICI Parties and the Pioneer Parties agree that ICI
America's and ICI Canada's customers and competitors are located principally in
the mid-Atlantic, south and eastern regions of the United States and the
provinces including and east of Manitoba in Canada;

         NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises,
covenants and obligations contained herein and in the Purchase Agreement,
Imperial and each of the other ICI Parties hereby agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE 1
                            NONCOMPETITION AGREEMENT


1.1      NONCOMPETITION

         (a)     Each of the ICI Parties covenants and agrees that during the
                 Term, it will not, nor will it cause or permit any Affiliate
                 to manufacture, produce, sell, distribute or otherwise deal in
                 or with, directly or indirectly (including through any sales
                 representative, distributor or other marketing activity
                 conducted by or for the account of any ICI Party or any of
                 their Affiliates but excluding operations of any ICI Party or
                 Affiliate





<PAGE>   2
                                    -  2  -

                 thereof as presently conducted, including exchanges or swaps
                 entered into in the ordinary course of business) any Product
                 in the Specified Geographical Area (as such terms are defined
                 below), other than through the Pioneer Parties or any
                 Affiliate of the Pioneer Parties.

         (b)     For purposes of the preceding paragraph:

                 (i)      "Affiliate" shall have the meaning set forth in the
                          Purchase Agreement.


                 (ii)     "Pioneer Business" shall mean the Business and the
                          U.S. Business acquired under and defined in the
                          Purchase Agreement, and activities directly related
                          and incidental thereto.

                 (iii)    "Specified Geographical Areas" shall mean the states
                          of the United States and provinces of Canada as set
                          forth in Attachment A hereto.

                 (iv)     "Products" shall mean caustic soda, cereclor and
                          anhydrous caustic soda.

                 (v)      "Term" shall mean the period which commences on the
                          date of this Agreement and continues thereafter until
                          five (5) years after the date of this Agreement.

1.2      SEVERABILITY; REMEDIES. The parties intend that the noncompetition
provisions of this Article 1 shall be deemed to be a series of separate
covenants, one for each and every state of the United States of America and
province of Canada where such provisions are intended to be effective. The
parties to this Agreement acknowledge that money damages would not be a
sufficient remedy for any breach of this Article, and the Pioneer Parties shall
be entitled to enforce the provisions of this Article by specific performance
and injunctive relief as remedies for a breach of this Article, but shall be
entitled in addition to all remedies available at law or in equity, including
the recovery of damages from any party involved in such breach and remedies
available pursuant to other agreements with such parties.

1.3      EXCEPTION; INCIDENTAL BUSINESS.

         (a)     For greater certainty, the Pioneer Parties acknowledge that
                 any future direct or indirect acquisition(s) or subsequent
                 operation by any ICI Party, or by any Affiliate thereof, of a
                 business or businesses which include(s) an Incidental Business
                 engaged in any activity contrary to paragraph 1.1(a), shall
                 nonetheless not constitute a breach thereof.





<PAGE>   3
                                    -  3  -

         (b)     For purposes of the preceding paragraph, "Incidental Business"
                 shall mean a portion of a business, where the gross annual
                 revenues of the Incidental Business do not exceed 20% of the
                 gross annual revenues of the entire business.


                                   ARTICLE 2

2.1      NOTICES. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other
communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been duly given (i) when personally delivered, (ii) when transmitted by
telecopier (on the date of confirmation of receipt), (iii) on the next business
day when delivered by a recognized national overnight courier service, or (iv)
on the fourth business day after the date mailed by registered or certified
mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

         If to the Pioneer Parties, to:    Pioneer Companies, Inc.
                                           7000 Louisiana Street
                                           Houston, Texas 77002
                                           Attention: General Counsel
                                           Telecopier (713) 223-9202

         If to the ICI Parties, to:        ICI Canada Inc.
                                           90 Sheppard Ave. East
                                           P.O. Box 200, Station A
                                           North York, Ontario
                                           CANADA M2N 6H2
                                           Attention: General Counsel
                                           Telecopier: (416) 229-8187


or to such other address as any party may furnish to the others in writing in
accordance herewith, except that notices of changes of address shall be
effective only upon receipt.

2.2      APPLICABLE LAW.  This Agreement is entered into under, and shall be
governed and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Province of Quebec
and the laws of Canada applicable thereto.

2.3      NO WAIVER. No failure by any party hereto at any time to give notice
of any breach by any other party of, or to require compliance with, any
condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of similar
provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

2.4      SEVERABILITY. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any
provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the invalidity or
unenforceability of that provision shall





<PAGE>   4
                                    -  4  -

not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this
Agreement, and all other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

2.5      COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

2.6      HEADINGS. The paragraph headings have been inserted for purposes of
convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

2.7      GENDER AND PLURALS.  Wherever the context so requires, the masculine
gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number includes the
plural and conversely.

2.8      ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.  For
greater certainty, this Agreement shall not be binding upon any arm's length
purchaser of a business of any ICI Party or any Affiliate thereof.

2.9      ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENT. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement of parties with regard to the subject matter hereof. Any modification
of this Agreement will be effective only if it is in writing and signed by the
party to be charged.


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as
of the 31st day of October, 1997.


                                       IMPERIAL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES PLC

                                       By: /s/ Derek Kirk
                                           -----------------------------------
                                       Name:  Derek Kirk
                                       Title: Acquisitions Power of Attorney
                                       
                                       
                                       ICI CANADA INC.
                                       
                                       By: /s/ Gerald L. Sheasgreen  
                                           -----------------------------------
                                       Name:  Gerald L. Sheasgreen
                                       Title: V.P. General Counsel
                                              Corporate Secretary

                                       
                                       


<PAGE>   5
                                    -  5  -

                                       ICI AMERICAS INC.
                                       
                                       By: /s/ Gerald L. Sheasgreen
                                           -----------------------------------
                                       Name:  Gerald L. Sheasgreen
                                       Title: Corporate Secretary
                                       
                                       
                                       PCI CHEMICALS CANADA INC.

                                       By: /s/ Kent R. Stephenson
                                           -----------------------------------
                                       Name:  Kent R. Stephenson
                                       Title: Vice President
                                       
                                       
                                       PCI CAROLINA INC.
                                       
                                       By: /s/ Kent R. Stephenson
                                           -----------------------------------
                                       Name:  Kent R. Stephenson
                                       Title: Vice President

                                       


<PAGE>   6
                       ATTACHMENT A TO SCHEDULE 6.1(1)(I)

             RIDER TO CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON COMPETITION AGREEMENT


                              SECTION 2.1(b)(iii)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               UNITED STATES                           CANADA PROVINCES
         <S>                <C>                      <C>
           Kentucky              Maine                   New Brunswick
         
           Illinois             Vermont                   Nova Scotia

          Louisiana          New Hampshire                Newfoundland
         
          Tennessee          Massachusetts           Prince Edward Island
         
         Connecticut         Rhode Island                   Quebec

         Mississippi           New York                    Ontario

             Ohio             New Jersey                   Manitoba

           Indiana           Pennsylvania

           Michigan            Delaware

                               Maryland

                               Virginia

                             West Virginia

                            North Carolina

                            South Carolina

                                Georgia

                                Florida
</TABLE>
                                Alabama

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 12.1
 
     Statement Regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 PREDECESSOR COMPANY
                                                    ---------------------------------------------
                                                                                    PERIOD FROM
                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,     JANUARY 1, 1995
                                                    ---------------------------       THROUGH
                                                     1992      1993      1994     APRIL 20, 1995
                                                    -------   -------   -------   ---------------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)
<S>                                                 <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
Consolidated pretax income from continuing
  operations......................................  $ 4,346   $   542   $ 8,388       $11,621
Equity pickup of less than 50% owned affiliates...      (26)   (1,149)     (183)         (204)
Interest..........................................    8,189     7,551     6,407         1,665
Interest portion of rental expense................    2,467     2,753     2,814           692
Amortization of debt financing costs..............      920       933       944           453
                                                    -------   -------   -------       -------
Earnings..........................................  $15,896   $10,630   $18,370       $14,227
                                                    -------   -------   -------       -------
Interest..........................................  $ 8,189   $ 7,551   $ 6,407       $ 1,665
Interest portion of rental expense................    2,467     2,753     2,814           692
Amortization of debt financing costs..............      920       933       944           453
                                                    -------   -------   -------       -------
Fixed charges.....................................  $11,576   $11,237   $10,165       $ 2,810
                                                    -------   -------   -------       -------
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges................     1.37        --      1.81           5.1
                                                    -------   -------   -------       -------
Deficiency........................................            $   607
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         PERIOD FROM
                                                          INCEPTION                     NINE MONTHS
                                                           THROUGH       YEAR ENDED        ENDED
                                                         DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                             1995           1996           1997
                                                         ------------   ------------   -------------
                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>            <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
Consolidated pretax income (loss) from continuing
  operations...........................................    $12,629        $14,846         $    81
Equity pickup of less than 50% owned affiliates........         --           (713)            883
Interest...............................................     12,905         17,290          16,189
Interest portion of rental expense.....................      1,572          3,107           2,032
Amortization of debt financing costs...................        465            636             616
                                                           -------        -------         -------
Earnings...............................................    $27,571        $35,166         $19,801
                                                           -------        -------         -------
Interest...............................................    $12,905        $17,290         $16,189
Interest portion of rental expense.....................      1,572          3,107           2,032
Amortization of debt financing costs...................        465            636             616
                                                           -------        -------         -------
Fixed charges..........................................    $14,942        $21,033         $18,837
                                                           -------        -------         -------
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges.....................        1.8            1.7             1.1
                                                           -------        -------         -------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 21.1


                  SUBSIDIARIES OF PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.   



                                                  State of Jurisdiction
                    Name                             or Incorporation
                    ----                          ---------------------
            PCI Chemicals Canada Inc.                 New Brunswick
             Pioneer Americas, Inc.                     Delaware
        Pioneer Chlor Alkali Company, Inc.              Delaware
             Imperial West Chemical Co.                  Nevada
                All-Pure Chemical Co.                  California
           Black Mountain Power Company                 Texas
         All-Pure Chemical Northwest, Inc.            Washington
      Pioneer Chlor Alkali International, Inc.          Barbados
              G.O.W. Corporation                         Nevada
             Pioneer (East), Inc.                       Delaware
             T.C. Holdings, Inc.                       New Mexico
             T.C. Products, Inc.                       Washington
             PCI Carolina, Inc.                         Delaware
           Pioneer Licensing, Inc.                      Delaware



<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
     We consent to the use in this Registration Statement, relating to
$175,000,000 of 9 1/4% Series B Senior Secured Notes due 2007 of PCI Chemicals
Canada Inc. on Form S-4 of our report of Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp.
("PAAC") dated March 7, 1997, appearing in the Prospectus, which is a part of
this Registration Statement, and on our report on PAAC dated March 7, 1997,
relative to the financial statement schedule appearing elsewhere in this
Registration Statement.
 
     We also consent to the reference to us under the headings "Selected
Financial Data" and "Experts" in such Prospectus.
 
                                            Deloitte & Touche LLP
 
Houston, Texas
November 26, 1997

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
     We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Selected
Historical Financial Data," "Experts" and "Change in Independent Public
Auditors" and to the use of our report dated June 26, 1995 with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Pioneer Americas, Inc. (the
Predecessor Company) included in the Registration Statement (Form S-4) and
related Prospectus of PCI Chemicals Canada Inc. for the registration of
$175,000,000 9 1/4% Series B Senior Secured Notes due 2007.
 
                                            ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Houston, Texas
November 26, 1997

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
     We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated January 30, 1995 on the combined financial
statements of Basic Investments, Inc. and affiliates in the Registration
Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of PCI Chemicals Canada Inc. for the
registration of $175,000,000 9 1/4% Series B Senior Secured Notes due 2007.
 
                                            PIERCY, BOWLER, TAYLOR & KERN
                                            CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AND
                                            BUSINESS ADVISORS
                                            A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
 
Las Vegas, Nevada
November 26, 1997

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.4
 
                    INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT
 
     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
report (and to all references to our firm) dated February 28, 1997 on the
financial statements of the Tacoma Plant in the Registration Statement (Form
S-4) and related Prospectus of PCI Chemicals Canada Inc. for the registration of
$175,000,000 9 1/4% Series B Senior Secured Notes due 2007.
 
                                            Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Dallas, Texas
November 26, 1997

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.5
 
                    INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT
 
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement
on Form S-4 filing of PCI Chemicals Canada Inc. of our report dated September 5,
1997 with respect to the combined balance sheets of ICI Forest Products -- North
America as of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, and the related combined
statements of operations, head office account and changes in financial position
for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 1996, which
report appears in the Form 8-K of Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp. dated
November 5, 1997.
 
KPMG
Chartered Accountants
 
Montreal, Canada
November 26, 1997

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 25.1


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           WASHINGTON,  D. C.  20549 

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

                                   FORM  T-1

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                    UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF
                   A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

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

                      CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE
                      ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
                           SECTION  305(b)(2)____

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

                    UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK
              (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)


           New York                                        13-3818954
(Jurisdiction of incorporation                         (I. R. S. Employer
if not a U. S. national bank)                          Identification No.)

    114 West 47th Street                                      10036
     New York,  New York                                   (Zip Code)
    (Address of principal
      executive offices)                                       

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

                           PCI CHEMICAL CANADA, INC.
              (Exact name of OBLIGOR as specified in its charter)

         New Brunswick, Canada                                      N/A
    (State or other jurisdiction of                         (I. R. S. Employer
     incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)

    630 West Rene Levesque Boulevard                              H3B1S6
           Montreal, Quebec                                     (Zip code)
(Address of principal executive offices)

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

                       PIONEER AMERICAS ACQUISITION CORP.
             (Exact name of REGISTRANT as specified in its charter)

            Delaware                                        06-1420850
(State or other jurisdiction of                         (I. R. S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)
<PAGE>   2
                                     - 2 -


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

                             PIONEER AMERICAS, INC.
             (Exact name of REGISTRANT as specified in its charter)

            Delaware                                        76-0280373
(State or other jurisdiction of                         (I. R. S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)


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

                       PIONEER CHLOR ALKALI COMPANY, INC.
             (Exact name of REGISTRANT as specified in its charter)

            Delaware                                        51-0302028
(State or other jurisdiction of                         (I. R. S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)


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

                           IMPERIAL WEST CHEMICAL CO.
             (Exact name of REGISTRANT as specified in its charter)

            Nevada                                          95-2375683
(State or other jurisdiction of                         (I. R. S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)

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

                             ALL-PURE CHEMICAL CO.
             (Exact name of REGISTRANT as specified in its charter)

          California                                        94-2314942
(State or other jurisdiction of                         (I. R. S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)

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

                          BLACK MOUNTAIN POWER COMPANY
             (Exact name of REGISTRANT as specified in its charter)

             Texas                                          76-0291143
(State or other jurisdiction of                         (I. R. S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)
<PAGE>   3
                                      - 3-

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

                       ALL-PURE CHEMICAL NORTHWEST, INC.
             (Exact name of REGISTRANT as specified in its charter)

          Washington                                        94-2714064
(State or other jurisdiction of                         (I. R. S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)

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

                    PIONEER CHLOR ALKALI INTERNATIONAL, INC.
             (Exact name of REGISTRANT as specified in its charter)

            Barbados                                        98-0118164
(State or other jurisdiction of                         (I. R. S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)

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

                               G.O.W. CORPORATION
             (Exact name of REGISTRANT as specified in its charter)

            Nevada                                          88-0336831
(State or other jurisdiction of                         (I. R. S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)

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

                              PIONEER (EAST), INC.
             (Exact name of REGISTRANT as specified in its charter)

            Delaware                                        51-0375981
(State or other jurisdiction of                         (I. R. S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)

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

                              T.C. HOLDINGS, INC.
             (Exact name of REGISTRANT as specified in its charter)

          New Mexico                                        86-0311265
(State or other jurisdiction of                         (I. R. S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)
<PAGE>   4
                                      -4-

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

                              T.C. PRODUCTS, INC.
             (Exact name of REGISTRANT as specified in its charter)

          Washington                                        91-1536884
(State or other jurisdiction of                         (I. R. S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)

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

                              PCI CAROLINA, INC..
             (Exact name of REGISTRANT as specified in its charter)

            Delaware                                        76-0549506
(State or other jurisdiction of                         (I. R. S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)

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

                            PIONEER LICENSING, INC.
             (Exact name of REGISTRANT as specified in its charter)

            Delaware                                        52-2058031
(State or other jurisdiction of                         (I. R. S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)

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

                 9 1/4% Series B Senior Secured Notes due 2007
                      (Title of the indenture securities)
<PAGE>   5
                                     - 5 -


                                    GENERAL



 1.      General Information

         Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

         (a)     Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to
                 which it is subject.

                 Federal Reserve Bank of New York (2nd District), New York, New
                          York (Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
                          System).
                 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington,  D. C.
                 New York State Banking Department, Albany, New York

         (b)     Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

                          The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust
                          powers.

 2.      Affiliations with the Obligor

         If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such
         affiliation.

         None.

3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 and 15.

         PCI Chemicals Canada, Inc., Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp.,
         Pioneer Americas, Inc., Pioneer Chlor Alkali Company, Inc., Imperial
         West Chemical Co., All-Pure Chemical Co., Black Mountain Power
         Company, All-Pure Chemical Northwest, Inc., Pioneer Chlor Alkali
         International, Inc., G.O.W. Corporation, Pioneer (East), Inc., T.C.
         Holdings, Inc., T.C. Products, Inc., PCI Carolina, Inc. and Pioneer
         Licensing, Inc. is currently not in default under any of its
         outstanding securities for which United States Trust Company of New
         York is Trustee.  Accordingly, responses to Items 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
         10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 of Form T-1 are not required under General
         Instruction B.

16.      List of Exhibits

         T-1.1   --       Organization Certificate, as amended, issued by the
                          State of New York Banking Department to transact
                          business as a Trust Company, is incorporated by
                          reference to Exhibit T-1.1 to Form T-1 filed on
                          September 15, 1995 with the Commission pursuant to
                          the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended by the
                          Trust Indenture Reform Act of 1990 (Registration No.
                          33-97056).
<PAGE>   6
                                     - 6 -


16.      List of Exhibits
         (cont'd)


        T-1.2    --       Included in Exhibit T-1.1.

        T-1.3    --       Included in Exhibit T-1.1.

        T-1.4    --       The By-Laws of United States Trust Company of New
                          York, as amended, is incorporated by reference to
                          Exhibit T-1.4 to Form T-1 filed on September 15, 1995
                          with the Commission pursuant to the Trust Indenture
                          Act of 1939, as amended by the Trust Indenture Reform
                          Act of 1990 (Registration No.  33-97056).

        T-1.6    --       The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b)
                          of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended by the
                          Trust Indenture Reform Act of 1990.

        T-1.7    --       A copy of the latest report of condition of the
                          trustee pursuant to law or the requirements of its
                          supervising or examining authority.


                                      NOTE


         As of November 20, 1997, the trustee had 2,999,020 shares of Common
         Stock outstanding, all of which are owned by its parent company, U. S.
         Trust Corporation.  The term "trustee" in Item 2, refers to each of
         United States Trust Company of New York and its parent company, U. S.
         Trust Corporation.

         In answering Item 2 in this statement of eligibility, as to matters
         peculiarly within the knowledge of the obligor or its directors, the
         trustee has relied upon information furnished to it by the obligor and
         will rely on information to be furnished by the obligor and the
         trustee disclaims responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of
         such information.

                             _____________________
<PAGE>   7
                                     - 7 -



         Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the
         trustee, United States Trust Company of New York, a corporation
         organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, has
         duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf
         by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of New
         York, and State of New York, on the 20th day of November, 1997.


         UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF
                 NEW YORK, Trustee


By:      /s/ PATRICIA STERMER
         -----------------------------------
         Patricia Stermer
         Assistant Vice President
<PAGE>   8


                                                                   EXHIBIT T-1.6

       The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.

                    United States Trust Company of New York
                              114 West 47th Street
                              New York, NY  10036


September 1, 1995



Securities and Exchange Commission
450 5th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC  20549

Gentlemen:

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, as amended by the Trust Indenture Reform Act of 1990, and subject to the
limitations set forth therein, United States Trust Company of New York ("U.S.
Trust") hereby consents that reports of examinations of U.S. Trust by Federal,
State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities
to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request therefor.




Very truly yours,


UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY
         OF NEW YORK


By:      /s/ Gerard F. Ganey
         -----------------------------------
         Senior Vice President
<PAGE>   9
                                                                   EXHIBIT T-1.7

                    UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CONDITION
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                ($ IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>                                        
<S>                                                 <C>
ASSETS                                         
- ------                                         
Cash and Due from Banks                             $      116,582
                                               
Short-Term Investments                                     183,652
                                               
Securities, Available for Sale                             691,965
                                               
Loans                                                    1,669,611
Less:  Allowance for Credit Losses                          16,067
                                                    --------------
     Net Loans                                           1,653,544
Premises and Equipment                                      61,796
Other Assets                                               125,121
                                                    --------------
     TOTAL ASSETS                                   $    2,832,660
                                                    ==============
                                               
LIABILITIES                                    
- -----------                                    
Deposits:                                      
     Non-Interest Bearing                           $      541,619
     Interest Bearing                                    1,617,028
                                                    --------------
        Total Deposits                                   2,158,647
                                               
Short-Term Credit Facilities                               365,235
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities                   141,793
                                                    --------------
     TOTAL LIABILITIES                              $    2,665,675
                                                    ==============
                                               
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY                           
- --------------------                           
Common Stock                                                14,995          
Capital Surplus                                             49,542
Retained Earnings                                           99,601
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities        
     Available for Sale, Net of Taxes                        2,847
                                                    --------------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY                                 166,985
                                                    --------------
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND                      
     STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY                           $    2,832,660
                                                    ==============
</TABLE>

I, Richard E. Brinkmann, Senior Vice President & Comptroller of the named bank
do hereby declare that this Statement of Condition has been prepared in
conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate regulatory
authority and is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Richard E. Brinkmann, SVP & Controller

November 13, 1997


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