TEXFI INDUSTRIES INC
10-Q, 1998-09-14
BROADWOVEN FABRIC MILLS, MAN MADE FIBER & SILK
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                                    FORM 10-Q
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

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

                  For the quarterly period ended July 31, 1998

                                       OR

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

           For the transition period from ____________ to ____________

                         Commission File Number - 1-6797


                             TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


                  Delaware                                56-0795032
                  --------                                ----------
      (State or other jurisdiction of                  (I.R.S. Employer
        incorporation or organization)                Identification No.)


1430 Broadway, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10018
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    (Address of principal executive offices)
                                   (ZIP Code)

                                 (212) 930-7200
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


                  Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
                        at September 14, 1998 - 8,859,098


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X   No
                                      ---     ---

<PAGE>



                              QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
                           FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JULY 31, 1998

                              PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1.  Consolidated Financial Statements

      Texfi Industries, Inc. (the Company") has prepared the consolidated
financial statements included herein, without audit, pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The consolidated balance
sheet as of October 31, 1997 has been taken from the audited financial
statements as of that date. Certain information and note disclosures normally
included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and
regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to
make the information presented not misleading. It is suggested that these
consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's latest Annual
Report on Form 10-K/A.

      The consolidated financial statements included herein reflect all
adjustments (none of which are other than normal recurring accruals) which are,
in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the
information included. Operating results for the thirteen-week and thirty-nine
week periods ended July 31, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of the results
that may be expected for the year ended October 30, 1998. The following
consolidated financial statements are included:

      Consolidated Statements of Income for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine
weeks ended July 31, 1998 and August 1, 1997

      Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 1998 and October 31, 1997

      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirteen weeks and
thirty-nine weeks ended July 31, 1998 and August 1, 1997

      Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



                                       2
<PAGE>

                                  TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.

                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
                          (in thousands, except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                       THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED    THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED
                                       ----------------------  -----------------------
                                         JULY 31,   August 1,     JULY 31,   August 1,
                                          1998        1997         1998        1997
                                       ----------  ----------   ----------  -------

<S>                                    <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>       
NET SALES ...........................  $   31,095  $   54,158   $  106,955  $  156,927
                                       ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------

COST AND EXPENSES:
   Cost of goods sold ...............      29,793      47,841       97,870     135,887
   Selling, general and
      administrative  ...............       2,676       4,013        8,703      11,464
                                       ----------  ----------   ----------   ---------
      Total .........................      32,469      51,854      106,573     147,351
                                       ----------  ----------   ----------   ---------

OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME..............      (1,374)      2,304          382       9,576
                                       ----------  ----------   ----------   ---------

OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME):
   Interest .........................       2,681       2,581        6,967       7,804
   Equity in loss of joint
      venture........................        --           423          --          982
   Impairment of note receivable.....        --          --          1,154          --
   Other, net .......................          (5)        --           (24)        (95)
                                       ----------  ----------   ----------   ---------
      Total .........................       2,676       3,004        8,097       8,691
                                       ----------  ----------   ----------   ---------

(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES....      (4,050)       (700)      (7,715)        885

Benefit from Income Taxes ...........         --          (32)         --          --
                                       ----------   ---------   ----------   --------

NET (LOSS) INCOME ...................  $   (4,050) $     (668)  $   (7,715)  $     885
                                       ==========  ==========   ==========   =========

NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE:
   Basic ............................  $     (.46) $     (.07)  $     (.87)  $     .10
                                       ==========  ==========   ==========   =========

   Diluted ..........................  $     (.46) $     (.07)  $     (.87)  $     .10
                                       ==========  ==========   ==========   =========
</TABLE>


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 6.


                                       3
<PAGE>


                                  TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                      (in thousands)


                                                  (UNAUDITED)
                                             JULY 31,      October 31,
                                              1998            1997
                                           -----------    ------------
                                                            Restated

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:
   Cash and cash equivalents ...............  $     292         1,434
   Receivables:
      Due from factor........................    19,850        35,494
      Trade..................................     5,792         4,486
      Other .................................       421           815
   Inventories ..............................    14,228        19,914
   Prepaid Expenses..........................     2,604         1,355
                                                -------       -------
     Total...................................    43,187        63,498

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - NET .........    26,088        28,254
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT HELD FOR
  DISPOSAL - NET ............................     1,214         3,318
OTHER ASSETS ................................     1,185         1,627
                                               --------      --------
                                               $ 71,674      $ 96,697
                                               ========      ========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
   Current maturities of long-term debt .....  $  1,244      $  5,015
   Current maturities of sub. debt...........       --          1,200
   Accounts payable .........................    23,595        28,110
   Other liabilities.........................     2,588         3,037
                                               --------      --------
      Total..................................    27,427        37,362

REVOLVING CREDIT LINE........................    19,060        33,919
LONG-TERM DEBT ..............................    11,800         5,500
SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES .....................    36,745        35,631
OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS .................       247           175

COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT:
   Common stock, $1.00 par value ............     8,859         8,859
   Additional paid-in capital ...............    25,534        25,534
   Accumulated deficit.......................   (57,998)      (50,283)
                                               --------      --------
      Total..................................   (23,605)      (15,890)
                                               --------      --------
                                               $ 71,674      $ 96,697
                                               ========      ========

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 6.


                                       4
<PAGE>


                                  TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.
                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
                                      (in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                          THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED    THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED
                                          ----------------------  -----------------------
                                            JULY 31,   August 1,   JULY 31,   August 1,
                                             1998        1997       1998         1997
                                          ---------    ---------  --------    -----------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
<S>                                        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     
Net (loss) income ....................     $ (4,050)    $   (668)  $ (7,715)    $    885
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss)
income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
      Equity in loss of joint
          venture.....................         --           423        --           982
      Impairment of note receivable...         --           --        1,154          --
      Depreciation & amortization ....        1,400        1,324      4,282        3,873
      Loss on capitalized loan costs..          707          --         707          --
      Provision for losses on accounts
      receivable.......................         175           30        180          163
      Gain on sale of property, plant
      and equipment....................          --           --         (2)         (81)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      Accounts receivable .............       2,103        1,007     14,552         (463)
      Inventories .....................       2,674        1,578      5,686          333
      Prepaid and other assets ........         (33)         452     (1,218)        (113)
      Accounts payables and accrued
      liabilities .....................       1,047       (1,049)    (4,867)       1,337
                                           --------      -------    -------      -------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES     4,023        3,097     12,759        6,916

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, plant and
 equipment ............................         (22)      (1,747)    (1,449)      (7,973)
Proceeds from sale-lease back of
 property, plant and equipment.........         --        2,446        --          6,657
Proceeds from sale of property, plant
 and equipment.........................          76          461      2,105        2,721
                                           --------      -------    -------      -------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES        54        1,160        656        1,405

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from long-term debt borrowings      36,176         --       36,176         --
Net (repayments) proceeds from Revolver
 debt borrowings.......................     (31,507)      (1,431)   (38,035)       2,236
Payments on long-term debt obligations.      (8,138)      (3,105)   (10,471)      (7,528)
Investment in joint venture............         --        (1,108)    (1,179)      (2,426)
Payments for repurchase of subordinated
 debentures ...........................          --          (10)       (86)        (456)
Capitalized loan costs.................        (549)        (112)      (962)        (229)
Proceeds from employee stock plans ....         --            --         --          421
                                           --------      -------    -------      -------


NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES        (4,018)      (5,766)   (14,557)      (7,982)
                                            -------      -------    -------       ------

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
      EQUIVALENTS                                59       (1,509)    (1,142)         339
Cash and cash equivalents
 at beginning of period ................        233        2,266      1,434          418
                                           --------     --------    -------    ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
      AT END OF PERIOD                     $    292     $    757    $   292    $     757
                                           ========     ========    =======    =========
</TABLE>


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 6.



                                       5
<PAGE>


                             TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.

                  CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                     JULY 31, 1998

1.  Details of certain balance sheet captions are as follows (in thousands):

                                                 JULY 31,  October 31,
                                                  1998        1997
                                                --------     --------

INVENTORIES:
  Finished goods .............................  $  3,105     $  5,225
  Goods in process ...........................     7,210       10,092
  Raw materials ..............................     2,223        2,845
  Supplies ...................................     2,567        2,595
                                                --------     --------
       Total .................................    15,105       20,757
  Less reserves ..............................       877          843
                                                --------     --------
       Inventories-net........................  $ 14,228     $ 19,914
                                                ========     ========

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
  Land and land improvements .................  $  2,220     $  2,220
  Buildings ..................................    16,019       16,019
  Machinery, equipment, etc. .................    60,961       59,042
  Construction in progress ...................       621        1,143
                                                --------     --------
       Total .................................    79,821       78,424
  Less accumulated depreciation ..............    53,733       50,170
                                                --------     --------
       Property, plant and equipment-net .....  $ 26,088     $ 28,254
                                                ========     ========

LONG-TERM DEBT:
  Term loan with variable interest ..........   $13,000     $ 10,000
  Term loans at 6.75%........................        44          515
                                                -------      -------
      Total .................................    13,044       10,515
  Less current maturities ...................     1,244        5,015
                                                -------      -------
      Due after one year ....................   $11,800      $ 5,500
                                                =======      =======

SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES:
   Senior Subordinated Debentures, 8 3/4%
    due August 1, 1999........................  $ 34,391     $ 34,400
   Subordinated Extendible Debentures,
    11%, due April 1, 2000 (Series C).........     2,354        2,431
                                                 -------      -------
   Total .....................................    36,745       36,831
    Less current maturities...................       --         1,200
                                                --------     --------
   Due after one year.........................  $ 36,745     $ 35,631
                                                ========     ========



                                       6
<PAGE>


2. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") 128 "Earnings per Share"
replaced the previously computed primary and fully diluted earnings per share
("EPS") with basic and diluted EPS. Unlike primary EPS, basic EPS excludes any
dilutive effects of options, warrants, or convertible securities. Diluted EPS
includes the dilutive effect of such items. The prior period basic EPS has been
recalculated to conform to SFAS 128 provisions with no material change.

3. At July 31, 1998, shares of common stock were reserved for possible issuance
as follows:

      Stock options .....................................    858,099
      Stock options granted to an entity owned by
         certain Company executive officers..............  1,200,000
      1990 Executive Stock Purchase Plan ................    283,892
      Directors' Deferred Stock Compensation Plan .......     57,153
                                                           ---------
       Total ............................................  2,399,144

4. On August 28, 1998, the Company entered into a $40.0 million revolving credit
facility and a $13.0 million term loan agreement. The net proceeds of these
facilities were applied towards the term loan and revolving credit line
outstanding under its previously existing credit facility. The long-term debt
and revolving credit line balances as of July 31, 1998 have been adjusted to
reflect the August 28, 1998 transactions.

5. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the amounts reported in these financial statements and accompanying
footnotes. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions.



                                       7
<PAGE>


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

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:

      Net sales for the thirteen weeks ended July 31, 1998 were $31,095,000 as
compared to $54,158,000 for the thirteen weeks ended August 1, 1997. This
$23,063,000 (42.6%) decrease was the result of lower sales volume at the
Company's Texfi Blends division ("Texfi Blends") totaling $17.6 million and the
divestiture of the Texfi knitted narrow fabrics business which had generated
$5.3 million in net sales in the third quarter of 1997. Year-to-date net sales
for 1998 totaling $106,955,000 decreased $49,972,000 (31.8%) when compared to
sales of $156,927,000 for the same thirty-nine week period in fiscal 1997. This
decrease reflects a combination of reduced sales of $34.8 million at the
Company's Blends division and the divestiture in October 1997 of the Company's
knitted narrow fabrics business which contributed $15.0 million in net sales
during the first three fiscal quarters of 1997. The reduction in third quarter
and year-to-date finished fabrics sales were primarily attributable to unusually
high imports of competing fabrics and finished apparel from Asia into United
States' markets, specifically the Company's missy and junior wear markets.

      For the comparable thirteen-week period, cost of goods sold, as a
percentage of net sales, increased from 88.3% in 1997 to 95.8% in 1998. For the
comparable thirty-nine week periods in 1997 and 1998, cost of goods sold as a
percentage of net sales similarly rose from 86.6% to 91.5%. These increases in
the cost of goods sold are attributable to volume related manufacturing
inefficiencies.

      Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") increased from 7.4%
to 8.6% as a percentage of net sales for the thirteen weeks ended July 31, 1998
when compared to same period a year ago and increased from 7.3% to 8.1% for the
comparable thirty-nine week periods. While total SG&A expenses declined, these
expenses as a percentage of net sales increased primarily due to the constant
fixed costs having been spread over a declining sales volume.

      Interest expense remained relatively constant at $2,681,000 during the
third thirteen-week period in 1998 as compared to $2,581,000 in 1997. For the
comparable thirty-nine week periods, interest expense decreased $837,000 (10.7%)
from $7,804,000 to $6,967,000. These decreases resulted from a $31.0 million
reduction in total indebtedness during the twelve-month period from August 1,
1997 through July 31, 1998, the benefits of which were somewhat offset by the
$707,000 write-off of deferred loan costs associated with the March 15, 1996
Credit Facility.



                                       8
<PAGE>


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued):

      The 1997 third quarter and year-to-date net income includes $423,000 and
$982,000, respectively, equity in loss of joint venture which represented the
Company's 50% participation in Rival Sport, LLC ("Rival"), a joint venture with
NHL Enterprises to market and source a branded line of hockey-related apparel.
The Company sold its ownership interest in Rival on December 18, 1997 to an
entity affiliated with certain Company executive officers in consideration for
the issuance by the buyer to the Company of a secured $4.5 million ten-year
balloon note which bears interest at 5.0% per annum and which requires
prepayments from a portion of cash distributions, if any, that the buyer may
receive from Rival. As of the end of the first fiscal quarter of 1998, due to
continued and anticipated future losses at Rival, the Company increased its
reserve to $4.5 million, the face amount of the note, against its note
receivable.

FINANCIAL CONDITION:

      At July 31, 1998, working capital equaled $15.8 million, a decrease of
$10.3 million from October 31, 1997. This decrease in working capital is due
primarily to the decreases in accounts receivable($14.7 million), inventories
($5.7 million), and cash and cash equivalents ($1.1 million) which were not
entirely offset by decreases in accounts payable and other liabilities ($4.9
million) and current maturities ($5.0 million) and an increase in prepaid
expenses ($1.3 million).

      During the first thirty-nine weeks of 1998, operating activities generated
net cash of $12.8 million. This cash was generated as a result of net loss of
$7.7 million adjusted for the impairment of note receivable of $1.1 million,
provision for losses on accounts receivable of $175,000, and depreciation and
amortization of $5.0 million, none of which required cash. In addition,
decreases in accounts receivable of $14.6 million and inventories of $5.7
million which more than offset decreases in accounts payable and other
liabilities of $4.9 million and increases in prepaid and other assets of $1.2
million contributed to the net cash flow from operations. Net cash flow provided
by operations of $12.8 million, $2.1 million in proceeds from the sale of
property, plant and equipment, and $36.2 million proceeds from long-term debt
borrowings and $1.1 million cash on hand provided funds to repay long-term debt
and debentures of $10.6 million, purchase property, plant and equipment totaling
$1.5 million, reduce the revolving credit line by $38.1 million, and pay loan
costs of $962,000.

                                       9

<PAGE>


FINANCIAL CONDITION (continued):

      On August 28, 1998, the Company entered into a $40.0 million credit
facility that expires on August 31, 2000. Net proceeds of $23.2 million from the
credit facility were applied toward the previously existing revolving credit
line. The credit facility is secured by a first lien on substantially all of the
Company's working capital assets and a second lien on substantially all of the
Company's property, plant and equipment which is subordinate to the security
interests of Back Bay Capital, LLC securing the term loan entered into on August
28, 1998 as described below. The credit facility currently provides for the
Company to elect interest rates based upon a Eurodollar or prime interest rate
plus applicable margin. In addition, the Company may choose interest periods of
1, 2, 3 or 6 months with respect to its Eurodollar rate elections. As of August
28, 1998, funds available under the new credit facility, which represents the
difference between the borrowing base as defined by the facility agreement and
the revolving credit line outstanding, approximated $4.0 million.

      On August 28, 1998, the Company entered into a $13.0 million term loan
with Back Bay Capital, LLC. The $12.5 million in net proceeds from the term loan
were applied toward the term loan ($8.0 million) outstanding under the
previously existing credit facility and revolving credit line ($4.5 million) of
the new credit facility. The new term loan is payable in 23 equal monthly
installments of $100,000 beginning October 1, 1998 with a balloon payment on
August 31, 2000. The term loan is secured by a first lien on substantially all
of the Company's property, plant and equipment, with a second lien on
substantially all of the Company's working capital assets which is subordinate
to the aforesaid revovling credit facility's security interest. The term loan
provides for interest on the unpaid principal balance at 12.0% per annum payable
monthly in arrears. There is an additional provision for 3.0% per annum interest
that is accrued and added to the unpaid principal balance monthly in arrears.

      Both the credit and term loan facilities place limitations on the
Company's rental expense, additional indebtedness, acquisitions, capital
expenditures, payment of subordinated debentures, and sale or disposal of
assets. The Company is required to maintain minimum capital funds and comply
with a debt service coverage ratio, each as defined by the facilities. In
addition, the Company is required to consummate an exchange offer with the
holders of not less that $27.1 million in principal of its 8-3/4% Senior
Subordinated Debentures due August 1, 1999 on or before April 30, 1999 on terms
as set forth in the facilities.


                                       10
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL CONDITION (continued):

      As of July 31, 1998, the Company had outstanding approximately $34.4
million of its Senior Subordinated Debentures due August 1, 1999 ("8-3/4%
Debentures"). The 8-3/4% Debentures, which cannot be called prior to their
maturity date, are unsecured obligations but contain covenants that place
limitations on the use of proceeds from disposal of assets and on the incurrence
of additional indebtedness and senior indebtedness (as defined in the indenture)
if such indebtedness would exceed stated ratios of capitalization and earnings
after such incurrence. The debenture definition of indebtedness does not include
revolver credit line borrowings or operating lease obligations. The Company was
prohibited from incurring additional indebtedness because of a violation of the
defined limitations. The Company executed a Third Supplemental Indenture dated
as of August 28, 1998 whereby, the requisite debenture holders waived the
restriction on the incurrence of additional indebtedness under both the August
28, 1998 Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan and Security Agreements
referred to above and eliminated the monthly $600,000 sinking fund deposits
which were scheduled to begin on the last business day of September 1998.

      As of July 31, 1998 the Company has approximately $2.4 million of its
Series C Debentures outstanding. The annual interest rate of these debentures
may be adjusted at the sole discretion of the Company on April 1st of each year
until maturity in the year 2000. The Company set the Series C interest rate at
13% for the period April 1, 1998 through March 31, 1999. The Series C Debentures
are redeemable on April 1st of each year, in whole or in part, at the option of
the holder or the Company for the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest
through the date of redemption.

      Management believes cash flows from operations and funds available under
the revolving credit line will provide the Company with sufficient sources of
funds to meet its fiscal 1998 cash needs, and, assuming no significant
deterioration in current market conditions or interest rates, for the
foreseeable future.


                                       11
<PAGE>


FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION:

      Statements contained in the foregoing discussion and elsewhere in this
report that are not based on historical fact are considered "forward looking
statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. These statements are based on management's present assumptions as to
future trends, and changes in current economic trends, prevailing interest
rates, availability and cost of raw materials, laws affecting the Company's
business and similar factors could affect the validity of such assumptions.



                                       12
<PAGE>

                          PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

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

     (a)    Exhibits

            Exhibits to this report are listed in the accompanying index to
            exhibits.

     (b)    Reports on Form 8-K

            No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended July 31,
            1998.


                                       13
<PAGE>

                                  SIGNATURES

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

                              TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                   (Registrant)



Date:  September 14, 1998    By:/s/ Robert P. Ambrosini
                                ---------------------------
                                   Robert P. Ambrosini
                                   Chief Financial Officer
                                   and Executive Vice President


                                       14
<PAGE>

                             TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS

*3(a)(1)    Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant dated August 13,
            1969, filed as Exhibit (3)(a)(1) to Registrant's Form 10-K Annual
            Report for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1980.

*3(a)(2)    Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of
            Registrant dated March 16, 1972, filed as Exhibit (3)(a)(2) to
            Registrant's Form 10-K Annual Report for the fiscal year ended
            October 31, 1980.

*3(a)(3)    Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of
            Registrant dated March 27, 1978, filed as Exhibit (3)(a)(3) to
            Registrant's Form 10-K Annual Report for the fiscal year ended
            October 31, 1980.

*3(a)(4)    Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of
            Registrant dated May 19, 1986, filed as Exhibit 4.4 to Registrant's
            Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 33-14697).

*3(a)(5)    Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of
            Registrant dated March 20, 1987, filed as Exhibit 4.5 to
            Registrant's Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 33-14697).

*3(a)(6)    Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of
            Incorporation of Registrant dated September 28, 1987, filed
            as Exhibit 4(a)(6) to Registrant's Form S-2 Registration
            Statement (No. 33-16794).

*3(a)(7)    Certificate of Designations of Registrant dated
            November 20, 1987, filed as Exhibit 4(a)(7) to Registrant's
            Form S-2 Registration Statement (No. 33-16794).

*3(a)(8)    Certificate of Designations of Registrant dated March
            8,1988 filed as Exhibit 4(a)(8) to Registrant's Form S-2
            Registration Statement (No. 33-20131).


                                       1
<PAGE>

*3(a)(9)    Certificate of Designations of Registrant dated August 4 1988, 
            filed as Exhibit 4(d)(9) to Registrant's Form 10-Q Quarterly 
            Report for the fiscal quarter ended July 29, 1988.

*3(b)(1)    Bylaws of Registrant, filed as Exhibit 4.6 to
            Registrant's Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 33-14697).

*3(b)(2)    Amendment to Bylaws of Registrant, filed as Exhibit
            4(b)(2) to Registrant's Form S-2 Registration Statement
            (No. 33-16794).

*3(b)(3)    Amendment to Bylaws of Registrant adopted by Registrant's Board of
            Directors on January 18, 1991, filed as Exhibit 3(b)(3) to
            Registrant's Form 10-K Annual Report for the fiscal year ended
            November 2, 1990.

*3(b)(4)    Amendment to Bylaws of Registrant adopted by Registrant's Board of
            Directors on August 31, 1994, filed as Exhibit 4(b)(4) to
            Registrant's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the fiscal quarter ended
            July 29, 1994.

*3(b)(5)    Amendment to Bylaws of Registrant adopted by Registrant's Board of
            Directors on September 7, 1994, filed as Exhibit 4(b)(5) to
            Registrant's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the fiscal quarter ended
            July 29, 1994.

*4(a)(1)    Indenture between Registrant and Rhode Island Hospital Trust
            National Bank, Trustee, with a copy of Subordinated Debentures due
            April 1, 1995, Series A, Subordinated Debentures due April 1, 1995,
            Series B and Subordinated Extendible Debentures due April 1, 2000,
            Series C attached, filed as Exhibit 4(f) to Registrant's Form S-2
            Registration Statement (No. 33-32485).


                                       2
<PAGE>

*4(a)(2)    Indenture dated September 8, 1993 between Registrant and The First
            Union National Bank of North Carolina, Trustee, with copy of 8-3/4%
            Senior Subordinated Debenture due August 1, 1999, filed as Exhibit
            4(c)(2) to Registrant's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the fiscal
            quarter ended July 30, 1993.

*4(a)(3)    First Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 10, 1995, between
            Registrant and First Union National Bank of North Carolina, as
            Trustee, filed as Exhibit 4(a)(1) to Registrant's Form 8-K Current
            Report as of March 15, 1996.

*4(a)(4)    Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 15, 1996, between
            Registrant and First Union National Bank, formerly known as First
            Union National Bank of North Carolina, as Trustee, filed as Exhibit
            4(a)(2) to Registrant's Form 8-K Current Report as of March 15,
            1996.

 4(a)(5)    Tripartite Agreement dated as of August 14, 1998, between
            Registrant, First Union National Bank, formerly known as First Union
            National Bank of North Carolina, as Initial Trustee, and Norwest
            Bank, Minnesota, National Association, as successor Trustee.

 4(a)(6)    Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 28, 1998, between
            Registrant and Norwest Bank, Minnesota, National Association, as
            successor Trustee.

*4(b)(1)    Specimen Common Stock ($1 par value) certificates,
            filed as Exhibit 4.01 to Amendment No. 2 to Registrant's
            Form S-1 Registration Statement (No. 2-41653).

*4(c)(1)    Rights Agreement dated July 22, 1988 between Registrant and The
            First Union National Bank of North Carolina, as Rights Agent, filed
            as Exhibit 1 to Registrant's Form 8-K Current Form dated July 22,
            1988.

*4(c)(2)    Form of Rights Certificate, filed as Exhibit B to Exhibit 1 to
            Registrant's Form 8-K Current Form dated July 22, 1988.


                                       3
<PAGE>

*4(c)(3)    Amendment to Rights Agreement between Registrant and The First Union
            National Bank of North Carolina dated October 31, 1988, filed as
            Exhibit 4(e)(3) to Registrant's Form S-2 Registration Statement (No.
            33-32485).

*4(c)(4)    Second Amendment to Rights Agreement dated May 24, 1994 between
            Registrant and The First Union National Bank of North Carolina, as
            Rights Agent, filed as Exhibit 4(e)(4) to Registrant's Form 10-Q
            Quarterly Report for the fiscal quarter ended April 29, 1994.

*4(c)(5)    Third Amendment to Rights Agreement dated December 16, 1994 between
            Registrant and The First Union National Bank of North Carolina, as
            Rights Agent, filed as Exhibit 4(c)(5) to Registrant's Form 10-K
            Annual Report for the fiscal year ended October 28, 1994.

*4(d)(1)    Credit agreement dated as of March 15, 1996 among Registrant, as
            Borrower, certain Lenders referred to therein, NationsBank, N.A., as
            Agent, and NationsBanc Commercial Corporation, as Disbursing Agent,
            filed as Exhibit 2(a)(1) to Registrant's Form 8-K Current Report as
            of March 15, 1996.

*4(d)(2)    Security Agreement dated as of March 15, 1996 between Registrant, as
            Grantor, and NationsBank, N.A., as Agent for certain Lenders
            referred to therein, and NationsBanc Commercial Corporation, as
            Disbursing Agent, filed as Exhibit 2(a)(2) to Registrant's Form 8-K
            Current Report as
            of March 15, 1996.

*4(d)(3)    Form of Deed of Trust and Security Agreement (North Carolina
            property) dated as of March 15, 1996 between Registrant, as Grantor,
            TIM, Inc., as Trustee, and NationsBank, N.A., as Beneficiary and
            Agent for certain Lenders referred to therein, and NationsBanc
            Commercial Corporation, as Disbursing Agent, filed as Exhibit
            2(a)(3) to Registrant's Form 8-K Current Report as of March 15,
            1996.


                                       4
<PAGE>

*4(d)(4)    Form of Mortgage and Security Agreement (South Carolina property)
            dated as of March 15, 1996 between Registrant, as Grantor, and
            NationsBank, N.A., as Beneficiary and Agent for certain Lenders
            referred to therein, and NationsBanc Commercial Corporation, as
            Disbursing Agent, filed as Exhibit 2(a)(4) to Registrant's Form 8-K
            Current Report as of March 15, 1996.

*4(d)(5)    Deed to Secure Debt and Security Agreement (Georgia property) dated
            as of March 15, 1996 between Registrant, as Grantor, and
            NationsBank, N.A., as Beneficiary and Agent for certain Lenders
            referred to therein, and NationsBanc Commercial Corporation, as
            Disbursing Agent, filed as Exhibit 2(a)(5) to Registrant's Form 8-K
            Current Report as of March 15, 1996.

*4(d)(6)    Form of Assignment of Factoring Proceeds dated as of March 15, 1996,
            filed as Exhibit 2(a)(6) to Registrant's Form 8-K Current Report as
            of March 15, 1996.

*4(d)(7)    First Amendment dated May 10, 1996 to the Credit Agreement dated as
            of March 15, 1996 among Registrant, as Borrower, certain Lenders
            referred to therein, NationsBank, N.A., as Agent, and NationsBanc
            Commercial Corporation, as Disbursing Agent, filed as Exhibit
            2(a)(7) to Registrant's Form 10-Q dated May 3, 1996.

*4(d)(8)    Waiver Agreement dated June 14, 1996 to the Credit Agreement dated
            as of March 15, 1996 among Registrant, as Borrower, certain Lenders,
            referred to therein, NationsBank, N.A., as Agent, and NationsBanc
            Commercial Corporation, as Disbursing Agent, filed as Exhibit 2(a)
            (8) to Registrant's Form 10-Q dated May 3, 1996.

*4(d)(9)    Second Amendment dated September 12, 1996 to the Credit Agreement
            dated as of March 15, 1996 among Registrant, as Borrower, certain
            Lenders referred to therein, NationsBank, N.A., as Agent, and
            NationsBanc Commercial Corporation, as Disbursing Agent, filed as
            Exhibit 2(a)(9) to Registrant's Form 10-Q dated August 2, 1996.

                                       5
<PAGE>

*4(d)(10)   Third Amendment dated January 30, 1997 to the Credit Agreement dated
            as of March 15, 1996 among Registrant, as Borrower, certain Lenders
            referred to therein, NationsBank, N.A., as Agent, and NationsBanc
            Commercial Corporation, as Disbursing Agent, filed as Exhibit
            4(d)(10) to Registrant's Form 10-Q dated January 31, 1997.

*4(d)(11)   Waiver and Consent Agreement dated June 12, 1997 to the Credit
            Agreement dated March 15, 1996 among Registrant, as Borrower,
            certain Lenders referred to therein, and NationsBank, N.A., as
            Agent, filed as Exhibit 4(d)(11) to Registrant's Form 10-Q for the
            fiscal quarter ended August 1, 1997.

*4(d)(12)   Fourth Amendment dated June 19, 1997 to the Credit Agreement dated
            March 15, 1996 among Registrant, as Borrower, certain Lenders
            referred to therein, and NationsBank, N.A., as Agent, filed as
            Exhibit 4(d)(12) to Registrant's Form 10-Q filed for the fiscal
            quarter ended August 1, 1997.

*4(d)(13)   Fifth Amendment dated October 8, 1997 to the Credit Agreement dated
            March 15, 1996 among Registrant, as Borrower, certain Lenders
            referred to therein, and NationsBank, N.A., as Agent filed as
            Exhibit 4(d)(13) to Registrant's Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year
            ended October 31, 1997.

*4(d)(14)   Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated December 19,
            1997 to the Credit Agreement dated March 15, 1996 among Registrant,
            as Borrower, the Financial Institutions referred to therein, and
            BankBoston, N.A., as Agent filed as Exhibit 4(d)(14) to Registrant's
            Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997.

*4(d)(15)   Forbearance Agreement dated June 5, 1998 among Registrant, as
            Borrower, the Financial Institutions referred to therein, and
            BankBoston, N.A., as Agent, filed as Exhibit 4(d)(15) to
            Registrant's Form 10-Q filed for the fiscal quarter ended May 1,
            1998.


                                       6
<PAGE>

 4(d)(16)   Forbearance Agreement Extension dated July 21, 1998 among
            Registrant, as Borrower, the Financial Institutions referred to
            therein, and BankBoston, N.A., as Agent.

 4(d)(17)   Forbearance Agreement Extension dated August 21, 1998 among
            Registrant, as Borrower, the Financial Institutions referred to
            therein, and BankBoston, N.A., as Agent.

 4(d)(18)   Loan and Security Agreement dated August 28, 1998 among Registrant,
            as Borrower, the Financial Institutions referred to therein, and
            BankBoston, N.A., as Agent.

 4(d)(19)   Term Loan and Security Agreement dated August 28, 1998 among
            Registrant, as Borrower and Back Bay Capital LLC.

 4(d)(20)   Ledger Debt Payment Agreement dated August 28, 1998 among
            Registrant, as Borrower and the CIT Group/Commercial Services, Inc.

 10(a)(1)   Employment   Agreement  dated  May  1,  1998  between   Registrant
            Borrower and Robert P. Ambrosini.

 10(d)(1)   Second  Amendment  dated  June 17,  1998 to the Stock  and  Option
            Purchase  Agreement  dated May 24,  1994  between  Registrant  and
            Chadbourne Corporation.

 10(d)(2)   Option Purchase Agreement dated June 17, 1998 between Registrant and
            Mentmore Holdings Corporation.

 11         Computation of Earnings Per Share

* Incorporated by reference to previous filing.


                                       7



                                                                 Exhibit 4(a)(5)

                              TRIPARTITE AGREEMENT

AGREEMENT OF RESIGNATION, APPOINTMENT AND ACCEPTANCE, (the "Agreement") dated as
of August 14, 1998, among TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC. (the "Company"), FIRST UNION
NATIONAL BANK, FORMERLY KNOWN AS FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK OF NORTH CAROLINA,
("Resigning Trustee") and NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION a
national banking association with its principal office in Minneapolis, Minnesota
("Successor Trustee").

FIRST: The Company and the Resigning Trustee have entered into an Indenture
dated as of September 8, 1993, as supplemented by the First Supplemental
Indenture dated as of March 10, 1995 and by the Second Supplemental Indenture
dated as of March 15, 1996 (collectively, the "Indenture") related to the
issuance of $34,500,000 in initial principal amount of the Company's 8 3/4%
Senior Subordinated Debentures due August 1, 1999;

SECOND: Section 7.08 of the Indenture provides that the Resigning Trustee may at
any time resign and be discharged of the trusts created by the Indenture by
giving written notice thereof to the Company;

THIRD: Section 7.08 of the Indenture further provides that if the trustee shall
resign, the Company shall promptly appoint a Successor Trustee;

FOURTH: The Resigning Trustee desires to resign and the Company desires to
appoint the Successor Trustee as Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar and Agent for
Service of Notices to succeed the Resigning Trustee in these capacities under
the Indenture;

FIFTH: The Successor Trustee is willing to accept the appointment as Trustee,
Paying Agent, Registrar, and Agent for Service of Notices subject to certain
terms and conditions;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants herein and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATION OF RESIGNING TRUSTEE; APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR
TRUSTEE. The Company accepts the resignation of the Resigning Trustee as
Trustee, Paying Agent Registrar, and Agent for Service of Notices and, pursuant
to the authority vested in it by Section 7.08 of the Indenture, the Company
hereby appoints the Successor Trustee as Successor Trustee, Paying Agent,
Registrar and Agent for Service of Notices under the Indenture with all of the
rights, powers and duties heretofore vested in the Resigning Trustee under the
Indenture, such appointment to become effective at the close of business on
August 14, 1998 (the "Effective Date").

                                       1
<PAGE>

2. COMPANY REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Company represents and warrants
to the Successor Trustee that:

      a. It is duly organized and validly existing;

      b. It has not entered into any amendment or supplement to the Indenture,
      other than the First and Second Supplemental Indentures identified above,
      and therefore the Indenture is in full force and effect;

      c. It has performed and fulfilled each covenant and condition on its part
      to be performed or fulfilled under the documents executed in connection
      with the Indenture (the "Documents");

      d. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of
      the transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not conflict with, or
      result in a breach of, any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a
      default under, any contract, agreement, indenture or other instrument
      (including, without limitation, its certificate of incorporation and
      by-laws) to which it is a party or by which it or its property is bound,
      or any judgment, decree or order of any court or governmental agency or
      regulatory body or law, rule or regulation applicable to it or its
      property; and

      e. The Company represents and warrants to the Successor Trustee that the
      securities were validly issued.

3. RESIGNING TRUSTEE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Resigning Trustee
hereby represents and warrants to the Successor Trustee that:

      a. No covenant or condition contained in the Indenture has been waived by
      the Resigning Trustee or to the best of the knowledge of the Resigning
      Trustee by the securityholders of the percentage in aggregate principal
      amount of the securities required by the Indenture to effect any such
      waiver;

      b. There is no action, suit or proceeding pending or, to the best of the
      knowledge of the Resigning Trustee threatened, against the Resigning
      Trustee before any court or governmental authority arising out of any
      action or omission by the Resigning Trustee as Trustee under the
      Indenture;

      c. It has made, or promptly will make, available to the Successor Trustee
      originals, if available, or copies in its possession, of all Documents
      relating to the trusts created by the Indenture (the "Trusts") and all
      information in the possession of its corporate trust administration
      department relating to the administration and

                                       2
<PAGE>

      status of the Trusts and will furnish to the Successor Trustee such
      Documents or information on or before the Effective Date;

      d. To the best of its knowledge, it has lawfully discharged its duties as
      Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar and Agent for Service of Notices under
      the Indenture;

      e. The Indenture has not been amended or modified and is in full force and
      effect except as noted;

      f. It agrees to pay or indemnify the Successor Trustee and save the
      Successor Trustee harmless from and against any and all costs, claims,
      liabilities, losses or damages whatsoever (including the reasonable fees,
      expenses and disbursements of the Successor Trustee counsel and other
      advisors) that the Successor Trustee might suffer or incur as a result of
      the Successor Trustee accepting appointment and acting as Successor
      Trustee under the Indenture arising out of actual, alleged or adjudicated
      actions or omissions of the Resigning Trustee. The Resigning Trustee will
      furnish to the Successor Trustee, promptly after receipt, all papers with
      respect to any action the outcome of which would make the indemnity
      provided for in this paragraph operative. The Resigning Trustee will have
      the right to elect to provide its own defense in any such action; and

      g. The Resigning Trustee certifies $34,391,000 in principal amount on the
      Senior Subordinated Debentures is outstanding and interest has been paid
      through February 1, 1998.

4.    SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTY. The Successor Trustee
      represents and warrants to the Resigning Trustee and the Company that:

      a. it is eligible to serve as Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar and Agent
      for Service of Notices under the Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act of
      1939, as amended (the "Act") and under the Rules of the New York Stock
      Exchange;

      b. it will maintain at all times an office south of Chambers Street in the
      Borough of Manhattan, City of New York.

5. ACCEPTANCE BY SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE. The Successor Trustee hereby accepts,
effective at the close of business on the Effective Date, its appointment as
Successor Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar and Agent for Service of Notices and
assumes all rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under the Indenture. The
Successor Trustee will perform said rights, powers and duties upon the terms and
conditions set forth in the Indenture.

6. ASSIGNMENT ETC. BY RESIGNING TRUSTEE. Effective at the close of business on
the Effective Date, the Resigning Trustee hereby confirms, assigns, transfers,
delivers and

                                       3
<PAGE>


conveys to the Successor Trustee, as Successor Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar
and Agent for Service of Notices under the Indenture, upon the Trusts expressed
in the Indenture, all rights, powers and trusts, which the Resigning Trustee, as
Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar and Agent for Service of Notices now holds
under and by virtue of the Indenture, and effective as of such date does hereby
pay over to the Successor Trustee under the Indenture, any and all property and
moneys held by the Resigning Trustee under and by virtue of the Indenture,
subject nevertheless to the lien provided by Section 7.07 of the Indenture.

7. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION. The Company and the Resigning Trustee, for the
purposes of more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to the Successor
Trustee, as Successor Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar and Agent for Service of
Notices under the Indenture, said rights, powers and trusts, agrees, upon
reasonable request of the Successor Trustee, to execute, acknowledge and deliver
such further instruments of conveyance and further assurance and to do such
other things as may reasonably be required for more fully and certainly vesting
and confirming to the Successor Trustee all rights, powers and trusts which the
Resigning Trustee now holds under and by virtue of the Indenture.

8. CAPITALIZED TERMS. All capitalized terms in this Agreement shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in the Indenture unless this Agreement specifically
provides otherwise.

9. CHOICE OF LAWS/VENUE. This Agreement shall be governed by North Carolina law.
The Company, the Resigning Trustee and the Successor Trustee consent to the
personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in the State of
North Carolina in connection with any controversy related to this Agreement and
waive any argument that venue in such forums is not convenient.

10. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts,
each of which, when so executed and delivered, shall be an original, but all
counterparts shall constitute but one and the same agreement.

11. SURVIVAL OF COMPANY'S OBLIGATIONS TO RESIGNING TRUSTEE. Nothing contained in
this Agreement shall in any way affect the obligations of the Company to the
Resigning Trustee under the Indenture or any lien created thereunder.


                   THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS PURPOSEFULLY LEFT BLANK

                                       4
<PAGE>


12. NOTICES. All notices, whether faxed or mailed will be deemed received when
sent pursuant to the following instructions:

TO FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK:

Rita Peterman
Assistant Vice President
Default Administration
Corporate Trust Group
First Union National Bank
NC 1179
230 South Tryon Street, Ninth Floor
Charlotte, NC  28288-1179
FAX:  (704) 374-6682
TELEPHONE:  (704) 374-2048


TO NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION:

Gavin Wilkinson
Vice President
Corporate Trust Services
Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association
Sixth and Marquette
Minneapolis, MN  55479-0069
FAX:  (612) 667-9825
TELEPHONE:  (612) 667-2387


TO TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.:

Robert P. Ambrosini
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Texfi Industries, Inc.
1430 Broadway
New York, NY  10018
FAX: (212) 930-7208
TELEPHONE:  (212) 930-7200


IN WITNESSETH WHEREOF, Texfi Industries, Inc., First Union National Bank and
Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association have executed this Agreement as of
the dates set forth below.

                                       5

<PAGE>

TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.


By /s/ Robert P. Ambrosini
   ------------------------

   Its:  EVP and CEO          Date: 8/13/98
        -------------------        ---------

FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK


By /s/ Rita E. Peterman
   ------------------------

   Its:  Asst. Vice President    Date: 8/13/98
        ---------------------         ---------

NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


By /s/ Gavin Wilkinson
   ------------------------

   Its:  Vice President       Date: 8/14/98
        -------------------        ---------

                                       6

                                                            Exhibit 4(a)(6)


            THIRD SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated and effective as of August 28,
1998, between Texfi Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company") and
Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association as successor Trustee (the
"Trustee"). Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the same
meanings herein as in the Indenture.


                               W I T N E S S E T H


            WHEREAS, the Company and First Union National Bank of North Carolina
(the "Initial Trustee") are parties to an Indenture dated as of September 8,
1993 ("Indenture"), pursuant to which the Company may issue up to $34,500,000 in
principal amount of 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Debentures due August 1, 1999;
and

            WHEREAS, the Company and the Initial Trustee entered into a First
Supplemental Indenture dated March 10, 1995; and

            WHEREAS, the Company and the Initial Trustee entered into a Second
Supplemental Indenture dated March 15, 1996; and

            WHEREAS, the Company, the Initial Trustee and the Trustee entered
into a Tripartite Agreement dated as of August 14, 1998 pursuant to which the
Trustee replaced the Initial Trustee as the trustee under the Indenture; and

            WHEREAS, Section 11.02 of the Indenture provides that the Company,
when authorized by a resolution of its Board of Directors, and the Trustee may
make certain amendments to the Indenture with the written consent of the
registered Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
Securities; and

            WHEREAS, the Company desires to amend the Indenture as set forth
herein and such amendments may be made with the consent of the Holders of at
least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities rather than
of each Securityholder;

            WHEREAS, the Company, by resolutions duly adopted by its Board of
Directors on August 21, 1998, has been authorized to enter into this
Supplemental Indenture, and all acts, things and conditions prescribed by law
and by the Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Company to authorized
the execution of this Supplemental Indenture, and to make this Supplemental
Indenture a valid, binding and legal agreement have been duly performed, done
and complied with; and

            WHEREAS, the consents of the Holders of record of the Securities
holding a majority in principal amount of outstanding Securities have been
obtained; and

            WHEREAS, all other conditions precedent to the execution of this
Supplemental Indenture have been complied with;

<PAGE>

            NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of other good
and valuable considerations, receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, the parties
hereto agree as follows:

1. The Indenture is hereby amended by adding the following sentence to the end
of each of Sections 4.11 and 4.12 of the Indenture:

                        The Company is authorized to the extent it constitutes
                        New Debt, and without regard to any limitation set forth
                        above in this subsection, to incur indebtedness pursuant
                        to the agreement between the Company and Back Bay
                        Capital, LLC, dated as of August 28, 1998 and the
                        agreement among the Company, certain Financial
                        Institutions and BankBoston, N.A., as Agent, dated as of
                        August 28, 1998, (copies of which are annexed hereto) or
                        pursuant to any modification, amendment or supplement of
                        or to either such agreement, or pursuant to any
                        refinancings of the respective credit facilities
                        provided for therein; provided, in any such case that
                        the aggregate principal amount of all indebtedness
                        outstanding thereunder (excluding principal in the
                        nature of pay-in-kind interest thereon) does not at any
                        time exceed $58 million.

2. The Indenture is hereby amended by deleting Section 4.13 of the Indenture in
its entirety.

3. The Indenture is hereby amended by deleting the second paragraph of Section
8.02 of the Indenture. 

4. The Indenture is hereby amended by deleting the words
"or Section 4.13" in the second line following the words "Section 8.01" and
preceeding the word "shall" in Section 3.07 of the Indenture. 

5. Except as specifically modified herein, the Indenture shall remain in full
force and effect in accordance with its terms.

6. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Third Supplemental
Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together
represent the same agreement. This Third Supplemental 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.

7. The recitals contained in this Third Supplemental Indenture shall be taken as
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 Third Supplemental Indenture.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>
8. This Third Supplemental Indenture shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Third
Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed, and their respective corporate seals
to be hereunto affixed, all as of the date first written above.

                                    Texfi Industries, Inc.



                                    By: Robert P. Ambrosini
                                        -----------------------
                                    Title:Exec VP and CFO
                                          -----------------------

(SEAL)

ATTEST:

Richard Hoffman
- ---------------------
Secretary


                                    Norwest Bank Minnesota,
                                    National Association, as Trustee


                                    By: Gavin Wilkinson
                                        -----------------------
                                    Title: VP
                                          -----------------------




[BankBoston's Letterhead appears here]






                                  July 21, 1998
                                                  [BankBoston Logo appears here]

Texfi Industries, Inc.
5400 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 215
Raleigh, North Carolina  27612

      Attention:  Robert Ambrosini

                         Forbearance Agreement Extension
                         -------------------------------

Ladies and Gentlemen:

      We refer to the Forbearance Agreement dated as of June 5, 1998 (the
"Forbearance Agreement") to which you and we are parties. Terms defined in the
Forbearance Agreement are used herein as therein defined.

      You have requested an extension of the Forbearance Period from July 24,
1998 to August 24, 1998, to permit additional time to negotiate a refinancing or
restructuring of the Borrower's outstanding Debt. The Agent and the Lenders
agree so to extend the Forbearance Period, provided that from and after the
earlier of the date of this letter and July 24, 1998 and continuing through
August 24, 1998,

      (a) the definition "Forbearance Period" is amended in its entirety to read
as follows:

            "Forbearance Period" means the period beginning on the date hereof
      and ending on the earlier of August 24, 1998 and the date on which the
      Agent notifies the Borrower any Forbearance Condition (as hereinafter
      defined) fails or ceases to be satisfied.

      (b) no repayments of principal of the Term Loan shall be required to be
made prior to August 24, 1998; and

      (c) the following shall be the "Forbearance Conditions" and Section 3 of
the Forbearance Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

            Section 3. Forbearance Conditions. The following conditions shall
      constitute the "Forbearance Conditions":


            (a) The Borrower shall timely perform all of its obligations under
      this Agreement;
<PAGE>

Texfi Industries, Inc.
July 21, 1998
Page 2
 

            (b) No Default or Event of Default, other than the Forbearance
      Defaults and further instances of default, as of July 31, 1998, of the
      minimum EBITDA and minimum Adjusted Operating Cash Flow to Total Debt
      Service ratio requirements of the Loan Agreement, shall occur or be
      continuing;

            (c) No payments shall be made by the Borrower after the date of this
      Agreement to Mentmore or any other Affiliate of the Borrower, provided
      that the Borrower may reimburse Mentmore for out-of-pocket costs and
      expenses incurred in the ordinary course of Mentmore's provision of
      services to the Borrower, up to a maximum amount of such reimbursement
      during the Forbearance Period of $20,000;

            (d) No notice shall have been given pursuant to the Letter of Credit
      Reimbursement Agreement dated as of June 17, 1998 between The Chase
      Manhattan Bank and Mentmore Holdings Corporation that an "Event of
      Default" under and as defined in said Agreement has occurred and is
      continuing as contemplated by the provisions of Irrevocable Standby Letter
      of Credit No. P-369220 issued by The Chase Manhattan Bank on June 17,
      1998, in favor of BankBoston, N.A., as Agent;

            (e) The Borrower shall, and shall demonstrate to the Agent's
      satisfaction from time to time upon request by the Agent that the Borrower
      does, timely deduct from the wages of its employees all payroll taxes and
      make timely and proper deposits of all payroll and other "trust fund"
      taxes;

            (f) A comparison of the Borrower's results of operations and
      financial condition during the period from May 15, 1998 through any
      comparison date on or prior to August 24, 1998 to the business plan dated
      May 15, 1998 (adjusted for the increase in the interest rate applicable to
      the Loans as provided in Section 2(c)) submitted by the Borrower to the
      Agent and the Lenders (the "Business Plan") for the same period, shall not
      result in any material adverse variance;

            (g) No payment shall have been made in respect of the Subordinated
      Debt, nor shall the maturity of the Subordinated Debt have been
      accelerated or the holders thereof have taken any other action to enforce
      or exercise rights or remedies available to them upon default; and

            (h) Not later than August 15, 1998, a crisis consultant, turnaround
      manager or other similar, independent, qualified professional or firm
      acceptable to the Lenders in their reasonable judgment shall have been
      retained by the Borrower (including as an independent contractor, at the
      Borrower's election) to consult with it as needed and to assist it in
      fulfilling the Business Plan and implementing a turnaround plan, including
      handling creditor relationships


<PAGE>


Texfi Industries, Inc.
July 14, 1998
Page 3



      Please indicate your acceptance of the foregoing, your representation that
as of the date hereof there are no Defaults or Events of Default existing under
the Loan Agreement, other than the Forbearance Defaults, and your ratification
of the Forbearance Agreement, the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents,
except as modified hereby, by signing the enclosed duplicate of this letter in
the space indicated and returning it to the undersigned.

                                Very truly yours,


                                      BANKBOSTON,  N.A., as the Agent and
                                   as a Lender


                                      By:
                                         -------------------------------- 
                                         STEPHEN Y. McGEHEE
                                         MANAGING DIRECTOR

                                      THE CIT GROUP/COMMERCIAL
                                      SERVICES, INC.:


                                      By: /s/ Gordon Jones
                                          -------------------------------
                                      Name: Gordon Jones
                                            -----------------------------
                                     Title: Vice President
                                            -----------------------------

                             NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA


                                     By: /s/ Dan Shaw
                                        ---------------------------------
                                        Name: Dan Shaw
                                              ---------------------------
                                        Title:AVP
                                              ---------------------------


                                     By: /s/ Charles Collie
                                        --------------------------------- 
                                        Name: Charles Collie
                                              ---------------------------
                                        Title:VP & MGR
                                              ---------------------------
<PAGE>



Texfi Industries, Inc.
July 14, 1998
Page 4


 Accepted and agreed this day of July 1998.

  TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.


  By: /s/ Robert P. Ambrosini
      ----------------------------------    
     Name: Robert P. Ambrosini
     Title: Executive Vice President & C. F. O.




                                                                Exhibit 4(d)(17)

[BankBoston's Letterhead appears here]




                                 August 21, 1998

Texfi Industries, Inc.                          [BankBoston's Logo appears here]
5400 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 215
Raleigh, North Carolina  27612

      Attention:  Robert Ambrosini

                         Forbearance Agreement Extension

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We refer to the Forbearance Agreement dated as of June 5, 1998 (as amended
by that certain letter agreement dated as of July 21, 1998, the "Forbearance
Agreement") to which you and we are parties. Terms defined in the Forbearance
Agreement are used herein as therein defined.

     You have requested an extension of the Forbearance Period from August 24,
1998 to August 31, 1998, to permit additional time to negotiate a refinancing or
restructuring of the Borrower's outstanding Debt. The Agent and the Lenders
agree so to extend the Forbearance Period, provided that from and after the
earlier of the date of this letter and August 24, 1998 and continuing through
August 31, 1998,

     (a) the definition "Forbearance Period" is amended in its entirety to read
as follows:

            "Forbearance Period" means the period beginning on the date hereof
      and ending on the earlier of August 31, 1998 and the date on which the
      Agent notifies the Borrower any Forbearance Condition (as hereinafter
      defined) fails or ceases to be satisfied.

      (b) no repayments of principal of the Term Loan shall be required to be
made prior to August 31, 1998; and

      (c) subsection (f) or Section 3, "Forbearance Conditions" is hereby
amended in its entirety to read as follows:

            (f) A comparison of the Borrower's results of operations and
      financial condition during the period from May 15, 1998 through any
      comparison date on or prior to August 31, 1998 to the business plan dated
      May 15, 1998 (adjusted for the increase in the interest rate applicable to
      the Loans as provided in Section 2(c)) submitted by the Borrower to the
      Agent and the Lenders (the "Business Plan") for the same period, shall not
      result in any material adverse variance;
<PAGE>

Mr. Robert Ambrosini
Texfi Industries,Inc.
August 21, 1998
Page 2

      Please indicate your acceptance of the foregoing, your representation that
as of the date hereof there are no Defaults or Events of Default existing under
the Loan Agreement, other than the Forbearance Defaults, and your ratification
of the Forbearance Agreement, the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents,
except as modified hereby, by signing the enclosed duplicate of this letter in
the space indicated and returning it to the undersigned.

                                Very truly yours,



                                      BANKBOSTON,  N.A., as the Agent and
                                   as a Lender


                                      By:/s/ Christian B. Colson
                                         --------------------------------
                                         Christian B. Colson
                                         Managing Director

                                     THE CIT GROUP/COMMERCIAL
                                 SERVICES, INC.:


                                     By: /s/ Gordon Jones
                                        ---------------------------------
                                        Name: Gordon Jones
                                             ----------------------------
                                        Title: Vice President
                                              ---------------------------

                             NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA


                                     By:    /s/ Charles Collie
                                        ---------------------------------
                                        Name:  Charles Collie
                                              ---------------------------
                                        Title: VP & Mgr.
                                              ---------------------------


                                     By: /s/ Alex M. Council IV
                                        ---------------------------------
                                        Name:  Alex M. Council IV
                                              ---------------------------
                                        Title: Vice President
                                              ---------------------------
                                       2
<PAGE>
Mr. Robert Ambrosini
Texfi Industries,Inc.
August 21, 1998
Page 3

Accepted and agreed this 
25th day of August, 1998.
- ----
  TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.


  By: /s/ Robert P. Ambrosini
     ---------------------------
     Name: Robert P. Ambrosini
           ---------------------
     Title: EVP & CFO
           ---------------------



                                                                Exhibit 4(d)(18)



                                                                  EXECUTION COPY

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

                                   $40,000,000

                           LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                           Dated as of August 28, 1998

                                     Between

                             TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.

                                 (the Borrower)

                                       and

                        THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PARTY
                            HERETO FROM TIME TO TIME

                                  (the Lenders)



                                       and

                                BANKBOSTON, N.A.

                                   (the Agent)


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


<PAGE>
                        TABLE OF CONTENTS(1)
                                                                        Page
                       ARTICLE 1 - DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.1. Definitions...................................................1
SECTION 1.2. General......................................................30
SECTION 1.3 Exhibits and Schedules........................................31

                ARTICLE 2 - REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

SECTION 2.1. Revolving Credit Loans.......................................32
SECTION 2.2. Manner of Borrowing Revolving Credit Loans...................32
SECTION 2.3. Repayment of Revolving Credit Loans..........................34
SECTION 2.4. Revolving Credit Note........................................34
SECTION 2.5. Extension of Revolving Credit Facility.......................34

                ARTICLE 3 - LETTER OF CREDIT FACILITY

SECTION 3.1. Agreement to Issue...........................................35
SECTION 3.2. Amounts......................................................35
SECTION 3.3. Conditions...................................................35
SECTION 3.4. Issuance of Letters of Credit................................36
SECTION 3.5. Duties of BankBoston.........................................36
SECTION 3.6. Payment of Reimbursement Obligations.........................36
SECTION 3.7. Participations...............................................37
SECTION 3.8. Indemnification, Exoneration.................................38
SECTION 3.9. Supporting Letter of Credit; Cash Collateral.................40

                 ARTICLE 4 - GENERAL LOAN PROVISIONS

SECTION 4.1. Interest.....................................................41
SECTION 4.2. Certain Fees.................................................42
SECTION 4.3. Manner of Payment............................................43
SECTION 4.4. General......................................................43
SECTION 4.5. Loan Accounts; Statements of Account.........................43
SECTION 4.6. Termination of Agreement.....................................44
SECTION 4.7. Making of Loans..............................................44
SECTION 4.8. Settlement Among Lenders.....................................46
SECTION 4.9. Prepayments; Application of Proceeds.........................47
SECTION 4.10. Optional Prepayments........................................48
SECTION 4.11. Prepayment Fee..............................................48
SECTION 4.12. Payments Not at End of Interest Period; Failure to Borrow...48
- ------------------
     (1) This Table of Contents is included for reference purposes only and does
not constitute part of the Loan and Security Agreement.

<PAGE>


SECTION 4.13. Assumptions Concerning Funding of Eurodollar Rate Revolving
              Credit Loans................................................49
SECTION 4.14. Notice of Conversion or Continuation........................49
SECTION 4.15. Conversion or Continuation..................................50
SECTION 4.16. Duration of Interest Periods; Maximum Number of Eurodollar
              Rate Revolving Credit Loans; Minimum Increments.............50
SECTION 4.17. Changed Circumstances.......................................50

                  ARTICLE 5 - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

SECTION 5.1. Conditions Precedent to Revolving Credit Loans...............52
SECTION 5.2. All Loans; Letters of Credit.................................55

        ARTICLE 6 - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BORROWER

SECTION 6.1. Representations and Warranties...............................56
SECTION 6.2. Survival of Representations and Warranties, Etc..............66

                    ARTICLE 7 - SECURITY INTEREST

SECTION 7.1. Security Interest............................................67
SECTION 7.2. Continued Priority of Security Interest......................67

                  ARTICLE 8 - COLLATERAL COVENANTS

SECTION 8.1. Collection of Receivables....................................69
SECTION 8.2. Verification and Notification................................69
SECTION 8.3. Disputes, Returns and Adjustments............................70
SECTION 8.4. Invoices.....................................................70
SECTION 8.5. Delivery of Instruments......................................71
SECTION 8.6. Sales of Inventory...........................................71
SECTION 8.7. Ownership and Defense of Title...............................71
SECTION 8.8. Insurance....................................................71
SECTION 8.9. Location of Offices and Collateral...........................72
SECTION 8.10. Records Relating to Collateral..............................72
SECTION 8.11. Inspection..................................................72
SECTION 8.12. Information and Reports.....................................73
SECTION 8.13. Power of Attorney...........................................74
SECTION 8.14. Additional Real Estate and Leases...........................74
SECTION 8.15. Assignment of Claims Act....................................75

                  ARTICLE 9 - AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

SECTION 9.1. Preservation of Corporate Existence and Similar Matters......76
SECTION 9.2. Compliance with Applicable Law...............................76
SECTION 9.3. Maintenance of Property......................................76

                                       ii

<PAGE>


SECTION 9.4. Conduct of Business..........................................76
SECTION 9.5. Insurance....................................................76
SECTION 9.6. Payment of Taxes and Claims..................................77
SECTION 9.7. Accounting Methods and Financial Records.....................77
SECTION 9.8. Use of Proceeds..............................................77
SECTION 9.9. Hazardous Waste and Substances; Environmental Requirements...78
SECTION 9.10. Exchange Offer..............................................78
SECTION 9.11. Year 2000 Compliance........................................79

                      ARTICLE 10 - INFORMATION

SECTION 10.1. Financial Statements........................................80
SECTION 10.2. Accountants' Certificate....................................80
SECTION 10.3. Officer's Certificate.......................................81
SECTION 10.4. Copies of Other Reports.....................................81
SECTION 10.5. Notice of Litigation and Other Matters......................82
SECTION 10.6. ERISA.......................................................82
SECTION 10.7. Revisions or Updates to Schedules...........................83
SECTION 10.8. Subordinated Debt Certificate...............................83

                   ARTICLE 11 - NEGATIVE COVENANTS

SECTION 11.1. Financial Ratios............................................84
SECTION 11.2. Debt........................................................85
SECTION 11.3. Guaranties..................................................85
SECTION 11.4. Investments.................................................86
SECTION 11.5.Restricted Payments and Purchases, Etc.......................86
SECTION 11.6.  Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets...................86
SECTION 11.7. Transactions with Affiliates................................86
SECTION 11.8. Liens.......................................................86
SECTION 11.9. Capitalized Lease Obligations...............................86
SECTION 11.10. Operating Leases...........................................86
SECTION 11.11. Real Estate Leases.........................................86
SECTION 11.12. Plans......................................................86
SECTION 11.13. Sales and Leasebacks.......................................87

                        ARTICLE 12 - DEFAULT

SECTION 12.1. Events of Default...........................................88
SECTION 12.2. Remedies....................................................90
SECTION 12.3. Application of Proceeds.....................................92
SECTION 12.4. Power of Attorney...........................................93
SECTION 12.5. Miscellaneous Provisions Concerning Remedies................94

                                      iii

<PAGE>


                      ARTICLE 13 - ASSIGNMENTS

SECTION 13.1. Successors and Assigns; Participations......................96
SECTION 13.2. Representation of Lenders...................................98

                         ARTICLE 14 - AGENT

SECTION 14.1. Appointment of Agent........................................99
SECTION 14.2. Delegation of Duties........................................99
SECTION 14.3. Exculpatory Provisions......................................99
SECTION 14.4. Reliance by Agent...........................................99
SECTION 14.5. Notice of Default..........................................100
SECTION 14.6. Non-Reliance on Agent and Other Lenders....................100
SECTION 14.7. Indemnification............................................100
SECTION 14.8. Agent in Its Individual Capacity...........................101
SECTION 14.9. Successor Agent............................................101
SECTION 14.10. Notices from Agent to Lenders.............................101

                     ARTICLE 15 - MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 15.1. Notices....................................................102
SECTION 15.2. Expenses...................................................103
SECTION 15.3. Stamp and Other Taxes......................................104
SECTION 15.4. Setoff.....................................................104
SECTION 15.5. Litigation.................................................104
SECTION 15.6. Waiver of Rights...........................................105
SECTION 15.7. Consent to Advertising and Publicity.......................106
SECTION 15.8. Reversal of Payments.......................................106
SECTION 15.9. Injunctive Relief..........................................106
SECTION 15.10. Accounting Matters........................................106
SECTION 15.11. Amendments................................................106
SECTION 15.12. Assignment................................................108
SECTION 15.13. Performance of Borrower's Duties..........................108
SECTION 15.14. Indemnification...........................................108
SECTION 15.15. All Powers Coupled with Interest..........................109
SECTION 15.16. Survival..................................................109
SECTION 15.17. Titles and Captions.......................................109
SECTION 15.18. Severability of Provisions................................109
SECTION 15.19. Governing Law.............................................109
SECTION 15.20. Counterparts..............................................110
SECTION 15.21. Reproduction of Documents.................................110
SECTION 15.22. Term of Agreement.........................................110
SECTION 15.23. Increased Capital.........................................110
SECTION 15.24. Pro-Rata Participation....................................110

                                       iv

<PAGE>


ANNEX A                 COMMITMENTS

EXHIBIT A               FORM OF REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE
EXHIBIT B               FORM OF BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE
EXHIBIT C               FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE
EXHIBIT D               FORM OF SETTLEMENT REPORT

Schedule 1.1A           Permitted Investments
Schedule 1.1B           Permitted Liens
Schedule 6.1(a)         Organization
Schedule 6.1(b)         Capitalization
Schedule 6.1(d)         Subsidiaries; Ownership of Stock
Schedule 6.1(f)         Compliance with Laws
Schedule 6.1(h)         Governmental Approvals
Schedule 6.1(i)         Title to Properties
Schedule 6.1(j)         Liens
Schedule 6.1(k)         Debt and Guaranties
Schedule 6.1(l)         Litigation
Schedule 6.1(m)         Tax Matters
Schedule 6.1(p)         Material Adverse Change
Schedule 6.1(q)         ERISA
Schedule 6.1(u)         Location of Offices and Receivables
Schedule 6.1(v)         Location of Inventory
Schedule 6.1(w)         Equipment
Schedule 6.1(x)         Real Estate
Schedule 6.1(y)         Corporate and Fictitious Names
Schedule 6.1(bb)        Employee Relations
Schedule 6.1(cc)        Proprietary Rights
Schedule 6.1(dd)        Trade Names
Schedule 6.1(ee)        Bank Accounts
Schedule 9.8            Use of Proceeds

                                       v
<PAGE>

                           LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                           Dated as of August 28, 1998

      TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), the
financial institutions party to this Agreement from time to time (the "Lenders")
and BANKBOSTON, N.A., a national banking association, as agent for the Lenders
(the "Agent"), agree as follows:


                                    ARTICLE 1
                                   DEFINITIONS

      SECTION 1.1. Definitions.  For the purposes of this Agreement:

      "8 3/4% Debentures" means the Senior Subordinated Debentures, 8.75%, due
August 1, 1999, issued pursuant to that certain Indenture dated as of September
8, 1993, between the Borrower and Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association,
as successor trustee, as amended by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of
March 10, 1995, and the Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 15,
1996.

      "Account Debtor" means a Person who is obligated on a Receivable.

      "Acquire" or "Acquisition", as applied to any Business Unit or Investment,
means the acquiring or acquisition of such Business Unit or Investment by
purchase, exchange, issuance of stock or other securities, or by merger,
reorganization or any other method.

      "Affiliate" means, with respect to a Person, (a) any partner, officer,
shareholder (if holding more than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding shares of
capital stock of such Person), director, employee or managing agent of such
Person, (b) any spouse, parents, siblings, children or grandchildren of such
Person, and (c) any other Person (other than a Subsidiary) that, (i) directly or
indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or
is under common control with, such given Person, (ii) directly or indirectly
beneficially owns or holds ten percent (10%) or more of any class of voting
stock or partnership or other voting interest of such Person or any Subsidiary
of such Person, or (iii) ten percent (10%) or more of the voting stock or
partnership or other voting interest of which is directly or indirectly
beneficially owned or held by such Person or a Subsidiary of such 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 ownership of voting securities or partnership or other voting
interest, by contract or otherwise.

      "Agency Account" means an account of the Borrower maintained by it with a
Clearing Bank pursuant to an Agency Account Agreement.

      "Agency Account Agreement" means an agreement among the Borrower, the
Agent and a Clearing Bank, in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent,
concerning the collection of payments which represent the proceeds of
Receivables or of any other Collateral.

      "Agent" means BankBoston, N.A., a national banking association, and any
successor agent appointed pursuant to SECTION 14.9 hereof.

<PAGE>


      "Agent's Office" means the office of the Agent specified in or determined
in accordance with the provisions of SECTION 15.1.

      "Agreement" means and includes this Agreement, including all Schedules,
Exhibits and other attachments hereto, and all amendments, modifications and
supplements hereto and thereto.

      "Agreement Date" means the date as of which this Agreement is dated.

      "Alternate Base Rate" means a floating rate of interest equal to the
higher of (a) the Base Rate, and (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate PLUS 1/2
of 1% per annum (rounded up if necessary, to the next higher 1/8th of 1%).

      "Applicable Law" means all applicable provisions of constitutions,
statutes, rules, regulations and orders of all governmental bodies and of all
orders and decrees of all courts and arbitrators, including, without limitation,
Environmental Laws.

      "Applicable Margin" means (a) as to Base Rate Revolving Credit Loans, 1%
and (b) as to Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loans, 3%, in each case subject
to a permanent reduction of 1/2 of 1% commencing on the first Business Day
following the first anniversary date of the Effective Date, PROVIDED that no
Default or Event of Default with respect to the financial covenants set forth in
Article 11 has occurred during such year, and (c) at any time when the election
provided for in SECTION 4.1(C) has been made, as to all Loans, the Default
Margin.

      "Asset Disposition" means the disposition of any asset of the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries, other than sales of Inventory in the ordinary course of
business.

      "Assignment and Acceptance" means an assignment and acceptance in the form
attached hereto as EXHIBIT C assigning all or a portion of a Lender's interests,
rights and obligations under this Agreement pursuant to SECTION 13.1.

      "Assignment of Factoring Proceeds" means each assignment, in form and
substance satisfactory to the Agent executed and delivered by the Borrower in
favor of the Agent and agreed to by the Factors with respect to payments due
from such Factors under Factoring Agreements.

      "Availability" means at any time (a) the Borrowing Base at such time MINUS
(b) the sum of the aggregate principal amount of Revolving Credit Loans
outstanding at such time.

      "BBC" means Back Bay Capital LLC, a limited liability company organized
under the laws of Delaware.

      "BankBoston" means BankBoston, N.A., a national banking association, in
its individual capacity and not as the Agent hereunder.

      "Base Rate" means on any day the interest rate per annum equal to the rate
of interest publicly announced from time to time by BankBoston at its head
office at 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts as its "base" rate as in
effect at such time.


                                       2
<PAGE>


      "Base Rate Revolving Credit Loan" means a Revolving Credit Loan bearing
interest at a rate determined with reference to the Alternate Base Rate.

      "Benefit Plan" means an "employee pension benefit plan" as defined in
Section 3(3) of ERISA (other than a Multiemployer Plan) in respect of which the
Borrower or, solely with respect to any employee benefit plan subject to Title
IV of ERISA, any Related Company is, or within the immediately preceding six
years was, an "employer" as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA, including such
plans as may be established after the Agreement Date.

      "Borrower" means Texfi Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

      "Borrowing" means the aggregate Revolving Credit Loans made by the Lenders
on the same day, bearing interest at the same rate, and if Eurodollar Rate
Revolving Credit Loans, for the same Interest Period.

      "Borrowing Base" means at any time an amount equal to the lesser of:

      (a)   the Revolving Credit Facility MINUS the sum of

            (i)   the Letter of Credit Reserve, PLUS

            (ii) such other reserves as the Agent in its reasonable credit
      judgment may establish from time to time, and

      (b)   an amount equal to

            (i) 90% (or such lesser percentage as the Agent may in its
      reasonable credit judgment determine from time to time) of the face value
      of Eligible Factored Receivables due and owing at such time, PLUS

            (ii) 85% (or such lesser percentage as the Agent may in its
      reasonable credit judgment determine from time to time) of the face value
      of Eligible Insured House Receivables due and owing at such time, PLUS

            (iii) 65% (or such lesser percentage as the Agent may in its
      reasonable credit judgment determine from time to time) of the face value
      of Eligible Uninsured House Receivables due and owing at such time, PLUS

            (iv)  THE LESSER OF

                  (A)   $12,000,000, AND

                  (B) the sum of (i) 55% (or such lesser percentage as the Agent
            may in its reasonable credit judgment determine from time to time)
            of the lesser of cost determined on a FIFO (or first-in-first-out)
            accounting basis and fair market value of Eligible Raw Materials
            Inventory, (ii) 55% (or such lesser percentage as the Agent may in
            its reasonable credit judgment determine from time to time) of the
            face amount of documentary letters of credit issued under this
            Agreement for the purchase of


                                       3
<PAGE>

            imported finished greige goods, (iii) 50% (or such lesser percentage
            as the Agent may in its reasonable credit judgment determine from
            time to time) of the lesser of cost determined on a FIFO (or
            first-in-first-out) accounting basis and fair market value of
            Eligible Finished Inventory, and (iv) 35% (or such lesser percentage
            as the Agent may in its reasonable credit judgment determine from
            time to time) of the lesser of cost determined on a FIFO (or
            first-in-first-out) accounting basis and fair market value of
            Eligible Work in Process Inventory, MINUS

            (v)   the sum of

                  (A)   the Letter of Credit Reserve, PLUS

                  (B) such other reserves as the Agent in its reasonable credit
            judgment may establish from time to time.

      "Borrowing Base Certificate" means a certificate in the form attached
hereto as EXHIBIT B or in such other form as may be acceptable to the Agent.

      "Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on
which banks in Atlanta, Georgia are authorized to close and, when used with
respect to Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loans, means any such day on which
dealings are also carried on in the applicable interbank Eurodollar market.

      "Business Unit" means the assets constituting the business or a division
or operating unit thereof of any Person.

      "CIT Ledger Debt" means all amounts owing, whether now or in the future,
by the Borrower to CIT on account of the Borrower's purchases of goods or
services from any Person for whom CIT acts as factor.

      "Capital Expenditures" means, with respect to any Person, all expenditures
made and liabilities incurred for the acquisition of assets (other than assets
which constitute a Business Unit) which are not, in accordance with GAAP,
treated as expense items for such Person in the year made or incurred or as a
prepaid expense applicable to a future year or years.

      "Capitalized Lease" means a lease that is required to be capitalized for
financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP.

      "Capitalized Lease Obligation" means Indebtedness represented by
obligations under a Capitalized Lease, and the amount of such Indebtedness shall
be the capitalized amount of such obligations determined in accordance with
GAAP.

      "Cash Collateral" means collateral consisting of cash or Cash Equivalents
on which the Agent, for the benefit of itself as Agent and the Lenders, has a
first priority Lien.

      "Cash Equivalents" means

                                       4
<PAGE>

      (a) marketable direct obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by
the United States Government or issued by any agency thereof and backed by the
full faith and credit of the United States, in each case maturing within one
year from the date of acquisition thereof;

      (b) commercial paper maturing no more than one year from the date issued
and, at the time of acquisition thereof, having a rating of at least A-1 from
Standard & Poor's Ratings Service or at least P-1 from Moody's Investors
Service, Inc.;

      (c) certificates of deposit or bankers' acceptances issued in Dollar
denominations and maturing within one year from the date of issuance thereof
issued by any commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States of
America or any state thereof or the District of Columbia having combined capital
and surplus of not less than $250,000,000 and, unless issued by the Agent or a
Lender, not subject to set-off or offset rights in favor of such bank arising
from any banking relationship with such bank; and

      (d) repurchase agreements in form and substance and for amounts
satisfactory to the Agent.

      "Clearing Bank" means BankBoston and any other banking institution with
which an Agency Account has been established pursuant to an Agency Account
Agreement.

      "Collateral" means and includes all of the Borrower's right, title and
interest in and to each of the following, wherever located and whether now or
hereafter existing or now owned or hereafter acquired or arising:

      (a) (i) all rights to the payment of money or other forms of consideration
of any kind (whether classified under the UCC as accounts, contract rights,
chattel paper, general intangibles or otherwise) including, but not limited to,
accounts receivable, letters of credit and the right to receive payment
thereunder, chattel paper, tax refunds, insurance proceeds, any rights under
contracts not yet earned by performance and not evidenced by an instrument or
chattel paper, notes, drafts, instruments, documents, acceptances and all other
debts, obligations and liabilities in whatever form from any Person, (ii) all
guaranties, security and Liens securing payment thereof, (iii) all goods,
whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and whether sold, delivered,
undelivered, in transit or returned, which may be represented by, or the sale or
lease of which may have given rise to, any such right to payment or other debt,
obligation or liability, and (iv) all proceeds of any of the foregoing (the
foregoing, collectively, "Receivables"),

      (b) (i) all inventory, (ii) all goods intended for sale or lease or for
display or demonstration, (iii) all work in process, (iv) all raw materials and
other materials and supplies of every nature and description used or which might
be used in connection with the manufacture, packing, shipping, advertising,
selling, leasing or furnishing of goods or services or otherwise used or
consumed in the conduct of business, and (v) all documents evidencing and
general intangibles relating to any of the foregoing (the foregoing,
collectively, "Inventory"),

      (c) (i) all machinery, apparatus, equipment, motor vehicles, tractors,
trailers, rolling stock, fittings, fixtures and other tangible personal property
(other than Inventory) of every kind and description, (ii) all tangible personal
property (other than Inventory) and fixtures used in the


                                       5
<PAGE>

Borrower's business operations or owned by the Borrower or in which the Borrower
has an interest, and (iii) all parts, accessories and special tools and all
increases and accessions thereto and substitutions and replacements therefor
(the foregoing, collectively, "Equipment"),

      (d) all general intangibles, choses in action and causes of action and all
other intangible personal property of every kind and nature (other than
Receivables), including, without limitation, Proprietary Rights, corporate or
other business records, inventions, designs, blueprints, plans, specifications,
trade secrets, goodwill, computer software, customer lists, registrations,
licenses, franchises, tax refund claims, reversions or any rights thereto and
any other amounts payable to such Person from any Benefit Plan, Multiemployer
Plan or other employee benefit plan, rights and claims against carriers and
shippers, rights to indemnification, business interruption insurance and
proceeds thereof, property, casualty or any similar type of insurance and any
proceeds thereof, the beneficiary's interest in proceeds of insurance covering
the lives of key employees and any letter of credit, guarantee, claims, security
interest or other security for the payment by an Account Debtor of any of the
Receivables (the foregoing, collectively, "General Intangibles"),

      (e) any demand, time, savings, passbook, money market or like depository
account, and all certificates of deposit, maintained with a bank, savings and
loan association, credit union or like organization, other than an account
evidenced by a certificate of deposit that is an instrument under the UCC (the
foregoing, collectively, "Deposit Accounts"),

      (f) all certificated and uncertificated securities, all security
entitlements, all securities accounts, all commodity contracts and all commodity
accounts (the foregoing, collectively, "Investment Property"),

      (g) (i) any investment account maintained by or on behalf of the Borrower
with the Agent or any Lender or any Affiliate of the Agent or any Lender, (ii)
any agreement governing such account, (iii) all cash, money, notes, securities,
instruments, goods, accounts, documents, chattel paper, general intangibles and
other property now or hereafter held by the Agent or any Lender or any Affiliate
of the Agent or any Lender on behalf of the Borrower in connection with such
investment account or deposited by the Borrower or on the Borrower's behalf to
such investment account or otherwise credited thereto for the Borrower's
benefit, or distributable to the Borrower from such investment account, together
with all contracts for the sale or purchase of the foregoing, (iv) all of the
Borrower's right, title and interest with respect to the deposit, investment,
allocation, disposition, distribution or withdrawal of the foregoing, (v) all of
the Borrower's right, title and interest with respect to the making of
amendments, modifications or additions of or to the terms and conditions under
which the investment account or investments maintained therein is to be
maintained by the Borrower, any Lender or any Affiliate of the Agent or any
Lender on the Borrower's behalf, and (vi) all of the Borrower's books, records
and receipts pertaining to or confirming any of the foregoing (the foregoing,
collectively, "Investment Accounts"),

      (h) all cash or other property deposited with the Agent or any Lender or
any Affiliate of the Agent or any Lender or which the Agent, for its benefit and
for the benefit of the Lenders, or any Lender or such Affiliate is entitled to
retain or otherwise possess as collateral pursuant to the provisions of this
Agreement or any of the Loan Documents or any agreement relating to any Letter
of Credit, including, without limitation, amounts on deposit in the Cash
Collateral Account,



                                       6
<PAGE>

      (i)   all goods and other property, whether or not delivered,

            (i) the sale or lease of which gives or purports to give rise to any
      Receivable, including, but not limited to, all merchandise returned or
      rejected by or repossessed from customers, or

            (ii)  securing any Receivable,

including, without limitation, all rights as an unpaid vendor or lienor
(including, without limitation, stoppage in transit, replevin and reclamation)
with respect to such goods and other property,

      (j) all mortgages, deeds to secure debt and deeds of trust on real or
personal property, guaranties, leases, security agreements, and other agreements
and property which secure or relate to any Receivable or other Collateral, or
are acquired for the purpose of securing and enforcing any item thereof,

      (k) all documents of title, including bills of lading and warehouse
receipts, policies and certificates of insurance, securities, chattel paper and
other documents and instruments evidencing or pertaining to any and all items of
Collateral,

      (l) all files, correspondence, computer programs, tapes, discs and related
data processing software which contain information identifying or pertaining to
any of the Receivables or any Account Debtor, or showing the amounts thereof or
payments thereon or otherwise necessary or helpful in the realization thereon or
the collection thereof,

      (m) all cash deposited with the Agent or any Lender or any Affiliate of
the Agent or any Lender or which the Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, or
any Lender or such Affiliate is entitled to retain or otherwise possess as
collateral pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement or any of the Security
Documents or any agreement relating to any Letters of Credit,

      (n) any and all products and proceeds of the foregoing (including, but not
limited to, any claim to any item referred to in this definition, and any claim
against any third party for loss of, damage to or destruction of any or all of,
the Collateral or for proceeds payable under, or unearned premiums with respect
to, policies of insurance) in whatever form, including, but not limited to,
cash, negotiable instruments and other instruments for the payment of money,
chattel paper, security agreements and other documents.

      "Commitment" means, as to each Lender, the amount set forth opposite such
Lender's name on ANNEX A hereto, representing such Lender's obligation, upon and
subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement (including the applicable
provisions of SECTION 13.1), to make Revolving Credit Loans and to purchase
participations in Letters of Credit or, from and after the date hereof, in the
Register (as defined in SECTION 13.1) representing such Lender's obligation to
make Revolving Credit Loans and to purchase participations in Letters of Credit.

      "Commitment Percentage" means, as to any Lender, the result (expressed as
a percentage) obtained by dividing such Lender's Commitment by the aggregate
Commitments.



                                       7
<PAGE>

      "Consolidated Subsidiaries" means, as to the Borrower, the Subsidiaries of
the Borrower whose accounts are at the time in question, in accordance with GAAP
and pursuant to the written consent of the Required Lenders, which consent may
be withheld in their absolute discretion conditioned upon, INTER ALIA, the
execution and delivery of guaranties, security agreements, mortgages and other
documents required by the Required Lenders in their absolute discretion,
consolidated with those of the Borrower.

      "Contaminant" means any waste, pollutant, hazardous substance, toxic
substance, hazardous waste, special waste, petroleum or petroleum-derived
substance or waste, or any constituent of any such substance or waste.

      "Contract Rights" means any rights under contracts not yet earned by
performance and not evidenced by an instrument or chattel paper.

      "Controlled Disbursement Account" means one or more accounts maintained by
and in the name of the Borrower with a Disbursing Bank for the purposes of
disbursing Revolving Credit Loan proceeds and amounts deposited thereto.

      "Copyrights" means and includes, in each case whether now existing or
hereafter arising, all of the Borrower's right, title and interest in and to

      (a) all copyrights, rights and interests in copyrights, works protectable
by copyright, copyright registrations and copyright applications;

      (b) all renewals of any of the foregoing;

      (c) all income, royalties, damages and payments now or hereafter due
and/or payable under any of the foregoing, including, without limitation,
damages or payments for past or future infringements of any of the foregoing;

      (d) the right to sue for past, present and future infringements of any of
the foregoing; and

      (e) all rights corresponding to any of the foregoing throughout the world.

      "Credit Risk" means the risk of loss resulting solely and exclusively from
an Account Debtor's failure to pay an Eligible Receivable at maturity because of
its financial inability.

      "Current Assets" means, with respect to any Person, the aggregate amount
of assets of such Person which should properly be classified as current assets
in accordance with GAAP, after deducting adequate reserves in each case where a
reserve is appropriate in accordance with GAAP.

      "Current Liabilities" means, with respect to any Person, the aggregate
amount of all Liabilities of such Person which should properly be classified as
current liabilities in accordance with GAAP.

      "Debt" means,

      (a) Indebtedness for money borrowed,

                                       8
<PAGE>

      (b) Indebtedness, whether or not in any such case the same was for money
borrowed,

            (i) represented by notes payable, and drafts accepted, that
      represent extensions of credit,

            (ii) constituting obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes
      or similar instruments, or

            (iii) upon which interest charges are customarily paid or that was
      issued or assumed as full or partial payment for property (other than
      trade credit that is incurred in the ordinary course of business),

      (c) Indebtedness that constitutes a Capitalized Lease Obligation, and

      (d) Indebtedness that is such by virtue of CLAUSE (C) of the definition
thereof, but only to the extent that the obligations Guaranteed are obligations
that would constitute Debt.

      "Default" means any of the events specified in SECTION 12.1 which with the
passage of time or giving of notice or both would constitute an Event of
Default.

      "Default Margin" means 2.0%.

      "Deposit Accounts" has the meaning specified in the definition
"Collateral."

      "Disbursing Bank" means any commercial bank with which a Controlled
Disbursement Account is maintained after the Effective Date.

      "Dollar" and "$" means freely transferable United States dollars.

      "EBITDA" has the meaning specified in SECTION 11.1.

      "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as in
effect from time to time.

      "ERISA Event" means (a) a "Reportable Event" as defined in Section 3032(c)
of ERISA, but excluding any such event as to which the provision for 30 days'
notice to the PBGC is waived under applicable regulations, (b) the filing of a
notice of intent to terminate a Benefit Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA under
a distress termination under Section 4041(c) of ERISA or the treatment of an
amendment to such a Benefit Plan as a termination under Section 4041(c) of
ERISA, (c) the institution of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Benefit
Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA or the appointment of a trustee to administer
any such Benefit Plan or an event or condition that might reasonably be expected
to constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the
appointment of a trustee to administer, any Benefit Plan subject to Section
4042, (d) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA other than for
PBGC premiums due but not yet payable, (e) the filing of an application for a
minimum funding waiver under Section 412 of the Code, (f) a withdrawal by the
Borrower or any Related Company from a Benefit Plan subject to Section 4063 of
ERISA during a plan year in which it was a "substantial employer" as defined in
Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA, (g) a Benefit Plan intending to qualify under
Section 401(g) of the


                                       9
<PAGE>

Code losing such qualified status, (h) the failure to make a material required
contribution to a Benefit Plan, (i) the Borrower or any Related Company being in
"default" (as defined in Section 4219(c)(5) of ERISA) with respect to payments
to a Multiemployer Plan because of its complete or partial withdrawal (as
described in Section 4203 or 4205 of ERISA) from such Multiemployer Plan, or (j)
the occurrence of a non-exempt prohibited transaction within the meaning of
Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA with respect to any Benefit
Plan.

      "Effective Date" means the later of:

      (a) the Agreement Date, and

      (b) the first date on which all of the conditions set forth in ARTICLE 5
shall have been fulfilled.

      "Effective Interest Rate" means each rate of interest per annum on the
Revolving Credit Loans in effect from time to time pursuant to the provisions of
SECTIONS 4.1(A) and (B).

      "Eligible Assignee" means (i) a commercial bank organized under the laws
of the United States, or any State thereof, having total assets in excess of
$1,000,000,000; (ii) any commercial finance or asset-based lending affiliate of
any such commercial bank; and (iii) any Lender listed on the signature page of
this Agreement; PROVIDED in each case that the representation contained in
SECTION 13.2 hereof shall be applicable with respect to such institution or
Lender.

      "Eligible Factored Receivable" means any Receivable created by the
Borrower and sold and assigned to a Factor under its respective Factoring
Agreement and for which such Factor retains the Credit Risk under its respective
Factoring Agreement, LESS all discounts, returns, credits or allowances at any
time issued, owing or outstanding, LESS the amount by which the aggregate amount
of all such Receivables 60 days or more past due exceeds 10% of all such
Receivables, LESS all such Receivables that, to the Borrower's knowledge, remain
unpaid after 180 days after the invoice date therefor, LESS all reserves, LESS
any commissions due the Factors under their respective Factoring Agreements and
LESS any commissions due any credit insurer under any policy of credit insurance
(including the policy of American Credit Indemnity Company); and PROVIDED that
an Assignment of Factoring Proceeds exists with respect to such Receivables,
between the Borrower, the respective Factor and the Agent on behalf of the
Lenders.

      "Eligible Insured House Receivable" means any House Receivable that has
been fully insured pursuant to a credit insurance policy issued by an insurer
and in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent and which credit insurance
policy has been endorsed or assigned to the Agent, and which is not an Eligible
Factored Receivable.

      "Eligible Inventory" means, items of Inventory of the Borrower held for
sale or used in the Borrower's manufacturing process in the ordinary course of
business which meet all of the following requirements:

      (a) such Inventory is owned by the Borrower, is stored at a location
listed on SCHEDULE 6.1(V), is subject to the Security Interest, which is
perfected as to such Inventory, and is subject to no other Lien whatsoever other
than a Permitted Lien,



                                       10
<PAGE>

      (b) such Inventory consists of raw materials, greige goods and finished
goods and not work-in-process (except that work-in-process in the form of greige
goods in the dying and finishing stages is included),

      (c) such Inventory is in good condition and meets all standards imposed by
any governmental agency, or department or division thereof, having regulatory
authority over such goods, their use or sale,

      (d) such Inventory is currently either usable or salable, at prices
approximating at least cost, in the normal course of the Borrower's business and
is not slow moving or stale,

      (e) such Inventory is not obsolete or returned or repossessed or used
goods taken in trade,

      (f) such Inventory is located within the United States at one of the
locations set forth in the most recent Schedule of Inventory,

      (g) such Inventory is in the possession and control of the Borrower and
not any third party or if the Inventory is held by a third party bailee and a
negotiable instrument has not been issued with respect to it (i) a financing
statement which names the third party bailee as the debtor/bailee, names the
Borrower as the secured party/bailor, names the Agent as assignee of the secured
party/bailor and contains a description of such Inventory acceptable to the
Agent and otherwise in compliance with the requirements of Section 9-304(3) of
the UCC has been filed in the appropriate filing office and (ii) such other
steps as the Agent may reasonably require in order to establish and preserve the
priority of the Security Interest against secured creditors of the third party
bailee or the Borrower shall have been taken,

      (h) if such Inventory is located in a warehouse or other facility leased
by the Borrower, the lessor has delivered to the Agent, on behalf of the
Lenders, a waiver and consent in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent,
and

      (i) such Inventory is not determined by the Agent, on behalf of the
Lenders, in its reasonable credit judgment to be ineligible for any other
reason.

      "Eligible Raw Materials Inventory" means Eligible Inventory consisting of
raw materials and greige goods, other than griege goods in the dying and
finishing stages.

      "Eligible Finished Inventory" means Eligible Inventory consisting of
finished goods.

      "Eligible Work in Process Inventory" means Eligible Inventory consisting
of greige goods in the dying and finishing stages.

      "Eligible Receivable" means a Receivable of the Borrower that consists of
the unpaid portion of the obligation stated on the invoice issued to an Account
Debtor with respect to Inventory sold and shipped to or services performed for
such Account Debtor in the ordinary course of business, net of any credits or
rebates owed by the Borrower to the Account Debtor and that meets all of the
following requirements:



                                       11
<PAGE>

      (a) such Receivable is owned by the Borrower and represents a complete
bona fide transaction which requires no further act under any circumstances on
the part of the Borrower to make such Receivable payable by the Account Debtor,

      (b) the due date for such Receivable shall not be more than 70 days (or,
as to not more than 15% of total Eligible Receivables, 90 days) from the date of
the shipment of the goods the sale of which gave rise to such Receivable (or the
date of performance of services for Receivables arising from the performance of
services),

      (c) no more than 120 days have elapsed from the date of the original
invoice nor more than 60 days from the due date of the original invoice,

      (d) the goods the sale of which gave rise to such Receivable were shipped
or delivered to the Account Debtor on an absolute sale basis and not on a
consignment sale basis, a guaranteed sale basis, a sale or return basis, or on
the basis of any other similar understanding and no material part of such goods
has been returned or rejected,

      (e) such Receivable is not evidenced by chattel paper or an instrument of
any kind unless such chattel paper or instrument has been collaterally assigned
to the Agent, for the benefit of itself as agent and the Lenders, pursuant to an
assignment in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent and is in the
possession of the Agent,

      (f) the Account Debtor with respect to such Receivable is not insolvent or
the subject of any bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings of any kind or of any
other proceeding or action, threatened or pending, which might, in the Agent's
sole judgment, have a Materially Adverse Effect on such Account Debtor, and is
not, in the reasonable discretion of the Agent, deemed ineligible for credit or
other reasons,

      (g) such Receivable is not owing by an Account Debtor having 50% or more
in face value of its then-existing accounts owing to the Borrower past due more
than 60 days from the due date of the original invoice,

      (h) such Receivable is not owing by an Account Debtor whose then-existing
accounts owing to the Borrower exceed in face amount 15% of the Borrower's total
Eligible Receivables,

      (i) if such Receivable arises from the performance of services, such
services have been fully rendered and do not relate to any warranty claim or
obligation,

      (j) if the Account Debtor with respect thereto is located outside of the
United States of America (including Puerto Rico) or Canada, the goods which gave
rise to such Receivable were shipped after receipt by the Borrower from the
Account Debtor of an irrevocable letter of credit that has been confirmed by a
financial institution acceptable to the Agent in form and substance acceptable
to the Agent, payable in the full face amount of the face value of the
Receivable in Dollars at a place of payment located in the United States and
has, if requested by the Agent, been duly assigned to the Agent,

      (k) such Receivable is a valid, legally enforceable obligation of the
Account Debtor with respect thereto and is not subject to any present or
contingent (and no facts exist which are the basis


                                       12
<PAGE>

for any future) offset, deduction or counterclaim, dispute or other defense on
the part of such Account Debtor, PROVIDED that any Receivable so subject to any
offset, etc., if otherwise an Eligible Receivable shall remain so to the extent
of the excess of such Receivable over the amount of any such offset, etc.,

      (l) such Receivable is subject to the Security Interest, which is
perfected as to such Receivable, and is subject to no other Lien whatsoever
other than a Permitted Lien,

      (m) such Receivable is evidenced by an invoice or other documentation in
form acceptable to the Agent,

      (n) the Receivable is not subject to the Assignment of Claims Act of 1940,
as amended from time to time, or any Applicable Law now or hereafter existing
similar in effect thereto, or to any other prohibition (under Applicable Law, by
contract or otherwise) against its assignment or requiring notice of or consent
to such assignment, unless all such required notices have been given, all such
required consents have been received and all other procedures have been complied
with such that such Receivable shall have been duly and validly assigned to the
Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders,

      (o) the goods giving rise to such Receivable were not, at the time of the
sale thereof, subject to any Lien, except the Security Interest and Permitted
Liens,

      (p) the Borrower is not in breach of any express or implied representation
or warranty with respect to the goods the sale of which gave rise to such
Receivable nor in breach of any representation or warranty, covenant or other
agreement contained in the Loan Documents with respect to such Receivable,

      (q) such Receivable does not arise out of any transaction with any
Subsidiary, Affiliate, creditor, tenant, lessor or supplier of the Borrower,

      (r) the Borrower is not the beneficiary of any letter of credit that has
not been duly assigned to the Agent, nor has any bond or other undertaking by a
guarantor or surety been obtained, supporting such Receivable and the Account
Debtor's obligations in respect thereof,

      (s) such Receivable does not arise out of finance or similar charges by
the Borrower or other fees for the time value of money,

      (t) such Receivable does not arise out of a charge back in connection with
any Factoring Agreements,

      (u) the Account Debtor with respect to such Receivable is not located in
New Jersey or any other state denying creditors access to its courts in the
absence of qualification to transact business in such state or the filing of a
Notice of Business Activities Report or other similar filing, unless the
Borrower has either qualified as a foreign corporation authorized to transact
business in such state or has filed a Notice of Business Activities Report or
similar filing with the applicable state agency for the then current year, and



                                       13
<PAGE>

      (v) neither the Account Debtor with respect to such Receivable, nor such
Receivable, is determined by the Agent in its reasonable credit judgment to be
ineligible for any other reason.

      "Eligible Uninsured House Receivable" means any House Receivable that has
not been fully insured in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent or which
credit insurance policy has not been endorsed or assigned to the Agent.

      "Environmental Laws" means all federal, state, local and foreign laws now
or hereafter in effect relating to pollution or protection of the environment,
including laws relating to emissions, discharges, Releases or threatened
Releases of pollutants, Contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic or
hazardous substances or wastes into the environment (including, without
limitation, ambient air, surface water, ground water, or land), or otherwise
relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage,
disposal, removal, transport, or handling of pollutants, Contaminants,
chemicals, or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes, and any and
all regulations, notices or demand letters issued, entered, promulgated or
approved thereunder; such laws and regulations include but are not limited to
the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 6901 ET SEQ., as
amended; the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 9601 ET SEQ., as amended; the Toxic Substances Control Act,
15 U.S.C. ss. 2601 ET SEQ., as amended; the Clean Air Act, 46 U.S.C. ss. 7401 ET
SEQ., as amended; and state and federal lien and environmental cleanup programs.

      "Environmental Lien" means a Lien in favor of any governmental entity for
(a) any liability under Environmental Laws or (b) damages arising from, or costs
incurred by such governmental entity in response to, a Release or threatened
Release of Contaminant into the environment.

      "Equipment" has the meaning specified in the definition "Collateral."

      "Eurodollar Rate" means, with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Revolving
Credit Loan for the Interest Period applicable thereto a rate per annum
determined pursuant to the following formula, rounded upwards, if necessary, to
the next higher 1/16 of 1%:

            Eurodollar Rate =     Interbank Offered Rate
                              ---------------------------------
                              1 - Eurodollar Reserve Percentage

The Eurodollar Rate shall be adjusted automatically as of the effective date of
any change in the Eurodollar Reserve Percentage.

      "Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loan" means a Revolving Credit Loan
bearing interest at a rate determined with reference to the Eurodollar Rate.

      "Eurodollar Reserve Percentage" applicable to any Interest Period means
the rate (expressed as a decimal) applicable to the Lenders during such Interest
Period under regulations issued from time to time by the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System for determining the maximum reserve requirement
(including, without limitation, any basic, supplemental, emergency or marginal
reserve requirement) of the Lenders with respect to "Eurocurrency Liabilities"
as that term is defined under such regulations. Without limiting the effect of
the foregoing, the Eurodollar Reserve Percentage shall include any other
reserves required to be maintained by the Lenders by reason of any regulatory
change with respect to (i) any category of liabilities that includes deposits by
reference to


                                       14
<PAGE>

which the "Interbank Offered Rate" is to be determined as provided in the
definition of "Interbank Offered Rate" below or (ii) any category of extensions
of credit or other assets that includes Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loans.

      "Event of Default" means any of the events specified in SECTION 12.1,
PROVIDED that any requirement for notice or lapse of time or any other condition
has been satisfied.

      "Exchange Offer" has the meaning specified in SECTION 9.10(A).

      "Extendible Debentures" means the Subordinated Extendible Debentures, 11%,
due April 1, 2000, issued pursuant to that certain Indenture dated as of April
12, 1990, between the Borrower, State Street Bank and Trust Company as trustee,
and First Union National Bank as paying agent.

      "Factoring Agreement" means each of (a) that certain Factoring Agreement
dated November 6, 1986 between CIT and the Borrower, as amended by amendments
dated November 1, 1987, September 15, 1989, March 31, 1992, August 1, 1992, May
3, 1993, September 1, 1993, March 7, 1996 and otherwise, (b) that certain
Factoring and Security Agreement dated January 14, 1988 between FFC and the
Borrower, as amended by Amendment dated March 7, 1996, (c) that certain Amended
and Restated Factoring Agreement dated April 15, 1993 between NCC and the
Borrower, and (d) that certain Factoring Agreement dated July 28, 1994 between
RFC and the Borrower, as amended by Amendment dated March 14, 1996 and
otherwise.

      "Factors" means each of (a) The CIT Group/Commercial Services, Inc.
("CIT"), (b) First Factors Corporation ("FFC"), (c) NationsBanc Commercial
Corporation ("NCC"), and (d) Republic Factors Corp. ("RFC"), in its capacity as
a factor under its Factoring Agreement with the Borrower and any other factor
approved by the Agent which has executed and delivered to the Agent documents,
which, among other requirements, are sufficient to waive such factor's right of
set-off with respect to ledger debt and to assign the proceeds of all factored
Receivables to the Agent for the benefit of the Lenders.

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

      "Financial Officer" means the Chief Financial Officer, or Treasurer of the
Borrower.

      "Financing Statements" means any and all Uniform Commercial Code financing
statements, in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent, executed and
delivered by the Borrower to the Agent, naming the Agent, for the benefit of the
Lenders, as secured party and the Borrower as debtor, in connection with this
Agreement.

      "Fiscal Month" means each succeeding period of four or five consecutive
weeks, beginning on the first day of each Fiscal Year, occurring in the pattern
five weeks, four weeks, four weeks, except that in each 53-week Fiscal Year, the
final Fiscal Month of such Fiscal Year consists of five weeks.



                                       15
<PAGE>

      "Fiscal Quarter" means each succeeding period of three consecutive Fiscal
Months beginning on the first day of each Fiscal Year.

      "Fiscal Year" means the fifty-two or fifty-three week period beginning on
the Saturday after the Friday closest to October 31 in one calendar year and
ending on the Friday closest to October 31 in the following calendar year and
when followed or preceded by a designated calendar year means such period ending
on the Friday closest to October 31 of such designated year.

      "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied
and maintained throughout the period indicated and, when used with reference to
the Borrower or any Subsidiary, consistent with the prior financial practice of
the Borrower, as reflected on the financial statements referred to in SECTION
6.1(O); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, in the event that changes shall be mandated by
the Financial Accounting Standards Board or any similar accounting authority of
comparable standing, or shall be recommended by the Borrower's independent
public accountants, such changes shall be included in GAAP as applicable to the
Borrower only from and after such date as the Borrower, the Required Lenders and
the Agent shall have amended this Agreement to the extent necessary to reflect
any such changes in the financial covenants set forth in ARTICLE 11.

      "General Intangibles" has the meaning specified in the definition
"Collateral."

      "Governmental Approvals" means all authorizations, consents, approvals,
licenses and exemptions of, registrations and filings with, and reports to, all
governmental bodies, whether federal, state, local or foreign national or
provincial and all agencies thereof.

      "Guaranty", "Guaranteed" or to "Guarantee" as applied to any obligation of
another Person shall mean and include

      (a) a guaranty (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for
collection in the ordinary course of business), directly or indirectly, in any
manner, of any part or all of such obligation of such other Person, and

      (b) an agreement, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, and whether
or not constituting a guaranty, the practical effect of which is to assure the
payment or performance (or payment of damages in the event of nonperformance) of
any part or all of such obligation of such other Person whether by

            (i) the purchase of securities or obligations,

            (ii) the purchase, sale or lease (as lessee or lessor) of property
      or the purchase or sale of services primarily for the purpose of enabling
      the obligor with respect to such obligation to make any payment or
      performance (or payment of damages in the event of nonperformance) of or
      on account of any part or all of such obligation, or to assure the owner
      of such obligation against loss,

            (iii) the supplying of funds to or in any other manner investing in
      the obligor with respect to such obligation,

            (iv) repayment of amounts drawn down by beneficiaries of letters of
      credit, or

                                       16
<PAGE>

            (v) the supplying of funds to or investing in a Person on account of
      all or any part of such Person's obligation under a Guaranty of any
      obligation or indemnifying or holding harmless, in any way, such Person
      against any part or all of such obligation.

      "House Receivable" means any Eligible Receivable which is not an Eligible
Factored Receivable.

      "Indebtedness" of any Person means, without duplication, all Liabilities
of such Person, and to the extent not otherwise included in Liabilities, the
following:

      (a) all obligations for Debt or for the deferred purchase price of
property or services or in respect of drafts accepted or similar instruments or
reimbursement obligations under letters of credit,

      (b) all obligations (including, during the noncancellable term of any
lease in the nature of a title retention agreement, all future payment
obligations under such lease discounted to their present value in accordance
with GAAP) secured by any Lien to which any property or asset owned or held by
such Person is subject, whether or not the obligation secured thereby shall have
been assumed by such Person,

      (c) all obligations of other Persons which such Person has Guaranteed,
including, but not limited to, all obligations of such Person consisting of
recourse liability with respect to accounts receivable sold or otherwise
disposed of by such Person,

      (d) all obligations of such Person in respect of Interest Rate Protection
Agreements, and

      (e) in the case of the Borrower (without duplication) all obligations
under the Revolving Credit Loans.

      "Interbank Offered Rate" applicable to any Eurodollar Rate Revolving
Credit Loan for any Interest Period means the rate of interest determined by
BankBoston to be the prevailing rate per annum at which deposits in U.S. dollars
are offered to BankBoston by first-class banks in the interbank Eurodollar
market in which it regularly participates on or about 10:00 a.m. (Boston,
Massachusetts time) two Business Days before the first day of such Interest
Period in an amount approximately equal to the principal amount of the
Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loan to which such interest Period is to apply
for a period of time approximately equal to such Interest Period.

      "Intercreditor Agreement" means that certain Intercreditor Agreement dated
on or about the Effective Date, between BBC and the Agent, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Agent.

      "Interest Payment Date" means (a) as to Base Rate Revolving Credit Loans,
the first day of each calendar month commencing on September 1, 1998 and
continuing thereafter until the Secured Obligations have been irrevocably paid
in full and (b) as to Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loans, the earlier of (i)
the last day of each applicable Interest Period or (ii) quarterly.

      "Interest Period" means with respect to each Eurodollar Rate Revolving
Credit Loan, the period commencing on the date of the making or continuation of
or conversion to such Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loan and ending one, two,
three or six months thereafter, as the Borrower may elect in the applicable
Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion or Continuation; PROVIDED, that:

                                       17
<PAGE>

            (i) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is
      not a Business Day shall, subject to the provisions of CLAUSE (III) below,
      be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day
      falls in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall
      end on the immediately 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, subject to CLAUSE (III) below, end on the last Business Day
      of a calendar month; and

            (iii) any Interest Period that would otherwise end after the
      Termination Date shall end on the Termination Date.

      "Interest Rate Protection Agreement" shall mean an interest rate swap, cap
or collar agreement or similar arrangement between any Person and a financial
institution providing for the transfer or mitigation of interest risks either
generally or under specific contingencies.

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

      "Inventory" has the meaning specified in the definition "Collateral."

      "Investment" means, with respect to any Person:

      (a) the acquisition or ownership by such Person of any share of capital
stock, evidence of Indebtedness or other security issued by any other Person,

      (b) any loan, advance or extension of credit to, or contribution to the
capital of, any other Person, excluding advances to employees in the ordinary
course of business for business expenses,

      (c) any Guaranty of the obligations of any other Person,

      (d) any other investment (other than the Acquisition of a Business Unit)
in any other Person, and

      (e) any commitment or option to make any of the investments listed in
CLAUSES (A) through (D) above if, in the case of an option, the consideration
therefor exceeds $100.

      "IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service.

      "Junior Secured Obligations" means the CIT Ledger Debt and all other
indebtedness, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of the Borrower to
BankBoston or any Affiliate of BankBoston in connection with lease obligations
of the Borrower.

      "Lender" means at any time any financial institution party to this
agreement at such time, including any such Person becoming a party hereto
pursuant to the provisions of ARTICLE 13, and its successors and assigns, and
"Lenders" means at any time all of the financial institutions party to this


                                       18
<PAGE>

Agreement at such time, including any such Persons becoming parties hereto
pursuant to the provisions of ARTICLE 13, and their successors and assigns.

      "Letter of Credit" means any Letter of Credit issued by BankBoston for the
account of the Borrower pursuant to ARTICLE 3.

      "Letter of Credit Amount" means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the
aggregate maximum amount at any time available for drawing under such Letter of
Credit.

      "Letter of Credit Facility" means a subfacility of the Revolving Credit
Facility providing for the issuance of Letters of Credit up to an aggregate
amount of Letter of Credit Obligations at any one time outstanding not to exceed
the amount of $3,000,000.

      "Letter of Credit Obligations" means, at any time, the sum of (a) the
Reimbursement Obligations of the Borrower at such time, PLUS (b) the aggregate
Letter of Credit Amount of Letters of Credit outstanding at such time, PLUS (c)
the aggregate Letter of Credit Amount of Letters of Credit the issuance of which
has been authorized by the Agent and BankBoston pursuant to SECTION 3.4(B) but
that have not yet been issued, in each case as determined by the Agent.

      "Letter of Credit Reserve" means, at any time, the aggregate Letter of
Credit Obligations at such time, other than Letter of Credit Obligations that
are fully secured by Cash Collateral.

      "Liabilities" of any Person means all items (except for items of capital
stock, additional paid-in capital or retained earnings, or of general
contingency or deferred tax reserves) which in accordance with GAAP would be
included in determining total liabilities as shown on the liability side of a
balance sheet of such Person as at the date as of which Liabilities are to be
determined.

      "Lien" as applied to the property of any Person means:

      (a) any mortgage, deed to secure debt, deed of trust, lien, pledge,
charge, lease constituting a Capitalized Lease Obligation, conditional sale or
other title retention agreement, or other security interest, security title or
encumbrance of any kind in respect of any property of such Person, or upon the
income or profits therefrom,

      (b) any arrangement, express or implied, under which any property of such
Person is transferred, sequestered or otherwise identified for the purpose of
subjecting the same to the payment of Indebtedness or performance of any other
obligation in priority to the payment of the general, unsecured creditors of
such Person,

      (c) any Indebtedness which is unpaid more than 30 days after the same
shall have become due and payable and which if unpaid might by law (including,
but not limited to, bankruptcy and insolvency laws), or otherwise, be given any
priority whatsoever over the claims of general unsecured creditors of such
Person, and

      (d) the filing of, or any agreement to give, any financing statement under
the Uniform Commercial Code or its equivalent in any jurisdiction, excluding
informational financing statements relating to property leased by the Borrower.



                                       19
<PAGE>

      "Loan" means each Lender's advance made as part of any Revolving Credit
Loan as well as all such loans collectively, as the context requires.

      "Loan Account" and "Loan Accounts" shall have the meanings ascribed
thereto in SECTION 4.5.

      "Loan Documents" means collectively this Agreement, the Notes, the
Security Documents and each other instrument, agreement or document executed by
the Borrower or any Affiliate or Subsidiary of the Borrower in connection with
this Agreement whether prior to, on or after the Effective Date and each other
instrument, agreement or document referred to herein or contemplated hereby.

      "Loan Year" means each period of 12 consecutive months commencing on the
Effective Date and on each anniversary thereof.

      "Lockbox" means each U.S. Post Office Box specified in a Lockbox
Agreement.

      "Lockbox Agreement" means each agreement between the Borrower and a
Clearing Bank concerning the establishment of a Lockbox for the collection of
Receivables.

      "Long-Term Liabilities" means, with respect to any Person, the aggregate
amount of all Liabilities of such Person other than Current Liabilities.

      "Materially Adverse Effect" means, with respect to any Person, a
materially adverse effect upon such Person's business, assets, liabilities,
condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations or business prospects,
and in addition (i) with respect to the Borrower, means a materially adverse
effect upon the Borrower's ability to perform its obligations hereunder or under
any other Loan Document to which it is a party or upon the enforceability of
such obligations against the Borrower.

      "Mortgages" means and includes any and all of the mortgages, deeds of
trust, deeds to secure debt, assignments and other instruments executed and
delivered by the Borrower to or for the benefit of the Agent by which the Agent,
on behalf of the Lenders, acquires a Lien on the Borrower's Real Estate or a
collateral assignment of the Borrower's interest under leases of Real Estate,
and all amendments, modifications and supplements thereto.

      "Multiemployer Plan" means a "multiemployer plan" as defined in Section
4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which the Borrower or a Related Company is required to
contribute or has contributed within the immediately preceding six (6) years.

      "Net Amount" means, with respect to any Investments made by any Person,
the gross amount of all such Investments MINUS the aggregate amount of all cash
received and the fair value, at the time of receipt by such Person, of all
property received as payments of principal or premiums, returns of capital,
liquidating dividends or distributions, proceeds of sale or other dispositions
with respect to such Investments.

      "Net Income" means, as applied to any Person, the net income (or net loss)
of such Person for the period in question after giving effect to deduction of or
provision for all operating expenses, all


                                       20
<PAGE>


taxes and reserves (including reserves for deferred taxes) and all other proper
deductions, all determined in accordance with GAAP, provided that there shall be
excluded:

      (a) the net income (or net loss) of any Person accrued prior to the date
it becomes a Subsidiary of, or is merged into or consolidated with, the Person
whose Net Income is being determined or a Subsidiary of such Person,

      (b) the net income (or net loss) of any Person in which the Person whose
Net Income is being determined or any Subsidiary of such Person has an ownership
interest, except, in the case of net income, to the extent that any such income
has actually been received by such Person or such Subsidiary in the form of cash
dividends or similar distributions,

      (c) any restoration of any contingency reserve, except to the extent that
provision for such reserve was made out of income during such period,

      (d) any net gains or losses on the sale or other disposition, not in the
ordinary course of business, of Investments, Business Units and other capital
assets, provided that there shall also be excluded any related charges for taxes
thereon,

      (e) any net gain arising from the collection of the proceeds of any
insurance policy,

      (f) any write-up of any asset, and

      (g) any other extraordinary item.

      "Net Outstandings" of any Lender means, at any time, the sum of (a) all
amounts paid by such Lender (other than pursuant to SECTION 14.7) to the Agent
in respect of Loans under the Revolving Credit Facility or otherwise under this
Agreement, MINUS (b) all amounts received by the Agent and paid by the Agent to
such Lender for application, pursuant to this Agreement, to reduction of the
outstanding principal balance of the Loans of such Lender outstanding under the
Revolving Credit Facility.

      "Net Proceeds" means proceeds received by the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries in cash from any Asset Disposition (including, without limitation,
payments under notes or other debt securities received in connection with any
Asset Disposition), net of: (a) the transaction costs of such sale, lease,
transfer or other disposition; (b) any tax liability arising from such
transaction; and (c) amounts applied to repayment of Indebtedness (other than
the Secured Obligations) secured by a Lien on the asset or property disposed.

      "Net Worth" means, with respect to any Person, such Person's total
shareholder's equity (including capital stock, additional paid-in capital and
retained earnings, after deducting treasury stock) which would appear as such on
a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP PROVIDED THAT,
in the case of the Borrower any accrued and unpaid management fees to Mentmore
Holdings Corp. deducted in computing such shareholder's equity shall be added
back and non-cash gains or losses recorded or realized after August 1, 1998 in
respect of the disposal of intangible assets shall be excluded from such
computations.

      "New Debentures" has the meaning specified in SECTION 9.10(A).

                                       21
<PAGE>

      "Non-Ratable Loan" means a Base Rate Revolving Credit Loan made by
BankBoston in accordance with the provisions of SECTION 4.8(B).

      "Note" means any of the Revolving Credit Notes and "Notes" means more than
one such Note.

      "Notice of Borrowing" has the meaning specified in SECTION 2.2(A).

      "Notice of Conversion or Continuation" has the meaning specified in
SECTION 4.14.

      "Operating Lease" means any lease (other than a lease constituting a
Capitalized Lease Obligation) of real or personal property.

      "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and any successor
agency.

      "Patent Assignment" means the Assignment for Security-Patents, dated on or
about the Effective Date, made by the Borrower to the Agent, for the benefit of
the Lenders, as the same may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to
time.

      "Patents" means and includes, in each case whether now existing or
hereafter arising, all of the Borrower's right, title and interest in and to

      (a) any and all patents and patent applications,

      (b) inventions and improvements described and claimed therein,

      (c) reissues, divisions, continuations, renewals, extensions and
continuations-in-part thereof,
      (d) income, royalties, damages, claims and payments now or hereafter due
and/or payable under and with respect thereto, including, without limitation,
damages and payments for past and future infringements thereof,

      (e) rights to sue for past, present and future infringements thereof, and

      (f) all rights corresponding to any of the foregoing throughout the world.

      "Payables Factor" means the aggregate amount of accounts payable of the
Borrower more than 30 days past due at the time of determination.

      "Permitted Investments" means Investments of the Borrower in:

      (a) negotiable certificates of deposit and time deposits issued by
BankBoston or by any United States bank or trust company having capital, surplus
and undivided profits in excess of $100,000,000,

      (b) any direct obligation of the United States of America or any Agency or
instrumentality thereof which has a remaining maturity at the time of purchase
of not more than one year and repurchase agreements relating to the same,



                                       22
<PAGE>

      (c) sales of inventory on credit in the ordinary course of business,

      (d) shares of capital stock, evidence of Indebtedness or other security
acquired by the Borrower in consideration for or as evidence of past-due or
restructured Receivables in an aggregate face amount of such Receivables at any
time not to exceed $1,000,000,

      (e) Guaranties permitted pursuant to SECTION 11.3,

      (f) those items described on SCHEDULE 1.1A - PERMITTED INVESTMENTS, and

      (g) other Investments not in excess of $500,000 in the aggregate at any
time outstanding.

      "Permitted Liens" means:

      (a) Liens securing taxes, assessments and other governmental charges or
levies (excluding any Lien imposed pursuant to any of the provisions of ERISA)
or the claims of materialmen, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen or landlords for
labor, materials, supplies or rentals incurred in the ordinary course of
business, but (i) in all cases only if payment shall not at the time be required
to be made in accordance with SECTION 10.6, and (ii) in the case of warehousemen
or landlords, only if such liens are junior to the Security Interest in any of
the Collateral,

      (b) Liens consisting of deposits or pledges made in the ordinary course of
business in connection with, or to secure payment of, obligations under workers'
compensation, unemployment insurance or similar legislation or under payment or
performance bonds,

      (c) Liens constituting encumbrances in the nature of zoning restrictions,
easements, and rights or restrictions of record on the use of real property,
which do not materially detract from the value of such property or impair the
use thereof in the business of the Borrower,

      (d) Purchase Money Liens,

      (e) Liens shown on SCHEDULE 1.1B - PERMITTED LIENS,

      (f) Liens of Factors under the terms and conditions of the Factoring
Agreement,

      (g) Liens in favor of Term Lender, arising under the Term Loan and
Security Agreement,

      (h) Liens in favor of the holders of the New Debentures, to the extent
expressly permitted by the provisions of this Agreement, and

      (i) Liens of the Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, arising under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

      "Permitted Purchase Money Debt" means Purchase Money Debt of the Borrower
incurred after the Agreement Date

      (a)   which is secured by a Purchase Money Lien,



                                       23
<PAGE>

      (b) the aggregate principal amount of which does not exceed an amount
equal to 100% of the lesser of,

            (i) the cost (including the principal amount of such Debt, whether
      or not assumed) of the property (other than Inventory) subject to such
      Lien, and

            (ii) the fair value of such property (other than Inventory) at the
      time of its acquisition, and

      (c) which, when aggregated with the principal amount of all other such
Debt and Capitalized Lease Obligations of the Borrower at the time outstanding,
does not exceed $2,000,000.

For the purposes of this definition, the principal amount of any Purchase Money
Debt consisting of Capitalized Leases shall be computed as a Capitalized Lease
Obligation.

      "Person" means an individual, corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, association, trust or unincorporated organization, or a government
or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

      "Projections" means the forecasted (a) balance sheets, (b) income
statements and (c) cash flow statements of the Borrower for the Borrower's 1998
fiscal year, prepared on a monthly basis, together with appropriate supporting
details and a statement of underlying assumptions and reflecting, among other
things, projected Availability.

      "Proprietary Rights" means all of the Borrower's now owned and hereafter
arising or acquired: Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, including, without
limitation, those Proprietary Rights set forth on SCHEDULE 6.1(CC) hereto, and
all other rights under any of the foregoing, all extensions, renewals, reissues,
divisions, continuations, and continuations-in-part of any of the foregoing, and
all rights to sue for past, present and future infringement of any of the
foregoing.

      "Purchase Money Debt" means

      (a) Debt created to secure the payment of all or any part of the purchase
price of any property (other than Inventory),

      (b) any Debt incurred at the time of or within 30 days prior to or after
the acquisition of any property (other than Inventory) for the purpose of
financing all or any part of the purchase price thereof, and

      (c) any renewals, extensions or refinancings thereof, but not any
increases in the principal amounts thereof outstanding at the time of any such
renewal, extension or refinancing.

      "Purchase Money Lien" means any Lien securing Purchase Money Debt, but
only if such Lien shall at all times be confined solely to the property (other
than Inventory) the purchase price of which was financed through the incurrence
of the Purchase Money Debt secured by such Lien.

      "Real Estate" means all of the Borrower's now or hereafter owned or leased
estates in real property, including, without limitation, all fees, leaseholds
and future interests, together with all of the Borrower's now or hereafter owned
or leased interests in the improvements and emblements


                                       24
<PAGE>


thereon, the fixtures attached thereto and the easements appurtenant thereto,
including, without limitation the real property described on SCHEDULE 6.1(X).

      "Redemption" has the meaning specified in SECTION 9.10(B).

      "Receivables" has the meaning specified in the definition "Collateral."

      "Register" has the meaning specified in SECTION 13.1(D).

      "Regulation U" means Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System (or any successor), as the same may be amended or supplemented
from time to time.

      "Reimbursement Agreement" means, with respect to a Letter of Credit, such
form of application therefor and form of reimbursement agreement therefor
(whether in a single document or several documents) as BankBoston may employ in
the ordinary course of business for its own account, with such modifications
thereto as may be agreed upon by BankBoston and the Borrower, provided that such
application and agreement and any modifications thereto are not inconsistent
with the terms of this Agreement.

      "Reimbursement Obligations" means the reimbursement or repayment
obligations of the Borrower to BankBoston pursuant to SECTION 3.6 or pursuant to
a Reimbursement Agreement with respect to amounts that have been drawn under
Letters of Credit.

      "Related Company" means any (i) corporation which is a member of the same
controlled group of corporations (within the meaning of Section 414(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code) as the Borrower; (ii) partnership or other trade or
business (whether or not incorporated) under common control (within the meaning
of Section 414(c) of the Internal Revenue Code) with the Borrower; or (iii)
member of the same affiliated service group (within the meaning of Section
414(m) of the Internal Revenue Code) as the Borrower, any corporation described
in CLAUSE (I) above or any partnership, trade or business described in CLAUSE
(II) above.

      "Release" means release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping, injection,
deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, leaching or migration into the indoor
or outdoor environment or into or out of any property, including the movement of
Contaminants through or in the air, soil, surface water or groundwater.

      "Remedial Action" means actions required to (i) clean up, remove, treat or
in any other way address Contaminants in the indoor or outdoor environment; (ii)
prevent the Release or threat of Release or minimize the further Release of
Contaminants so they do not migrate or endanger or threaten to endanger public
health or welfare or the indoor or outdoor environment; or (iii) perform
pre-remedial studies and investigations and post-remedial monitoring and care.

      "Required Lenders" means, at any time, any combination of Lenders whose
Commitment Percentages at such time aggregate in excess of 51%.

      "Restricted Payment" means (a) any dividend, distribution or payment on or
with respect to (i) any shares of a Person's capital stock (other than dividends
payable solely in shares of its capital stock) or (ii) any partnership interest
in a Person, excluding, however, any such dividend, distribution


                                       25
<PAGE>


or payment to the Borrower by any Subsidiary of the Borrower, (b) any redemption
or prepayment or other retirement, prior to the stated maturity thereof or prior
to the due date of any regularly scheduled installment or amortization payment
with respect thereto, of any Debt (other than the Loans) or of any Indebtedness
that is junior and subordinate to the Secured Obligations, and (c) the payment
of any management, consulting or similar fee by any Person to any Affiliate of
such Person.

      "Restricted Purchase" means any payment on account of the purchase,
redemption or other acquisition or retirement by a Person of any (a) shares of
such Person's capital stock (except shares acquired on the conversion thereof
into other shares of capital stock of such Person) or (b) a partnership interest
in such Person, if such Person is a partnership.

      "Revolving Credit Facility" means the principal amount of $40,000,000 or
such lesser or greater amount as shall be agreed upon from time to time in
writing by the Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower.

      "Revolving Credit Loans" means loans made to the Borrower pursuant to
SECTION 2.1, including any Non-Ratable Loans.

      "Revolving Credit Note" means each Revolving Credit Note made by the
Borrower payable to the order of a Lender evidencing the obligation of the
Borrower to pay the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Revolving Credit
Loans made to it by such Lender (and any promissory note or notes that may be
issued from time to time in substitution, renewal, extension, replacement or
exchange therefor whether payable to such Lender or to a different Lender in
connection with a Person becoming a Lender after the Effective Date or
otherwise) substantially in the form of EXHIBIT A hereto, with all blanks
properly completed, either as originally executed or as the same may from time
to time be supplemented, modified, amended, renewed, extended or refinanced.

      "Rival Note" means the promissory note dated December 15, 1997, in the
original principal amount of $4,500,000 made payable to the Borrower by
Clarendon Holdings, LLC, an Affiliate of Mentmore Holdings Corp., in payment of
the purchase price of the Borrower's membership interest in Rival Sport LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company, which note is repayable as to principal in a
single payment on the tenth anniversary of the date of issuance thereof (subject
to required prepayments from specified funds) and as to interest, at the rate of
5% per annum, only when principal is repaid.

      "Schedule of Inventory" means a schedule delivered by the Borrower to the
Agent pursuant to the provisions of SECTION 8.12(B).

      "Schedule of Receivables" means a schedule delivered by the Borrower to
the Agent pursuant to the provisions of SECTION 8.12(A).

      "Secured Obligations" means, in each case whether now in existence or
hereafter arising,

      (a) the principal of, and interest and premium, if any, on, the Loans,

      (b) the Reimbursement Obligations and all other obligations of the
Borrower to the Agent or any Lender arising in connection with the issuance of
Letters of Credit, and



                                       26
<PAGE>

      (c) all indebtedness, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of
the Borrower to the Agent or to the Lenders of every kind, nature and
description arising under or in respect of this Agreement, the Notes or any of
the other Loan Documents, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent,
due or not due, contractual or tortious, liquidated or unliquidated, and whether
or not evidenced by any note, and whether or not for the payment of money,
including without limitation, fees required to be paid pursuant to ARTICLE 4 and
expenses required to be paid or reimbursed pursuant to SECTION 15.2.

      "Security Documents" means each of the following:

      (a) the Financing Statements,

      (b) the Mortgages,

      (c) the Patent Assignment,

      (d) the Trademark Assignment,

      (e) Assignments of Factoring Proceeds, and

      (f) each other writing executed and delivered by the Borrower or any other
Person securing the Secured Obligations.

      "Security Interest" means the Liens of the Agent, for the benefit of the
Lenders, on and in the Collateral effected hereby or by any of the Security
Documents or pursuant to the terms hereof or thereof.

      "Settlement Date" means each Business Day after the Effective Date
selected by the Agent in its sole discretion as of which a Settlement Report is
delivered by the Agent and on which settlement is to be made among the Lenders
in accordance with the provisions of SECTION 4.8, PROVIDED, that a Settlement
Date shall occur at least every five Business Days.

      "Settlement Report" means each report, substantially in the form attached
hereto as EXHIBIT D, prepared by the Agent and delivered to each Lender and
setting forth, among other things, as of the Settlement Date indicated thereon
and as of the next preceding Settlement Date, the aggregate principal balance of
all Revolving Credit Loans outstanding, each Lender's Commitment Percentage
thereof, each Lender's Net Outstandings and all Non-Ratable Loans made, and all
payments of principal, interest and fees received by the Agent from the Borrower
during the period beginning on such next preceding Settlement Date and ending on
such Settlement Date.

      "Subordinated Debt" means the Debt of the Borrower under the 8 3/4%
Debentures and the Extendible Debentures and other Debt of the Borrower that is
subordinated to the Secured Obligations on terms and conditions satisfactory to
the Agent and the Required Lenders.

      "Subsidiary"

      (a) when used to determine the relationship of a Person to another Person,
means a Person of which an aggregate of 50% or more of the stock of any class or
classes or 50% or more of other


                                       27
<PAGE>

ownership interests is owned of record or beneficially by such other Person, or
by one or more Subsidiaries of such other Person, or by such other Person and
one or more Subsidiaries of such Person,

            (i) if the holders of such stock, or other ownership interests, (A)
      are ordinarily, in the absence of contingencies, entitled to vote for the
      election of a majority of the directors (or other individuals performing
      similar functions) of such Person, even though the right so to vote has
      been suspended by the happening of such a contingency, or (B) are
      entitled, as such holders, to vote for the election of a majority of the
      directors (or individuals performing similar functions) of such Person,
      whether or not the right so to vote exists by reason of the happening of a
      contingency, or

            (ii) in the case of such other ownership interests, if such
      ownership interests constitute a majority voting interest,

      (b) when used without other designation of ownership, means a Subsidiary
of the Borrower.

      "Term Lender" means collectively, the financial institutions party to the
Term Loan and Security Agreement from time to time.

      "Term Loan and Security Agreement" means that certain Term Loan and
Security Agreement dated on or about the Effective Date, between the Borrower
and the Term Lender as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

      "Term Loan" means term loans up to $13,000,000 in aggregate principal
amount made to the Borrower pursuant to the Term Loan and Security Agreement.

      "Termination Date" means August 31, 2000, such earlier date as all Secured
Obligations shall have been irrevocably paid in full and the Revolving Credit
Facility shall have been terminated, or such later date as to which the same may
be extended pursuant to the provisions of SECTION 2.5.

      "Trademark Assignment" means the Assignment for Security - Trademarks,
dated on or about the Effective Date, by the Borrower to the Agent for the
benefit of the Lender, as the same may be amended, modified or supplemented from
time to time.

      "Trademarks" means and includes in each case whether now existing or
hereafter arising, all of the Borrower's right, title and interest in and to

      (a) trademarks (including service marks), trade names and trade styles and
the registrations and applications for registration thereof and the goodwill of
the business symbolized by the trademarks,

      (b) licenses of the foregoing, whether as licensee or licensor,

      (c) renewals thereof,



                                       28
<PAGE>

      (d) income, royalties, damages and payments now or hereafter due and/or
payable with respect thereto, including, without limitation, damages, claims and
payments for past and future infringements thereof,

      (e) rights to sue for past, present and future infringements thereof,
including the right to settle suits involving claims and demands for royalties
owing, and

      (f) all rights corresponding to any of the foregoing throughout the world.

      "Unfunded Vested Accrued Benefits" means with respect to any Benefit Plan
at any time, the amount (if any) by which

      (a) the present value of all vested nonforfeitable benefits under such
Benefit Plan exceeds

      (b) the fair market value of all Benefit Plan assets allocable to such
benefits,

all determined as of the then most recent valuation date for such Benefit Plan.

      "Uniform Commercial Code" means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect
from time to time in the State of Georgia.

      "Waiver Agreement" means that certain Third Supplemental Indenture dated
as of the Effective Date, between the Borrower and the trustee of the 8 3/4%
Debentures, in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent.

      "Wholly Owned Subsidiary" when used to determine the relationship of a
Subsidiary to a Person means a Subsidiary all of the issued and outstanding
shares (other than directors' qualifying shares) of the capital stock of which
shall at the time be owned by such Person or one or more of such Person's Wholly
Owned Subsidiaries or by such Person and one or more of such Person's Wholly
Owned Subsidiaries.

      SECTION 1.2. General.

      (a) All terms of an accounting nature not specifically defined herein
shall have the meaning ascribed thereto by GAAP.

      (b) The terms accounts, chattel paper, contract rights, documents,
equipment, instruments, general intangibles, inventory and proceeds, as and when
used in this Agreement or the Security Documents, shall have the meanings given
those terms in the Uniform Commercial Code.

      (c) Unless otherwise specified, a reference in this Agreement to a
particular section or subsection is a reference to that section or subsection of
this Agreement, and the words "hereof," "herein," "hereunder" and words of
similar import, when used in this Agreement, refer to this Agreement as a whole
and not to any particular provision, section or subsection of this Agreement.

      (d) Wherever from the context it appears appropriate, each term stated in
either the singular or plural shall include the singular and plural, and
pronouns stated in the masculine, feminine


                                       29
<PAGE>

or neuter gender shall include the masculine, the feminine and the neuter. Words
denoting individuals include corporations and vice versa.

      (e) References to any legislation or statute or code, or to any provisions
of any legislation or statute or code, shall include any modification or
reenactment of, or any legislative, statutory or code provision substituted for,
such legislation, statute or code or provision thereof.

      (f) References to any document or agreement (including this Agreement)
shall include references to such document or agreement as amended, novated,
supplemented, modified or replaced from time to time, so long as and to the
extent that such amendment, novation, supplement, modification or replacement is
either not prohibited by the terms of this Agreement or is consented to by the
Required Lenders and the Agent.

      (g) Except where specifically restricted in a Loan Document, references to
any Person include its successor or permitted substitutes and assigns permitted
or not prohibited under such Loan Document.

      (h) References to the time of day are to the time of day in the city in
which the Agent's Office is located.

      (i) The terms "payment", "prepayment", "distribution" and similar terms
used in the definitions of "Restricted Distribution" and "Restricted Payment"
and in SECTION 11.5, shall include payment by means of the transfer of funds or
of property and, in the event of a transfer of property, the payment shall be
deemed to be in an amount equal to the greater of the fair market value and the
book value of the property at the time of the transfer.

      (j) Titles of Articles and Sections in this Agreement are for convenience
only, do not constitute part of this Agreement and neither limit nor amplify the
provisions of this Agreement, and all references in this Agreement to Articles,
Sections, subsections, paragraphs, clauses, subclauses, Schedules or Exhibits
shall refer to the corresponding Article, Section, subsection, paragraph, clause
or subclause of, or Schedule or Exhibit attached to, this Agreement, unless
specific reference is made to the articles, sections or other subdivisions or
divisions of, or to schedules or exhibits to, another document or instrument.

      (k) Whenever from the context it appears appropriate, the term "Loan",
including such terms as used as part of a defined term including the term
"Loan", shall mean and include a Loan made by all Lenders to the Borrower as
well as a Lender's Proportionate Share of any Loan.

      (l) Unless otherwise specified herein, any Lien created or purported to be
created hereby or by or pursuant to any Loan Document in favor of the Agent and
each payment made to the Agent, is and shall be deemed to have been created in
favor of the Agent, for its benefit as Agent and for the ratable benefit of the
Lenders, or made to and received by the Agent for the ratable benefit of the
Lenders.

      (m) Whenever the phrase "to the knowledge of the Borrower" or words of
similar import relating to the knowledge of the Borrower are used herein, such
phrase shall mean and refer to (i) the actual knowledge of the chief executive
officer, chief operating officer or chief financial officer or (ii) the
knowledge that such officers would have obtained if they had engaged in good
faith in the


                                       30
<PAGE>

diligent performance of their duties, including the making of such reasonable
specific inquiries as may be necessary of the appropriate persons in a good
faith attempt to ascertain the accuracy of the matter to which such phrase
relates.

      SECTION 1.3. Exhibits and Schedules. All Exhibits and Schedules attached
hereto are by reference made a part hereof.



                                       31
<PAGE>

                                    ARTICLE 2
                            REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

      SECTION 2.1. Revolving Credit Loans. Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions of, and in reliance upon the representations and warranties made
under, this Agreement, each Lender agrees, severally, but not jointly, to make
Revolving Credit Loans to the Borrower from time to time from the Effective Date
to but not including the Termination Date, as requested or deemed requested by
the Borrower in accordance with the terms of SECTION 2.2, in amounts equal to
such Lender's Commitment Percentage of each Borrowing requested or deemed
requested hereunder up to an aggregate amount at any one time outstanding equal
to such Lender's Commitment Percentage of the Borrowing Base; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Revolving Credit Loans
(after giving effect to the Loans requested) shall not exceed the Borrowing
Base. It is expressly understood and agreed that the Lenders may and at present
intend to use the Borrowing Base as a maximum ceiling on Revolving Credit Loans
made to the Borrower; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that it is agreed that should the
aggregate outstanding amount of such Loans exceed the ceiling so determined or
any other limitation set forth in this Agreement, such Loans shall nevertheless
constitute Secured Obligations and, as such, shall be entitled to all benefits
thereof and security therefor. The principal amount of any Loan made under the
Revolving Credit Facility which is repaid may be reborrowed by the Borrower,
subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in accordance with the
terms of this SECTION 2.1. The Agent's and each Lender's books and records
reflecting the date and the amount of each Loan made under the Revolving Credit
Facility and each repayment of principal thereof shall constitute PRIMA FACIE
evidence of the accuracy of the information contained therein, subject to the
provisions of SECTION 4.8.

      SECTION 2.2. Manner of Borrowing Revolving Credit Loans. Borrowings under
the Revolving Credit Facility shall be made as follows:

      (a)   Requests for Borrowing.

            (i) Base Rate Revolving Credit Loans. Unless the Borrower shall
      previously have requested a Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loan and
      authorized the application of the proceeds thereof to any purpose
      described in CLAUSES (A) through (E) below and the Lenders shall have
      disbursed such Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loan for such purpose, a
      request for a Borrowing of Base Rate Revolving Credit Loans under the
      Revolving Credit Facility shall be made, or shall be deemed to be made, in
      the following manner:

                  (A) the Borrower may request a Base Rate Revolving Credit Loan
            by notifying the Agent, before 12:30 p.m. on the proposed borrowing
            date, of its intention to borrow ("Notice of Borrowing"), specifying
            the amount of the proposed borrowing and the proposed borrowing
            date,

                  (B) whenever a check or other item is presented to a
            Disbursing Bank for payment against a Controlled Disbursement
            Account in an amount greater than the then available balance in such
            account, such Disbursing Bank shall, and is hereby irrevocably
            authorized by the Borrower to, give the Agent notice thereof, which
            notice shall be deemed to be a request for a Borrowing of Base Rate
            Revolving Credit Loans

                                       32
<PAGE>


            on the date of such notice in an amount equal to the excess of such
            check or other item over such available balance, and such request
            shall be irrevocable,

                  (C) unless payment is otherwise made by the Borrower, the
            becoming due of any amount required to be paid under this Agreement
            or any of the Notes as interest shall be deemed to be a request for
            a Borrowing of Base Rate Revolving Credit Loans on the due date in
            the amount required to pay such interest, and such request shall be
            irrevocable,

                  (D) unless payment is otherwise made by a Borrower, a becoming
            due of any other Secured Obligation shall be deemed to be a request
            for a Borrowing of Base Rate Revolving Credit Loans on the due date
            in the amount then so due, and such request shall be irrevocable,
            and

                  (E) the receipt by the Agent of notification from BankBoston
            to the effect that a drawing has been made under a Letter of Credit
            and that the Borrower has failed to reimburse BankBoston therefor in
            accordance with the terms of the Letter of Credit, the Reimbursement
            Agreement and ARTICLE 3, shall be deemed to be a request for a
            Borrowing of Base Rate Revolving Credit Loans on the date such
            notification is received in the amount of such drawing which is so
            unreimbursed;

      PROVIDED that if any notice referred to in CLAUSE (A) above is received
      after 12:30 p.m. on the proposed borrowing date, the proposed borrowing
      will be postponed automatically to the next Business Day.

            (ii) Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loans. The Borrower may
      request a Borrowing of Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loans by notifying
      the Agent (which notice shall be irrevocable) not later than 11:30 a.m. on
      the date three Business Days before the day on which the requested
      Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loans are to be made, specifying the
      effective date and amount of such Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loans
      requested and the duration of the applicable Interest Period.

            (iii) Notification of Lenders. Unless the Agent has elected periodic
      settlements pursuant to SECTION 4.8, the Agent shall promptly notify the
      Lenders of any Notice of Borrowing given or deemed given pursuant to this
      SECTION 2.2(A) by 12:00 noon on the proposed borrowing date (in the case
      of Base Rate Revolving Credit Loans) or by 3:00 p.m. three Business Days
      before the proposed borrowing date (in the case of Eurodollar Rate
      Revolving Credit Loans). Not later than 1:30 p.m. on the proposed
      borrowing date, each Lender will make available to the Agent, for the
      account of the Borrower, at the Agent's Office in funds immediately
      available to the Agent, such Lender's Base Rate Revolving Credit Loan or
      Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loan, as the case may be, in an amount
      equal to such Lender's Commitment Percentage of the Borrowing to be made
      on such date.

      (b) Disbursement of Loans. The Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes the
Agent to disburse the proceeds of each Borrowing requested, or deemed to be
requested, pursuant to this SECTION 2.2(B) as follows:



                                       33
<PAGE>

            (i) the proceeds of each Borrowing requested under SECTIONS
      2.2(A)(I)(A) or (B) or 2.2(A)(II) shall be disbursed by the Agent in
      Dollars in immediately available funds by wire transfer to a Controlled
      Disbursement Account or, in the absence of a Controlled Disbursement
      Account, by wire transfer to such other account as may be agreed upon by
      the Borrower and the Agent from time to time,

            (ii) the proceeds of each borrowing deemed requested under SECTION
      2.2(A)(I)(C) or (D) shall be disbursed by the Agent by way of direct
      payment of the relevant interest or Secured Obligation, and

            (iii) the proceeds of each borrowing deemed requested under SECTION
      2.2(A)(I)(E) shall be disbursed by the Agent directly to BankBoston on
      behalf of the Borrower.

      SECTION 2.3. Repayment of Revolving Credit Loans. The Revolving Credit
Loans will be repaid as follows:

      (a) Whether or not any Default or Event of Default has occurred, the
outstanding principal amount of all the Revolving Credit Loans is due and
payable, and shall be repaid by the Borrower in full, not later than the
Termination Date;

      (b) If at any time the aggregate outstanding unpaid principal amount of
the Revolving Credit Loans exceeds the Borrowing Base in effect at such time,
the Borrower shall repay the Revolving Credit Loans in an amount sufficient to
reduce the aggregate unpaid principal amount of such Revolving Credit Loans by
an amount equal to such excess, together with accrued and unpaid interest on the
amount so repaid to the date of repayment; and

      (c) The Borrower hereby instructs the Agent to repay the Revolving Credit
Loans outstanding on any day in an amount equal to the amount received by the
Agent on such day pursuant to SECTION 8.1(B).

Subject to the provisions of SECTION 4.9(C), repayments pursuant to SECTION
2.3(B) or (C) shall be applied first to the Base Rate Revolving Credit Loans,
and then to Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loans.

      SECTION 2.4. Revolving Credit Note. Each Lender's Revolving Credit Loans
and the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Loans shall also be evidenced
by a Revolving Credit Note payable to the order of such Lender. Each Revolving
Credit Note shall be dated the Effective Date (or later "effective date" under
any Assignment and Acceptance) and be duly and validly executed and delivered by
the Borrower.

      SECTION 2.5. Extension of Revolving Credit Facility. Upon the request of
the Borrower, the Lenders may, in their sole discretion, effective as of any
anniversary of the Effective Date, agree to extend the Revolving Credit Facility
for a period of one year. Each such extension shall be effected by the delivery
to the Borrower of a written notice to that effect by the Lenders, not less than
30 days prior to such anniversary date.

                                       34
<PAGE>

                                    ARTICLE 3
                            LETTER OF CREDIT FACILITY

      SECTION 3.1. Agreement to Issue. Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions of, and in reliance upon the representations and warranties made
under, this Agreement, BankBoston agrees to issue for the account of the
Borrower one or more Letters of Credit in accordance with this ARTICLE 3, from
time to time during the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on
the Termination Date.

      SECTION 3.2. Amounts. BankBoston shall not have any obligation to issue
any Letter of Credit at any time:

      (a) if, after giving effect to the issuance of the requested Letter of
Credit, (i) the aggregate Letter of Credit Obligations of the Borrower would
exceed the Letter of Credit Facility then in effect or (ii) the aggregate
principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans outstanding would exceed the
Borrowing Base (after reduction for the Letter of Credit Reserve in respect of
such Letter of Credit) or (iii) if no Revolving Credit Loans are outstanding,
the aggregate Letter of Credit Obligations would exceed the Borrowing Base; or

      (b) which has a term longer than one calendar year or an expiration date
after the last Business Day that is more than 30 days prior to the Termination
Date.

      SECTION 3.3. Conditions. The obligation of BankBoston to issue any Letter
of Credit is subject to the satisfaction of (a) the conditions precedent
contained in ARTICLE 5 and (b) the following additional conditions precedent in
a manner satisfactory to the Agent and BankBoston:

            (i) the Borrower shall have delivered to BankBoston and the Agent at
      such times and in such manner as BankBoston or the Agent may prescribe an
      application in form and substance satisfactory to BankBoston and the Agent
      for the issuance of the Letter of Credit, a Reimbursement Agreement and
      such other documents as may be required pursuant to the terms thereof, and
      the form and terms of the proposed Letter of Credit shall be satisfactory
      to BankBoston and the Agent; and

            (ii) as of the date of issuance, no order of any court, arbitrator
      or governmental authority having jurisdiction or authority over BankBoston
      shall purport by its terms to enjoin or restrain banks generally from
      issuing letters of credit of the type and in the amount of the proposed
      Letter of Credit, and no law, rule or regulation applicable to banks
      generally and no request or directive (whether or not having the force of
      law) from any governmental authority with jurisdiction over banks
      generally shall prohibit, or request that BankBoston refrain from, the
      issuance of letters of credit generally or the issuance of such Letter of
      Credit.

      SECTION 3.4. Issuance of Letters of Credit

      (a) Request for Issuance. The Borrower shall give BankBoston and the Agent
written notice of the Borrower's request for the issuance of a Letter of Credit
no later than six Business Days prior to the proposed date of issuance of the
Letter of Credit. Such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the
original face amount of the Letter of Credit requested, the effective date
(which date shall be a Business Day) of issuance of such requested Letter of
Credit, whether such Letter of Credit may be drawn in a single or in multiple
draws, the date on which such requested Letter of Credit is to


                                       35
<PAGE>


expire (which date shall be a Business Day earlier than the 30th day prior to
the Termination Date), the purpose for which such Letter of Credit is to be
issued and the beneficiary of the requested Letter of Credit. The Borrower shall
attach to such notice the form of the Letter of Credit that the Borrower
requests to be issued.

      (b) Responsibilities of the Agent; Issuance. The Agent shall determine, as
of the Business Day immediately preceding the requested effective date of
issuance of the Letter of Credit set forth in the notice from the Borrower
pursuant to SECTION 3.4(A), the amount of the unused Letter of Credit Facility
and the Borrowing Base. If (i) the form of the Letter of Credit delivered by the
Borrower to the Agent is acceptable to BankBoston and the Agent in their sole,
reasonable discretion, (ii) the undrawn face amount of the requested Letter of
Credit is less than or equal to the lesser of (A) the unused Letter of Credit
Facility and (B) the unused Borrowing Base and (iii) the Agent has received a
certificate from the Borrower stating that the applicable conditions set forth
in ARTICLE 5 have been satisfied, then BankBoston will cause the Letter of
Credit to be issued.

      (c) Notice of Issuance. Promptly after the issuance of any Letter of
Credit, BankBoston shall give the Agent written or facsimile notice, or
telephonic notice confirmed promptly thereafter in writing, of the issuance of
such Letter of Credit, and the Agent shall give each Lender written or facsimile
notice, or telephonic notice confirmed promptly thereafter in writing, of the
issuance of such Letter of Credit.

      (d) No Extension or Amendment. No Letter of Credit shall be extended or
amended unless the requirements of this SECTION 3.4 are met as though a new
Letter of Credit were being requested and issued.

      SECTION 3.5. Duties of BankBoston. Any action taken or omitted to be taken
by BankBoston under or in connection with any Letter of Credit, if taken or
omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct, shall not
result in any liability of BankBoston to any Lender or relieve any Lender of its
obligations hereunder to BankBoston. In determining whether to pay under any
Letter of Credit, BankBoston shall have no obligation to any Lender other than
to confirm that any documents required to be delivered under such Letter of
Credit in connection with such drawing have been presented and appear on their
face to comply with the requirements of such Letter of Credit.

      SECTION 3.6. Payment of Reimbursement Obligations.

      (a) Payment to Issuer. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in
any Reimbursement Agreement, the Borrower agrees to reimburse BankBoston for any
drawings (whether partial or full) under each Letter of Credit issued by
BankBoston and agrees to pay to BankBoston the amount of all other Reimbursement
Obligations and other amounts payable to BankBoston under or in connection with
such Letter of Credit immediately when due, irrespective of any claim, set-off,
defense or other right which the Borrower may have at any time against
BankBoston or any other Person.

      (b) Recovery or Avoidance of Payments. In the event any payment by or on
behalf of the Borrower with respect to any Letter of Credit (or any
Reimbursement Obligation relating thereto) received by BankBoston, or by the
Agent and distributed by the Agent to the Lenders on account of their respective
participations therein, is thereafter set aside, avoided or recovered from
BankBoston


                                       36
<PAGE>

or the Agent in connection with any receivership, liquidation or bankruptcy
proceeding, the Lenders shall, upon demand by the Agent, pay to the Agent, for
the account of the Agent or BankBoston, their respective Commitment Percentages
of such amount set aside, avoided or recovered together with interest at the
rate required to be paid by the Agent upon the amount required to be repaid by
it.

      SECTION 3.7. Participations.

      (a) Purchase of Participations. Immediately upon issuance by BankBoston of
a Letter of Credit, each Lender shall be deemed to have irrevocably and
unconditionally purchased and received without recourse or warranty, an
undivided interest and participation in such Letter of Credit, equal to such
Lender's Commitment Percentage of the face amount thereof (including, without
limitation, all obligations of the Borrower with respect thereto, other than
amounts owing to BankBoston under SECTION 4.5(B), and any security therefor or
guaranty pertaining thereto).

      (b) Sharing of Letter of Credit Payments. In the event that BankBoston
makes a payment under any Letter of Credit and BankBoston shall not have been
repaid such amount pursuant to SECTION 3.6, then BankBoston shall be deemed to
have made a Non-Ratable Loan in the amount of such payment, and notwithstanding
the occurrence or continuance of a Default or Event of Default at the time of
such payment, such Non-Ratable Loan shall be subject to the provisions of
SECTION 4.8(B) and the absolute obligations of the Lenders to pay for their
respective participation interests therein.

      (c) Sharing of Reimbursement Obligation Payments. Whenever BankBoston
receives a payment from or on behalf of the Borrower on account of a
Reimbursement Obligation as to which the Agent has previously received for the
account of BankBoston payment from a Lender pursuant to this SECTION 3.7,
BankBoston shall promptly pay to the Agent, for the benefit of such Lender, such
Lender's Commitment Percentage of the amount of such payment from the Borrower
in Dollars. Each such payment shall be made by BankBoston on the Business Day on
which BankBoston receives immediately available funds from the Agent pursuant to
the immediately preceding sentence, if received prior to 11:00 a.m. on such
Business Day, and otherwise on the next succeeding Business Day.

      (d) Documentation. Upon the request of any Lender, the Agent shall furnish
to such Lender copies of any Letter of Credit, Reimbursement Agreement or
application for any Letter of Credit and such other documentation as may
reasonably be requested by such Lender.

      (e) Obligations Irrevocable. The obligations of each Lender to make
payments to the Agent with respect to any Letter of Credit and their
participations therein pursuant to the provisions of SECTION 4.7(C) hereof or
otherwise and the obligations of the Borrower to make payments to BankBoston or
to the Agent, for the account of Lenders, shall be irrevocable, shall not be
subject to any qualification or exception whatsoever and shall be made in
accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement (assuming, in the
case of the obligations of the Lenders to make such payments, that the Letter of
Credit has been issued in accordance with SECTION 3.4), including, without
limitation, any of the following circumstances:

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

                                       37
<PAGE>

            (ii) The existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other right
      which the Borrower may have at any time against a beneficiary named in a
      Letter of Credit or any transferee of any Letter of Credit (or any Person
      for whom any such transferee may be acting), any Lender, BankBoston or any
      other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, any Letter of
      Credit, the transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated transactions
      (including any underlying transactions between the Borrower or any other
      Person and the beneficiary named in any Letter of Credit);

            (iii) Any draft, certificate or any other document presented under
      the Letter of Credit upon which payment has been made in good faith and
      according to its terms proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or
      insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or
      inaccurate in any respect;

            (iv) The surrender or impairment of any Collateral or any other
      security for the Secured Obligations or the performance or observance of
      any of the terms of any of the Loan Documents;

            (v)   The occurrence of any Default or Event of Default; or

            (vi) BankBoston's or the Agent's failure to deliver the notice
      provided for in SECTION 3.4(C).

      SECTION 3.8. Indemnification, Exoneration.

      (a) Indemnification. In addition to amounts payable as elsewhere provided
in this ARTICLE 3, the Borrower agrees to protect, indemnify, pay and save the
Lenders and the Agent harmless from and against any and all claims, demands,
liabilities, damages, losses, costs, charges and expenses (including reasonable
attorneys' fees) which any Lender or the Agent may incur or be subject to as a
consequence, directly or indirectly, of

            (i) the issuance of any Letter of Credit, other than as a result of
      its gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by a court of
      competent jurisdiction, or

            (ii) the failure of BankBoston to honor a drawing under any Letter
      of Credit as a result of any act or omission, whether rightful or
      wrongful, of any present or future DE JURE or DE FACTO governmental
      authority (all such acts or omissions being hereinafter referred to
      collectively as "Government Acts").

      (b) Assumption of Risk by the Borrower. As among the Borrower, the Lenders
and the Agent, the Borrower assumes all risks of the acts and omissions of, or
misuse of any of the Letters of Credit by, the respective beneficiaries of such
Letters of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing,
subject to the provisions of the applications for the issuance of Letters of
Credit, the Lenders and the Agent shall not be responsible for:

            (i) the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal
      effect of any document submitted by any Person in connection with the
      application for and issuance of and presentation of drafts with respect to
      any of the Letters of Credit, even if it should prove to be in any or all
      respects invalid, insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent or forged;



                                       38
<PAGE>

            (ii) the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or
      assigning or purporting to transfer or assign any Letter of Credit or the
      rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part,
      which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason;

            (iii) the failure of the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit to
      comply duly with conditions required in order to draw upon such Letter of
      Credit;

            (iv) errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or
      delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telegraph, telex or otherwise,
      whether or not they be in cipher;

            (v) errors in interpretation of technical terms;

            (vi) any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any
      document required in order to make a drawing under any Letter of Credit or
      of the proceeds thereof;

            (vii) the misapplication by the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit
      of the proceeds of any drawing under such Letter of Credit; or

            (viii) any consequences arising from causes beyond the control of
      the Lenders or the Agent, including, without limitation, any Government
      Acts.

None of the foregoing shall affect, impair or prevent the vesting of any of the
Agent's rights or powers under this SECTION 3.8.

      (c) Exoneration. In furtherance and extension, and not in limitation, of
the specific provisions set forth above, any action taken or omitted by the
Agent, BankBoston or any Lender under or in connection with any of the Letters
of Credit or any related certificates, if taken or omitted in good faith, shall
not result in any liability of any Lender or the Agent to the Borrower or
relieve the Borrower of any of its obligations hereunder to any such Person.

      SECTION 3.9. Supporting Letter of Credit; Cash Collateral. If,
notwithstanding the provisions of SECTION 3.2(B), any Letter of Credit is
outstanding on the Termination Date, then on or prior to such Termination Date,
or in any case upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Borrower shall,
promptly on demand by the Agent, deposit with the Agent, for the ratable benefit
of the Lenders, with respect to each Letter of Credit then outstanding, as the
Agent shall specify, either (a) a standby letter of credit (a "Supporting Letter
of Credit") in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent, issued by an issuer
satisfactory to the Agent in its reasonable judgment in an amount equal to the
greatest amount for which such Letter of Credit may be drawn, under which
Supporting Letter of Credit the Agent is entitled to draw amounts necessary to
reimburse the Agent and the Lenders for payments made by the Agent and the
Lenders under such Letter of Credit or under any reimbursement or guaranty
agreement with respect thereto, or (b) Cash Collateral in an amount necessary to
reimburse the Agent and the Lenders for payments made by the Agent and the
Lenders under such Letter of Credit or under any reimbursement or guaranty
agreement with respect thereto. Such Supporting Letter of Credit or Cash
Collateral shall be held by the Agent for the benefit of the Lenders, as
security for, and to provide for the payment of, the Reimbursement Obligations.
In addition, the Agent may at any time after the Termination Date apply any or
all of such Cash


                                       39
<PAGE>


Collateral to the payment of any or all of the Secured Obligations then due and
payable. At the Borrower's request, but subject to the Agent's reasonable
approval, the Agent shall invest any Cash Collateral consisting of cash or any
proceeds of Cash Collateral consisting of cash in Cash Equivalents, and any
commissions, expenses and penalties incurred by the Agent in connection with any
investment and redemption of such Cash Collateral shall be Secured Obligations
hereunder secured by the Collateral, shall bear interest at the rates provided
herein for the Loans and shall be charged to the Borrower's Loan Accounts, or,
at the Agent's option, shall be paid out of the proceeds of any earnings
received by the Agent from the investment of such Cash Collateral as provided
herein or out of such cash itself. The Agent makes no representation or warranty
as to, and shall not be responsible for, the rate of return, if any, earned on
any Cash Collateral. Any earnings on Cash Collateral shall be held as additional
Cash Collateral on the terms set forth in this SECTION 3.9.



                                       40
<PAGE>

                                    ARTICLE 4
                             GENERAL LOAN PROVISIONS

      SECTION 4.1. Interest.

      (a) Subject to the provisions of SECTION 4.1(C), the Borrower will pay
interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Base Rate Revolving Credit Loan,
for each day from the day such Loan is made until such Loan is paid (whether at
maturity, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise) or is converted to a Loan
bearing interest on a different basis, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of
(i) the Applicable Margin and (ii) the Alternate Base Rate, payable monthly in
arrears as it accrues on each Interest Payment Date.

      (b) Subject to the provisions of SECTION 4.1(C), the Borrower will pay
interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit
Loan for the applicable Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the sum of
(i) the Applicable Margin and (ii) the Eurodollar Rate, payable in arrears as it
accrues on each Interest Payment Date.

      (c) If the Borrower shall fail to pay when due (whether at maturity, by
reason of acceleration or otherwise) all or any portion of the principal amount
of any Loan or if there shall occur any Event of Default, then, at the election
of the Required Lenders, the Secured Obligations shall no longer bear interest
in accordance with the terms of SECTION 4.1(A), (B) OR (D), but shall bear
interest for each day from the date of such failure to pay or other Event of
Default, until such failure to pay or other Event of Default shall have been
cured or waived at a rate per annum equal to the sum of (i) the Default Margin
and (ii) the rate otherwise applicable to such Loan, payable on demand. The
interest rate provided for in the preceding sentence shall, to the extent
permitted by Applicable Law, apply to and accrue on the amount of any judgment
entered with respect to any Secured Obligation and shall continue to accrue at
such rate during any proceeding described in SECTION 12.1(G) or (H).

      (d) The Borrower will, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, pay
interest on the unpaid principal amount of any Secured Obligation that is due
and payable other than the Loans in accordance with SECTIONS 4.1(A) or (C), as
applicable, as if such Secured Obligation were a Base Rate Revolving Credit
Loan.

      (e) The interest rates provided for in SECTIONS 4.1(A), (B), (C) and (D)
shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and the actual number of
days elapsed. Each interest rate determined with reference to the Alternate Base
Rate shall be adjusted automatically as of the opening of business on the
effective date of each change in the Alternate Base Rate.

      (f) It is not intended by the Lenders, and nothing contained in this
Agreement or the Notes shall be deemed, to establish or require the payment of a
rate of interest in excess of the maximum rate permitted by Applicable Law (the
"Maximum Rate"). If, in any month, the Effective Interest Rate, absent such
limitation, would have exceeded the Maximum Rate, then the Effective Interest
Rate for that month shall be the Maximum Rate, and, if in future months, the
Effective Interest Rate would otherwise be less than the Maximum Rate, then the
Effective Interest Rate shall remain at the Maximum Rate until such time as the
amount of interest paid hereunder equals the amount of interest which would have
been paid if the same had not been limited by the Maximum Rate. In the event
that, upon payment in full of the Secured Obligations, the total amount of
interest paid or accrued


                                       41
<PAGE>

under the terms of this Agreement is less than the total amount of interest
which would have been paid or accrued if the Effective Interest Rate had at all
times been in effect, then the Borrower shall, to the extent permitted by
Applicable Law, pay to the Lenders an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (i)
the lesser of (A) the amount of interest which would have been charged if the
Maximum Rate had, at all times, been in effect and (B) the amount of interest
which would have accrued had the Effective Interest Rate, at all times, been in
effect and (ii) the amount of interest actually paid or accrued under this
Agreement. In the event the Lenders receive, collect or apply as interest any
sum in excess of the Maximum Rate, such excess amount shall be applied to the
reduction of the principal balance of the Secured Obligations, and if no such
principal is then outstanding, such excess or part thereof remaining, shall be
paid to the Borrower.

      SECTION 4.2. Certain Fees.

      (a) Closing Fee. In consideration of the Lenders' structuring and
implementing the credit facilities hereunder, the Borrower shall pay to the
Agent, for the ratable account of the Lenders, a closing fee, in an amount equal
to $200,000, $100,000 of which shall be due and payable on the Effective Date
and $100,000 shall be due and payable in full on the first to occur of (i)
February 1, 1999, (ii) the occurrence of an Event of Default or (iii) the
termination of this Agreement.

      (b) Agent Fee. For administration and other services performed by the
Agent in connection with its continuing administration of this Agreement, the
Borrower shall pay to the Agent, for its own account, and not for the account of
the Lenders, an annual fee of $50,000, payable quarterly in advance beginning on
the Effective Date and continuing for so long as any Secured Obligation shall
remain outstanding or the Revolving Credit Facility shall not have been
terminated.

      (c) Commitment Fee. In connection with and as consideration for the
holding available for the use of the Borrower hereunder the full amount of the
Revolving Credit Facility, the Borrower will pay a fee to the Agent, for the
ratable benefit of the Lenders, for each day from the Effective Date until the
Termination Date, in an amount equal to 0.375% per annum of the unused portion
of the Revolving Credit Facility for such day. Such fee shall be payable
quarterly in arrears on the first day of each January, April, July and October
beginning October 1, 1998, and on the date of any permanent reduction in the
Revolving Credit Facility.

      (d)   Letter of Credit Fees.

            (i) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent, for the ratable benefit
      of the Lenders, Letter of Credit fees at a rate per annum equal to the
      Applicable Margin applicable to Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loans on
      each Letter of Credit from time to time outstanding during the term of
      this Agreement. Such fees shall be payable to the Agent for the ratable
      benefit of the Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitment
      Percentages in advance on the date of issuance of each Letter of Credit,
      shall be calculated according to the anticipated average daily Letter of
      Credit Amount based on the stated term of each Letter of Credit and shall
      be calculated based on a year of 360 days and the actual number of days
      elapsed.

                                       42
<PAGE>

            (ii) The Borrower agrees to pay to Agent, for the account of
      BankBoston, the standard fees and charges of BankBoston for issuing,
      administering, amending, renewing, paying and cancelling letters of
      credit, as and when assessed.

      (e) The fees provided for in this SECTION 4.2 are charges for services and
not interest or charges for the use of money and shall be fully earned when due
and payable and shall not be subject to refund or rebate.

      SECTION 4.3. Manner of Payment.

      (a) Except as otherwise expressly provided in SECTION 8.1(B), each payment
(including prepayments) by the Borrower on account of the principal of or
interest on the Loans or of any other amounts payable to the Lenders under this
Agreement or any Note shall be made not later than 12:00 noon on the date
specified for payment under this Agreement to the Agent, for the account of the
Lenders, at the Agent's Office, in Dollars, in immediately available funds and
shall be made without any setoff, counterclaim or deduction whatsoever. Any
payment received after such time but before 2:00 p.m. on such day shall be
deemed a payment on such date for the purposes of SECTION 12.1, but for all
other purposes shall be deemed to have been made on the next succeeding Business
Day.

      (b) The Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes each Lender and each
Affiliate of such Lender and each participant herein to charge any account of
the Borrower maintained with such Lender or such Affiliate or participant with
such amounts as may be necessary from time to time to pay any Secured
Obligations (whether or not owed to such Lender, Affiliate or participant) which
are not paid when due.

      SECTION 4.4. If any payment under this Agreement or any Note shall be
specified to be made on a day which is not a Business Day, it shall be made on
the next succeeding day which is a Business Day and such extension of time shall
in such case be included in computing interest, if any, in connection with such
payment.

      SECTION 4.5. Loan Accounts; Statements of Account.

      (a) Each Lender shall open and maintain on its books a loan account in the
Borrower's name (each, a "Loan Account" and collectively, the "Loan Accounts").
Each such Loan Account shall show as debits thereto each Loan made under this
Agreement by such Lender to the Borrower and as credits thereto all payments
received by such Lender and applied to principal of such Loans, so that the
balance of the Loan Account at all times reflects the principal amount due such
Lender from the Borrower.

      (b) The Agent shall maintain on its books a control account for the
Borrower in which shall be recorded (i) the amount of each disbursement made
hereunder, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due or to become due
from the Borrower hereunder, and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the
Agent hereunder from the Borrower and each Lender's share therein.

      (c) The entries made in the accounts pursuant to SUBSECTIONS (A) and (B)
shall be PRIMA FACIE evidence, in the absence of manifest error, of the
existence and amounts of the obligations of the Borrower therein recorded and in
case of discrepancy between such accounts, in the absence of manifest error, the
accounts maintained pursuant to SUBSECTION (B) shall be controlling.



                                       43
<PAGE>

      (d) The Agent will account separately to the Borrower monthly with a
statement of Loans, charges and payments made to and by the Borrower pursuant to
this Agreement, and such accounts rendered by the Agent shall be deemed final,
binding and conclusive, save for manifest error, unless the Agent is notified by
the Borrower in writing to the contrary within 30 days of the date the account
to the Borrower was so rendered. Such notice by the Borrower shall be deemed an
objection to only those items specifically objected to therein. Failure of the
Agent to render such account shall in no way affect the rights of the Agent or
of the Lenders hereunder.

      SECTION 4.6. Termination of Agreement. Subject to the provisions of
SECTION 4.10, the Borrower shall have the right, at any time, to terminate this
Agreement upon not less than 30 Business Days' prior written notice of its
intention to terminate this Agreement, which notice shall specify the effective
date of such termination. Upon receipt of such notice, the Agent shall promptly
notify each Lender thereof. On the date specified in such notice, such
termination shall be effected, PROVIDED, that the Borrower shall, on or prior to
such date, pay to the Agent, for the account of the Lenders and its Affiliates
(which are the holders thereof), in same day funds, an amount equal to all
Secured Obligations and Junior Secured Obligations then outstanding, including,
without limitation, all (i) accrued interest thereon, (ii) all accrued fees
provided for hereunder, and (iii) any amounts payable to the Lender pursuant to
SECTIONS 4.11, 4.12, 15.2, 15.3 and 15.14, and, in addition thereto, shall
deliver to the Agent, in respect of each outstanding Letter of Credit, either
the Supporting Letter of Credit or the Cash Collateral as provided in SECTION
3.9. Following a notice of termination as provided for in this SECTION 4.6 and
upon payment in full of the amounts specified in this SECTION 4.6, this
Agreement shall be terminated and the Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower shall
have no further obligations to any other party hereto except for the obligations
to the Agent and the Lenders pursuant to SECTION 15.14 hereof.

      SECTION 4.7. Making of Loans.

      (a) Nature of Obligations of Lenders to Make Loans. The obligations of the
Lenders under this Agreement to make the Loans are several and are not joint or
joint and several.

      (b) Assumption by Agent. Subject to the provisions of SECTION 4.8 and
notwithstanding the occurrence or continuance of a Default or Event of Default
or other failure of any condition to the making of Loans hereunder subsequent to
the Loans to be made on the Effective Date, unless the Agent shall have received
notice from a Lender in accordance with the provisions of SECTION 4.7(C) prior
to a proposed borrowing date that such Lender will not make available to the
Agent such Lender's Revolving Credit Loan as part of the Borrowing to be made on
such date, the Agent may assume that such Lender will make such Loan available
to the Agent in accordance with SECTION 2.2(A), and the Agent may, in reliance
upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower on such date a
corresponding amount. If and to the extent such Lender shall not make such Loan
available to the Agent, such Lender and the Borrower severally agree to repay to
the Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount, together with interest
thereon for each day from the date such amount is made available to the Borrower
until the date such amount is repaid to the Agent at the Effective Interest Rate
or, if lower, subject to SECTION 4.1(F), the Maximum Rate. If such Lender shall
repay to the Agent such corresponding amount, the amount so repaid shall
constitute such Lender's Revolving Credit Loan made on such date for purposes of
this Agreement. The failure of any Lender to make its Commitment Percentage of
any Loan available shall not (without regard to whether a Borrower shall have
returned the amount thereof to the Agent in accordance with this SECTION 4.7)


                                       44
<PAGE>


relieve it or any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its
Loan available as part of such Borrowing, but no Lender shall be responsible for
the failure of any other Lender to make its Loan available such Borrowing.

      (c) Delegation of Authority to Agent. Without limiting the generality of
SECTION 14.1, each Lender expressly authorizes the Agent to determine on behalf
of such Lender (i) any reduction or increase of advance rates applicable to the
Borrowing Base, so long as such advance rates do not at any time exceed the
rates set forth in the Borrowing Base definition, (ii) the creation or
elimination of any reserves (other than the Letter of Credit Reserve) against
the Revolving Credit Facility and the Borrowing Base and (iii) whether or not
Inventory or Receivables shall be deemed to constitute Eligible Inventory,
Eligible Raw Materials Inventory, Eligible Finished Inventory, Eligible Work in
Process Inventory, Eligible Factored Receivables, Eligible Receivables, Eligible
Insured House Receivables or Eligible Uninsured House Receivables. Such
authorization may be withdrawn by the Required Lenders by giving the Agent
written notice of such withdrawal signed by the Required Lenders; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that unless otherwise agreed by the Agent such withdrawal of
authorization shall not become effective until the 30th Business Day after
receipt of such notice by the Agent. Thereafter, the Required Lenders shall
jointly instruct the Agent in writing regarding such matters with such frequency
as the Required Lenders shall jointly determine. Unless and until the Agent
shall have received written notice from (i) the Required Lenders or (ii) any
Lender having at least a 50% Commitment Percentage, as to the existence of a
Default, an Event of Default or some other circumstance which would relieve the
Lenders of their respective obligations to make Loans hereunder, which notice
shall be in writing and shall be signed by the Required Lenders or such Lender,
as the case may be, and shall expressly state that the Required Lenders or such
Lender, as the case may be, does not intend to make available to the Agent such
Lenders' ratable share of Loans made after the effective date of such notice,
the Agent shall be entitled to continue to make the assumptions described in
SECTION 4.7(B). After receipt of the notice described in the preceding sentence,
which shall become effective on the third Business Day after receipt of such
notice by the Agent unless otherwise agreed by the Agent, the Agent shall be
entitled to make the assumptions described in SECTION 4.7(B) as to any Loans as
to which it has not received a written notice to the contrary prior to 11:00
a.m. on the Business Day next preceding the day on which the Loan is to be made.
The Agent shall not be required to make any Loan as to which it shall have
received notice by a Lender of such Lender's intention not to make its ratable
portion of such Loan available to the Agent. Any withdrawal of authorization
under this SECTION 4.7(C) shall not affect the validity of any Loans made prior
to the effectiveness thereof.

      SECTION 4.8. Settlement Among Lenders.

      (a) Revolving Credit Loans. It is agreed that each Lender's Net
Outstandings are intended by the Lenders to be equal at all times to such
Lender's Commitment Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of all
Revolving Credit Loans outstanding. Notwithstanding such agreement, the several
and not joint obligation of each Lender to make Revolving Credit Loans in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement ratably in accordance with such
Lender's Commitment Percentage and each Lender's right to receive its ratable
share of principal payments on Revolving Credit Loans in accordance with its
Commitment Percentage, the Lenders agree that in order to facilitate the
administration of this Agreement and the Loan Documents that settlement among
them may take place on a periodic basis in accordance with the provisions of
this SECTION 4.8.



                                       45
<PAGE>

      (b) Settlement Procedures as to Revolving Credit Loans. Settlement among
the Lenders as to Revolving Credit Loans may occur periodically on Settlement
Dates determined from time to time by the Agent, which may occur before or after
the occurrence or during the continuance of a Default or Event of Default and
whether or not all of the conditions set forth in SECTION 5.2 have been met. On
each Settlement Date payments shall be made by or to BankBoston and the other
Lenders (through the Agent) in accordance with the Settlement Report delivered
by the Agent in respect of such Settlement Date so that as of each Settlement
Date, and after giving effect to the transactions to take place on such
Settlement Date, each Lender's Net Outstandings shall equal such Lender's
Commitment Percentage of the Revolving Credit Loans outstanding. Between
Settlement Dates, the Agent shall request and BankBoston may (but shall not be
obligated to) advance to the Borrower out of BankBoston's own funds, the entire
principal amount of any Revolving Credit Loan requested or deemed requested
pursuant to SECTION 2.2(A) (any such Revolving Credit Loan being referred to as
a "Non-Ratable Loan"). The making of each Non-Ratable Loan by BankBoston shall
be deemed to be a purchase by BankBoston of a 100% participation in each other
Lender's Commitment Percentage of the amount of such Non-Ratable Loan. All
payments of principal, interest and any other amount with respect to such
Non-Ratable Loan shall be payable to and received by the Agent for the account
of BankBoston. Upon demand by BankBoston, with notice thereof to the Agent, each
other Lender shall pay to BankBoston, as the repurchase of such participation,
an amount equal to 100% of such Lender's Commitment Percentage of the principal
amount of such Non-Ratable Loan. Any payments received by the Agent between
Settlement Dates which in accordance with the terms of this Agreement are to be
applied to the reduction of the outstanding principal balance of Revolving
Credit Loans, shall be paid over to and retained by BankBoston for such
application, and such payment to and retention by BankBoston shall be deemed, to
the extent of each other Lender's Commitment Percentage of such payment, to be a
purchase by each such other Lender of a participation in the Revolving Credit
Loans (including the repurchase of participations in Non-Ratable Loans) held by
BankBoston. Upon demand by another Lender, with notice thereof to the Agent,
BankBoston shall pay to the Agent, for the account of such other Lender, as a
repurchase of such participation, an amount equal to such other Lender's
Commitment Percentage of any such amounts (after application thereof to the
repurchase of any participations of BankBoston in such other Lender's Commitment
Percentage of any Non-Ratable Loans) paid only to BankBoston by the Agent.

      (c) Settlement of Other Secured Obligations. All other amounts received by
the Agent on account of, or applied by the Agent to the payment of, any Secured
Obligation owed to the Lenders (including, without limitation, fees payable to
the Lenders pursuant to SECTIONS 4.2(A), (C) and (D) and proceeds from the sale
of, or other realization upon, all or any part of the Collateral following an
Event of Default) that are received by the Agent on or prior to 1:00 p.m. on a
Business Day will be paid by the Agent to each Lender on the same Business Day,
and any such amounts that are received by the Agent after 1:00 p.m. will be paid
by the Agent to each Lender on the following Business Day. Unless otherwise
stated herein, the Agent shall distribute fees payable to the Lenders pursuant
to SECTIONS 4.2(A), (C) and (D) ratably to the Lenders based on each Lender's
Commitment Percentage and shall distribute proceeds from the sale of, or other
realization upon, all or any part of the Collateral following an Event of
Default ratably to the Lenders based on the amount of the Secured Obligations
then owing to each Lender.

                                       46
<PAGE>

      SECTION 4.9. Prepayments; Application of Proceeds.

      (a)   [RESERVED]

      (b) Prepayments from Equity Offerings. In the event that at any time after
the Effective Date, the Borrower issues capital stock or other securities or
receives an additional capital contribution in respect of existing capital stock
or other securities, (other than in connection with the issuance or sale of
shares to employees of the Borrower pursuant to any stock ownership or profit
sharing plan) not later than the third Business Day following the date of
receipt of the cash proceeds from such issuance, the Borrower shall apply such
proceeds, net of underwriting discounts and commissions and other reasonable
costs associated therewith, in prepayment of the Loans as provided in SECTION
4.9(C).

      (c) Application of Proceeds of Payments. All payments and prepayments of
Secured Obligations pursuant to this Agreement shall be applied as follows: (i)
first, to BankBoston to pay principal and accrued interest on any portion of any
Non-Ratable Loan which BankBoston may have advanced on behalf of any Lender and
for which BankBoston has not been reimbursed by such Lender or the Borrower;
(ii) second, to the Agent to pay the amount of expenses that have not been
reimbursed to the Agent by the Borrower or the Lenders, together with interest
accrued thereon; (iii) third, to the Agent to pay any indemnified amount that
has not been paid to the Agent by the Borrower or the Lenders, together with
interest accrued thereon; (iv) fourth, to the Agent to pay any fees due and
payable to the Agent under this Agreement; (v) fifth, to the Lenders for any
indemnified amount that they have paid to the Agent and for any expenses that
they have reimbursed to the Agent; and (vi) sixth, to the Lenders in payment of
the unpaid principal and accrued interest in respect of the Loans and any other
Secured Obligations then outstanding and held by any Lender to be shared among
Lenders on a ratable basis, or on such other basis as may be agreed upon in
writing by all of the Lenders (which agreement or agreements may be entered into
without notice to or the consent or approval of the Borrower). The allocations
set forth in this SECTION 4.9 are solely to determine the rights and priorities
of the Agent and the Lenders as among themselves and may be changed by the Agent
and the Lenders without notice or the consent of approval of the Borrower or any
other Person. Whenever allocation is made pursuant to this SECTION 4.9 to the
holder of Secured Obligations in which another Lender acquires a participation,
the monies received by such holder shall be shared as between such holder and
such participants on a ratable basis.

      SECTION 4.10. Reduction of Revolving Credit Facility . The Borrower shall
have the right, at any time and from time to time, upon at least three Business
Days' prior irrevocable written notice to Agent, to terminate or reduce
permanently all or a portion of the unused Revolving Credit Facility; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that any such partial reduction shall be made in increments of $500,000
or an integral multiple thereof and shall not reduce the Revolving Credit
Facility below the amount of the aggregate Letter of Credit Obligations. As of
the date of termination or reduction set forth in such notice and upon payment
of any fee payable pursuant to SECTION 4.11, the Revolving Credit Facility shall
be permanently reduced to the amount stated in the Borrower's notice for all
purposes herein (and each Lender's Commitment shall also be reduced by such
Lender's Commitment Percentage of the amount of such reduction). The amount of
the Revolving Credit Facility shall be automatically reduced to zero on the
Termination Date. The Revolving Credit Facility or any portion thereof
terminated or reduced pursuant to this SECTION 4.10 may not be reinstated.


                                       47
<PAGE>

      SECTION 4.11. Prepayment Fee. If the Borrower prepays the Loans and
effects a permanent reduction of the Revolving Credit Facility prior to the
Termination Date, for any reason, the Borrower shall pay to the Agent for the
ratable benefit of the Lenders on such date of reduction, as liquidated damages
and compensation for the costs of making funds available to the Borrower under
this Agreement, and not as a penalty, an amount equal to 2% of the principal
amount of such permanent reduction of the Revolving Credit Facility during the
first year after the Effective Date and 1% of the principal amount of such
permanent reduction of the Revolving Credit Facility during the second year
after the Effective Date.

      SECTION 4.12. Payments Not at End of Interest Period; Failure to Borrow.
If for any reason any payment of principal with respect to any o Borrow
Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loan is made on any day prior to the last day
of the Interest Period applicable to such Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loan
or, after having given a Notice of Borrowing with respect to any Eurodollar Rate
Revolving Credit Loan or a Notice of Conversion or Continuation with respect to
any Loan to be continued as or converted into a Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit
Loan, such Loan is not made or is not continued as or converted into a
Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loan due to the Borrower's failure to borrow or
to fulfill the applicable conditions set forth in ARTICLE 4, the Borrower shall
pay to each Lender, in addition to any amounts that may be due under Section
4.11, an amount (if a positive number) computed pursuant to the following
formula:

      L     =     (R - T) x  P x D
                  ----------------
                        360

      L     =     amount payable

      R     =     interest rate applicable to the Eurodollar Rate Revolving
                  Credit Loan unborrowed or prepaid

      T     =     effective interest rate per annum at which any readily
                  marketable bonds or other obligations of the United States,
                  selected at the Agent's sole discretion, maturing on or near
                  the last day of the then applicable or requested Interest
                  Period for such Loan and in approximately the same amount as
                  such Loan, can be purchased by such Lender on the day of such
                  payment of principal or failure to borrow

      P     =     the amount of principal paid or the amount of the requested
                  Loan

      D     =     the number of days remaining in the Interest Period as of the
                  date of such payment or the number of days in the requested
                  Interest Period

The Borrower shall pay such amount upon presentation by the Agent of a statement
setting forth the amount and the Agent's calculation thereof pursuant hereto,
which statement shall be deemed true and correct absent manifest error.

      SECTION 4.13. Assumptions Concerning Funding of Eurodollar Rate Revolving
Credit Loans. Calculation of all amounts payable to the Lenders under this
ARTICLE 4 shall be made as though each Lender had actually funded or committed
to fund its Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loans through the purchase of an
underlying deposit in an amount equal to the amount of such ratable share and
having a maturity comparable to the relevant Interest Period for such Eurodollar
Rate


                                       48
<PAGE>


Revolving Credit Loan; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, each Lender may fund its Eurodollar
Rate Revolving Credit Loans in any manner it deems fit and the foregoing
assumption shall be utilized only for the calculation of amounts payable under
this ARTICLE 4.

      SECTION 4.14. Notice of Conversion or Continuation. Whenever the Borrower
desires, subject to the provisions of Section 4.7, to convert an outstanding
Base Rate Revolving Credit Loan into a Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loan or
to continue all or a portion of an outstanding Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit
Loan for a subsequent Interest Period, the Borrower shall notify the Agent in
writing (which notice shall be irrevocable) by telecopy not later than 11:30
a.m. on the date two Business Days before the day on which such proposed
conversion or continuation is to be effective (and such effective date of any
continuation shall be the last day of the Interest Period for such Eurodollar
Rate Revolving Credit Loan). Each such notice (a "Notice of Conversion or
Continuation") shall (i) identify the Loan to be converted or continued, the
aggregate outstanding principal balance thereof and, if a Eurodollar Rate
Revolving Credit Loan, the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such
Loan, (ii) specify the effective date of such conversion or continuation, (iii)
specify the principal amount of such Loan to be converted or continued, and (iv)
the Interest Period to be applicable to the Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit
Loan as converted or continued, and shall be immediately followed by a written
confirmation thereof by the Borrower in a form acceptable to the Agent, PROVIDED
that if such written confirmation differs in any respect from the action taken
by the Lenders, the records of the Agent shall control absent manifest error.

      SECTION 4.15. Conversion or Continuation. Provided that no Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing (but subject to the provisions of
SECTION 4.14), the Borrower may request that all or any part of any outstanding
Base Rate Revolving Credit Loan be converted into a Eurodollar Rate Revolving
Credit Loan or Loans or (b) Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loan be continued
as a Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loan or Loans, in the same aggregate
principal amount, on any Business Day (which, in the case of continuation of a
Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loan, shall be the last day of the Interest
Period applicable thereto), upon notice (which notice shall be irrevocable)
given in accordance with SECTION 4.14.

      SECTION 4.16. Duration of Interest Periods; Maximum Number of Eurodollar
Rate Revolving Credit Loans; Minimum Increments.

      (a) Subject to the provisions of the definition "Interest Period", the
duration of each Interest Period shall be as specified in the applicable Notice
of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion or Continuation. The Borrower may elect a
subsequent Interest Period to be applicable to any Eurodollar Rate Revolving
Credit Loan by giving a Notice of Conversion or Continuation with respect to
such Loan in accordance with SECTION 4.14.

      (b) If the Agent does not receive a notice of election in accordance with
SECTION 4.14 with respect to the continuation of a Eurodollar Rate Revolving
Credit Loan within the applicable time limits specified in said SECTION 4.14, or
if, when such notice must be given, an Event of Default exists or Eurodollar
Rate Revolving Credit Loans are not available, the Borrower shall be deemed to
have elected to convert such Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loan in whole into
a Base Rate Revolving Credit Loan on the last day of the Interest Period
therefor.

                                       49
<PAGE>

      (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may not select an Interest
Period that would end, but for the provisions of the definition "Interest
Period," after the Termination Date.

      (d) In no event shall there be more than 10 Eurodollar Rate Revolving
Credit Loans outstanding hereunder at any time. For the purpose of this
SUBSECTION (D), each Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loan having a distinct
Interest Period shall be deemed to be a separate Loan hereunder.

      (e) Each Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loan shall be in a minimum
amount of $500,000.

      SECTION 4.17. Changed Circumstances.

      (a) If the introduction of or any change in or in the interpretation of
(in each case, after the date hereof) any law or regulation makes it unlawful,
or any Governmental Authority asserts, after the date hereof, that it is
unlawful, for any Lender to perform its obligations hereunder to make Eurodollar
Rate Revolving Credit Loans or to fund or maintain Eurodollar Rate Revolving
Credit Loans hereunder, such Lender shall notify the Agent of such event and the
Agent shall notify the Borrower of such event, and the right of the Borrower to
select Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loans for any subsequent Interest Period
or in connection with any subsequent conversion of any Loan shall be suspended
until the Agent shall notify the Borrower that the circumstances causing such
suspension no longer exist, and the Borrower shall forthwith prepay in full all
Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loans then outstanding and shall pay all
interest accrued thereon through the date of such prepayment or conversion,
unless the Borrower, within three Business Days after such notice from the
Agent, requests the conversion of all Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loans
then outstanding into Base Rate Revolving Credit Loans; PROVIDED, that if the
date of such repayment or proposed conversion is not the last day of the
Interest Period applicable to such Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loans, the
Borrower shall also pay any amount due pursuant to SECTION 4.12.

      (b) If the Agent shall, at least one Business Day before the date of any
requested Revolving Credit Loan or the effective date of any conversion or
continuation of an existing Loan to be made or continued as or converted into a
Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loan (each such requested Revolving Credit Loan
made and Loan to be converted or continued, a "Pending Loan"), notify the
Borrower that the Eurodollar Rate will not adequately reflect the cost to the
Lenders of making or funding such Pending Loan as a Eurodollar Rate Revolving
Credit Loan or that the Interbank Offered Rate is not determinable from any
interest rate reporting service of recognized standing, then the right of the
Borrower to select the Eurodollar Rate Revolving Credit Loan for such Pending
Loan, any subsequent Revolving Credit Loan or in connection with any subsequent
conversion or continuation of any Loan shall be suspended until the Agent shall
notify the Borrower that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer
exist, and each Loan comprising each Pending Loan and each such subsequent Loan
requested to be made, continued or converted shall be made or continued as or
converted into a Base Rate Revolving Credit Loan.



                                       50
<PAGE>

                                    ARTICLE 5
                              CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

      SECTION 5.1. Conditions Precedent to Revolving Credit Loans.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the s effectiveness of
this Agreement and the obligations of the Lenders to make Loans hereunder is
subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions, prior to or
contemporaneously with the making of the first such Loans hereunder:

      (a) Fees. The Borrower shall have paid all of the fees payable on the
Effective Date referred to herein and all additional fees due in accordance with
the terms of this Agreement.

      (b) Security Interests. The Agent shall have received satisfactory
evidence that the Agent (for the benefit of Lenders) has a valid and perfected
first priority security interest as of such date in all of the Collateral,
subject only to Permitted Liens.

      (c) Closing Documents. The Agent shall have received each of the following
documents, all of which shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent
and its special counsel and to the Lenders:

            (i) certified copies of the articles or certificate of incorporation
      and bylaws of the Borrower as in effect on the Effective Date,

            (ii) certified copies of all corporate action, including shareholder
      approval, if necessary, taken by the Borrower to authorize the execution,
      delivery and performance of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and
      the borrowings under this Agreement,

            (iii) certificates of incumbency and specimen signatures with
      respect to each of the officers of the Borrower authorized to execute and
      deliver this Agreement and the Loan Documents on behalf of the Borrower or
      other Person executing any document, certificate or instrument to be
      delivered in connection with this Agreement or the Loan Documents and, in
      the case of the Borrower, to request borrowings under this Agreement,

            (iv) a certificate evidencing the good standing of the Borrower in
      the jurisdiction of its incorporation and in each other jurisdiction in
      which it is required to be qualified as a foreign corporation to transact
      its business as presently conducted,

            (v) copies of all financial statements referred to in SECTION 6.1(O)
      and meeting the requirements thereof,

            (vi) a signed opinion of Winston & Strawn, counsel for the Borrower,
      and of such local counsel for the Borrower as may be required, opining as
      to such matters in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
      Agreement as the Agent or its special counsel may reasonably request,

            (vii) the Financing Statements duly executed and delivered by the
      Borrower and acknowledgment copies evidencing the filing of such Financing
      Statements in each jurisdiction where such filing may be necessary or
      appropriate to perfect the Security Interest,



                                       51
<PAGE>

            (viii) a certification from the principal officers of the Borrower
      as to such factual matters as shall be reasonably requested by the Agent,

            (ix) certificates or binders of insurance relating to each of the
      policies of insurance covering any of the Collateral together with loss
      payable clauses which comply with the terms of SECTION 8.8,

            (x) a certificate of the President or a Financial Officer of the
      Borrower stating that, to the best of his knowledge and based on an
      examination sufficient to enable him to make an informed statement,

                  (A) all of the representations and warranties made or deemed
            to be made under this Agreement are true and correct as of the
            Effective Date, after giving effect to the Revolving Credit Loans to
            be made at such time and the application of the proceeds thereof,
            and

                  (B) no Default or Event of Default exists,

            (xi) a Borrowing Base Certificate, a Schedule of Inventory and a
      Schedule of Receivables, prepared as of the Effective Date,

            (xii) evidence satisfactory to Agent of consummation of the
      transaction under the Term Loan and Security Agreement,

            (xiii) the Intercreditor Agreement, duly executed and delivered by
      the Term Lender,

            (xiv) the Assignment of Factoring Proceeds, duly executed and
      delivered by the Borrower and each Factor,

            (xv) the Waiver Agreements, duly executed and delivered by the
      requisite holders of the 8 3/4% Debentures,

            (xvi) Mortgages affecting Real Estate located in Jefferson, Georgia
      and Haw River, Fayetteville and Rocky Mount, North Carolina, duly executed
      and delivered by the Borrower, in form for recording in the appropriate
      jurisdiction,

            (xvii) fully paid mortgagee title insurance policies or, at the
      option of the Agent, an unconditional commitment for the issuance thereof
      with all requirements and conditions to the issuance of the final policy
      deleted or marked satisfied, issued by a title insurance company
      satisfactory to the Agent, each in an amount agreed to by the Agent and
      the Borrower, insuring that such Mortgage creates a valid first Lien on,
      and security title to, all Real Estate described therein, and with no
      exceptions which the Agent shall not have approved in writing,

            (xviii) such materials and information concerning the Real Estate as
      the Agent may reasonably request, including owner's affidavits,

            (xix) landlord's waiver and consent agreements duly executed on
      behalf of each landlord of Real Estate and any other real property on
      which any Collateral is located,



                                       52
<PAGE>

            (xx) Agency Account Agreements, each duly executed by the Borrower
      and the Clearing Bank party thereto,

            (xxi) a letter, conforming to the requirements of SECTION 9.8, from
      the Borrower to the Agent requesting the initial Revolving Credit Loans to
      be made on the Effective Date and specifying the method of disbursement,

            (xxii) a certificate or other evidence confirming the agreement
      between CIT and the Borrower relating to the reduction of the CIT Ledger
      Debt,

            (xxiii) the Patent Assignment and Trademark Assignment, each duly
      executed and delivered by the Borrower,

            (xxiv) copies of each of the other Loan Documents duly executed by
      the parties thereto, together with evidence satisfactory to the Agent of
      the due authorization and binding effect of each such Loan Document on
      such party, and

            (xxv) such other documents and instruments as the Agent or any
      Lender may reasonably request.

      (d) Notes. Each Lender shall have received a Revolving Credit Note duly
executed and delivered by the Borrower, complying with the terms of SECTIONS
2.4.

      (e) Other Security Documents. The Agent shall have received each other
Security Document, duly executed and delivered by the Borrower.

      (f) Availability. The Agent shall be provided with evidence satisfactory
to it, confirmed by a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower, that
as of the Effective Date the minimum excess Borrowing Availability, excluding
check-float, is not less than $4,000,000.

      (g) No Injunctions, Etc. No action, proceeding, investigation, regulation
or legislation shall have been instituted, threatened or proposed before any
court, governmental agency or legislative body to enjoin, restrain, or prohibit,
or to obtain damages in respect of, or which is related to or arises out of this
Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or which,
in the Lenders' reasonable discretion, would make it inadvisable to consummate
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

      (h) Material Adverse Change. As of the Effective Date, there shall not
have occurred any change which is materially adverse, in the Lenders' sole
discretion, to the assets, liabilities, businesses, operations, condition
(financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Borrower from those presented by
the audited financial statements of the Borrower described in SECTION 6.1(O),
except to the extent disclosed by the Borrower to the Lender prior to the
Effective Date with respect to losses incurred since the date of such financial
statements.

      SECTION 5.2. All Loans; Letters of Credit. At the time of making of each
Loan, including the initial Revolving Credit Loan and all subsequent Loans, and
the issuance of each Letter of Credit:

                                       53
<PAGE>

      (a) all of the representations and warranties made or deemed to be made
under this Agreement (other than a representation or warranty made as of a
specified date) shall be true and correct at such time both with and without
giving effect to the Loans to be made at such time and the application of the
proceeds thereof, and

      (b) the corporate actions of the Borrower referred to in SECTION
5.1(C)(II) shall remain in full force and effect and the incumbency of officers
shall be as stated in the certificates of incumbency delivered pursuant to
SECTION 5.1(C)(III) or as subsequently modified and reflected in a certificate
of incumbency delivered to the Agent.

Each request or deemed request for any borrowing hereunder shall be deemed to be
a certification by the Borrower to the Agent and the Lenders as to the matters
set forth in SECTION 5.2(A) and (B) and the Agent may, without waiving either
condition, consider the conditions specified in SECTIONS 5.2(A) and (b)
fulfilled and a representation by the Borrower to such effect made, if no
written notice to the contrary is received by the Agent prior to the making of
the Loan then to be made.



                                       54
<PAGE>

                                    ARTICLE 6
                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BORROWER

      SECTION 6.1. Representations and Warranties. The Borrower represents and
warrants to the Agent and to the Lenders as follows:

      (a) Organization; Power; Qualification. The Borrower and each of its
Subsidiaries is a corporation, duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, having the power
and authority to own its properties and to carry on its business as now being
and hereafter proposed to be conducted and is duly qualified and authorized to
do business in each jurisdiction in which the character of its properties or the
nature of its business requires such qualification or authorization. The
jurisdictions in which each of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries is
qualified to do business as a foreign corporation are listed on SCHEDULE 6.1(A).

      (b) Capitalization; Shareholder Agreements. The outstanding capital stock
of the Borrower has been duly and validly issued and is fully paid and
nonassessable, and the number and owners of such shares of capital stock of the
Borrower are set forth on SCHEDULE 6.1(B). The issuance and sale of the
Borrower's capital stock have been registered or qualified under applicable
federal and state securities laws or are exempt therefrom. Except as set forth
on SCHEDULE 6.1(B), there are no shareholders agreements, options, subscription
agreements or other agreements or understandings to which the Borrower is a
party in effect with respect to the capital stock of the Borrower, including,
without limitation, agreements providing for special voting requirements or
arrangements for approval of corporate actions or other matters relating to
corporate governance or restrictions on share transfer or providing for the
issuance of any securities convertible into shares of the capital stock of the
Borrower, any warrants or other rights to acquire any shares or securities
convertible into such shares, or any agreement that obligates the Borrower,
either by its terms or at the election of any other Person, to repurchase such
shares under any circumstances.

      (c) Subordinated Debt. The Borrower has the corporate power and authority
to incur the Subordinated Debt. The issuance and sale of the Subordinated Debt
have been registered or qualified under applicable federal and state securities
laws or are exempt therefrom. The Subordinated Debt is the legal, valid and
binding obligation of the Borrower enforceable against the Borrower in
accordance with its terms (including those pertaining to subordination). The
Borrower has delivered to the Agent a complete and correct copy of all documents
evidencing or relating to the Subordinated Debt, and each of the representations
and warranties given by the Borrower therein was true and correct in all
material respects when made. The subordination provisions of the Subordinated
Debt will be enforceable against the respective holders thereof by the holder of
any Note which has not effectively waived the benefits thereof. All of the
Secured Obligations constitute senior Debt entitled to the benefits of
subordination created by the Subordinated Debt, after giving effect to the
Waiver Agreements.

      (d) Subsidiaries. SCHEDULE 6.1(D) correctly sets forth the name of each
Subsidiary of the Borrower, its jurisdiction of incorporation, the name of its
immediate parent or parents, and the percentage of its issued and outstanding
securities owned by the Borrower or any other Subsidiary of the Borrower and
indicating whether such Subsidiary is a Consolidated Subsidiary. Except as set
forth on SCHEDULE 6.1(D),



                                       55
<PAGE>

            (i) no Subsidiary of the Borrower has issued any securities
      convertible into shares of such Subsidiary's capital stock or any options,
      warrants or other rights to acquire any shares or securities convertible
      into such shares,

            (ii) the outstanding stock and securities of each Subsidiary of the
      Borrower are owned by the Borrower or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the
      Borrower, or by the Borrower and one or more of its Wholly Owned
      Subsidiaries, free and clear of all Liens, warrants, options and rights of
      others of any kind whatsoever, and

            (iii) the Borrower has no Subsidiaries.

The outstanding capital stock of each Subsidiary of the Borrower has been duly
and validly issued and is fully paid and nonassessable by the issuer, and the
number and owners of the shares of such capital stock are set forth on SCHEDULE
6.1(D).

      (e) Authorization of Agreement, Notes, Loan Documents and Borrowing. The
Borrower has the right and power, and has taken all necessary action to
authorize it, to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and each of the
Loan Documents in accordance with their respective terms. This Agreement and
each of the Loan Documents have been duly executed and delivered by the duly
authorized officers of the Borrower and each is, or each when executed and
delivered in accordance with this Agreement will be, a legal, valid and binding
obligation of the Borrower, enforceable in accordance with its terms.

      (f) Compliance of Agreement, Notes, Loan Documents and Borrowing with
Laws, Etc. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 6.1(F), the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and each of the Loan Documents in accordance with
their respective terms and the borrowings hereunder do not and will not, by the
passage of time, the giving of notice or otherwise,

            (i) require any Governmental Approval or violate any Applicable Law
      relating to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries,

            (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute a default
      under the articles or certificate of incorporation or by-laws of the
      Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries,

            (iii) conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute a default
      under any material provisions of any indenture, agreement or other
      instrument to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or
      by which the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any of the Borrower's or
      such Subsidiaries' property may be bound or any Governmental Approval
      relating to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or

            (i) result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien upon
      or with respect to any property now owned or hereafter acquired by the
      Borrower other than the Security Interest.

      (g) Business. The Borrower is engaged principally in the business of
manufacturing synthetics and synthetic blend fabrics.



                                       56
<PAGE>

      (h)   Compliance with Law; Governmental Approvals.

            (i) Except as set forth in SCHEDULE 6.1(H), the Borrower and each of
      its Subsidiaries

                  (A) has all Governmental Approvals, including permits relating
            to federal, state and local Environmental Laws, ordinances and
            regulations, required by any Applicable Law for it to conduct its
            business, each of which is in full force and effect, is final and
            not subject to review on appeal and is not the subject of any
            pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened attack by
            direct or collateral proceeding, and

                  (B) is in compliance with each Governmental Approval
            applicable to it and in compliance with all other Applicable Laws
            relating to it, including, without being limited to, all
            Environmental Laws and all occupational health and safety laws
            applicable to the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or their
            respective properties,

      except for instances of noncompliance which would not, singly or in the
      aggregate, cause a Default or Event of Default or have a Materially
      Adverse Effect on the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and in respect
      of which reserves in respect of the Borrower's or such Subsidiary's
      reasonably anticipated liability have been established on the books of the
      Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable.

            (ii) Without limiting the generality of the above, except with
      respect to matters which could not reasonably be expected to have, singly
      or in the aggregate, a Materially Adverse Effect on the Borrower or any of
      its Subsidiaries:

                  (A) the operations of the Borrower and each of its
            Subsidiaries comply in all material respects with all applicable
            environmental, health and safety requirements of Applicable Law;

                  (B) the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has obtained all
            environmental, health and safety permits necessary for its
            operation, and all such permits are in good standing and the
            Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance in all
            material respects with all terms and conditions of such permits;

                  (C) neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any
            of their respective present or past property or operations are
            subject to any order from or agreement with any public authority or
            private party respecting (x) any environmental, health or safety
            requirements of Applicable Law, (y) any Remedial Action, or (z) any
            liabilities and costs arising from the Release or threatened Release
            of a Contaminant into the environment;

                  (D) none of the operations of the Borrower or of any of its
            Subsidiaries is subject to any judicial or administrative proceeding
            alleging a violation of any environmental, health or safety
            requirement of Applicable Law;

                                       57
<PAGE>

                  (E) none of the present or past operations of the Borrower or
            any of its Subsidiaries is the subject of any investigation by any
            public authority evaluating whether any Remedial Action is needed to
            respond to a Release or threatened Release of a Contaminant into the
            environment;

                  (F) neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has filed
            any notice under any requirement of Applicable Law indicating past
            or present treatment, storage or disposal of a hazardous waste, as
            that term is defined under 40 CFR Part 261 or any state equivalent;

                  (G) neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has filed
            any notice under any requirement of Applicable Law reporting a
            Release of a Contaminant into the environment;

                  (H) except in compliance in all material respects with
            applicable Environmental Laws, during the course of the Borrower's
            or any of its Subsidiaries' ownership of or operations on the Real
            Estate, there has been no (1) generation, treatment, recycling,
            storage or disposal of hazardous waste, as that term is defined
            under 40 CFR Part 261 or any state equivalent, (2) use of
            underground storage tanks or surface impoundments, (3) use of
            asbestos-containing materials, or (4) use of polychlorinated
            biphenyls (PCBs) used in hydraulic oils, electrical transformers or
            other equipment;

                  (I) neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has
            entered into any negotiations or agreements with any Person
            (including, without limitation, any prior owner of any of the Real
            Estate or other property of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries)
            relating to any Remedial Action or environment-related claim;

                  (J) neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has
            received any notice or claim to the effect that it is or may be
            liable to any Person as a result of the Release or threatened
            Release of a Contaminant into the environment;

                  (K) neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has any
            material contingent liability in connection with any Release or
            threatened Release of any Contaminant into the environment;

                  (L) no Environmental Lien has attached to any of the Real
            Estate or other property of the Borrower or of any of its
            Subsidiaries;

                  (M) the presence and condition of all asbestos-containing
            material which is on or part of the Real Estate (excluding any raw
            materials used in the manufacture of products or products
            themselves) do not violate in any material respect any currently
            applicable requirement of Applicable Law; and

                  (N) neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries
            manufactures, distributes or sells, and has never manufactured,
            distributed or sold, products which contain asbestos-containing
            material.



                                       58
<PAGE>

            (iii) The Borrower has notified the Lenders and the Agent of the
      receipt by the Borrower or by any of its Subsidiaries of any notice of a
      material violation of any Environmental Laws and occupational health and
      safety laws applicable to the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any of
      their respective properties.

      (i) Title to Properties. Except as set forth in SCHEDULE 6.1(I), the
Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has valid and legal title to or leasehold
interest in all personal property, Real Estate owned and other assets used in
its business.

      (j) Liens. Except as set forth in SCHEDULE 6.1(J), none of the properties
and assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower is subject to any
Lien, except Permitted Liens. Other than the Financing Statements, no financing
statement under the Uniform Commercial Code of any State or other instrument
evidencing a Lien which names the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower as
debtor has been filed (and has not been terminated) in any State or other
jurisdiction, and neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary of the Borrower has
signed any such financing statement or other instrument or any security
agreement authorizing any secured party thereunder to file any such financing
statement or instrument, except to perfect those Liens listed on SCHEDULE
6.1(J).

      (k) Debt and Guaranties. SCHEDULE 6.1(K) is a complete and correct listing
of all (i) Debt, and (ii) Guaranties of each of the Borrower and each of its
Subsidiaries, in each case as amended, restated or refinanced from time to time
to the extent that, (i) the principal amount of such Debt and Guaranties shall
not be increased, (ii) the revised terms and conditions of such Debt and
Guaranties shall not be less favorable to the Borrower than those existing on
the Effective Date, (iii) the Liens securing such Debt and Guaranties shall not
be extended to any additional property of the Borrower, and (iv) in each case,
such revised terms and conditions shall be consistent with the terms and
conditions of this Agreement. Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has
performed and is in compliance with all of the terms of such Indebtedness and
Guaranties and all instruments and agreements relating thereto, and no default
or event of default, or event or condition which with notice or lapse of time,
or both, would constitute such a default or event of default, exists with
respect to any such Indebtedness or Guaranty.

      (l) Litigation. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 6.1(L), there are no
actions, suits or proceedings pending (nor, to the knowledge of the Borrower,
are there any actions, suits or proceedings threatened, or any reasonable basis
therefor) against or in any other way relating to or affecting the Borrower or
such Subsidiaries or any of the Acquired Assets or any of the Borrower's or any
of its Subsidiaries' other properties in any court or before any arbitrator of
any kind or before or by any governmental body, except actions, suits or
proceedings of the character normally incident to the kind of business conducted
by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which, if adversely determined, would
not singly or in the aggregate have a Materially Adverse Effect on the Borrower
or such Subsidiary, and there are no strikes or walkouts in process or pending
relating to any labor contracts to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
is a party, relating to any labor contracts being negotiated, or otherwise.

      (m) Tax Returns and Payments. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 6.1(M), all
United States federal, state and local as well as foreign national, provincial
and local and other tax returns of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries
required by Applicable Law to be filed have been duly filed, and all United
States federal, state and local and foreign national, provincial and local and
other taxes,


                                       59
<PAGE>


assessments and other governmental charges or levies upon the Borrower and each
of its Subsidiaries and the Borrower's and any of its Subsidiaries' property,
income, profits and assets which are due and payable have been paid, except any
such nonpayment which is at the time permitted under SECTION 9.6. The charges,
accruals and reserves on the books of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries
in respect of United States federal, state and local and foreign national,
provincial and local taxes for all fiscal years and portions thereof since the
organization of the Borrower are in the judgment of the Borrower adequate, and
the Borrower knows of no reason to anticipate any additional assessments for any
of such years which, singly or in the aggregate, might have a Materially Adverse
Effect on the Borrower.

      (n) Burdensome Provisions. Neither the Borrower nor any of its
Subsidiaries is a party to any indenture, agreement, lease or other instrument,
or subject to any charter or corporate restriction, Governmental Approval or
Applicable Law, compliance with the terms of which could reasonably be expected
to have a Materially Adverse Effect on the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

      (o) Financial Statements.

            (i) The Borrower has furnished to the Agent and the Lenders (A)
      copies of the Borrower's unaudited consolidated balance sheet as at April
      30, 1998, and the related statements of income for the 12-month period
      then ended, which financial statements are complete and correct and
      present fairly and in all material respects in accordance with GAAP (but
      for omission of notes and subject to year-end audit adjustments)
      consistently applied the financial position of the Borrower's as at April
      30, 1998, and the results of operations of the Borrower for the 12-month
      period then ended and (B) copies of the Borrower's audited balance sheet
      as at October 31, 1997 as restated on the Borrower's Form 10-KA filed with
      the Securities Exchange Commission on June 22, 1998, and the related
      statements of income, shareholder's equity and cash flows for the Fiscal
      Year then ended, which financial statements are complete and correct and
      present fairly and in all material respects in accordance with GAAP
      consistently applied the financial position of the Borrower as at October
      31, 1997 as restated on the Borrower's Form 10-KA filed with the
      Securities Exchange Commission on June 22, 1998 and the results of
      operations of the Borrower for the Fiscal Year then ended.

            (ii) The Borrower has furnished to the Agent and the Lenders copies
      of the Projections. The Projections have been be prepared by the Borrower
      in good faith in light of the past operations of the business of the
      Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

            (iii) Except as disclosed or reflected in the financial statements
      described in CLAUSE (I) above and except as disclosed prior to the
      Effective Date with respect to losses incurred since the date of such
      financial statements, the Borrower does not have any material liabilities,
      contingent or otherwise, and there were no material unrealized or
      anticipated losses of the Borrower.

      (p) Material Adverse Change. Since the date of the last financial
statements of the Borrower delivered to the Agent pursuant to SECTION 6.1(O)(I),
after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby, except as disclosed
by the Borrower prior to the Effective Date with respect to losses incurred
since the date of such financial statements,

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<PAGE>

            (i) no material adverse change has occurred in the business, assets,
      liabilities, financial condition, results of operations or business
      prospects of the Borrower, and

            (ii) no event has occurred or failed to occur which has had, or may
      have, singly or in the aggregate, a Materially Adverse Effect on the
      Borrower.

      (q) ERISA. Neither the Borrower nor any Related Company maintains or
contributes to any Benefit Plan other than those listed on SCHEDULE 6.1(Q).
Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 6.1(Q), each Benefit Plan is in substantial
compliance with ERISA and the Code, including but not limited to those
provisions thereof relating to reporting and disclosure, and neither the
Borrowers nor any Related Company has received any notice asserting that a
Benefit Plan is not in compliance with ERISA. No material liability to the PBGC
or to Multiemployer Plan has been, or is expected to be, incurred by the
Borrowers or any Related Company. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 6.1(Q), each
Benefit Plan intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code so qualifies
and any related trust is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(a) of
the Code. A favorable determination letter from the IRS has been issued or
applied for with respect to each such plan and trust and nothing that has
occurred since the date of such determination letter that would adversely affect
such qualification or tax-exempt status. No Benefit Plan subject to the minimum
funding standards of the Code has failed to meet such standards. Neither the
Borrowers nor any Related Company has transferred any pension plan liability in
a transaction that could be subject to Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA. Except
as set forth on SCHEDULE 6.1(Q), neither the Borrowers nor any Related Company
has any liability, actual or contingent, with respect to any Benefit Plan in
accordance with its terms, and there are no pending or, to the Borrower's
knowledge, threatened claims against a Benefit Plan. No non-exempt prohibited
transaction within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of
ERISA has occurred with respect to a Benefit Plan. Except under plans listed on
SCHEDULE 6.1(P), no employee or former employee of the Borrowers or any Related
Company is or may become entitled to any benefit under a Benefit Plan that is a
"welfare plan" within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA following such
employee's termination of employment. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 6.1(P),
each such welfare plan that is a group health plan has been operated in
compliance with the provisions of Section 4980B of the Code and Sections 601-609
of ERISA and any applicable provisions of state law that are similar.

      (r) Absence of Defaults. After giving effect to (i) the termination of the
Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of December 19, 1997,
to which the Borrower was a party and (ii) the Waiver Agreements, neither the
Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default under its articles or
certificate of incorporation or by-laws and no event has occurred, which has not
been remedied, cured or waived,

            (i) which constitutes a Default or an Event of Default, or

            (ii) which constitutes, or which with the passage of time or giving
      of notice, or both, would constitute, a default or event of default by the
      Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries under any material agreement (other
      than this Agreement) or judgment, decree or order to which the Borrower or
      any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Borrower, any of its
      Subsidiaries or any of the Borrower's or any of its Subsidiaries'
      properties may be bound or which would require the Borrower or any of its
      Subsidiaries to make any payment under any thereof prior to the scheduled
      maturity date therefor, except, in the case only of any such


                                       61
<PAGE>


      agreement, for alleged defaults which are being contested in good faith by
      appropriate proceedings and with respect to which reserves in respect of
      the Borrower's or such Subsidiary's reasonably anticipated liability have
      been established on the books of the Borrower or such Subsidiary.

      (s) Accuracy and Completeness of Information.

            (i) All written information, reports and other papers and data
      produced by or on behalf of the Borrower and furnished to the Agent or any
      Lender were, at the time the same were so furnished, complete and correct
      in all material respects, to the extent necessary to give the recipient a
      true and accurate knowledge of the subject matter. No fact is known to the
      Borrower which has had, or may in the future have (so far as the Borrower
      can foresee), a Materially Adverse Effect upon the Borrower or any of its
      Subsidiaries which has not been set forth in the financial statements or
      disclosure delivered prior to the Effective Date, in each case referred to
      in SECTION 6.1(O), or in such written information, reports or other papers
      or data or otherwise disclosed in writing to the Agent and the Lenders
      prior to the Agreement Date. No document furnished or written statement
      made to the Agent or any Lender by the Borrower in connection with the
      negotiation, preparation or execution of this Agreement or any of the Loan
      Documents contains or will contain any untrue statement of a fact material
      to the creditworthiness of the Borrower or omits or will omit to state a
      material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein
      not misleading.

            (ii) The Borrower has no reason to believe that any document
      furnished or written statement made to the Agent or any Lender by any
      Person other than the Borrower in connection with the negotiation,
      preparation or execution of this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents
      contained any incorrect statement of a material fact or omitted to state a
      material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of
      the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

      (t) Solvency. In each case after giving effect to the Indebtedness
represented by the Loans outstanding and to be incurred and the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries is
solvent, having assets of a fair salable value which exceeds the amount required
to pay its debts as they become absolute and matured (including contingent,
subordinated, unmatured and unliquidated liabilities), and the Borrower and each
of its Subsidiaries is able to and anticipates that it will be able to meet its
debts as they mature and has adequate capital to conduct the business in which
it is or proposes to be engaged.

      (u)   Receivables.

            (i) Status.

                  (A) Each Receivable reflected in the computations included in
            any Borrowing Base Certificate meets the criteria enumerated in
            CLAUSES (A) through (T) of the definition of Eligible Receivables,
            except as disclosed in such Borrowing Base Certificate or as
            disclosed in a timely manner in a subsequent Borrowing Base
            Certificate or otherwise in writing to the Agent.



                                       62
<PAGE>

                  (B) The Borrower has no knowledge of any fact or circumstance
            not disclosed to the Agent in a Borrowing Base Certificate or
            otherwise in writing which would impair the validity or
            collectibility of any Receivable of $500,000 or more or of
            Receivables which (regardless of the individual amount thereof)
            aggregate $1,000,000 or more.

            (ii) Chief Executive Office. The chief executive office of the
      Borrower and the books and records relating to the Receivables are located
      at the address or addresses set forth on SCHEDULE 6.1(U); the Borrower has
      not maintained its chief executive office or books and records relating to
      any Receivables at any other address at any time during the five years
      immediately preceding the Agreement Date except as disclosed on SCHEDULE
      6.1(U).

      (v) Inventory.

            (i) Schedule of Inventory. All Inventory included in any Schedule of
      Inventory or Borrowing Base Certificate delivered to the Agent pursuant to
      SECTION 8.12 meets the criteria enumerated in CLAUSES (A) through (H) of
      the definition of Eligible Inventory, except as disclosed in such Schedule
      of Inventory or Borrowing Base Certificate or in a subsequent Schedule of
      Inventory or Borrowing Base Certificate, or as otherwise specifically
      disclosed in writing to the Agent.

            (ii) Condition. All Inventory is in good condition, meets all
      standards imposed by any governmental agency, or department or division
      thereof, having regulatory authority over such goods, their use or sale,
      and is currently either usable or salable in the normal course of the
      Borrower's business, except to the extent reserved against in the
      financial statements referred to in SECTION 6.1(O) or delivered pursuant
      to ARTICLE 10 or as disclosed on a Schedule of Inventory delivered to the
      Agent pursuant to SECTION 8.12(B).

            (iii) Location. All Inventory is located on the premises set forth
      on SCHEDULE 7.1(V) or is Inventory in transit to one of such locations,
      except as otherwise disclosed in writing to the Agent and the Borrower has
      not, in the last year, located such Inventory at premises other than those
      set forth on SCHEDULE 6.1(V).

      (w) Equipment. All Equipment is in good order and repair in all material
respects and is located on the premises set forth on SCHEDULE 6.1(W) and has
been so located at all times during the last year.

      (x) Real Property. The Borrower owns no Real Estate and leases no Real
Estate other than that described on SCHEDULE 6.1(X) and other than Real Estate
acquired or leased after the Effective Date for which the Borrower has complied
with the requirements of SECTION 8.14.

      (y) Corporate and Fictitious Names. Except as otherwise disclosed on
SCHEDULE 6.1(Y), during the five-year period preceding the Agreement Date,
neither the Borrower nor any predecessor thereof has been known as or used any
corporate or fictitious name other than the corporate name of the Borrower on
the Effective Date.



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<PAGE>

      (z) Federal Reserve Regulations. Neither the Borrower nor any of its
Subsidiaries is engaged and none will engage, principally or as one of its
important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of
"purchasing" or "carrying" any "margin stock" (as each of the quoted terms is
defined or used in Regulations G and U of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System). No part of the proceeds of any of the Loans will be used for so
purchasing or carrying margin stock or, in any event, for any purpose which
violates, or which would be inconsistent with, the provisions of Regulation G,
T, U or X of such Board of Governors. If requested by the Agent or any Lender,
the Borrower will furnish to the Agent and the Lenders a statement or statements
in conformity with the requirements of said Regulation G, T, U or X to the
foregoing effect.

      (aa) Investment Company Act. The Borrower is not an "investment company"
or a company "controlled" by an "investment company" (as each of the quoted
terms is defined or used in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended).

      (bb) Employee Relations. The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has a
stable work force in place and is not, except as set forth on SCHEDULE 6.1(BB),
party to any collective bargaining agreement nor has any labor union been
recognized as the representative of the Borrower's or any of its Subsidiaries'
employees, and the Borrower knows of no pending, threatened or contemplated
strikes, work stoppage or other labor disputes involving the Borrower's or any
of its Subsidiaries' employees.

      (cc) Proprietary Rights. SCHEDULE 6.1(CC) sets forth a correct and
complete list of all of the Proprietary Rights. None of the Proprietary Rights
is subject to any licensing agreement or similar arrangement except as set forth
on SCHEDULE 6.1(CC) or as entered into in the sale or distribution of the
Borrower's Inventory in the ordinary course of business. To the best of the
Borrower's knowledge, none of the Proprietary Rights infringes on or conflicts
with any other Person's property, and no other Person's property infringes on or
conflicts with the Proprietary Rights. The Proprietary Rights described on
SCHEDULE 6.1(CC) constitute all of the property of such type necessary to the
current and anticipated future conduct of the Borrower's business.

      (dd) Trade Names. All trade names or styles under which the Borrower sells
Inventory or Equipment or creates Receivables, or to which instruments in
payment of Receivables are made payable, are listed on SCHEDULE 6.1(DD).

      (ee)  Bank Accounts. SCHEDULE 6.1(EE) is a complete and correct list of
all checking accounts, deposit accounts, lockboxes and other bank accounts
maintained by the Borrower.

      (ff) Year 2000 Compliance. The Borrower has (i) initiated a review and
assessment of all areas within its and each of its Subsidiaries' business and
operations (including those affected by suppliers, vendors and customers) that
could be adversely affected by the "Year 2000 Problem" (that is, the risk that
computer applications used by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (or
suppliers, vendors and customers) may be unable to recognize and perform
properly date-sensitive functions involving certain dates prior to and any date
after December 31, 1999), (ii) developed a plan and timeline for addressing the
Year 2000 Problem on a timely basis, including, without limitation, compliance
with the requirements of SECTION 9.11, and (iii) to date, implemented that plan
in accordance with that timetable. Based on the foregoing, the Borrower believes
that all computer applications (including those of its


                                       64
<PAGE>

suppliers, vendors and customers) that are material to its or any of its
Subsidiaries' business and operations are reasonably expected on a timely basis
to be able to perform properly date-sensitive functions for all dates before and
after January 1, 2000 (that is, be "Year 2000 Compliant").

      SECTION 6.2. Survival of Representations and Warranties, Etc. All
representations and warranties set forth in this ARTICLE 6 and all statements
contained in any certificate, financial statement, or other instrument,
delivered by or on behalf of the Borrower pursuant to or in connection with this
Agreement or any of the Loan Documents (including, but not limited to, any such
representation, warranty or statement made in or in connection with any
amendment thereto) shall constitute representations and warranties made under
this Agreement. All representations and warranties made under this Agreement
shall be made or deemed to be made at and as of the Agreement Date, at and as of
the Effective Date and at and as of the date of each Loan, except that
representations and warranties which, by their terms are applicable only to one
such date shall be deemed to be made only at and as of such date. All
representations and warranties made or deemed to be made under this Agreement
shall survive and not be waived by the execution and delivery of this Agreement,
any investigation made by or on behalf of the Lender or any borrowing hereunder.



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<PAGE>

                                    ARTICLE 7
                                SECURITY INTEREST

      SECTION 7.1. Security Interest.

      (a) To secure the payment, observance and performance of the Secured
Obligations and the Junior Secured Obligations, the Borrower hereby mortgages,
pledges and assigns all of the Collateral to the Agent, for the benefit of
itself as Agent and the Lenders and the Affiliates which are the holders of the
Junior Secured Obligations, and grants to the Agent, for the benefit of itself
as Agent and the Lenders and the Affiliates of the Lenders a continuing security
interest in, and a continuing Lien upon, all of the Collateral.

      (b) As additional security for all of the Secured Obligations and the
Junior Secured Obligations, the Borrower grants to the Agent, for the benefit of
itself as Agent and the Lenders and Affiliates which are the holders of the
Junior Secured Obligations, a security interest in, and assigns to the Agent,
for the benefit of itself as Agent and the Lenders and such Affiliates, all of
the Borrower's right, title and interest in and to, any deposits or other sums
at any time credited by or due from each Lender and each such Affiliate to the
Borrower, or credited by or due from any participant of any Lender to the
Borrower, with the same rights therein as if the deposits or other sums were
credited by or due from such Lender. The Borrower hereby authorizes each Lender
and each such Affiliate and each participant to pay or deliver to the Agent, for
the account of the Lenders, without any necessity on the Agent's or any Lender's
part to resort to other security or sources of reimbursement for the Secured
Obligations and Junior Secured Obligations, at any time during the continuation
of any Event of Default or in the event that the Agent, on behalf of the
Lenders, should make demand for payment hereunder and without further notice to
the Borrower (such notice being expressly waived), any of the aforesaid deposits
(general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) or other sums for
application to any Secured Obligation and Junior Secured Obligations,
irrespective of whether any demand has been made or whether such Secured
Obligation and Junior Secured Obligations is mature, and the rights given the
Agent, the Lenders, their Affiliates and participants hereunder are cumulative
with such Person's other rights and remedies, including other rights of set-off.
The Agent will promptly notify the Borrower of its receipt of any such funds for
application to the Secured Obligations or the Junior Secured Obligations, but
failure to do so will not affect the validity or enforceability thereof. The
Agent may give notice of the above grant of a security interest in and
assignment of the aforesaid deposits and other sums, and authorization, to, and
make any suitable arrangements with, any Lender, any such Affiliate of any
Lender or participant for effectuation thereof, and the Borrower hereby
irrevocably appoints the Agent as its attorney to collect any and all such
deposits or other sums to the extent any such payment is not made to the Agent
or any Lender by such Lender, Affiliate or participant.

      SECTION 7.2. Continued Priority of Security Interest.

      (a) The Security Interest granted by the Borrower shall at all times be
valid, perfected and enforceable against the Borrower and all third parties in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement, as security for the Secured
Obligations and Junior Secured Obligations, and the Collateral shall not at any
time be subject to any Liens that are prior to, on a parity with or junior to
the Security Interest, other than Permitted Liens.

                                       66
<PAGE>

      (b) The Borrower shall, at its sole cost and expense, take all action that
may be necessary or desirable, or that the Agent may reasonably request, so as
at all times to maintain the validity, perfection, enforceability and rank of
the Security Interest in the Collateral in conformity with the requirements of
SECTION 7.2(A), or to enable the Agent and the Lenders to exercise or enforce
their rights hereunder, including, but not limited to:

            (i) paying all taxes, assessments and other claims lawfully levied
      or assessed on any of the Collateral, except to the extent that such
      taxes, assessments and other claims constitute Permitted Liens,

            (ii) obtaining, after the Agreement Date, landlords' and mortgagees'
      releases, subordinations or waivers, and using all reasonable efforts to
      obtain mechanics' releases, subordinations or waivers,

            (iii) delivering to the Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders,
      endorsed or accompanied by such instruments of assignment as the Agent may
      specify, and stamping or marking, in such manner as the Agent may specify,
      any and all chattel paper, instruments, letters and advices of guaranty
      and documents evidencing or forming a part of the Collateral, and

            (iv) executing and delivering financing statements, pledges,
      designations, hypothecations, notices and assignments in each case in form
      and substance satisfactory to the Agent relating to the creation,
      validity, perfection, maintenance or continuation of the Security Interest
      under the Uniform Commercial Code or other Applicable Law.

      (c) The Agent is hereby authorized to file one or more financing or
continuation statements or amendments thereto without the signature of or in the
name of the Borrower for any purpose described in SECTION 7.2(B). The Agent will
give the Borrower notice of the filing of any such statements or amendments,
which notice shall specify the locations where such statements or amendments
were filed. A carbon, photographic, xerographic or other reproduction of this
Agreement or of any of the Security Documents or of any financing statement
filed in connection with this Agreement is sufficient as a financing statement.

      (d) The Borrower shall mark its books and records as directed by the Agent
and as may be necessary or appropriate to evidence, protect and perfect the
Security Interest and shall cause its financial statements to reflect the
Security Interest.


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<PAGE>

                                    ARTICLE 8
                              COLLATERAL COVENANTS

      Until the Revolving Credit Facility has been terminated and all the
Secured Obligations and Junior Secured Obligations have been paid in full,
unless the Required Lenders shall otherwise consent in the manner provided in
SECTION 15.11:

      SECTION 8.1. Collection of Receivables.

      (a) The Borrower will cause (i) all monies, checks, notes, drafts and
other payments relating to or constituting proceeds of trade accounts receivable
(other than Receivables sold and assigned to the Factors under the Factoring
Agreements), and all other Collateral to be forwarded to a Lockbox maintained
with BankBoston for deposit in the related Agency Account in accordance with the
procedures set out in the corresponding Agency Account Agreement or Lockbox
Agreement. All payments by Factors of proceeds of Factored Receivables shall be
made directly to the Agent for application to repayment of the Secured
Obligations as provided in SUBSECTION (B) below. In particular, the Borrower
will advise each Account Debtor that makes payment to the Borrower by wire
transfer, automated clearinghouse ("ACH") transfer or similar means to make
payment directly to an Agency Account, and

      (b) The Borrower and the Agent shall cause all collected balances in each
Agency Account to be transmitted daily by wire transfer, ACH transfer,
depository transfer check or other means in accordance with the procedures set
forth in the corresponding Agency Account Agreement, to the Agent at the Agent's
Office:

            (i) for application, on account of the Secured Obligations and
      Junior Secured Obligations, as provided in SECTIONS 2.3(C), 12.2, and
      12.3, such credits to be entered as of the Business Day they are received
      if they are received prior to 1:30 p.m. and to be conditioned upon final
      payment in cash or solvent credits of the items giving rise to them, and

            (ii) with respect to the balance, so long as no Default or Event of
      Default has occurred and is continuing, for transfer by wire transfer, ACH
      transfer or depository transfer check to a Controlled Disbursement
      Account.

      (c) Any monies, checks, notes, drafts or other payments referred to in
SUBSECTION (A) of this SECTION 8.1 which, notwithstanding the terms of such
subsection, are received by or on behalf of the Borrower will be held in trust
for the Agent and will be delivered to the Agent or a Clearing Bank, as promptly
as possible, in the exact form received, together with any necessary
endorsements for application by the Agent directly to the Secured Obligations
or, if applicable, for deposit in the Agency Account maintained with a Clearing
Bank and processing in accordance with the terms of the corresponding Agency
Account Agreement.

      SECTION 8.2. Verification and Notifications. The Agent shall have the
right at any time and from time to time,

      (a) in the name of the Agent, the Lenders or in the name of the Borrower,
to verify the validity, amount or any other matter relating to any Receivables
by mail, telephone, telegraph or otherwise,



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<PAGE>

      (b) during normal business hours, to review, examine and make extracts
from all records and files related to any of the Receivables, and

      (c) if an Event of Default has occurred, to notify the Account Debtors or
obligors under any Receivables of the assignment of such Receivables to the
Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, and to direct such Account Debtor or
obligors to make payment of all amounts due or to become due thereunder directly
to the Agent, for the account of the Lenders, and, upon such notification and at
the expense of the Borrower, to enforce collection of any such Receivables and
to adjust, settle or compromise the amount or payment thereof, in the same
manner and to the same extent as the Borrower might have done.

      SECTION 8.3. Disputes, Returns and Adjustments.

      (a) In the event any amounts due and owing under any Receivable for an
amount in excess of $500,000 are in dispute between the Account Debtor and the
Borrower, the Borrower shall provide the Agent with prompt written notice
thereof.

      (b) The Borrower shall notify the Agent promptly of all returns and
credits in excess of $500,000 in respect of any Receivable, which notice shall
specify the Receivable affected.

      (c) The Borrower may, in the ordinary course of business unless a Default
or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, grant any extension of
time for payment of any Receivable or compromise, compound or settle the same
for less than the full amount thereof, or release wholly or partly any Person
liable for the payment thereof, or allow any credit or discount whatsoever
therein; provided that (i) no such action results in the reduction of more than
$500,000 in the amount payable with respect to any Receivable or of more than
$1,000,000 with respect to all Receivables in any fiscal year of the Borrower
(in each case, excluding the allowance of credits or discounts generally
available to Account Debtors in the ordinary course of the Borrower's business),
and (ii) the Agent is promptly notified of the amount of such adjustments and
the Receivable(s) affected thereby.

      SECTION 8.4. Invoices.

      (a) The Borrower will not use any invoices other than invoices in the form
delivered to the Agent prior to the Agreement Date without giving the Agent 30
days' prior notice of the intended use of a different form of invoice together
with a copy of such different form.

      (b) Upon the request of the Agent, the Borrower shall deliver to the
Agent, at the Borrower's expense, copies of customers' invoices or the
equivalent, original shipping and delivery receipts or other proof of delivery,
customers' statements, customer address lists, the original copy of all
documents, including, without limitation, repayment histories and present status
reports, relating to Receivables and such other documents and information
relating to the Receivables as the Agent shall specify.

      SECTION 8.5. Delivery of Instruments. In the event any Receivable is at
any time evidenced by a promissory note, trade acceptance or any other
instrument for the payment of money, the Borrower will immediately thereafter
deliver such instrument to the Agent, appropriately endorsed to the Agent, for
the benefit of the Lenders.



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<PAGE>

      SECTION 8.6. Sales of Inventory. All sales of Inventory will be made in
compliance with all requirements of Applicable Law.

      SECTION 8.7. Ownership and Defense of Title.

      (a) Except for Permitted Liens, the Borrower shall at all times be the
sole owner or lessee of each and every item of Collateral and shall not create
any lien on, or sell, lease, exchange, assign, transfer, pledge, hypothecate,
grant a security interest or security title in or otherwise dispose of, any of
the Collateral or any interest therein, except for sales of Inventory in the
ordinary course of business, for cash or on open account or on terms of payment
ordinarily extended to its customers, and except for dispositions that are
otherwise expressly permitted under this Agreement. The inclusion of "proceeds"
of the Collateral under the Security Interest shall not be deemed a consent by
the Agent or the Lenders to any other sale or other disposition of any part or
all of the Collateral.

      (b) The Borrower shall defend its title or leasehold interest in and to,
and the Security Interest in, the Collateral against the claims and demands of
all Persons.

      SECTION 8.8. Insurance.

      (a) The Borrower shall at all times maintain insurance on the Inventory
and Equipment against loss or damage by fire, theft (excluding theft by
employees), burglary, pilferage, loss in transit and such other hazards as the
Agent shall reasonably specify, in amounts not to exceed those obtainable at
commercially reasonable rates and under policies issued by insurers acceptable
to the Agent in the exercise of its reasonable judgment. All premiums on such
insurance shall be paid by the Borrower and copies of the policies delivered to
the Agent. The Borrower will not use or permit the Inventory or Equipment to be
used in violation of Applicable Law or in any manner which might render
inapplicable any insurance coverage.

      (b) All insurance policies required under SECTION 8.8(A) shall name the
Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, as an additional insured and shall
contain loss payable clauses in the form submitted to the Borrower by the Agent,
or otherwise in form and substance satisfactory to the Required Lenders, naming
the Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, as loss payee, as its interests may
appear, and providing that

            (i) all proceeds thereunder shall be payable to the Agent, for the
      benefit of the Lenders,

            (ii) no such insurance shall be affected by any act or neglect of
      the insurer or owner of the property described in such policy, and

            (iii) such policy and loss payable clauses may be cancelled, amended
      or terminated only upon at least ten (10) days' prior written notice given
      to the Agent.

      (c) Any proceeds of insurance referred to in this SECTION 8.8 which are
paid to the Agent, for the account of the Lenders, shall be, at the option of
the Required Lenders in their sole discretion, either (i) applied to replace the
damaged or destroyed property, or (ii) applied to the payment or prepayment of
the Secured Obligations, PROVIDED that in the event that the proceeds from any
single casualty do not exceed $100,000, then, upon the Borrower's written
request to the Agent, provided


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that no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, such
proceeds shall be disbursed by the Agent to the Borrower pursuant to such
procedures as the Agent shall reasonably establish for application to the
replacement of the damaged or destroyed property.

      SECTION 8.9. Location of Offices and Collateral.

      (a) The Borrower will not change the location of its chief executive
office or the place where it keeps its books and records relating to the
Collateral or change its name, its identity or corporate structure without
giving the Agent 60 days' prior written notice thereof.

      (b) All Inventory, other than Inventory in transit to any such location,
will at all times be kept by the Borrower at the locations set forth in SCHEDULE
6.1(V), and shall not, without the prior written consent of the Agent, be
removed therefrom except pursuant to sales of Inventory permitted under SECTION
8.7(A).

      (c) If any Inventory is in the possession or control of any of the
Borrower's agents or processors, the Borrower shall notify such agents or
processors of the Security Interest (and shall promptly provide copies of any
such notice to the Agent and the Lenders) and, upon the occurrence of an Event
of Default, shall instruct them (and cause them to acknowledge such instruction)
to hold all such Inventory for the account of the account of the Lenders,
subject to the instructions of the Agent.

      SECTION 8.10. Records Relating to Collateral.

      (a)   The Borrower will at all times

            (i) keep complete and accurate records of Inventory on a basis
      consistent with past practices of the Borrower so as to permit comparison
      of Inventory records relating to different time periods, itemizing and
      describing the kind, type and quantity of Inventory and the Borrower's
      cost thereof and a current price list for such Inventory, and

            (ii) keep complete and accurate records of all other Collateral.

      (b) The Borrower will prepare a physical listing of all Inventory and
Equipment, wherever located, at least annually.

      SECTION 8.11. Inspections. The Agent and each Lender (by any of their
officers, employees or agents) shall have the right, to the extent that the
exercise of such right shall be within the control of the Borrower, at any time
or times to

      (a) visit the properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, inspect the
Collateral and the other assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and inspect
and make extracts from the books and records of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries, including but not limited to management letters prepared by
independent accountants, all during customary business hours at such premises;

      (b) discuss the Borrower's and its Subsidiaries' business, assets,
liabilities, financial condition, results of operations and business prospects,
insofar as the same are reasonably related to the rights of the Agent or the
Lenders hereunder or under any of the Loan Documents, with the Borrower's and
its Subsidiaries' (i) principal officers, (ii) independent accountants, and
(iii) any other


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<PAGE>

Person (except that any such discussion with any third parties shall be
conducted only in accordance with the Agent's or such Lender's standard
operating procedures relating to the maintenance of the confidentiality of
confidential information of borrowers); and

      (c) verify the amount, quantity, value and condition of, or any other
matter relating to, any of the Collateral (other than Receivables) and in this
connection to review, audit and make extracts from all records and files related
to any of the Collateral.

The Borrower will deliver to the Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, any
instrument necessary for it to obtain records from any service bureau
maintaining records on behalf of the Borrower. The Lenders will make reasonable
efforts to coordinate their visits to the Borrower's premises through the Agent
so as to minimize any inconvenience to the Borrower occasioned by such visits.

      SECTION 8.12. Information and Reports.

      (a) Schedules of Receivables. The Borrower shall deliver to the Agent on
or before the Effective Date and not later than the 20th day of each Fiscal
Month thereafter:

            (i) a Schedule of Receivables sold to the Factors pursuant to the
      Factoring Agreements, which shall be as of the last Business Day of the
      immediately preceding month shall be reconciled to a Borrowing Base
      Certificate as of such last Business Day, and shall set forth a detailed
      aged trial balance of all such Receivables, specifying the names and
      balance due for each Account Debtor obligated on a Receivable so listed
      AND

            (ii) a Schedule of Receivables that have not been sold to Factors
      pursuant to the Factoring Agreements, which shall be as of the last
      Business Day of the preceding Fiscal Month, shall be reconciled to a
      Borrowing Base Certificate as of such day and shall set forth a detailed
      aged trial balance of all such Receivables, specifying the names,
      addresses and balance due for each Account Debtor obligated on a
      Receivable so listed.

      (b) Schedule of Inventory. The Borrower shall deliver to the Agent on or
before the Effective Date and not later than the last Business Day of each
Fiscal Month thereafter a Schedule of Inventory as of the last Business Day of
the immediately preceding Fiscal Month of the Borrower, itemizing and describing
the kind, type and quantity of Inventory, the Borrower's cost thereof and the
location thereof.

      (c) Borrowing Base Certificate. The Borrower shall deliver to the Agent
not later than Wednesday of each week after the Effective Date, a Borrowing Base
Certificate prepared as of the close of business on the previous Friday, and not
later than the last Business Day of each Fiscal Month a Borrowing Base
Certificate as of the last Business Day of the preceding Fiscal Month.

      (d) Notice of Diminution of Value. The Borrower shall give prompt notice
to the Agent of any matter or event which has resulted in, or may result in, the
diminution in excess of $500,000 in the value of any of its Collateral, except
for any such diminution in the value of any Receivables or Inventory in the
ordinary course of business which has been appropriately reserved against, as
reflected in financial statements previously delivered to the Agent and the
Lenders pursuant to ARTICLE 10.



                                       72
<PAGE>

      (e) Additional Information. The Agent may in its discretion from time to
time request that the Borrower deliver the schedules, certificates described in
SECTIONS 8.12(A), (B) and (C) more or less often and on different schedules than
specified in such Sections and the Borrower will comply with such requests. The
Borrower will also furnish to the Agent and each Lender such other information
with respect to the Collateral as the Agent or any Lender may from time to time
reasonably request.

      SECTION 8.13. Power of Attorney. The Borrower hereby appoints the Agent as
its attorney, with power

      (a) to endorse the name of the Borrower on any checks, notes, acceptances,
money orders, drafts or other forms of payment or security that may come into
the Agent's or any Lender's possession, and

      (b) to sign the name of the Borrower on any invoice or bill of lading
relating to any Receivable, Inventory or other Collateral, on any drafts against
customers related to letters of credit, on schedules and assignments of
Receivables furnished to the Agent or any Lender by the Borrower, on notices of
assignment, financing statements and other public records relating to the
perfection or priority of the Security Interest, verifications of account and
notices to or from customers.

      SECTION 8.14. Additional Real Estate and Leases.

      (a) Promptly upon the Borrower's acquisition of any interest (including a
leasehold interest) in any Real Estate, the Borrower shall deliver to the Agent,
for the benefit of itself as Agent and the Lenders, an executed Mortgage in form
and substance satisfactory to the Agent, conveying to the Agent, for the benefit
of itself and the Lenders, a first priority Lien on such Real Estate, subject
only to such prior Liens as the Agent shall consent to in writing. If requested
by the Agent, the Borrower shall also deliver to the Agent at the Borrower's
expense a mortgagee title insurance policy in favor of the Agent and the Lenders
insuring such Mortgage to create and convey such Lien, subject only to such
exceptions as are consented to by the Agent and shall deliver to the Agent, at
the Agent's request, such other items with respect to such Real Estate, all in
form and substance satisfactory to the Agent, as the Agent shall reasonably
request.

      (b) Promptly upon the Borrower's entry into any lease of Real Estate
(other than a lease conveying an interest in Real Estate, which shall be subject
to the provisions of SUBSECTION (A) above), the Borrower shall collaterally
assign to the Agent, for the benefit of itself and the Lenders, the Borrower's
interest in such lease, in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent. The
Borrower shall also deliver to the Agent an executed landlord's waiver and
consent with respect to such lease in form and substance satisfactory to the
Agent.

      SECTION 8.15. Assignment of Claims Act. Upon the request of the Agent, the
Borrower shall execute any documents or instruments and shall take such steps or
actions reasonably required by the Agent so that all monies due or to become due
under any contract with the United States of America, the District of Columbia
or any state, county, municipality or other domestic or foreign governmental
entity, or any department, agency or instrumentality thereof, will be assigned
to the Agent, for the benefit of itself and the Lenders, and notice given
thereof in accordance with the requirements of the Assignment of Claims Act of
1940, as amended, or any other laws, rules or regulations relating to the
assignment of any such contract and monies due to or to become due.


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                                    ARTICLE 9
                              AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

      Until the Revolving Credit Facility has been terminated and all the
Secured Obligations and the Junior Secured Obligations have been paid in full,
unless the Required Lenders shall otherwise consent in the manner provided for
in SECTION 15.11, the Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to:

      SECTION 9.1. Preservation of Corporate Existence and Similar Matters.
Preserve and maintain its corporate existence, rights, franchises, rs licenses
and privileges in the jurisdiction of its incorporation and qualify and remain
qualified as a foreign corporation and authorized to do business in each
jurisdiction in which the character of its properties or the nature of its
business requires such qualification or authorization.

      SECTION 9.2. Compliance with Applicable Law. Comply with all Applicable
Law relating to the Borrower or such Subsidiary except to the extent being
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which reserves in
respect of the Borrower's or such Subsidiary's reasonably anticipated liability
have been appropriately established.

      SECTION 9.3. Maintenance of Property. In addition to, and not in
derogation of, the requirements of SECTION 8.7 and of the Security Documents,

      (a) protect and preserve all properties material to its business,
including copyrights, patents, trade names and trademarks, and maintain in good
repair, working order and condition in all material respects, with reasonable
allowance for wear and tear, all tangible properties, and

      (b) from time to time make or cause to be made all needed and appropriate
repairs, renewals, replacements and additions to such properties necessary for
the conduct of its business, so that the business carried on in connection
therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times.

      SECTION 9.4. Conduct of Business. At all times carry on its business in an
efficient manner and engage only the business described in SECTION 6.1(G).

      SECTION 9.5. Insurance. Maintain, in addition to the coverage required by
SECTION 8.8 and the Security Documents, insurance with responsible insurance
companies against such risks and in such amounts as is customarily maintained by
similar businesses or as may be required by Applicable Law, and from time to
time deliver to the Agent or any Lender upon its request a detailed list of the
insurance then in effect, stating the names of the insurance companies, the
amounts and rates of the insurance, the dates of the expiration thereof and the
properties and risks covered thereby.

      SECTION 9.6. Payment of Taxes and Claims. Pay or discharge when due


      (a) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon
it or upon its income or profits or upon any properties belonging to it, except
that real property AD VALOREM taxes shall be deemed to have been so paid or
discharged if the same are paid before they become delinquent, and

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<PAGE>

      (b) all lawful claims of materialmen, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen
and landlords for labor, materials, supplies and rentals which, if unpaid, might
become a Lien on any properties of the Borrower;

except that this SECTION 9.6 shall not require the payment or discharge of any
such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim which is being contested in good
faith by appropriate proceedings and for which reserves in respect of reasonably
anticipated liability have been appropriately established.

      SECTION 9.7. Accounting Methods and Financial Records. Maintain a system
of accounting, and keep such books, records and accounts (which shall be true
and complete), as may be required or as may be necessary to permit the
preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP.

      SECTION 9.8. Use of Proceeds.

      The Borrower shall:

      (a) Use the proceeds of

            (i) the initial Revolving Credit Loan to pay amounts indicated on
      SCHEDULE 9.8 to the Persons indicated thereon, and

            (ii) all subsequent Revolving Credit Loans only for (A) the
      principal of and interest, if any, due and payable pursuant to the Term
      Loan and Security Agreement and (B) working capital and general business
      purposes, and

            (iii) subject to the conditions set forth in SECTION 9.10(B), to
      redeem up to $8,000,000 of the 8 3/4% Debentures and the ExtendiblE
      Debentures, and,

      (b) not use any part of such proceeds to purchase or, to carry or reduce
or retire or refinance any credit incurred to purchase or carry, any margin
stock (within the meaning of Regulation G or U of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System) or, in any event, for any purpose which would involve a
violation of such Regulation G or U or of Regulation T or X of such Board of
Governors, or for any purpose prohibited by law or by the terms and conditions
of this Agreement.

      SECTION 9.9. Hazardous Waste and Substances; Environmental Requirements.

      (a) In addition to, and not in derogation of, the requirements of SECTION
9.2 and of the Security Documents, comply with all Environmental Laws and all
Applicable Laws relating to occupational health and safety (except for instances
of noncompliance that are being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings if reserves in respect of the Borrower's or such Subsidiary's
reasonably anticipated liability therefor have been appropriately established),
promptly notify the Agent of its receipt of any notice of a violation of any
such Environmental Laws or other such Applicable Laws and indemnify and hold the
Agent and the Lenders harmless from all loss, cost, damage, liability, claim and
expense incurred by or imposed upon the Agent or any Lender on account of the
Borrower's failure to perform its obligations under this SECTION 9.9.

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<PAGE>

      (b) Whenever the Borrower gives notice to the Agent pursuant to this
SECTION 9.9 or otherwise with respect to a matter that reasonably could be
expected to result in liability to the Borrower or any Subsidiary in excess of
$100,000 in the aggregate, the Borrower shall, at the Agent's request and the
Borrower's expense (i) cause an independent environmental engineer acceptable to
the Agent to conduct an assessment, including tests where necessary, of the site
where the noncompliance or alleged noncompliance with Environmental Laws has
occurred and prepare and deliver to the Agent a report setting forth the results
of such assessment, a proposed plan to bring the Borrower (or such Subsidiary)
into compliance with such Environmental Laws (if such assessment indicates
noncompliance) and an estimate of the costs thereof, and (ii) provide to the
Agent a supplemental report of such engineer whenever the scope of the
noncompliance, or the response thereto or the estimated costs thereof, shall
materially adversely change.

      SECTION 9.10. Exchange Offer. (a) On or before April 30, 1999, consummate
an exchange offer (the "Exchange Offer") with the holders of not less than $27.1
million in principal amount of the 8 3/4% Debentures whereby the exchanged or
amended debentures (thE "New Debentures") shall be issued on substantially the
same terms and conditions of the 8 3/4% Debentures, EXCEPT that the New
Debentures (i) may provide foR interest up to 15% per annum of which 8.75% may
be on a current pay basis and the balance on a payment-in-kind ("PIK") basis;
(ii) shall provide for a maturity of August 1, 2002; (iii) may provide for the
issuance of warrants convertible into preferred stock of the Borrower to the
holders of the New Debentures; (iv) if secured, shall provide for a deeply
subordinated lien position of such holders junior to all Liens securing the
Secured Obligations and the Debt under the Term Loan and Security Agreement and
any future working capital or short term senior loans; (v) shall not include
provisions that are inconsistent with this Agreement and the Term Loan and
Security Agreement; (vi) shall provide for the suspension of all payments,
including principal and interest, due under the New Debentures, upon the
occurrence of any Event of Default; and (vii) shall provide for a standstill
period, satisfactory to the Agent and the Lenders, upon a Default or Event of
Default; and

      (b) The Borrower may redeem the 8 3/4% Debentures and the ExtendiblE
Debentures held by the holders who do not accept or are not tendered the
Exchange Offer (the "Redemption"), PROVIDED that (i) no Default or Event of
Default exists immediately prior to or would result from such Redemption; (ii)
such Redemption shall not exceed $8,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 8
3/4% Debentures and the Extendible Debentures; and (iii) on a PRO FORMA basis,
after the completion of such Redemption, the Availability shall not be less than
$4,000,000 plus the Payables Factor.

      SECTION 9.11. Year 2000 Compliance. The Borrower will promptly notify the
Agent in the event the Borrower discovers or determines that any computer
application (including those of its suppliers, vendors and customers) that is
material to its or any of its Subsidiaries' business and operations will not be
Year 2000 Compliant (A) as to its accounting systems, by December 1, 1998, (B)
as to its process control systems, by March 1, 1999, and (C) as to its
manufacturing support and all other systems and all other systems, by May 1,
1999.


                                       76
<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE 10
                                   INFORMATION

      Until the Revolving Credit Facility has been terminated and all the
Secured Obligations and Junior Secured Obligations have been paid in full,
unless the Required Lenders shall otherwise consent in the manner set forth in
SECTION 15.11, the Borrower will furnish to the Agent and to each Lender at its
offices then designated for notices pursuant to SECTION 15.1, the statements,
reports, certificates, and other information provided for in this ARTICLE 10.
All written information, reports, statements and other papers and data furnished
to the Agent or any Lender by or at the request of the Borrower, whether
pursuant to this ARTICLE 10 or any other provision of this Agreement or of any
other Loan Document, shall be, at the time the same is so furnished, complete
and correct in all material respects to the extent necessary to give the Agent
and the Lenders true and accurate knowledge of the subject matter.
Specifically, the Borrower will so furnish:

      SECTION 10.1. Financial Statements.

      (a) Audited Year-End Statements. As soon as available, but in any event
within 90 days after the end of each Fiscal Year, copies of the consolidating
and consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year and the related statements of
income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for such fiscal year, in each case
setting forth in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year of
the Borrower, reported on, as to such consolidated statements, without
qualification, by Ernst & Young LLC or other independent certified public
accountants of nationally recognized standing; and

      (b) Monthly Financial Statements. As soon as available after the end of
each month, but in any event within 30 days after the end of each Fiscal Month,
copies of the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries as at the end of such Fiscal Month and the related
unaudited consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the Borrower and
its Consolidated Subsidiaries for such Fiscal Month and for the portion of the
Fiscal Year through such Fiscal Month, certified by a Financial Officer of the
Borrower as presenting fairly the financial condition and results of operations
of the Borrower (subject to normal year-end audit adjustments) for the
applicable period(s);

all such financial statements to be complete and correct in all material
respects and prepared in accordance with GAAP (except, with respect to interim
financial statements, for the omission of notes and for the effect of normal
year-end audit adjustments) applied consistently throughout the periods
reflected therein; and

      (c) Annual Budget. Not later than the 30th day of each Fiscal Year, an
operating budget for such fiscal year, prepared on a monthly basis and including
balance sheets, yearly statements, cash flows, projected Loans and Availability.

      SECTION 10.2. Accountants' Certificate. Together with the financial
statements referred to in SECTION 10.1(A), a certificate of such accountants
addressed to the Agent

      (a) stating that in making the examination necessary for the certification
of such financial statements, nothing has come to their attention to lead them
to believe that any Default or Event of


                                       77
<PAGE>

Default exists and, in particular, they have no knowledge of any Default or
Event of Default or, if such is not the case, specifying such Default or Event
of Default and its nature, and

      (b) having attached the calculations, prepared by the Borrower and
reviewed by such accountants, required to establish whether or not the Borrower
is in compliance with the covenants contained in SECTIONS 11.1, 11.2, 11.09 AND
11.10, as at the date of such financial statements.

      SECTION 10.3. Officer's Certificate. At the time that the Borrower
furnishes the financial statements pursuant to SECTION 10.1(B) for any Fiscal
Month that is the last Fiscal Month of a Fiscal Quarter, a certificate of its
President or a Financial Officer

      (a) setting forth as at the end of such Fiscal Quarter or Fiscal Year, as
the case may be, the calculations required to establish whether or not the
Borrower was in compliance with the requirements of SECTIONS 11.1, 11.2, 11.09
AND 11.10, as at the end of each respective period,

      (b) stating that the information on the schedules to this Agreement is
complete and accurate as of the date of such certificate or, if such is not the
case, attaching to such certificate updated schedules in accordance with the
provisions of SECTION 10.8, and

      (c) stating that, based on a reasonably diligent examination, no Default
or Event of Default exists, or, if such is not the case, specifying such Default
or Event of Default and its nature, when it occurred, whether it is continuing
and the steps being taken by the Borrower with respect to such Default or Event
of Default.

      SECTION 10.4. Copies of Other Reports.

      (a) Promptly upon receipt thereof, copies of all reports, if any,
submitted to the Borrower or its Board of Directors by its independent public
accountants, including, without limitation, any management report.

      (b) As soon as practicable, copies of all financial statements and reports
that the Borrower shall send to its shareholders generally and of all
registration statements and all regular or periodic reports which the Borrower
shall file with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor
commission.

      (c) From time to time and as soon as reasonably practicable following each
request, such forecasts, data, certificates, reports, statements, opinions of
counsel, documents or further information regarding the business, assets,
liabilities, financial condition, results of operations or business prospects of
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries as the Agent or any Lender may
reasonably request and that the Borrower has or (except in the case of legal
opinions relating to the perfection or priority of the Security Interest)
without unreasonable expense can obtain; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Lenders
shall, to the extent reasonably practicable, coordinate examinations of the
Borrower's records by their respective internal examiners. The rights of the
Agent and the Lenders under this SECTION 10.4 are in addition to and not in
derogation of their rights under any other provision of this Agreement or of any
other Loan Document.

      (d) If requested by the Agent or any Lender, the Borrower will furnish to
the Agent and the Lenders statements in conformity with the requirements of
Federal Reserve Form G-3 or U-1


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referred to in Regulation G and U, respectively, of the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System.

      SECTION 10.5. Notice of Litigation and Other Matters. Prompt notice of:

      (a) the commencement, to the extent the Borrower is aware of the same, of
all proceedings and investigations by or before any governmental or
nongovernmental body and all actions and proceedings in any court or before any
arbitrator against or in any other way relating to or affecting the Borrower,
any of its Subsidiaries or any of the Borrower's or any of its Subsidiaries'
properties, assets or businesses, which might, singly or in the aggregate,
result in the occurrence of a Default or an Event of Default, or have a
Materially Adverse Effect on the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries,

      (b) any amendment of the articles of incorporation or by-laws of the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries,

      (c) any change in the business, assets, liabilities, financial condition,
results of operations or business prospects of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries which has had or may have, singly or in the aggregate, a Materially
Adverse Effect on the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and any change in the
executive officers of the Borrower, and

      (d) any Default or Event of Default or any event which constitutes or
which with the passage of time or giving of notice or both would constitute a
default or event of default by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries under any
material agreement (other than this Agreement) to which the Borrower or any of
its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or
any of the Borrower's or any of its Subsidiaries' properties may be bound.

      SECTION 10.6. ERISA. As soon as possible and in any event within 30 days
after the Borrower knows, or has reason to know, that:

      (a) any ERISA Event with respect to a Benefit Plan has occurred or will
occur, or

      (b) the aggregate present value of the Unfunded Vested Accrued Benefits
under all Benefit Plans is equal to an amount in excess of $0, or

      (c) the Borrower or any Subsidiary is in default (as defined in Section
4219(c)(5) of ERISA) with respect to payments to a Multiemployer Plan required
by reason of the Borrower's or such Subsidiary's complete or partial withdrawal
(as described in Section 4203 or 4205 of ERISA) from such Multiemployer Plan, a
certificate of the President or a Financial Officer of the Borrower setting
forth the details of such event and the action which is proposed to be taken
with respect thereto, together with any notice or filing which may be required
by the PBGC or other agency of the United States government with respect to such
event.

      SECTION 10.7. Revisions or Updates to Schedules. Should any of the
information or disclosures provided on any of the Schedules originally attached
hereto become outdated or incorrect in any material respect, as part of the
officer's certificate required pursuant to SECTION 10.3(B), such revisions or
updates to such Schedule(s) as may be necessary or appropriate to update or
correct such Schedule(s), PROVIDED that no such revisions or updates to any
Schedule(s) shall be deemed to have amended, modified or superseded such
Schedule(s) as attached hereto immediately prior to the


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<PAGE>


submission of such revised or updated Schedule(s), or to have cured any breach
of warranty or representation resulting from the inaccuracy or incompleteness of
any such Schedule(s), unless and until the Required Lenders in their sole and
absolute discretion, shall have accepted in writing such revisions or updates to
such Schedule(s).

      SECTION 10.8. Subordinated Debt Certificate. Not less than five Business
Days prior to any scheduled payment of any principal of, or interest or other
amounts on, the Subordinated Debt, and as a condition precedent to making such
payment, a certificate of its President or a Financial Officer stating:

      (a) that no Default or Event of Default is in existence as of the date of
the certificate or will be in existence as of the date of such payment, both
with and without giving effect to the making of such payment, and

      (b) the amount of principal and interest to be paid.


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                                   ARTICLE 11
                               NEGATIVE COVENANTS

      Until the Revolving Credit Facility has been terminated and all the
Secured Obligations and Junior Secured Obligations have been paid in full,
unless the Required Lenders shall otherwise consent in the manner set forth in
SECTION 15.11, the Borrower will not directly or indirectly and, in the case of
SECTIONS 11.2 through 11.14, will not permit its Subsidiaries to:

      SECTION 11.1. Financial Ratios. Permit: 

      (a) Debt Service Coverage Ratio. Permit the ratio of Adjusted Operating
Cash Flow to Total Debt Service for (i) the period of the Fiscal Quarter ending
on October 31, 1998 to be less than 1.20 to 1, (ii) the period of two
consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending on January 31, 1999 to be less than 1.25 to
1, (iii) the period of three consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending on April 30,
1999 to be less than 1.30 to 1, and (iv) the period of any four consecutive
Fiscal Quarters ending on or after July 31, 1999 to be less than 1.30 to 1.

WHERE:

      "ADJUSTED OPERATING CASH FLOW" for any test period described above means
EBIT for such period, MINUS the sum of (i) cash income taxes paid by the
Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries during such period (net of cash
refunds of income taxes received by them during such period) and (ii) the amount
of Capital Expenditures not financed with Debt (other than Loan proceeds) of the
Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries during such period after deducting
all capitalized interest related thereto, PLUS the sum of (x) depreciation
expense, (y) amortization expense, and (z) accrued but unpaid management fees
owed by the Borrower to Mentmore Holdings Corp., to the extent deducted in
computing EBIT, in each case of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
for such period.

      "EBIT" for any test period described above means consolidated Net Income
of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries for such period, PLUS the sum
of (i) federal and state income tax expense and (ii) Total Interest Expense,
(minus any amount in respect of federal or state income tax refunds or interest
income) to the extent deducted in computing consolidated Net Income.

      "TOTAL DEBT SERVICE" for any test period described above means the sum of
(i) repayments of principal of Debt to the Term Lenders scheduled to be made
during such period and (ii) Total Interest Expense, MINUS, to the extent
included in Total Interest Expense for such period, any amortization of bond
discount on the 8 3/4% Debentures or the Extendible Debentures or the NEW
Debentures and any interest not payable in cash.

AND

      "TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE" for any test period described above, means
consolidated total cash interest expense of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries, determined in accordance with GAAP, BUT including all capitalized
interest in connection with Capital Expenditures.

      (b) Minimum Capital Funds. Permit the Capital Funds of the Borrower at any
time:



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<PAGE>

            (i) during the period from the Effective Date through October 31,
      1998 to be less than $12,300,000;

            (ii) during the period from November 1, 1998 through July 31, 1999
      to be less than $11,000,000;

            (iii) during the period from August 1, 1999 through January 31, 2000
      to be less than $11,400,00;

            (iv) during the period from February 1, 2000 through April 30, 2000
      to be less than $11,700,000; and

            (v) during the period from May 1, 2000 through August 31, 2000 to be
      less than $12,000,000;

WHERE:

      "CAPITAL FUNDS" means at the time of determination the consolidated Net
Worth of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, plus outstanding
Subordinated Debt.


      SECTION 11.2. Debt. Create, assume, or otherwise become or remain
obligated in respect of, or permit or suffer to exist or to be created, assumed
or incurred or to be outstanding any Debt, except that this SECTION 11.2 shall
not apply to:

      (a) Debt of the Borrower represented by the Loans and the Notes,

      (b) other Debt reflected on SCHEDULE 6.1(K), excluding any such Debt that
is to be paid in full on the Effective Date,

      (c) Permitted Purchase Money Debt,

      (d) the Debt to the Term Lender under the Term Loan and Security
Agreement;

      (e) the Debt under the 8 3/4% Debentures, the Extendible Debentures anD
the New Debentures; and

      (f) the Debt under the letter agreement between the Borrower and CIT dated
on or about the date of this Agreement relating to the repayment of the CIT
Ledger Debt.

      SECTION 11.3. Guaranties. Become or remain liable with respect to any
Guaranty of any obligation of any other Person.

      SECTION 11.4. Investments. Acquire, after the Agreement Date, any Business
Unit or Investment or, aster such date, maintain any Investment other than
Permitted Investments and the Rival Note.

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<PAGE>

      SECTION 11.5. Restricted Payments and Purchases, Etc. Declare or make any
Restricted Payment or Restricted Purchase, EXCEPT that this Section 11.5 shall
not apply to (a) provided that no Default or Event of Default exists immediately
prior to or after giving effect to any such payment (i) Redemptions in
accordance with SECTION 9.10(B), and (ii) payments made by the Borrower to
Mentmore Holdings Corp., after completion of the Exchange Offer and Redemption,
in an amount not greater than $112,500 per month, and (b) reimbursement AT ANY
TIME of actual reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by Mentmore Holdings
Corp. to third parties (excluding compensation to employees) in connection with
the performance of its management services to the Borrower; provided that during
the continuance of a Default or Event of Default such reimbursements shall not
exceed in the aggregate $20,000 per month.

      SECTION 11.6. Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets. Merge or
consolidate with any other Person or sell, lease or transfer or otherwise
dispose of all or a substantial portion of its assets to any Person other than
sales of Inventory in the ordinary course of business and the sale and
assignment of Receivables to the Factors pursuant to the terms of their
respective Factoring Agreement.

      SECTION 11.7. Transactions with Affiliates. Effect any transaction with
any Affiliate on a basis less favorable to the Borrower than would be the case
if such transaction had been effected with a Person not an Affiliate , EXCEPT
that this SECTION 11.7 shall not apply to the Borrower's payments to Mentmore
Holdings Corp. permitted pursuant to SECTION 11.5 or to the Borrower's
enforcement or lack of enforcement of the terms of the Rival Note.

      SECTION 11.8. Liens. Create, assume or permit or suffer to exist or to be
created or assumed any Lien on any of the Collateral or its other assets, other
than Permitted Liens.

      SECTION 11.9. Capitalized Lease Obligations. Without the consent of the
Required Lenders, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, incur or
permit to exist any Capitalized Lease Obligations if such Capitalized Lease
Obligation when added to existing Capitalized Lease Obligations and Permitted
Purchase Money Debt of the Borrower would exceed $2,000,000 in the aggregate.

      SECTION 11.10. Operating Leases. Without the consent of the Required
Lenders, enter into any Operating Lease if the aggregate annual rental payable
under all Operating Leases of the Borrower would exceed $6,000,000 in the
aggregate at any time after the Effective Date.

      SECTION 11.11. [RESERVED]

      SECTION 11.12. Plans. Permit any condition to exist in connection with any
Plan which might constitute grounds for the PBGC to institute proceedings to
have such Plan terminated or a trustee appointed to administer such Plan, and
any other condition, event or transaction with respect to any Plan which could
result in the incurrence by the Borrower of any material liability, fine or
penalty.

      SECTION 11.13. Sales and Lease backs. Enter into any arrangement with any
Person providing for the Borrower's leasing from such Person any real or
personal property which has been or is to be sold or transferred, directly or
indirectly, by the Borrower to such Person.


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<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE 12
                                     DEFAULT

      SECTION 12.1. Events of Defaults. Each of the following shall constitute
an Event of Default, whatever the reason for such event and whether it shall be
voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any
judgment or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any
governmental or nongovernmental body:

      (a) Default in Payment. The Borrower shall default in any payment of
principal of or interest on any Loan, any or any Note when and as due (whether
at maturity, by reason of acceleration or otherwise).

      (b) Other Payment Default. The Borrower shall default in the payment, as
and when due, of principal of or interest on, any other Secured Obligation, and
such default shall continue for a period of 10 days after written notice thereof
has been given to the Borrower by the Agent.

      (c) Misrepresentation. Any representation or warranty made or deemed to be
made by the Borrower under this Agreement or any Loan Document, or any amendment
hereto or thereto, shall at any time prove to have been incorrect or misleading
in any material respect when made.

      (d) Default in Performance. The Borrower shall default in the performance
or observance of any term, covenant, condition or agreement to be performed by
the Borrower, contained in

            (i) ARTICLES 7, 8, 10 or 11, or SECTIONS 9.1 (insofar as it requires
      the preservation of the corporate existence of the Borrower), 9.8, or
      9.10(A) and the Agent shall have delivered to the Borrower written notice
      of such default, or

            (ii) this Agreement (other than as specifically provided for
      otherwise in this SECTION 12.1) and such default shall continue for a
      period of ten days after written notice thereof has been given to the
      Borrower by the Agent.

      (e)   Indebtedness Cross-Default.

            (i) The Borrower or any Subsidiary shall fail to pay when due and
      payable the principal of or interest on any Debt (other than the Loans) in
      an amount in excess of $1,000,000, PROVIDED that the Borrower's failure to
      make a payment of the principal of or interest on the Subordinated
      Indebtedness on account of the operation of the subordination provisions
      thereof shall not be an Event of Default, or

            (ii) the maturity of any such Indebtedness shall have (A) been
      accelerated in accordance with the provisions of any indenture, contract
      or instrument providing for the creation of or concerning such
      Indebtedness, or (B) been required to be prepaid prior to the stated
      maturity thereof, or

            (iii) any event shall have occurred and be continuing which would
      permit any holder or holders of such Indebtedness, any trustee or agent
      acting on behalf of such holder or holders or any other Person so to
      accelerate such maturity, and the Borrower shall have failed to cure such
      default prior to the expiration of any applicable cure or grace period.

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<PAGE>

      (f) Other Cross-Defaults. The Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall
default in the payment when due, or in the performance or observance, of any
obligation or condition of any agreement, contract or lease (other than this
Agreement, the Security Documents or any such agreement, contract or lease
relating to Debt) if the existence of any such defaults, singly or in the
aggregate, could in the reasonable judgment of the Agent have a Materially
Adverse Effect on the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

      (g) Voluntary Bankruptcy Proceeding. The Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries shall

            (i) commence a voluntary case under the federal bankruptcy laws (as
      now or hereafter in effect),

            (ii) file a petition seeking to take advantage of any other laws,
      domestic or foreign, relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
      winding up or composition for adjustment of debts,

            (iii) consent to or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate
      manner any petition filed against it in an involuntary case under such
      bankruptcy laws or other laws,

            (iv) apply for or consent to, or fail to contest in a timely and
      appropriate manner, the appointment of, or the taking of possession by, a
      receiver, custodian, trustee, or liquidator of itself or of a substantial
      part of its property, domestic or foreign,

            (v) admit in writing its inability to pay its debts as they become
      due,

            (vi) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or

            (vii) take any corporate action for the purpose of authorizing any
      of the foregoing.

      (h) Involuntary Bankruptcy Proceeding. A case or other proceeding shall be
commenced against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in any court of
competent jurisdiction seeking

            (i) relief under the federal bankruptcy laws (as now or hereafter in
      effect) or under any other laws, domestic or foreign, relating to
      bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, winding up or adjustment of debts,

            (ii) the appointment of a trustee, receiver, custodian, liquidator
      or the like of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or of all or any
      substantial part of the assets, domestic or foreign, of the Borrower or
      any of its Subsidiaries,

and such case or proceeding shall continue undismissed or unstayed for a period
of 60 consecutive calendar days, or an order granting the relief requested in
such case or proceeding against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
(including, but not limited to, an order for relief under such federal
bankruptcy laws) shall be entered.

      (i) Failure of Agreements. The Borrower shall challenge the validity and
binding effect of any provision of any Loan Document after delivery thereof
hereunder or shall state in writing its intention to make such a challenge, or
any Security Document, after delivery thereof hereunder, shall


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<PAGE>

for any reason (except to the extent permitted by the terms thereof) cease to
create a valid and perfected first priority Lien (except for Permitted Liens)
on, or security interest in, any of the Collateral purported to be covered
thereby.

      (j) Judgment. A final, unappealable judgment or order for the payment of
money in an amount that exceeds the uncontested insurance available therefor by
$100,000 or more shall be entered against the Borrower by any court and such
judgment or order shall continue undischarged or unstayed for 10 days.

      (k) Attachment. A warrant or writ of attachment or execution or similar
process which exceeds $100,000 in value shall be issued against any property of
the Borrower and such warrant or process shall continue undischarged or unstayed
for 10 days.

      (l) Loan Documents. Any event of default under any other Loan Document
shall occur or the Borrower shall default in the performance or observance of
any term, covenant, condition or agreement contained in, or the payment of any
other sum covenanted to be paid by the Borrower under, any other Loan Document;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER that no event of default under any other Loan Document shall
be deemed to have occurred until any notice required under such Loan Document
has been given and any grace period granted under such Loan Document has
expired.

      (m) ERISA. Any ERISA Event shall occur with respect to any Benefit Plan.

      (n) Change in Control. There shall have occurred under any indenture or
other instrument evidencing any Debt in excess of $1,000,000 any "change in
control" (as defined in such indenture or other evidence of Debt) obligating the
Borrower to repurchase, redeem or repay, or to offer to repurchase, redeem or
repay, or conferring on the holders of such Debt the right to require the
Borrower to repurchase, redeem or repay, all or any part of the Debt provided
for therein.

      SECTION 12.2. Remedies.

      (a) Automatic Acceleration and Termination of Facilities. Upon the
occurrence of an Event of Default specified in SECTION 12.1(G) or (H), (i) the
principal of and the interest on the Loans, the Loans and any Note at the time
outstanding, and all other amounts owed to the Agent or the Lenders under this
Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents and all other Secured Obligations
and Junior Secured Obligations, shall thereupon become due and payable without
presentment, demand, protest, or other notice of any kind, all of which are
expressly waived, anything in this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents to the
contrary notwithstanding, and (ii) the Revolving Credit Facility and the right
of the Borrower to request borrowings under this Agreement shall immediately
terminate.

      (b) Other Remedies. If any Event of Default shall have occurred, and
during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Agent may, and at the
direction of the Required Lenders in their sole and absolute discretion shall,
do any of the following:

            (i) declare the principal of and interest on the Loans and any Note
      at the time outstanding, and all other amounts owed to the Agent or the
      Lenders under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents and all
      other Secured Obligations and Junior Secured Obligations, to be forthwith
      due and payable, whereupon the same shall immediately become


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<PAGE>


      due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of
      any kind, all of which are expressly waived, anything in this Agreement or
      the Loan Documents to the contrary notwithstanding;

            (ii) terminate the Revolving Credit Facility and any other right of
      the Borrower to request borrowings hereunder;

            (iii) notify, or request the Borrower to notify, in writing or
      otherwise, any Account Debtor or obligor with respect to any one or more
      of the Receivables to make payment to the Agent, for the benefit of the
      Lenders, or any agent or designee of the Agent, at such address as may be
      specified by the Agent and if, notwithstanding the giving of any notice,
      any Account Debtor or other such obligor shall make payments to the
      Borrower, the Borrower shall hold all such payments it receives in trust
      for the Agent, for the account of the Lenders, without commingling the
      same with other funds or property of, or held by, the Borrower, and shall
      deliver the same to the Agent or any such agent or designee of the Agent
      immediately upon receipt by the Borrower in the identical form received,
      together with any necessary endorsements;

            (iv) settle or adjust disputes and claims directly with Account
      Debtors and other obligors on Receivables for amounts and on terms which
      the Agent considers advisable and in all such cases only the net amounts
      received by the Agent, for the account of the Lenders, in payment of such
      amounts, after deductions of costs and attorneys' fees, shall constitute
      Collateral and the Borrower shall have no further right to make any such
      settlements or adjustments or to accept any returns of merchandise;

            (v) enter upon any premises in which Inventory or Equipment may be
      located and, without resistance or interference by the Borrower, take
      physical possession of any or all thereof and maintain such possession on
      such premises or move the same or any part thereof to such other place or
      places as the Agent shall choose, without being liable to the Borrower on
      account of any loss, damage or depreciation that may occur as a result
      thereof, so long as the Agent shall act reasonably and in good faith;

            (vi) require the Borrower to and the Borrower shall, without charge
      to the Agent or any Lender, assemble the Inventory and Equipment and
      maintain or deliver it into the possession of the Agent or any agent or
      representative of the Agent at such place or places as the Agent may
      designate and as are reasonably convenient to both the Agent and the
      Borrower;

            (vii) at the expense of the Borrower, cause any of the Inventory and
      Equipment to be placed in a public or field warehouse, and the Agent shall
      not be liable to the Borrower on account of any loss, damage or
      depreciation that may occur as a result thereof, so long as the Agent
      shall act reasonably and in good faith;

            (viii) without notice, demand or other process, and without payment
      of any rent or any other charge, enter any of the Borrower's premises and,
      without breach of the peace, until the Agent, on behalf of the Lenders,
      completes the enforcement of its rights in the Collateral, take possession
      of such premises or place custodians in exclusive control thereof, remain
      on


                                       87
<PAGE>


      such premises and use the same and any of the Borrower's Equipment, for
      the purpose of (A) completing any work in process, preparing any Inventory
      for disposition and disposing thereof, and (B) collecting any Receivable,
      and the Agent for the benefit of the Lenders is hereby granted a license
      or sublicense and all other rights as may be necessary, appropriate or
      desirable to use the Proprietary Rights in connection with the foregoing,
      and the rights of the Borrower under all licenses, sublicenses and
      franchise agreements shall inure to the Agent for the benefit of the
      Lenders (PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any use of any federally registered
      trademarks as to any goods shall be subject to the control as to the
      quality of such goods of the owner of such trademarks and the goodwill of
      the business symbolized thereby);

            (ix) exercise any and all of its rights under any and all of the
      Security Documents;

            (x) apply any Collateral consisting of cash to the payment of the
      Secured Obligations and Junior Secured Obligations in any order in which
      the Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, may elect or use such cash in
      connection with the exercise of any of its other rights hereunder or under
      any of the Security Documents;

            (xi) establish or cause to be established one or more Lockboxes or
      other arrangement for the deposit of proceeds of Receivables, and, in such
      case, the Borrower shall cause to be forwarded to the Agent at the Agent's
      Office, on a daily basis, copies of all checks and other items of payment
      and deposit slips related thereto deposited in such Lockboxes, together
      with collection reports in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent;
      and

            (xii) exercise all of the rights and remedies of a secured party
      under the Uniform Commercial Code and under any other Applicable Law,
      including, without limitation, the right, without notice except as
      specified below and with or without taking possession thereof, to sell the
      Collateral or any part thereof in one or more parcels at public or private
      sale, at any location chosen by the Agent, for cash, on credit or for
      future delivery, and at such price or prices and upon such other terms as
      the Agent may deem commercially reasonable. The Borrower agrees that, to
      the extent notice of sale shall be required by law, at least ten (10)
      days' notice to the Borrower of the time and place of any public sale or
      the time after which any private sale is to be made shall constitute
      reasonable notification, but notice given in any other reasonable manner
      or at any other reasonable time shall constitute reasonable notification.
      The Agent shall not be obligated to make any sale of Collateral regardless
      of notice of sale having been given. The Agent may adjourn any public or
      private sale from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed
      therefor, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time
      and place to which it was so adjourned.

      SECTION 12.3. Application of Proceeds. All proceeds from each sale of, or
other realization upon, all or any part of the Collateral following an Event of
Default shall be applied or paid over as follows:

      (a) First: to the payment of all costs and expenses incurred in connection
with such sale or other realization, including reasonable attorneys' fees,

      (b) Second: to the payment of the Secured Obligations (with the Borrower
remaining liable for any deficiency) as the Agent may elect,



                                       88
<PAGE>

      (c) Third: to BBC for application in accordance with the Intercreditor
Agreement (with the Borrower remaining liable for any deficiency);

      (d) Fourth: to the payment of the Junior Secured Obligations (with the
Borrower remaining liable for any deficiency) ratably in accordance with the
amounts of such Junior Secured Obligations held by each Person, for application
to such Junior Secured Obligations as each such Person may elect, and

      (e) Fifth: the balance (if any) of such proceeds shall be paid to the
Borrower, subject to any duty imposed by law, or otherwise to whomsoever shall
be entitled thereto.

THE BORROWER SHALL REMAIN LIABLE AND WILL PAY, ON DEMAND, ANY DEFICIENCY
REMAINING IN RESPECT OF THE SECURED OBLIGATIONS, TOGETHER WITH INTEREST THEREON
AT A RATE PER ANNUM EQUAL TO THE HIGHEST RATE THEN PAYABLE HEREUNDER ON SUCH
SECURED OBLIGATIONS, WHICH INTEREST SHALL CONSTITUTE PART OF THE SECURED
OBLIGATIONS.

      SECTION 12.4. Power of Attorney. In addition to the authorizations granted
to the Agent under SECTION 8.13 or under any other provision of this Agreement
or of any other Loan Document, during the continuance of an Event of Default,
the Borrower hereby irrevocably designates, makes, constitutes and appoints the
Agent (and all Persons designated by the Agent from time to time) as the
Borrower's true and lawful attorney, and agent in fact, and the Agent, or any
agent of the Agent, may, without notice to the Borrower, and at such time or
times as the Agent or any such agent in its sole discretion may determine, in
the name of the Borrower, the Agent or the Lenders,

      (c) demand payment of the Receivables,

      (d) enforce payment of the Receivables by legal proceedings or otherwise,

      (e) exercise all of the Borrower's rights and remedies with respect to the
collection of Receivables,

      (f) settle, adjust, compromise, extend or renew any or all of the
Receivables,

      (g) settle, adjust or compromise any legal proceedings brought to collect
the Receivables,

      (h) discharge and release the Receivables or any of them,

      (i) prepare, file and sign the name of the Borrower on any proof of claim
in bankruptcy or any similar document against any Account Debtor,

      (j) prepare, file and sign the name of the Borrower on any notice of Lien,
assignment or satisfaction of Lien, or similar document in connection with any
of the Collateral,

      (k) endorse the name of the Borrower upon any chattel paper, document,
instrument, notice, freight bill, bill of lading or similar document or
agreement relating to the Receivables, the Inventory or any other Collateral,

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      (l) use the stationery of the Borrower and sign the name of the Borrower
to verifications of the Receivables and on any notice to the Account Debtors,

      (m) open the Borrower's mail,

      (n) notify the post office authorities to change the address for delivery
of the Borrower's mail to an address designated by the Agent, and

      (o) use the information recorded on or contained in any data processing
equipment and computer hardware and software relating to the Receivables,
Inventory or other Collateral to which the Borrower has access.

      SECTION 12.5. Miscellaneous Provisions Concerning Remedies.

      (a) Rights Cumulative. The rights and remedies of the Agent and the
Lenders under this Agreement, the Notes and each of the Loan Documents shall be
cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which it or they would
otherwise have. In exercising such rights and remedies the Agent and the Lenders
may be selective and no failure or delay by the Agent or any Lender in
exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of it, nor shall any single or
partial exercise of any power or right preclude its other or further exercise or
the exercise of any other power or right.

      (b) Waiver of Marshalling. The Borrower hereby waives any right to require
any marshalling of assets and any similar right.

      (c) Limitation of Liability. Nothing contained in this ARTICLE 12 or
elsewhere in this Agreement or in any of the Loan Documents shall be construed
as requiring or obligating the Agent, any Lender or any agent or designee of the
Agent or any Lender to make any demand, or to make any inquiry as to the nature
or sufficiency of any payment received by it, or to present or file any claim or
notice or take any action, with respect to any Receivable or any other
Collateral or the monies due or to become due thereunder or in connection
therewith, or to take any steps necessary to preserve any rights against prior
parties, and the Agent, the Lenders and their agents or designees shall have no
liability to the Borrower for actions taken pursuant to this ARTICLE 12, any
other provision of this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents so long as the
Agent or such Lender shall act in good faith and in a commercially reasonable
manner.

      (d) Appointment of Receiver. In any action under this ARTICLE 12, the
Agent shall be entitled during the continuance of an Event of Default, to the
fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, to the appointment of a receiver,
without notice of any kind whatsoever, to take possession of all or any portion
of the Collateral and to exercise such power as the court shall confer upon such
receiver.


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                                   ARTICLE 13
                                   ASSIGNMENTS

      SECTION 13.1. Successors and Assigns; Participations.

      (a) This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
Borrower, the Lenders, the Agent, all future holders of the Notes, and their
respective successors and assigns, except that the Borrower may not assign or
transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior
written consent of each Lender.

      (b) Each Lender may with the consent of the Agent and, so long as no
Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower, such
consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, assign to one or more
Eligible Assignees all or a portion of its interests, rights and obligations
under this Agreement (including, without limitation, all or a portion of the
Loans at the time owing to it and the Notes held by it); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
(i) each such assignment shall be of a constant, and not a varying, percentage
of all the assigning Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement, (ii)
the amount of the Commitment of the assigning Lender that is subject to each
such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Acceptance with
respect to such assignment is delivered to the Agent) shall in no event be less
than $2,500,000, (iii) in the case of a partial assignment, the amount of the
Commitment that is retained by the assigning Lender (determined as of the date
the Assignment and Acceptance with respect to such assignment is delivered to
the Agent) shall in no event be less than $2,500,000, (iv) the parties to each
such assignment shall execute and deliver to the Agent, for its acceptance and
recording in the Register an Assignment and Acceptance, together with any Note
or Notes subject to such assignment and such assignee's pro rata share of the
Agent's syndication expenses, (v) such assignment shall not, without the consent
of the Borrower, require the Borrower to file a registration statement with the
Securities and Exchange Commission or apply to or qualify the Loans or the Notes
under the "blue sky" laws of any state, and (vi) the representation contained in
SECTION 13.2 hereof shall be true with respect to any such proposed assignee.
Upon such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording, from and after the
effective date specified in each Assignment and Acceptance, which effective date
shall be at least five Business Days after the execution thereof, (A) the
assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent provided in such
Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender
hereunder, and (B) the Lender assignor thereunder shall, to the extent provided
in such assignment, be released from its obligations under this Agreement.

      (c) By executing and delivering an Assignment and Acceptance, the Lender
assignor thereunder and the assignee thereunder confirm to and agree with each
other and the other parties hereto as follows: (i) other than the representation
and warranty that it is the legal and beneficial owner of the interest being
assigned thereby free and clear of any adverse claim, such Lender assignor makes
no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any
statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with this
Agreement or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness,
sufficiency or value of this Agreement or any other instrument or document
furnished pursuant hereto; (ii) such Lender assignor makes no representation or
warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition
of the Borrower or the performance or observance by the Borrower of any of its
obligations under this Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished
pursuant hereto; (iii) such assignee confirms that it has received a copy of
this Agreement, together with copies of the financial statements referred to in

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SECTION 6.1(O) and such other documents and information as it has deemed
appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such
Assignment and Acceptance; (iv) such assignee will, independently and without
reliance upon the Agent, such Lender assignor or any other Lender, and based on
such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time,
continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under
this Agreement; (v) such assignee confirms that it is an Eligible Assignee; (vi)
such assignee appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on
its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents as are delegated to the Agent by the terms hereof and thereof,
together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; and (vii) such
assignee agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the
obligations which by the terms of this Agreement are required to be performed by
it as a Lender.

      (d) The Agent shall maintain a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance
delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of
the Lenders and the Commitment and Commitment Percentage of, and principal
amount of the Loans and owing to, each Lender from time to time (the
"Register"). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, in the absence of
manifest error, and the Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders may treat each
person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder for all
purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by
the Borrower or any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon
reasonable prior notice.

      (e) Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance executed by an
assigning Lender and an Eligible Assignee together with any Note or Notes
subject to such assignment, the Agent shall, if such Assignment and Acceptance
has been completed and is in the form of EXHIBIT C, (i) accept such Assignment
and Acceptance, (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register,
(iii) give prompt notice thereof to the Lenders and the Borrower, and (iv)
promptly deliver a copy of such Acceptance and Assignment to the Borrower.
Within five Business Days after receipt of notice, the Borrower shall execute
and deliver to the Agent in exchange for the surrendered Note or Notes a new
Note or Notes to the order of such Eligible Assignee in amounts equal to the
Commitment assumed by such Eligible Assignee pursuant to such Assignment and
Acceptance and a new Note or Notes to the order of the assigning Lender in an
amount equal to the Commitment retained by it hereunder. Such new Note or Notes
shall be in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal
amount of such surrendered Note or Notes, shall be dated the effective date of
such Assignment and Acceptance and shall otherwise be in substantially the form
of the assigned Notes. Each surrendered Note or Notes shall be cancelled and
returned to the Borrower.

      (f) Each Lender may sell participations to one or more banks or other
entities in all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement
(including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment hereunder and
the Loans owing to it and the Notes held by it); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (i)
each such participation shall be in an amount not less than $2,500,000, (ii)
such Lender's obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation,
its Commitment hereunder) shall remain unchanged, (iii) such Lender shall remain
solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such
obligations, (iv) such Lender shall remain the holder of the Notes held by it
for all purposes of this Agreement, (v) the Borrower, the Agent and the other
Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in
connection with such Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement;
PROVIDED, that such Lender may agree with any participant that such Lender will
not, without such participant's consent, agree to or approve any waivers or
amendments which


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would reduce the principal of or the interest rate on any Loans, extend the term
or increase the amount of the commitments of such participant, reduce the amount
of any fees to which such participant is entitled, extend any scheduled payment
date for principal or release Collateral securing the Loans (other than
Collateral disposed of pursuant to SECTION 8.7 hereof or otherwise in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement or the Security Documents), and (vi) any such
disposition shall not, without the consent of the Borrower, require any Borrower
to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to
apply to qualify the Loans or the Notes under the "blue sky" laws of any state.
The Lender selling a participation to any bank or other entity that is not an
Affiliate of such Lender shall give prompt notice thereof to the Borrower.

      (g) Any Lender may, in connection with any assignment, proposed
assignment, participation or proposed participation pursuant to this Section
13.1, disclose to the assignee, participant, proposed assignee or proposed
participant, any information relating to the Borrower furnished to such Lender
by or on behalf of the Borrower, PROVIDED that, prior to any such disclosure,
each such assignee, proposed assignee, participant or proposed participant shall
agree with the Borrower or such Lender (which in the case of an agreement with
only such Lender, the Borrower shall be recognized as a third party beneficiary
thereof) to preserve the confidentiality of any confidential information
relating to the Borrower received from such Lender.

      SECTION 13.2. Representation of Lenders. Each Lender hereby represents
that it will make each Loan hereunder as a commercial loan for its own account
in the ordinary course of its business; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that subject to
SECTION 13.1 hereof, the disposition of the Notes or other evidence of the
Secured Obligations held by any Lender shall at all times be within its
exclusive control.


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<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE 14
                                      AGENT

      SECTION 14.1. Appointment of Agent. Each of the Lenders hereby irrevocably
designates and appoints BankBoston, N.A. as the Agent of such Lender under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and each Lender irrevocably authorizes
the Agent, as the Agent for such Lender, to take such action on its behalf under
the provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to exercise
such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to the Agent by
the terms of this Agreement and such other Loan Documents, together with such
other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Notwithstanding any provision
to the contrary elsewhere in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, the
Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set
forth herein and therein, or any fiduciary relationship with any Lender, and no
implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or
liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or
otherwise exist against the Agent.

      SECTION 14.2. Delegation of Duties. The Agent may execute any of its
duties under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents by or through agents or
attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all
matters pertaining to such duties. The Agent shall not be responsible for the
negligence or misconduct of any agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by it with
reasonable care.

      SECTION 14.3. Exculpatory Provisions. Neither the Agent nor any of its
trustees, officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or
Affiliates shall be (i) liable to any Lender (or any Lender's participants) for
any action lawfully taken or omitted to be taken by it or such Person under or
in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (except for its or
such Person's own gross negligence or willful misconduct), or (ii) responsible
in any manner to any Lender (or any Lender's participants) for any recitals,
statements, representations or warranties made by the Borrower or any officer
thereof contained in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or in any
certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in,
or received by the Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or the
other Loan Documents or for the existence, value, validity, effectiveness,
genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or the other Loan
Documents or any Collateral or Lien or other interest therein or for any failure
of the Borrower to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder. The Agent
shall not be under any obligation to any Lender to ascertain or to inquire as to
the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or
conditions of, this Agreement, or to inspect the properties, books or records of
the Borrower.

      SECTION 14.4. Reliance by Agent. The Agent shall be entitled to rely, and
shall be fully protected in relying, upon any Note, writing, resolution, notice,
consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, cablegram, telegram, telecopy, telex or
teletype message, statement, order or other document or conversation believed by
it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper
Person or Persons and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including,
without limitation, counsel to the Borrower), independent accountants and other
experts selected by the Agent. The Agent may deem and treat the payee of any
Note as the owner thereof for all purposes unless such Note shall have been
transferred in accordance with SECTION 13.1. The Agent shall be fully justified
in failing or refusing to take any action under this Agreement and the other
Loan Documents unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the
Required Lenders as it

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deems appropriate and shall be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders
against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by reason
of taking or continuing to take any such action. The Agent shall in all cases be
fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement
and the Notes in accordance with a request of the Required Lenders, and such
request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding
upon all the Lenders and all future holders of the Notes.

      SECTION 14.5. Notice of Default. The Agent shall not be deemed to have
knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default
hereunder unless the Agent has received notice from a Lender or the Borrower
referring to this Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default and
stating that such notice is a "notice of default". In the event that the Agent
receives such a notice, the Agent shall promptly give notice thereof to the
Lenders. The Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event
of Default as shall be reasonably directed by the Required Lenders; PROVIDED
that unless and until the Agent shall have received such directions, the Agent
may (but shall not be obligated to) continue making Revolving Credit Loans to
the Borrower on behalf of the Lenders in reliance on the provisions of SECTION
4.7 and take such other action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect
to such Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable in the best
interests of the Lenders.

      SECTION 14.6. Non-Reliance on Agent and Other Lenders. Each Lender
expressly acknowledges that neither the Agent nor any of its officers,
directors, counsel, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or Affiliates has made
any representations or warranties to it and that no act by the Agent hereafter
taken, including any review of the affairs of the Borrower, shall be deemed to
constitute any representation or warranty by the Agent to any Lender. Each
Lender represents to the Agent that it has, independently and without reliance
upon the Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information
as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into
the business, operations, property, financial (and other) condition and
creditworthiness of the Borrower and made its own decision to make its Loans
hereunder and enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also represents that it
will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Lender, and
based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the
time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in
taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents,
and to make such investigation as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the
business, operations, property, financial (and other) condition and
creditworthiness of the Borrower. Except for notices, reports and other
documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by the Agent
hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, the Agent shall not have any duty
or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information
concerning the business, operations, property, financial (and other) condition
or creditworthiness of the Borrower which may come into the possession of the
Agent or any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or
Affiliates.

      SECTION 14.7. Indemnification. The Lenders agree to indemnify the Agent in
its capacity as such (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower and without
limiting the obligation of the Borrower to do so), ratably according to their
respective Commitment Percentages, from and against any and all liabilities,
obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs,
expenses or disbursements of any kind whatsoever which may at any time
(including, without limitation, at any time following the payment of the Notes)
be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Agent in any way relating to
or arising out of this Agreement or the other Loan


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Documents, or any documents contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or
the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or any action taken or omitted
by the Agent under or in connection with any of the foregoing; PROVIDED that no
Lender shall be liable for the payment of any portion of such liabilities,
obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs,
expenses or disbursements resulting solely from the Agent's gross negligence or
willful misconduct or resulting solely from transactions or occurrences that
occur at a time after such Lender has assigned all of its interests, rights and
obligations under this Agreement pursuant to SECTION 13.1 or, in the case of a
Lender to which an assignment is made hereunder pursuant to SECTION 13.1, at a
time before such assignment. The agreements in this subsection shall survive the
payment of the Notes, the Secured Obligations and all other amounts payable
hereunder and the termination of this Agreement.

      SECTION 14.8. Agent in Its Individual Capacity. The institution at the
time acting as the Agent and its Affiliates may make loans to, accept deposits
from and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower and the
Guarantor and their respective Subsidiaries as if it were not the Agent
hereunder. With respect to its Commitment, the Loans made or renewed by it and
any Note issued to it and any Letter of Credit issued by it, such institution
shall have and may exercise the same rights and powers under this Agreement and
the other Loan Documents and shall be subject to the same obligations and
liabilities as and to the extent set forth herein and in the other Loan
Documents for any other Lender. The terms "Lenders" and "Required Lenders" or
any other term shall, unless the context clearly otherwise indicates, include
such institution in its individual capacity as a Lender or one of the Required
Lenders.

      SECTION 14.9. Successor Agent. The Agent may resign as Agent upon 10 days'
notice to the Lenders. If the Agent shall resign as Agent under this Agreement,
then the Required Lenders shall appoint from among the Lenders a successor agent
for the Lenders which successor agent shall be approved by the Borrower (which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), whereupon such successor agent
shall succeed to the rights, powers and duties of the Agent, and the term
"Agent" shall mean such successor agent effective upon its appointment, and the
former Agent's rights, powers and duties as Agent shall be terminated, without
any other or further act or deed on the part of such former Agent or any of the
parties to this Agreement or any holders of the Notes. After any retiring
Agent's resignation hereunder as Agent, the provisions of SECTION 14.7 shall
inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while
it was Agent under this Agreement.

      SECTION 14.10. Notices from Agent to Lenders. The Agent shall promptly,
upon receipt thereof, forward to each Lender copies of any written notices,
reports or other information supplied to it by the Borrower (but which the
Borrower is not required to supply directly to the Lenders).


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<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE 15
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

      SECTION 15.1. Notices.

      (a) Method of Communication. Except as specifically provided in this
Agreement or in any of the Loan Documents, all notices and the communications
hereunder and thereunder shall be in writing or by telephone, subsequently
confirmed in writing. Notices in writing shall be delivered personally or sent
by certified or registered mail, postage pre-paid, or by overnight courier,
telex or facsimile transmission and shall be deemed received in the case of
personal delivery, when delivered, in the case of mailing, when receipted for,
in the case of overnight delivery, on the next Business Day after delivery to
the courier, and in the case of telex and facsimile transmission, upon
transmittal, PROVIDED that in the case of notices to the Agent, notice shall be
deemed to have been given only when such notice is actually received by the
Agent. A telephonic notice to the Agent, as understood by the Agent, will be
deemed to be the controlling and proper notice in the event of a discrepancy
with or failure to receive a confirming written notice.

      (b) Addresses for Notices. Notices to any party shall be sent to it at the
following addresses, or any other address of which all the other parties are
notified in writing by such first party:

            If to the Borrower:     Texfi Industries, Inc.
                                    5400 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 215
                                    Raleigh, North Carolina 27612
                                    Attn: Robert Ambrosini
                                    Facsimile No.(212) 930-7200

            with a copy to:         Winston & Strawn
                                    200 Park Avenue
                                    New York, New York 10166
                                    Attn: Jonathan Goldstein, Esq.
                                    Facsimile No.(212) 294-4700

            If to the Agent:        BankBoston, N.A.
                                    115 Perimeter Center Place, N.E.
                                    Suite 500
                                    Atlanta, Georgia 30346
                                    Attn: Christian B. Colson
                                    Facsimile No.: (770) 393-4166

            If to a Lender:         At the address of such Lender set forth on
                                    the signature pages hereof.

      (c) Agent's Office. The Agent hereby designates its office located at 100
Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, or any subsequent office which
shall have been specified for such purpose by written notice to the Borrower, as
the office to which payments due are to be made and at which Loans will be
disbursed.

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<PAGE>

      SECTION 15.2. Expenses. The Borrower agrees to pay or reimburse on demand
all costs and expenses incurred by the Agent or any Lender, including, without
limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel, in connection with

      (a) the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery, administration,
enforcement and termination of this Agreement and each of the other Loan
Documents, whenever the same shall be executed and delivered, including, without
limitation

            (i) the out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with
      the administration and interpretation of this Agreement and the other Loan
      Documents;

            (ii) the costs and expenses of appraisals of the Collateral;

            (iii) the costs and expenses of lien and title searches and title
      insurance;

            (iv) the costs and expenses of environmental reports with respect to
      the Real Estate;

            (v) taxes, fees and other charges for recording the Mortgages,
      filing the Financing Statements and continuations and the costs and
      expenses of taking other actions to perfect, protect, and continue the
      Security Interests;

PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Borrower shall not be required to pay the expenses
of any Person which becomes a Lender more than 90 days after the Effective Date
incurred in connection with such Person's so becoming a Lender;

      (b) the preparation, execution and delivery of any waiver, amendment,
supplement or consent by the Agent and the Lenders relating to this Agreement or
any of the Loan Documents;

      (c) sums paid or incurred to pay any amount or take any action required of
the Borrower under the Loan Documents that the Borrower fails to pay or take;

      (d) costs of inspections and verifications of the Collateral, including,
without limitation, standard per diem fees charged by the Agent or the Lenders,
travel, lodging, and meals for inspections of the Collateral and the Borrower's
operations and books and records by the Agent's and/or the Lenders' agents up to
two times per year and whenever an Event of Default exists;

      (e) costs and expenses of forwarding loan proceeds, collecting checks and
other items of payment, and establishing and maintaining each Controlled
Disbursement Account, Agency Account and Lockbox;

      (f) costs and expenses of preserving and protecting the Collateral;

      (g) consulting, after the occurrence of a Default, with one or more
Persons, including appraisers, accountants and lawyers, concerning the value of
any Collateral for the Secured Obligations or related to the nature, scope or
value of any right or remedy of the Agent or any Lender hereunder or under any
of the Loan Documents, including any review of factual matters in connection
therewith, which expenses shall include the fees and disbursements of such
Persons; and

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      (h) costs and expenses paid or incurred to obtain payment of the Secured
Obligations, enforce the Security Interests, sell or otherwise realize upon the
Collateral, and otherwise enforce the provisions of the Loan Documents, or to
prosecute or defend any claim in any way arising out of, related to or connected
with, this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents, which expenses shall include
the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel and of experts and other
consultants retained by the Agent or any Lender.

The foregoing shall not be construed to limit any other provisions of the Loan
Documents regarding costs and expenses to be paid by the Borrower. The Borrower
hereby authorizes the Agent and the Lenders to debit the Borrower's Loan
Accounts (by increasing the principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loan) in
the amount of any such costs and expenses owed by the Borrower when due.

      SECTION 15.3. Stamp and Other Taxes. The Borrower will pay any and all
stamp, registration, recordation and similar taxes, fees or charges and shall
indemnify the Agent and the Lenders against any and all liabilities with respect
to or resulting from any delay in the payment or omission to pay any such taxes,
fees or charges, which may be payable or determined to be payable in connection
with the execution, delivery, performance or enforcement of this Agreement and
any of the Loan Documents or the perfection of any rights or security interest
thereunder, including, without limitation, the Security Interest.

      SECTION 15.4. Setoff. In addition to any rights now or hereafter granted
under Applicable Law and not by way of limitation of any such rights, during the
continuance of any Event of Default, each Lender, any participant with such
Lender in the Loans and each Affiliate of each Lender are hereby authorized by
the Borrower at any time or from time to time, without notice to the Borrower or
to any other Person, any such notice being hereby expressly waived, to set off
and to appropriate and to apply any and all deposits (general or special,
including, but not limited to, indebtedness evidenced by certificates of
deposit, whether matured or unmatured) and any other indebtedness at any time
held or owing by any Lender or any Affiliate of any Lender or any participant to
or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against and on account of the
Secured Obligations irrespective or whether or not

      (a) the Agent or such Lender shall have made any demand under this
Agreement or any of the Loan Documents, or

      (b) the Agent or such Lender shall have declared any or all of the Secured
Obligations to be due and payable as permitted by SECTION 12.2 and although such
Secured Obligations shall be contingent or unmatured.

      SECTION 15.5. LITIGATION. THE BORROWER, THE AGENT AND EACH LENDER HEREBY
KNOWINGLY, INTENTIONALLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR
PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND OR NATURE IN ANY COURT IN WHICH AN ACTION MAY BE
COMMENCED BY OR AGAINST THE BORROWER, THE AGENT OR SUCH LENDER ARISING OUT OF
THIS AGREEMENT, THE COLLATERAL OR ANY ASSIGNMENT THEREOF OR BY REASON OF ANY
OTHER CAUSE OR DISPUTE WHATSOEVER BETWEEN THE BORROWER AND THE AGENT OR ANY
LENDER OF ANY KIND OR NATURE. THE BORROWER, THE AGENT AND THE LENDERS HEREBY
AGREE THAT THE FEDERAL COURT OF THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF GEORGIA OR, AT THE

                                       99
<PAGE>


OPTION OF THE AGENT OR ANY LENDER, ANY COURT IN WHICH THE AGENT OR SUCH LENDER
SHALL INITIATE LEGAL OR EQUITABLE PROCEEDINGS AND WHICH HAS SUBJECT MATTER
JURISDICTION OVER THE MATTER IN CONTROVERSY, SHALL HAVE NONEXCLUSIVE
JURISDICTION TO HEAR AND DETERMINE ANY CLAIMS OR DISPUTES BETWEEN THE BORROWER
AND THE AGENT OR SUCH LENDER, PERTAINING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY TO THIS
AGREEMENT OR THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR TO ANY MATTER ARISING THEREFROM. THE BORROWER
EXPRESSLY SUBMITS AND CONSENTS IN ADVANCE TO SUCH JURISDICTION IN ANY ACTION OR
PROCEEDING COMMENCED IN SUCH COURTS, HEREBY WAIVING PERSONAL SERVICE OF THE
SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT, OR OTHER PROCESS OR PAPERS ISSUED THEREIN AND AGREEING
THAT SERVICE OF SUCH SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT OR OTHER PROCESS OR PAPERS MAY BE
MADE BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL ADDRESSED TO THE BORROWER AT THE ADDRESS OF
THE BORROWER SET FORTH IN SECTION 15.1. SHOULD THE BORROWER FAIL TO APPEAR OR
ANSWER ANY SUMMONS, COMPLAINT, PROCESS OR PAPERS SO SERVED WITHIN THIRTY (30)
DAYS AFTER THE MAILING THEREOF, IT SHALL BE DEEMED IN DEFAULT AND AN ORDER
AND/OR JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST IT AS DEMANDED OR PRAYED FOR IN SUCH
SUMMONS, COMPLAINT, PROCESS OR PAPERS. THE NONEXCLUSIVE CHOICE OF FORUM SET
FORTH IN THIS SECTION SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO PRECLUDE THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY
JUDGMENT OBTAINED IN SUCH FORUM OR THE TAKING OF ANY ACTION UNDER THIS AGREEMENT
TO ENFORCE SAME IN ANY APPROPRIATE JURISDICTION.

      SECTION 15.6. WAIVER OF RIGHTS. THE BORROWER HEREBY KNOWINGLY,
INTENTIONALLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS WHICH THE BORROWER HAS UNDER
CHAPTER 14 OF TITLE 44 OF THE OFFICIAL CODE OF GEORGIA OR UNDER ANY SIMILAR
PROVISION OF APPLICABLE LAW TO NOTICE AND TO A JUDICIAL HEARING PRIOR TO THE
ISSUANCE OF A WRIT OF POSSESSION ENTITLING THE AGENT OR ANY LENDER, OR THE
SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS OF THE AGENT OR SUCH LENDER TO POSSESSION OF THE
COLLATERAL UPON EVENT OF DEFAULT. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE
FOREGOING AND WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OTHER RIGHT WHICH THE AGENT OR THE LENDERS
MAY HAVE, THE BORROWER CONSENTS THAT IF LENDER FILES A PETITION FOR AN IMMEDIATE
WRIT OF POSSESSION IN COMPLIANCE WITH SECTIONS 44-14-261 AND 44-14-262 OF THE
OFFICIAL CODE OF GEORGIA OR UNDER ANY SIMILAR PROVISION OF APPLICABLE LAW, AND
THIS WAIVER OR A COPY HEREOF IS ALLEGED IN SUCH PETITION AND ATTACHED THERETO,
THE COURT BEFORE WHICH SUCH PETITION IS FILED MAY DISPENSE WITH ALL RIGHTS AND
PROCEDURES HEREIN WAIVED AND MAY ISSUE FORTHWITH AN IMMEDIATE WRIT OF POSSESSION
IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 14 OF TITLE 44 OF THE OFFICIAL CODE OF GEORGIA OR IN
ACCORDANCE WITH ANY SIMILAR PROVISION OF APPLICABLE LAW, WITHOUT THE NECESSITY
OF AN ACCOMPANYING BOND AS OTHERWISE REQUIRED BY SECTION 44-14-263 OF THE
OFFICIAL CODE OF GEORGIA OR BY ANY SIMILAR PROVISION UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. THE
BORROWER HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS READ AND FULLY UNDERSTANDS THE TERMS OF
THIS WAIVER AND THE EFFECT HEREOF.

      SECTION 15.7. Consent to Advertising and Publicity. With the prior written
consent of the Borrower, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, the
Agent, on behalf of the Lenders,

                                      100
<PAGE>


may issue and disseminate to the public information describing the credit
accommodation entered into pursuant to this Agreement, including the name and
address of the Borrower, the amount, interest rate, maturity, collateral for and
a general description of the credit facilities provided hereunder and of the
Borrower's business.

      SECTION 15.8. Reversal of Payments. The Agent and each Lender shall have
the continuing and exclusive right to apply, reverse and re-apply any and all
payments to any portion of the Secured Obligations in a manner consistent with
the terms of this Agreement. To the extent the Borrower makes a payment or
payments to the Agent, for the account of the Lenders, or any Lender receives
any payment or proceeds of the Collateral for the Borrower's benefit, which
payment(s) or proceeds or any part thereof are subsequently invalidated,
declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside and/or required to be
repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party under any bankruptcy law, state
or federal law, common law or equitable cause, then, to the extent of such
payment or proceeds received, the Secured Obligations or part thereof intended
to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect, as if
such payment or proceeds had not been received by the Agent or such Lender.

      SECTION 15.9. Injunctive Relief. The Borrower recognizes that, in the
event the Borrower fails to perform, observe or discharge any of its obligations
or liabilities under this Agreement, any remedy at law may prove to be
inadequate relief to the Agent and the Lenders; therefore, the Borrower agrees
that if any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Agent
and the Lenders, if the Agent or any Lender so requests, shall be entitled to
temporary and permanent injunctive relief without the necessity of proving
actual damages.

      SECTION 15.10. Accounting Matters. All financial and accounting
calculations, measurements and computations made for any purpose relating to
this Agreement, including, without limitation, all computations utilized by the
Borrower to determine whether it is in compliance with any covenant contained
herein, shall, unless this Agreement otherwise provides or unless Required
Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, be performed in accordance with
GAAP.

      SECTION 15.11. Amendments.

      (a) Except as set forth in SUBSECTION (B) below, any term, covenant,
agreement or condition of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents may
be amended or waived, and any departure therefrom may be consented to by the
Required Lenders, if, but only if, such amendment, waiver or consent is in
writing signed by the Required Lenders and, in the case of an amendment (other
than an amendment described in SECTION 15.11(D)), by the Borrower, PROVIDED that
no such amendment, unless consented to by the Agent, shall alter or affect the
rights or responsibilities of the Agent, and in any such event, the failure to
observe, perform or discharge any such term, covenant, agreement or condition
(whether such amendment is executed or such waiver or consent is given before or
after such failure) shall not be construed as a breach of such term, covenant,
agreement or condition or as a Default or an Event of Default. Unless otherwise
specified in such waiver or consent, a waiver or consent given hereunder shall
be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for
which given. In the event that any such waiver or amendment is requested by the
Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders may require and charge a fee in connection
therewith and consideration thereof in such amount as shall be determined by the
Agent and the Required Lenders in their discretion.



                                      101
<PAGE>

      (b) Without the prior unanimous written consent of the Lenders,

            (i) no amendment, consent or waiver shall (A) affect the amount or
      extend the time of the obligation of any Lender to make Loans or (B)
      extend the originally scheduled time or times of payment of the principal
      of any Loan or Loan or (C) alter the time or times of payment of interest
      on any Loan or Loan or of any fees payable for the account of the Lenders
      or (D) alter the amount of the principal of any Loan or Loan or the rate
      of interest thereon or (E) alter the amount of any commitment fee or other
      fee payable hereunder for the account of the Lenders or (F) permit any
      subordination of the principal of or interest on any Loan or Loan or (G)
      permit the subordination of the Security Interests in any Collateral,

            (ii) no Collateral having an aggregate value greater than $500,000
      shall be released by the Agent in any 12-month period other than as
      specifically permitted in this Agreement or the Security Documents nor
      shall any Collateral be released at a time when the Agent is entitled to
      exercise remedies hereunder upon default, nor shall the Borrower or the
      Guarantor be released from its liability for the Secured Obligations,

            (iii) except to the extent expressly provided in SECTION 4.7, the
      definition "Borrowing Base" shall not be amended,

            (iv) none of the provisions of this SECTION 15.11, the definitions
      "Lenders" or "Required Lenders", or the provisions of ARTICLE 12 shall be
      amended, and

            (v) neither the Agent nor any Lender shall consent to any amendment
      to or waiver of the amortization, deferral or subordination provisions of
      the Subordinated Debt or any other instrument or agreement evidencing or
      relating to obligations of the Borrower that are expressly subordinate to
      any of the Secured Obligations if such amendment or waiver would be
      adverse to the Lenders in their capacities as Lenders hereunder;

PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the
Required Lenders shall have the right to waive any Default or Event of Default
and the consequences hereunder of such Default or Event of Default provided only
that such Default or Event of Default does not arise under SECTION 12.1(G) OR
(h) or out of a breach of or failure to perform or observe any term, covenant or
condition of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (other than the
provisions of ARTICLE 12 of this Agreement) the amendment of which requires the
unanimous consent of the Lenders. The Required Lenders shall have the right,
with respect to any Default or Event of Default that may be waived by them, to
enter into an agreement with the Borrower or the Guarantor providing for the
forbearance from the exercise of any remedies provided hereunder or under the
other Loan Documents without thereby waiving any such Default or Event of
Default.

      (c) The making of Loans hereunder by the Lenders during the existence of a
Default or Event of Default shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver of such
Default or Event of Default.

      (d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan
Documents to the contrary, no consent, written or otherwise, of the Borrower
shall be necessary or required in connection with any amendment to ARTICLE 14 or
SECTION 4.8, and any amendment to such provisions

                                      102
<PAGE>


may be effected solely by and among the Agent and the Lenders, PROVIDED that no
such amendment shall impose any obligation on the Borrower.

      SECTION 15.12. Assignment. All the provisions of this Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns, except that the Borrower may not assign or transfer any
of its rights under this Agreement.

      SECTION 15.13. Performance of Borrower's Duties.

      (a) The Borrower's obligations under this Agreement and each of the Loan
Documents shall be performed by the Borrower at its sole cost and expense.

      (b) If the Borrower shall fail to do any act or thing which it has
covenanted to do under this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents, the Agent,
on behalf of the Lenders, may (but shall not be obligated to) do the same or
cause it to be done either in the name of the Agent or the Lenders or in the
name and on behalf of the Borrower, and the Borrower hereby irrevocably
authorizes the Agent so to act.

      SECTION 15.14. Indemnification. The Borrower agrees to reimburse the Agent
and the Lenders for all costs and expenses, including reasonable counsel fees
and disbursements, incurred, and to indemnify and hold the Agent and the Lenders
harmless from and against all losses suffered by, the Agent or any Lender in
connection with

      (a) the exercise by the Agent or any Lender of any right or remedy granted
to it under this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents,

      (b) any claim, and the prosecution or defense thereof, arising out of or
in any way connected with this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents, and

      (c) the collection or enforcement of the Secured Obligations or any of
them, other than such costs, expenses and liabilities arising out of the Agent's
or any Lender's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

      SECTION 15.15. All Powers Coupled with Interest. All powers of attorney
and other authorizations granted to the Agent and the Lenders and any Persons
designated by the Agent or the Lenders pursuant to any provisions of this
Agreement or any of the Loan Documents shall be deemed coupled with an interest
and shall be irrevocable so long as any of the Secured Obligations remain unpaid
or unsatisfied.

      SECTION 15.16. Survival. Notwithstanding any termination of this
Agreement,

      (a) until all Secured Obligations have been irrevocably paid in full or
otherwise satisfied, the Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, shall retain its
Security Interest and shall retain all rights under this Agreement and each of
the Security Documents with respect to such Collateral as fully as though this
Agreement had not been terminated,

      (b) the indemnities to which the Agent and the Lenders are entitled under
the provisions of this ARTICLE 15 and any other provision of this Agreement and
the Loan Documents shall continue

                                      103
<PAGE>


in full force and effect and shall protect the Agent and the Lenders against
events arising after such termination as well as before, and

      (c) in connection with the termination of this Agreement and the release
and termination of the Security Interests, the Agent, on behalf of itself as
agent and the Lenders, may require such assurances and indemnities as it shall
reasonably deem necessary or appropriate to protect the Agent and the Lenders
against loss on account of such release and termination, including, without
limitation, with respect to credits previously applied to the Secured
Obligations that may subsequently be reversed or revoked.

      SECTION 15.17. Titles and Captions. Titles and captions of Articles,
Sections and subsections in this Agreement are for convenience only, and neither
limit nor amplify the provisions of this Agreement.

      SECTION 15.18. Severability of Provisions. Any provision of this Agreement
or any Loan Document which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction
shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective only to the extent of such
prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remainder of such
provision or the remaining provisions hereof or thereof or affecting the
validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

      SECTION 15.19. Governing Law. This Agreement, the Notes and the Security
Documents (except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth therein) shall be
deemed to have been made in the State of Georgia and the validity, construction,
interpretation and enforcement hereof and thereof and the rights of the parties
hereto and thereto shall be determined under, governed by and construed in
accordance with the internal laws of the State of Georgia, without regard to
principles of conflicts of law, except that the waiver contained in the first
sentence of SECTION 15.5 shall be construed in accordance with and governed by
the internal laws of the jurisdiction in which any such action or proceeding is
commenced.

      SECTION 15.20. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number
of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each
of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and shall be binding
upon all parties, their successors and assigns, and all of which taken together
shall constitute one and the same agreement.

      SECTION 15.21. Reproduction of Documents. This Agreement, each of the Loan
Documents and all documents relating thereto, including, without limitation, (a)
consents, waivers and modifications that may hereafter be executed, (b)
documents received by the Agent or any Lender, and (c) financial statements,
certificates and other information previously or hereafter furnished to the
Agent or any Lender, may be reproduced by the Agent or such Lender by any
photographic, photostatic, microfilm, microcard, miniature photographic or other
similar process and such Person may destroy any original document so produced.
Each party hereto stipulates that, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law,
any such reproduction shall be as admissible in evidence as the original itself
in any judicial or administrative proceeding (whether or not the original shall
be in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by the Agent or
such Lender in the regular course of business), and any enlargement, facsimile
or further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in
evidence.

                                      104
<PAGE>

      SECTION 15.22. Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall remain in effect
from the Agreement Date through the Termination Date and thereafter until all
Secured Obligations shall have been irrevocably paid and satisfied in full. No
termination of this Agreement shall affect the rights and obligations of the
parties hereto arising prior to such termination.

      SECTION 15.23. Increased Capital. If any Lender shall have determined that
the adoption of any applicable law, rule, regulation, guideline, directive or
request (whether or not having force of law) regarding capital requirements for
banks or bank holding companies, or any change therein or in the interpretation
or administration thereof by any governmental authority, central bank or
comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or
compliance by such Lender with any of the foregoing imposes or increases a
requirement by such Lender to allocate capital resources to such Lender's
Commitment to make Loans hereunder which has or would have the effect of
reducing the return on such Lender's capital to a level below that which such
Lender could have achieved (taking into consideration such Lender's then
existing policies with respect to capital adequacy and assuming full utilization
of such Lender's capital) but for such adoption, change or compliance by any
amount deemed by such Lender to be material: (i) such Lender shall promptly
after its determination of such occurrence give notice thereof to the Borrower;
and (ii) the Borrower shall pay to such Lender as an additional fee from time to
time on demand such amount as such Lender certifies to be the amount that will
compensate it for such reduction. A certificate of such Lender claiming
compensation under this SECTION 15.23 shall be conclusive in the absence of
manifest error. Such certificate shall set forth the nature of the occurrence
giving rise to such compensation, the additional amount or amounts to be paid to
it hereunder and the method by which such amounts were determined. In
determining such amount, such Lender may use any reasonable averaging and
attribution methods.

      SECTION 15.24. Pro-Rata Participation.

      (a) Each Lender agrees that if, as a result of the exercise of a right of
setoff, banker's lien or counterclaim or other similar right or the receipt of a
secured claim it receives any payment in respect of the Secured Obligations, it
shall promptly notify the Agent thereof (and the Agent shall promptly notify the
other Lenders). If, as a result of such payment, such Lender receives a greater
percentage of the Secured Obligations owed to it under this Agreement than the
percentage received by any other Lender, such Lender shall purchase a
participation (which it shall be deemed to have purchased simultaneously upon
the receipt of such payment) in the Secured Obligations then held by such other
Lenders so that all such recoveries of principal and interest with respect to
all Secured Obligations owed to each Lender shall be pro rata on the basis of
its respective amount of the Secured Obligations owed to all Lenders, PROVIDED
that if all or part of such proportionately greater payment received by such
purchasing Lender is thereafter recovered by or on behalf of the Borrower from
such Lender, such purchase shall be rescinded and the purchase price paid for
such participation shall be returned to such Lender to the extent of such
recovery, but without interest.

      (b) Each Lender which receives such a secured claim 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 15.24 to
share in the benefits of any recovery on such secured claim.

      (c) The Borrower expressly consents to the foregoing arrangements and
agrees that any holder of a participation in any Secured Obligation so purchased
or otherwise acquired of which the


                                      105
<PAGE>

Borrower has received notice may exercise any and all rights of banker's lien,
set-off or counterclaim with respect to any and all monies owing by the Borrower
to such holder as fully as if such holder were a holder of such Secured
Obligation in the amount of the participation held by such holder.


                                      106
<PAGE>

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

                                    BORROWER:

                                    TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.
[Corporate Seal]
Attest:                             By: /s/ Robert P. Ambrosini
                                       -------------------------------
                                       Name: Robert P. Ambrosini
By: Richard C. Hoffman                 Title: CFO
    ---------------------------
   Name: Richard C. Hoffman
   Secretary

                                    AGENT:

                                    BANKBOSTON, N.A.

                                    By: /s/ Christian B. Colson
                                        -------------------------------
                                       Name: Christian B. Colson
                                       Title: Managing Director


                                      107
<PAGE>

                                    LENDERS:

                                    BANKBOSTON, N.A.


                                    By: /s/ Christian B. Colson
                                        ---------------------------------
                                       Name: Christian B. Colson
                                       Title: Managing Director

                                       Address: 115 Perimeter Center Place, N.E.
                                                Suite 500
                                                Atlanta, Georgia 30346
                                                Attn: ____________________
                                                Facsimile No.: (770) 393-4166




                                    THE CIT GROUP/COMMERCIAL SERVICES, INC.



                                    By: /s/ Gordon Jones
                                        ---------------------------------
                                       Name: Gordon Jones
                                       Title: VP

                                       Address: Two First Union Center
                                                P.O. Box 31307
                                                Charlotte, NC  28231-1307
                                                Attn:  Keri Wass
                                                Facsimile No.: (704) 339-2910



                                      108
<PAGE>

                                                                         ANNEX A

                                   COMMITMENTS


BankBoston, N.A.                                            $20,000,000

The CIT Group/Commercial Services, Inc.                     $20,000,000

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT A





                                FORM OF
                         REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE


U.S. $______________                                       Atlanta, Georgia
                                                           August ___, 1998

            FOR VALUE RECEIVED, TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware corporation
(the "Borrower"), hereby unconditionally promises to pay to the order of THE
__________________________. (the "Lender") on the Termination Date (as defined
in the Loan Agreement), as the same may be extended, the principal sum of
________________________________________ DOLLARS ($_________), or, if less, the
aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Revolving Credit Loans made by the
Lender to the Borrower pursuant to the Loan Agreement.

            The Borrower also unconditionally promises to pay interest on the
unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Credit Loan made by the Lender from
the date of such Loan until paid (whether at maturity, by reason of acceleration
or otherwise) at such interest rates, and payable at such times, as are
specified in the Loan Agreement.

            All payments made under this Revolving Credit Note shall be made in
lawful money of the United States of America, in federal or other immediately
available funds, to __________________, as agent (the "Agent") for the account
of the Lender at the Agent's office at _____________________________________, or
at such other place within the United States as shall be designated from time to
time by the Agent.

            Nothing contained in this Revolving Credit Note shall be deemed to
establish or require the payment of a rate of interest in excess of the maximum
rate permitted by any Applicable Law. In the event that any rate of interest
required to be paid hereunder exceeds the maximum rate permitted by Applicable
Law, the provisions of the Loan Agreement relating to the payment of interest
under such circumstances shall control.

            For the purposes of this Revolving Credit Note, "Loan Agreement"
means the Loan and Security Agreement dated as of August ___, 1998, between the
Borrower, the Lender, each of the other financial institutions initially a
signatory thereto, together with their assignees pursuant to Article 13 thereof,
and the Agent, as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented or restated
from time to time. Reference is made to the Loan Agreement for the definitions
of other terms used in this Revolving Credit Note.

            Presentment for payment, demand, protest and notice of demand,
notice of dishonor and notice of nonpayment and all other notices are hereby
waived by the Borrower to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law. No
failure to exercise, and no delay in 


<PAGE>

exercising any rights hereunder on the part of the holder hereof shall operate
as a waiver of such rights.

            The Borrower hereby agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses
incurred in collecting the Borrower's Secured Obligations hereunder or in
enforcing or attempting to enforce any of the Lender's rights hereunder,
including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses if
collected by or through an attorney, whether or not suit is filed.

            This Revolving Credit Note is one of the Revolving Credit Notes
under, and is subject to the provisions and entitled to the benefits of, the
Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents which, among other things, provide
for the making of Revolving Credit Loans by the Lender to the Borrower from time
to time in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the Dollar
amount first above mentioned and contain provisions with respect to acceleration
of the maturity hereof and prepayments of the principal of this Revolving Credit
Note prior to maturity, all upon the terms and conditions specified therein.

            THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 15.5 OF THE LOAN AGREEMENT ARE HEREBY
EXPRESSLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN.



                          [SIGNATURES APPEAR ON FOLLOWING PAGE]




                                      A1-2
<PAGE>


            THIS REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA.

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Revolving
Credit Note as of the date and year first above written.


                                    TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.

(CORPORATE SEAL)
                                    By:_____________________________
                                        Name:
                                        Title:
Attest:


By:___________________________
   Name:
   Title:





                                      A1-3
<PAGE>


                                                                       EXHIBIT B


                                FORM OF
                      BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE


            Reference is made to the Amended and Restated Loan and Security
Agreement dated as of December ___, 1997 (as amended to the date hereof, the
"Loan Agreement"), between Texfi Industries Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Borrower"), the financial institutions party to this Agreement from time to
time (the "Lenders") and BankBoston, N.A., a national banking association, as
agent for the Lenders (together with its successor agents, the "Agent"). Terms
defined in the Loan Agreement, unless otherwise defined herein are used herein
as therein defined.

            This Certificate is furnished to the Agent by the Borrower in
accordance with its obligations under Section 6.1(c)(xi) or Section 9.12(c) of
the Loan Agreement. The Borrower certifies that (a) the computation of the
Borrowing Base attached hereto complies with all the applicable provisions of
the Loan Agreement, and (b) the data has been prepared from the books of account
and records of the Borrower in accordance with GAAP and present fairly and
accurately the status of the Borrower's accounts as at _____________ ___, 19__.



Date:_______________                TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.



                                    By:________________________________
                                       Name:
                                       Title:


<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT C


                                FORM OF
                       ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

                      Dated ___________ __, 199__

            Reference is made to the Loan and Security Agreement dated as of
August __, 1998 (the "Loan Agreement") between TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC., a
Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), the "Lenders" named in the Loan Agreement
and BANKBOSTON, N.A., as agent for the Lenders (the "Agent"). Terms defined in
the Loan Agreement are used herein with the same meanings.

            ________________________ (the "Assignor") and ______________________
(the "Assignee") agree as follows:

            1. The Assignor hereby sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the
Assignee hereby purchases and assumes from the Assignor, an interest in and to
such of the Assignor's rights and obligations as a Lender under the Loan
Agreement as of the Effective Date (as hereinafter defined) as represent a
_____% interest in and to all of the outstanding rights and obligations of the
Lenders thereunder as of the Effective Date (including, without limitation, such
percentage interest in the Loans owing to the Lenders outstanding on the
Effective Date, together with such percentage interest in all unpaid interest
and such percentage interest in the Notes and in the Letter of Credit
Obligations). The Assignee shall have no interest in any interest that is
payable with respect to a period prior to the Effective Date.

            2. The Assignor (i) represents that as of the date hereof, its
Commitment under the Loan Agreement is $___________, the outstanding balance of
its Revolving Credit (unreduced by any assignments thereof which have not yet
become effective); (ii) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no
responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations
made in or in connection with the Loan Agreement or the execution, legality,
validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan
Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (iii)
makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect
to the financial condition of the Borrower or the performance or observance by
the Borrower of any of its obligations under the Loan Agreement or any other
instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; and (iv) attaches the Notes
referred to in paragraph 1 above and requests that the Agent exchange such Notes
for new Notes as set forth on Annex A hereto.

            3. The Assignee (i) confirms that it has received a copy of the Loan
Agreement, together with copies of the financial statements referred to in
Section 6.1(o) thereof and such other documents and information as it has deemed
appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this
Assignment and Acceptance; (ii) agrees that it will, independently and without
reliance upon the Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender and based on such
documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to
make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan
Agreement; (iii) confirms that it is an 


<PAGE>

Eligible Assignee; (iv) appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as
agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Loan Agreement and the
other Loan Documents as are delegated to the Agent by the terms thereof,
together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; (v) agrees that
it will perform in accordance with their terms all the obligations which by the
terms of the Loan Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender; and
(vi) specifies as its address for notices the office set forth beneath its name
on the signature pages hereof.

            4. The effective date of this Assignment and Acceptance shall be
[____________ __, 199__] [the date of acceptance thereof by the Agent] (the
"Effective Date"). Following the execution of this Assignment and Acceptance, it
will be delivered to the Agent for acceptance and recording by the Agent.

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

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


                 [SIGNATURES APPEAR ON FOLLOWING PAGE]


                                       2
<PAGE>

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

                                   [ASSIGNOR]


                                    By:______________________________
                                          Name:________________________
                                          Title:_________________________

                                   [ASSIGNEE]


                                    By:_____________________________
                                          Name:_______________________
                                         Title:_________________________

                                    Address for notices:

                                    ------------------------------
                                    ------------------------------
                                    ------------------------------
Accepted this _____ day
of ____________, 199__

BANKBOSTON, N.A., as Agent


By:___________________________
      Name:_____________________
      Title:______________________





                                       3
<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT D
                                FORM OF
                           SETTLEMENT REPORT

      Pursuant to SECTION 4.8 of the Loan and Security Agreement dated as of
August ___, 1998 (the "Loan Agreement"; terms defined in the Loan Agreement and
not otherwise defined herein being used herein as therein defined), among Texfi
Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), the financial
institutions party thereto from time to time (the "Lenders") and BankBoston,
N.A. as agent for the Lenders (together with its successor agents the "Agent"),
the Agent hereby delivers this Report to the Lenders for the ______________ ___,
[199__/200_] Settlement Date.

1.    Principal amount of Revolving Credit
      Loans outstanding as of Settlement
      Date (before settlement)

      (a)   BankBoston              $_________________________

      (b)   The CIT Group/          $_________________________
            Commercial Services, Inc.

      (c)   Total                   $_________________________

2.    Principal amount of Revolving 
      Credit Loans outstanding as of 
      next preceding Settlement Date 
      (after settlement on such date)

      (a)   BankBoston              $_________________________

      (b)   The CIT Group/          $_________________________
            Commercial Services, Inc.

      (c)   Total                   $_________________________

3.    Commitment Amount 
      of each Lender (line 1(b) x 
      Commitment Percentage)

      (a)   BankBoston              $_________________________

      (b)   The CIT Group/          $_________________________
            Commercial Services, Inc.

<PAGE>

4.    Excess (shortfall) of each 
      Lender's Commitment Percentage 
      Amount over its outstandings

      (a)   BankBoston (line
            3(a) minus line 1(a))         $_________________________

      (b)   The CIT Group/
            Commercial Services, Inc.
            (line 3(b) minus line 1(b))   $_________________________

5     Each Lender for which an excess (a positive dollar amount) is shown in
      item 4 shall pay an amount equal to such excess to the Agent, for payment
      by the Agent to each Lender for which a shortfall (a negative dollar
      amount) is shown in item 4 to the extent of such shortfall.


                                          BANKBOSTON, as Agent


                                          By:__________________________
                                             Name:______________________
                                             Title:_______________________




                                       2
<PAGE>

                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.




SCHEDULE 1.1A PERMITTED INVESTMENTS

$100,000  Certificate of Deposit at  NationsBank,  N.A. dated October 20, 1997
with a twelve-month term

$4,524,285 Note Receivable from Clarendon Holdings, LLC dated as of December 15,
1997 repayable as to principal in a single payment on the tenth anniversary of
the date of issuance thereof (subject to required prepayments from specified
funds) and as to interest, at the rate of 5% per annum, only when principal is
repaid.


<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.


SCHEDULE 1.1B PERMITTED LIENS

Lien for taxes in the amount of $37,266.37 filed by the City of New York which
lien is being contested in good faith by the Borrower, as more fully disclosed
on Schedule 6.1(m).

Lien for taxes in the amount of $49,474.80 filed by the City of New York which
lien is being contested in good faith by the Borrower as more fully disclosed on
Schedule 6.1(m).


<PAGE>
                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.


SCHEDULE 6.1 (A) ORGANIZATION

Jurisdiction of organization of the Borrower:

      Delaware

Jurisdiction where the Borrower is qualified to do business:

      California
      Georgia
      New York
      North Carolina
      South Carolina
      Texas



<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.

SCHEDULE 6.1 (B) CAPITALIZATION

Outstanding capital stock of the Borrower:
      Texfi Industries, Inc. Common Stock, $1.00 par value

Shares of Borrower capital stock authorized:
      20,000,000

Shares of Borrower capital stock issued as of Agreement Date:
      8,859,098

Shares and shareholders of > 5% of total Shares of Borrower capital stock:
      1,444,000                     Mentmore Holdings Corp.
      1,025,000                     Polysindo Hong Kong
         592,000                    Trust Company of the West
         443,000                    Dimensional Fund

Borrower Shareholder Agreements as of Agreement Date:

      1987 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, as adopted by the Borrower's Board of
      Directors on December 16, 1987 and approved by Borrower's Shareholders at
      an annual meeting of Borrower's Shareholders on March 8, 1988, as amended

      Share Purchase Rights Plan, as adopted by the Borrower's Board of
      Directors, dated July 22, 1988

      Rights Agreement  between the Borrower and First Union National Bank, as
      Rights Agent, dated July 28, 1988, as amended

      Directors' Deferred Stock Compensation Plan, as adopted by the Borrower's
      Board of Directors on July 14, 1989, as amended

      1990 Executive Stock Purchase Plan, dated January 9, 1990, as amended

<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.


SCHEDULE 6.1 (B) CAPITALIZATION (CONTINUED)

      Stock and Option Purchase Agreement between the Borrower and Chadbourne
      Corporation dated May 14, 1994, as amended

      Option  Purchase  Agreement dated June 17, 1998 between the Borrower and
      Mentmore Holdings Corporation


<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.


SCHEDULE 6.1 (D) SUBSIDIARIES: OWNERSHIP OF STOCK

Borrower  is the  parent  company  of a wholly  owned  subsidiary,  Casualwear
Express,  Inc. for which the  Jurisdiction  of organization is North Carolina.
Casualwear  Express,  Inc.  is an  inactive  corporation  that  has  not  been
officially dissolved.


<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.

SCHEDULE 6.1(F) COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

None


<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.

SCHEDULE 6.1(H) GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS

Small quantities of certain organic solvents are present in the groundwater at a
New Bern, North Carolina site previously owned by the Borrower. The Borrower
engaged the engineering firm of Charles T. Main, Inc. to conduct an assessment
of the contamination and to propose a plan of remediation. Charles T. Main, Inc.
completed a Remedial Act Plan which was approved by the Division of
Environmental Management, North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and
Natural Resources ("NCDEHNR"). The Borrower obtained a permit to treat recovered
groundwater and discharge it into an infiltration gallery at the New Bern site.
The engineering firm of Four Seasons Industrial Services, Inc. was engaged to
complete the engineering, design and installation of the groundwater remediation
system. The Borrower engaged Aquaterra Engineering to implement the Corrective
Action Plan. The corrective activities which have continued for several years
are conducted pursuant to a Special Order by Consent entered into between the
Borrower and NCDEHNR. The improved portion of this New Bern site has been sold
to the Borrower's former tenant there, but the Borrower continues to be
responsible for the groundwater remediation project. An escrow fund was
established by the Borrower for the payment of expenses associated with said
groundwater remediation project. The Borrower believes that no further
remediation should be required and has requested that NCDEHNR remove the site
and consider the Corrective Action Plan complete. NCDEHNR denied this request
and the Borrower is in the process of appealing this ruling.

The unimproved portion of the New Bern site retained by the Borrower includes an
area that was used in earlier years by the Borrower as a refuse and solid waste
disposal site. The Borrower engaged the engineering firm of Delta Environmental
Consultants, Inc. to conduct a preliminary assessment of the site in order to
determine whether it is causing or has the potential to cause environmental
damage. The preliminary report indicated the possibility that some remedial
activity may be required. The existence of the site was reported to the State of
North Carolina. The Borrower has conducted no further assessment of the site and
no Governmental Authority has made a request for remedial activity.

The Borrower acknowledges that to the extent that any liability of the Borrower
with respect to the matters referred to herein has not been finally determined
as of the Agreement Date, the Lenders reserve all rights, benefits, and
protections under the Amended and Restated Loan and Security

<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.

SCHEDULE 6.1(H) GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS (CONTINUED)

Agreement with respect to such liability including all protection afforded if
such liability causes a Material Adverse Effect.

Reference is hereby made to the information contained in the following reports,
copies of which have been provided to the Agent:

      (1)   Updated Phase I  Environmental  Site  Assessment  dated August 25,
            1998  for  Texfi  Industries,  Inc.,  28 Epps  Street,  Jefferson,
            Georgia;

      (2)   Phase I Environmental  Site  Assessment  dated August 25, 1998 for
            Texfi  Industries,  Inc.,  601 Hoffer Drive,  Fayetteville,  North
            Carolina;

      (3)   Updated Phase I Environmental Site Assessment dated August 25, 1998
            for Texfi Industries, Inc., 105 Stone Street, Haw River, North
            Carolina; and

      (4)   Phase I Environmental Site Assessment dated August 25, 1998 for
            Texfi Industries, Inc., 400 English Road, Rocky Mount, North
            Carolina.

      (5)   Phase II Environmental Site Assessments dated August 27, 1998 for
            Texfi Industries, Inc. Facilities in Rocky Mount and Fayetteville,
            North Carolina.




<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.

SCHEDULE 6.1(I) TITLE TO PROPERTIES

None


<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.

SCHEDULE 6.1(J) LIENS

Amounts outstanding under the Master Loan and Security Agreement between BOT
Financial Corporation and the Borrower dated June 1, 1993

Amounts  outstanding  under the Master  Loan and  Security  Agreement  between
KeyCorp. Leasing Ltd. and the Borrower dated June 1, 1993

Obligations of the Borrower with respect to letter of credit #37559, dated
October 12, 1993, with NationsBank, N.A. as lender and Liberty Mutual Insurance
Company as beneficiary, as amended



<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.

SCHEDULE 6.1(K) DEBTS AND GUARANTIES

Senior  Subordinated  Debentures,  8.75%,  due  August 1,  1999,  First  Union
National Bank as trustee

First Supplemental Indenture to the Senior Subordinated Debentures, 8.75%, due
August 1, 1999, dated March 10, 1995 between Borrower and First Union National
Bank as trustee

Second Supplemental Indenture to the Senior Subordinated Debentures, 8.75%, due
August 1, 1999, dated March 15, 1996 between Borrower and First Union National
Bank as trustee

Subordinated Extendible Debentures,  11%, due April 1, 2000, State Street Bank
and Trust Company as trustee, First Union National Bank as paying agent

Master Loan and Security Agreement between BOT Financial Corporation and the
Borrower dated June 1, 1993

Master Loan and  Security  Agreement  between  KeyCorp.  Leasing  Ltd. and the
Borrower dated June 1, 1993

$50,000  obligations  of the Borrower with respect to letter of credit #37559,
dated October 12, 1993,  with  NationsBank,  N.A. as lender and Liberty Mutual
Insurance Company as beneficiary, as amended

Employment  Agreement  between the Borrower and Gerald Rubinfeld dated January
1, 1997

Employment  Agreement  between the Borrower  and Andrew J.  Parise,  Jr. dated
April 1, 1997

Term Loan and Security Agreement dated as of August 28, 1998, between Borrower
and Back Bay Capital LLC



<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.

SCHEDULE 6.1(L) LITIGATION

Action filed in 1993 by Robert Shapiro, President of Fabri-Com, Inc. for
payments allegedly due him under an alleged sales commission agreement.
Fabric-Com has asserted three causes of action against Texfi Industries, Inc.
and is demanding damages of $30 million dollars. Shapiro was a commissioned
sales agent who was never an employee of Texfi Elastex or its predecessor
Stedman Elastics. Shapiro was paid all commissions due through his dismissal in
1993 and is trying to assert that he is due additional fees under an agreement
which never existed. An answer to the complaint was served. Discovery is
complete. Fabri-Com has dismissed its one cause of action against defendant
Dynarex. The case is pending in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New
York County.

Action commenced by Worldtex, Inc. and Elastex, Inc., as plaintiffs, against the
Borrower, as defendant, in the Supreme Courtt of the State of New York, County
of New York, under Index Number 981602807, alleging obligations of the Borrower
to pay the plaintiffs the aggregate amount of approximately $285,000 in
connection with post-closing adjustments and related matters arising out of an
agreement with its Narrow Fabrics Division in October 1997. The Borrower
answered the complaint in this matter. Discussions related to possible
settlement are pending.



<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.

SCHEDULE 6.1(M) TAX MATTERS

The Borrower has signed an extension of time limitations relating to an audit by
the City of New York on tax returns for the fiscal years ending October 31, 1991
through October 31, 1994.

The Borrower filed amended New York City income tax returns in the fall of 1997
paying the taxes and interest due in respect of tax warrants previously recorded
by New York City, and described in Schedule 1.1B, but declining to pay penalties
sought by such warrants. Such amended returns are being reviewed by the New York
City tax authorities.


<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.


SCHEDULE 6.1(P) MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE

None


<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.

SCHEDULE 6.1(Q) ERISA

Texfi Industries,  Inc. and Affiliated Companies Cafeteria Plan dated December
16, 1987

Texfi Industries, Inc. 401(k) Retirement and Savings Plan dated April 1, 1993


<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.


SCHEDULE 6.1(U) LOCATION OF CORPORATE OFFICES

5400 Glenwood Avenue
Suite 215 (beginning November 4, 1994)
Suite 318 (April 1, 1990 through November 3, 1994)
Raleigh, North Carolina 27612

or

1430 Broadway, 13th Floor
New York, New York
10018

LOCATION OF RECEIVABLES

400 English Road
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
27804


<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.


SCHEDULE 6.1(V) LOCATION OF INVENTORY

400 English Road
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
27804

601 Hoffler Drive
Fayetteville, North Carolina
28301

28 Epps Street
Jefferson, Georgia
30549

105 Stone Street
Haw River, North Carolina
27258

US Colors
English Road
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
27804

Mid-Atlantic Warehouse & Storage
7041 Stanley Park Drive
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
27804



<PAGE>
                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.


SCHEDULE 6.1(W) EQUIPMENT
400 English Road
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
27804

601 Hoffler Drive
Fayetteville, North Carolina
28301

28 Epps Street
Jefferson, Georgia
30549

105 Stone Street
Haw River, North Carolina
27258

NONPRODUCTIVE EQUIPMENT
1430 Broadway, 13th Floor
New York, New York
10018

5400 Glenwood Avenue
Suite 215
Raleigh, North Carolina
27612

110 East 9th Street
Suite B729
Los Angeles, California
90079-2827

10 Southern Trace
Lake Wylie, South Carolina
29710


<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.


SCHEDULE 6.1(X) REAL ESTATE

OWNED PROPERTIES

400 English Road
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
27804

601 Hoffler Drive
Fayetteville, North Carolina
28301

28 Epps Street
Jefferson, Georgia
30549

105 Stone Street
Haw River, North Carolina
27258

334 Jones Road
Olanta, South Carolina
29114



<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.


SCHEDULE 6.1(X) REAL ESTATE

LEASED PROPERTIES

1430 Broadway, 13th Floor
New York, New York
10018

5400 Glenwood Avenue
Suite 215
Raleigh, North Carolina
27612

110 East 9th Street
Suite B729
Los Angeles, California
90079-2827

10 Southern Trace
Lake Wylie, South Carolina
29710

WAREHOUSE LOCATIONS

Mid-Atlantic Warehouse & Storage
7041 Stanley Park Drive
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
27804

US Colors
English Road
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
27804



<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.


SCHEDULE 6.1(Y) CORPORATE NAMES

Texfi Industries, Inc.



<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.


SCHEDULE 6.1(BB) EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

None


<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.


SCHEDULE 6.1(CC) PROPRIETARY RIGHTS

Trademarks:

      "TEXFI"                 RN 1288 (North Carolina)
       logo                   RN 999,993

Pending Trademarks:

      "Texxus"                75-247592

Patents:

      4,936,119               Venturi device for fluid-jet dyeing apparatus



<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.


SCHEDULE 6.1(DD) TRADENAMES

Texfi

Texfi Blends


<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.


SCHEDULE 6.1(EE) BANK ACCOUNTS

NATIONSBANK:
      TEXAS  ABA # 1110-0001-2
0020009973              New Bern Remediation

WACHOVIA:
6765020675              Rocky Mount Payroll

4020047620              Narrow Fabrics Payroll

SAFRIT NATIONAL:
42463812                New York Petty Cash

BANKBOSTON:
ABA #011201539
533-24548               Corporate Funding
800-60846               Corporate Disbursing
800-60854               Division Disbursing
41445                   Lockbox



<PAGE>

                         AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                        Texfi Industries, Inc.

                   The Financial Institutions Party
                       Hereto From Time to Time

                                  And

                           BankBoston, N.A.


SCHEDULE 9.8 USE OF PROCEEDS

(1)   To refinance the existing revolving credit agreement as evidenced by the
      Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated December 19, 1997
      between the Borrower, the Agent and the financial institutions party
      thereto, as Lenders; and

(2)   For costs and expenses incurred in connection with the closing of this
      Agreement and the Term Loan and Security Agreement dated August 28, 1998,
      between Borrower and Back Bay Capital LLC.




                                                                Exhibit 4(d)(19)

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


                        TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

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



                              BACK BAY CAPITAL, LLC
                                   THE LENDER

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






                             TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                  THE BORROWER

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






                                 August 28, 1998

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







<PAGE>

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


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


ARTICLE 1 - DEFINITIONS:

ARTICLE 2 - THE TERM LOAN:
         2-1.     Commitment To Make Term Loan............................................................... 12 ..
                  ----------------------------
         2-2.     The Term Note.............................................................................. 13 ..
                  -------------
         2-3.     Payment of Principal of the Term Loan.  ................................................... 13 ..
                  -------------------------------------
         2-4.     Interest. ................................................................................. 13 ..
                  ---------
         2-5.     Commitment and Closing Fee................................................................. 14 ..
                  --------------------------
         2-6.     Anniversary Fee............................................................................ 14 ..
                  ---------------
         2-7.     Collateral Monitoring Fee.................................................................. 14 ..
                  -------------------------
         2-8.     Early Termination Fee...................................................................... 14 ..
                  ---------------------
         2-9.     Payments................................................................................... 15 ..
                  --------

ARTICLE 3 - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT:
         3-1.     Corporate Due Diligence.................................................................... 15 ..
                  -----------------------
         3-2.     Opinion.................................................................................... 15 ..
                  -------
         3-3.     Additional Documents....................................................................... 16 ..
                  --------------------
         3-4.     Officers' Certificates..................................................................... 16 ..
                  ----------------------
         3-5.     Representations and Warranties............................................................. 16 ..
                  ------------------------------
         3-6.     Closing on Tranche A Loan.................................................................. 16 ..
                  -------------------------
         3-7      Minimum Excess Availability Under Tranche A Loan........................................... 16 ..
                  ------------------------------------------------
         3-8.     Waiver of Certain Provisions of 83/4% Debentures............................................ 16 ..
                  -------------------------------------------------
         3-9.     All Fees and Expenses Paid................................................................. 16 ..
                  --------------------------
         3-10.    No Default................................................................................. 16 ..
                  ----------

ARTICLE 4 - GENERAL REPRESENTATIONS, COVENANTS AND WARRANTIES:
         4-1.     Payment and Performance of Liabilities..................................................... 17 ..
                  --------------------------------------
         4-2.     Due Organization - Corporate Authorization - No Conflicts.................................. 17 ..
                  ---------------------------------------------------------
         4-3.     Trade Names................................................................................ 18 ..
                  -----------
         4-4.     Infrastructure............................................................................. 18 ..
                  --------------
         4-5.     Locations.................................................................................. 19 ..
                  ---------
         4-6.     Title to Assets............................................................................ 19 ..
                  ---------------
         4-7.     Indebtedness............................................................................... 20 ..
                  ------------
         4-8.     Exchange Offer For 8 3/4% Debenture .......................................................... 21 ..
                  ------------------------------------
         4-9.     Insurance Policies......................................................................... 21 ..
                  ------------------
         4-10.    Licenses................................................................................... 22 ..
                  --------
         4-11.    Leases..................................................................................... 22 ..
                  ------
         4-12.    Requirements of Law........................................................................ 22 ..
                  -------------------
         4-13.    Maintain Properties........................................................................ 22 ..
                  -------------------
         4-14.    Pay Taxes.................................................................................. 23 ..
                  ---------
         4-15.    No Margin Stock............................................................................ 24 ..
                  ---------------
         4-16.    ERISA...................................................................................... 24 ..
                  -----
         4-17.    Hazardous Materials........................................................................ 25 ..
                  -------------------
         4-18.    Litigation................................................................................. 25 ..
                  ----------
         4-19.    Dividends or Investments................................................................... 25 ..
                  ------------------------
         4-20.    Loans...................................................................................... 26 ..
                  -----
         4-21.    Protection of Assets....................................................................... 26 ..
                  --------------------
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         4-22.    Line of Business........................................................................... 26 ..
                  ----------------
         4-23.    Affiliate Transactions..................................................................... 26 ..
                  ----------------------
         4-24.    Additional Assurances...................................................................... 27 ..
                  ---------------------
         4-25.    Adequacy of Disclosure..................................................................... 28 ..
                  ----------------------
         4-26.    Other Covenants............................................................................ 28 ..
                  ---------------

ARTICLE 5 - FINANCIAL REPORTING AND PERFORMANCE COVENANTS:
         5-1.     Maintain Records........................................................................... 29 ..
                  ----------------
         5-2.     Access to Records.......................................................................... 29 ..
                  -----------------
         5-3.     Immediate Notice to Lender ................................................................ 30 ..
                  ---------------------------
         5-4.     Monthly Reports............................................................................ 30 ..
                  ---------------
         5-5.     Quarterly Reports.......................................................................... 31 ..
                  -----------------
         5-6.     Financial Reports Provided to Tranche A Agent.............................................. 31 ..
                  ---------------------------------------------
         5-7.     Annual Reports............................................................................. 31 ..
                  --------------
         5-8.     Officers' Certificates..................................................................... 32 ..
                  ----------------------
         5-9.     Qualified Appraisals....................................................................... 32 ..
                  --------------------
         5-10.    Additional Financial Information........................................................... 33 ..
                  --------------------------------
         5-11.    Financial Performance Covenants............................................................ 33 ..
                  -------------------------------

ARTICLE 6 - GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST:
         6-1.     Grant of Security Interest................................................................. 33 ..
                  --------------------------
         6-2.     Extent and Duration of Security Interest................................................... 34 ..
                  ----------------------------------------

Article 7 - Lender As Borrower's Attorney-In-Fact:
         7-1.     Appointment as Attorney-In-Fact............................................................ 34 ..
                  -------------------------------
         7-2.     No Obligation to Act....................................................................... 35 ..
                  --------------------

ARTICLE 8 - EVENTS OF DEFAULT:
         8-1.     Failure to Pay Term Loan................................................................... 36 ..
                  ------------------------
         8-2.     Failure To Make Other Payments............................................................. 36 ..
                  ------------------------------
         8-3.     Failure to Perform Covenant or Liability (No Grace Period)................................. 36 ..
                  ----------------------------------------------------------
         8-4.     Failure to Perform Covenant or Liability (Grace Period).................................... 36 ..
                  -------------------------------------------------------
         8-5.     Misrepresentation.......................................................................... 36 ..
                  -----------------
         8-6.     Acceleration of Other Debt. Breach of Lease................................................ 36 ..
                  -------------------------------------------
         8-7.     Default Under Other Agreements............................................................. 37 ..
                  ------------------------------
         8-8.     Uninsured Casualty Loss.................................................................... 37 ..
                  -----------------------
         8-9.     Judgment.  Restraint of Business........................................................... 37 ..
                  --------------------------------
         8-10.    Business Failure........................................................................... 37 ..
                  ----------------
         8-11.    Bankruptcy................................................................................. 38 ..
                  ----------
         8-12.    Indictment - Forfeiture.................................................................... 38 ..
                  -----------------------
         8-13.    Challenge to Loan Documents................................................................ 38 ..
                  ---------------------------
         8-14.    Change in Control.......................................................................... 38 ..
                  ------------------

ARTICLE 9 - RIGHTS AND REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT:
         9-1.     Rights of Enforcement...................................................................... 39 ..
                  ---------------------
         9-2.     Sale of Collateral......................................................................... 39 ..
                  ------------------
         9-3.     Occupation of Business Location............................................................ 40 ..
                  -------------------------------
         9-4.     Grant of Nonexclusive License.............................................................. 40 ..
                  -----------------------------
         9-5.     Assembly of Collateral..................................................................... 40 ..
                  ----------------------
         9-6.     Rights and Remedies........................................................................ 41 ..
                  -------------------
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ARTICLE 10 - NOTICES:
         10-1.    Notice Addresses........................................................................... 41 ..
                  ----------------
         10-2.    Notice Given............................................................................... 42 ..
                  ------------

ARTICLE 11 - TERM:
         11-1.    Effect of Termination...................................................................... 43 ..
                  ---------------------

ARTICLE 12 - GENERAL:
         12-1.    Protection of Collateral................................................................... 43 ..
                  ------------------------
         12-2.    Successors and Assigns..................................................................... 43 ..
                  ----------------------
         12-3.    Severability............................................................................... 44 ..
                  ------------
         12-4.    Amendments.  Course of Dealing............................................................. 44 ..
                  ------------------------------
         12-5.    Power of Attorney.......................................................................... 44 ..
                  -----------------
         12-6.    Application of Proceeds.................................................................... 44 ..
                  -----------------------
         12-7.    Lender's Costs and Expenses................................................................ 45 ..
                  ---------------------------
         12-8.    Copies and Facsimiles...................................................................... 45 ..
                  ---------------------
         12-9.    Massachusetts Law.......................................................................... 45 ..
                  -----------------
         12-10.   Consent to Jurisdiction.................................................................... 46 ..
                  -----------------------
         12-11.   Indemnification............................................................................ 46 ..
                  ---------------
         12-12.   Rules of Construction...................................................................... 47 ..
                  ---------------------
         12-13.   Intent..................................................................................... 48 ..
                  ------
         12-14.   Right of Set-Off........................................................................... 48 ..
                  ----------------
         12-15.   Maximum Interest Rate...................................................................... 49 ..
                  ----------------------
         12-16.   Waivers. .................................................................................. 49 ..
                  -------



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                                    EXHIBITS

         1-0               :        Qualified Appraisals
         2-2               :        Term Note
         4-2               :        Related Entities
         4-3               :        Trade Names
         4-5               :        Locations, Leases, and Landlords
         4-6               :        Encumbrances
         4-7               :        Indebtedness
         4-8               :        Principal Required Terms For Exchanged 8 3/4% Debentures
         4-9               :        Insurance Policies
         4-11              :        Capital Leases
         4-14              :        Taxes
         4-17              :        Hazardous Materials
         4-18              :        Litigation
         4-19(c)(iii)      :        Certain Investments
         4-25              :        Certain SEC Filings
         5-11              :        Financial Performance Covenants

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


LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT                                                                    Back Bay Capital LLC

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


                                                                                                    August 28, 1998



         THIS AGREEMENT is made between

                  Back Bay Capital LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
         with offices at 40 Broad Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109,


                  and

                  Texfi Industries, Inc. (hereinafter, the "Borrower"), a Delaware
         corporation with its principal executive offices at 1430 Broadway,  New York,
         New York  10018

in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and benefits to be derived
herefrom,


                                   WITNESSETH:
ARTICLE 1 - DEFINITIONS:

         As herein used, the following terms have the following meanings or are
defined in the section of the within Agreement so indicated:

         "8 3/4% Debentures": Senior Subordinated 8.75% Debentures, due
                  August 1, 1999 issued pursuant to Indenture dated as of
                  September 8, 1993, between the Borrower and Norwest Bank
                  Minnesota, National Association, as successor trustee, as
                  amended by First Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 10,
                  1998 and Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 15,
                  1996.

         "Accounts" and "Accounts Receivable" include, without limitation, "accounts" as defined in the
                  UCC, and also all:  accounts, accounts receivable, credit card receivables, notes, drafts,


                                                      .. 1 ..
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                  acceptances, and other forms of obligations and receivables
                  and rights to payment for credit extended and for goods sold
                  or leased, or services rendered, whether or not yet earned by
                  performance; all "contract rights" as formerly defined in the
                  UCC; all Inventory which gave rise thereto, and all rights
                  associated with such Inventory, including the right of
                  stoppage in transit; all reclaimed, returned, rejected or
                  repossessed Inventory (if any) the sale of which gave rise to
                  any Account.

         "Account Debtor":          Has the meaning given that term in the UCC.

         "Adjusted Operating Cash Flow":             Is defined in EXHIBIT 5-11.

         "Adjusted Permitted Investments:            "Permitted Investments" within the meaning of the
                  Tranche A Loan Agreement, except that the clause thereof which begins with the words
                  "other investments" shall be deemed to read:
                           "other Investments not in excess of $500,000.00."

         "Affiliate": With respect to any two Persons, a relationship in which
                  (a) one holds, directly or indirectly, not less than Twenty
                  Five Percent (25%) of the capital stock, beneficial interests,
                  partnership interests, or other equity interests of the other;
                  or (b) one has, directly or indirectly, the right, under
                  ordinary circumstances, to vote for the election of a majority
                  of the directors (or other body or Person who has those powers
                  customarily vested in a board of directors of a corporation);
                  or (c) not less than Twenty Five Percent (25%) of their
                  respective ownership is directly or indirectly held by the
                  same third Person.

         "Anniversary Fee":         Is defined in Section 2-6.

         "Bankruptcy Code":         Title 11, U.S.C., as amended from time to time.

         "Bonds":          The 8 3/4% Bonds and the Subordinated Extendible Bonds.

         "Borrower":       Is defined in the Preamble.

         "Business Day":            Any day other than (a) a Saturday or  Sunday; (b) any day on which
                  banks in Boston, Massachusetts or New York, New York, generally are not open to the
                  general public for the purpose of conducting commercial banking business; or (c) a day
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                  on which the Lender is not open to the general public to conduct business.

         "Capital Expenditures":                     Is defined in EXHIBIT 5-11.

         "Capital Funds":                   Is defined in EXHIBIT 5-11.

         "Capital Lease":           Any lease which may be capitalized in accordance with GAAP.

         "Change in Control":       The occurrence of any of the following:
                           (a) The acquisition, by any group of persons (within
                  the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
                  amended) or by any Person, of beneficial ownership (within the
                  meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and Exchange
                  Commission) of 20% or more of the issued and outstanding
                  capital stock of the Borrower having the right, under ordinary
                  circumstances, to vote for the election of directors of the
                  Borrower, provided, however, any such acquisition by any
                  Mentmore Person shall not constitute a "Change in Control".
                           (b) More than half of the persons at who are
                  directors of the Borrower are not Mentmore Persons.

         "Chattel Paper":           Has the meaning given that term in the UCC.

         "Collateral":     Is defined in Section 6-1.

         "Collateral Management Fee":       Is defined in Section 2-11.

         "Costs   of Collection": Includes, without limitation, all attorneys'
                  reasonable fees and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred
                  by the Lender's attorneys, and all reasonable costs incurred
                  by the Lender in the administration of the Liabilities and/or
                  the Loan Documents, including, without limitation, reasonable
                  costs and expenses associated with travel on behalf of the
                  Lender, which costs and expenses are directly or indirectly
                  related to or in respect of the Lender's: administration and
                  management of the Liabilities; negotiation, documentation, and
                  amendment of any Loan Document; or efforts to preserve,
                  protect, collect, or enforce the Collateral, the Liabilities,
                  and/or the Lender's Rights and Remedies and/or any of the
                  Lender's rights and remedies against or in respect of any
                  guarantor or other person liable in respect of the Liabilities
                  (whether or not suit is instituted in


                                                      .. 3 ..
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                  connection with such efforts). The Costs of Collection are
                  Liabilities, and at the Lender's option may bear interest at
                  the highest post-default rate which the Lender may charge the
                  Borrower hereunder as if such had been lent, advanced, and
                  credited by the Lender to, or for the benefit of, the
                  Borrower.

         "Current Pay Interest":    Is defined in Section 2-4(a)(i).

         "Debt Service Coverage Ratio":              Is defined in EXHIBIT 5-11.

         "Default":        The occurrence of any event which is or which, but for the giving of notice or the
                  expiry of any applicable grace period (or both) would constitute, an Event of Default.

         "Documents":      Has the meaning given that term in the UCC.

         "Documents of Title":      Has the meaning given that term in the UCC.

         "Early Termination Fee":           Is defined in Section 2-8.

         "EBITDA":         Is defined in EXHIBIT 5-11.

         "Employee Benefit Plan":           As defined in ERISA.

         "Encumbrance":             Each of the following:
                           (a) Any security interest, mortgage, pledge,
                  hypothecation, lien, attachment, or charge of any kind
                  (including any agreement to give any of the foregoing); the
                  interest of a lessor under a Capital Lease; conditional sale
                  or other title retention agreement; sale of accounts
                  receivable or chattel paper; or other arrangement pursuant to
                  which any Person is entitled to any preference or priority
                  with respect to the property or assets of another Person or
                  the income or profits of such other Person or which
                  constitutes an interest in property to secure an obligation;
                  each of the foregoing whether consensual or non-consensual and
                  whether arising by way of agreement, operation of law, legal
                  process or otherwise.
                           (b) The filing of any financing statement under the
                  UCC or comparable law of any jurisdiction.

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                                                      .. 4 ..

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         "End Date":       The date upon which all Liabilities have been paid in full.

         "Environmental Laws":              All of the following:
                                            (a)      Any and all federal, state, local or municipal laws, rules,
                  orders, regulations, statutes, ordinances, codes, decrees or
                  requirements which regulate or relate to, or impose any
                  standard of conduct or liability on account of or in respect
                  to environmental protection matters, including, without
                  limitation, Hazardous Materials, as are now or hereafter in
                  effect.
                                            (b)      The common law relating to damage to Persons or
                  property from Hazardous Materials.

         "Equipment": Includes, without limitation, "equipment" as defined in
                  the UCC, and also all motor vehicles, rolling stock,
                  machinery, office equipment, plant equipment, tools, dies,
                  molds, store fixtures, furniture, and other goods, property,
                  and assets which are used and/or were purchased for use in the
                  operation or furtherance of the Borrower's business, and any
                  and all accessions or additions thereto, and substitutions
                  therefor.

         "ERISA":          The Employee Retirement Security Act of 1974, as amended.

         "ERISA   Affiliate": Any Person which is under common control with the
                  Borrower within the meaning of Section 4001 of ERISA or is
                  part of a group which includes the Borrower and which would be
                  treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Internal
                  Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

         "Events of Default":       Is defined in Article 8.  Each reference herein or in any of the Loan
                  Documents to an  "Event of Default" and its effect is to an "Event of Default" which has not
                  been duly waived as provided in Section 12-4(b).

         "Exchange Offer":          Is defined in Section 4-8.

          "Exchanged 8 3/4% Debentures":                Is defined in Section 4-8.

         "Fixtures":       Has the meaning given that term in the UCC.

         "GAAP":           Principles which are consistent with those promulgated or adopted by the


                                                      .. 5 ..

<PAGE>



                  Financial Accounting Standards Board and its predecessors (or
                  successors) in effect and applicable to that accounting period
                  in respect of which reference to GAAP is being made, provided,
                  however, in the event of a Material Accounting Change, then
                  unless otherwise specifically agreed to by the Lender, (a) the
                  Borrower's compliance with the financial performance covenants
                  imposed pursuant to Section 5-11 shall be determined as if
                  such Material Accounting Change had not taken place and (b)
                  the Borrower shall include, with its monthly, quarterly, and
                  annual financial statements a schedule, certified by the
                  Borrower's chief financial officer, on which the effect of
                  such Material Accounting Change to the statement with which
                  provided shall be described.

         "General Intangibles": Includes, without limitation, "general
                  intangibles" as defined in the UCC; and also all: rights to
                  payment for credit extended; deposits; amounts due to the
                  Borrower; credit memoranda in favor of the Borrower; warranty
                  claims; tax refunds and abatements; insurance refunds and
                  premium rebates; all means and vehicles of investment or
                  hedging, including, without limitation, options, warrants, and
                  futures contracts; records; customer lists; telephone numbers;
                  goodwill; causes of action; judgments; payments under any
                  settlement or other agreement; literary rights; rights to
                  performance; royalties; license and/or franchise fees; rights
                  of admission; licenses; franchises; license agreements,
                  including all rights of the Borrower to enforce same; permits,
                  certificates of convenience and necessity, and similar rights
                  granted by any governmental authority; patents, patent
                  applications, patents pending, and other intellectual
                  property; internet addresses and domain names; developmental
                  ideas and concepts; proprietary processes; blueprints,
                  drawings, designs, diagrams, plans, reports, and charts;
                  catalogs; manuals; technical data; computer software programs
                  (including the source and object codes therefor), computer
                  records, computer software, rights of access to computer
                  record service bureaus, service bureau computer contracts, and
                  computer data; tapes, disks, semi-conductors chips and
                  printouts; trade secrets rights, copyrights, mask work rights
                  and interests, and derivative works and interests; user,
                  technical reference, and other manuals and materials; trade
                  names, trademarks, service marks, and all goodwill relating
                  thereto; applications for registration of the foregoing; and
                  all other general intangible property of the Borrower in the
                  nature of intellectual property; proposals; cost estimates,
                  and reproductions on paper, or otherwise, of any and all
                  concepts or ideas, and any matter related to, or connected
                  with, the design, development, manufacture, sale, marketing,
                  leasing, or use of any or all property produced, sold, or
                  leased, by the Borrower or credit extended or services
                  performed, by the Borrower,

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                                                      .. 6 ..

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                  whether intended for an individual customer or the general
                  business of the Borrower, or used or useful in connection with
                  research by the Borrower.

         "Goods":          Has the meaning given that term in the UCC.

         "Hazardous Materials":             Any (a) hazardous materials, hazardous waste, hazardous or
                  toxic substances, petroleum products, which (as to any of the foregoing) are defined or
                  regulated as a hazardous material in or under any Environmental Law and (b) oil in any
                  physical state.

         "Indebtedness":            All indebtedness and obligations of or assumed by any Person on
                  account of or in respect to any of the following:
                           (a) Money borrowed (including any indebtedness which
                  is non-recourse to the credit of such Person but which is
                  secured by an Encumbrance on any asset of such Person) whether
                  or not evidenced by a promissory Note, bond, debenture or
                  other written obligation to pay money.
                           (b) Any letter of credit or acceptance transaction
                  (including, without limitation, the face amount of all letters
                  of credit and acceptances issued for the account of such
                  Person or reimbursement on account of which such Person would
                  be obligated).
                           (c) The sale or discount of accounts receivable or
                  chattel paper of such Person.
                           (d)      Deposits or advances.
                           (e)      As lessee under Capital Leases.
                  "Indebtedness" also includes:
                                    (x) Indebtedness of others secured by an
                           Encumbrance on any asset of such Person, whether or
                           not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person.
                                    (y) Any guaranty, endorsement, suretyship or
                           other undertaking pursuant to which that Person may
                           be liable on account of any obligation of any third
                           party.
                                    (z) The Indebtedness of a partnership or
                           joint venture in which such Person is a general
                           partner or joint venturer.

         "Indemnified Person":      Is defined in Section 12-11.
</TABLE>



                                                      .. 7 ..

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         "Instruments":    Has the meaning given that term in the UCC.

         "Inventory": Includes, without limitation, "inventory" as defined in
                  the UCC and also all: packaging, advertising, and shipping
                  materials related to any of the foregoing, and all names or
                  marks affixed or to be affixed thereto for identifying or
                  selling the same; Goods held for sale or lease or furnished or
                  to be furnished under a contract or contracts of sale or
                  service by the Borrower, or used or consumed or to be used or
                  consumed in the Borrower's business; Goods of said description
                  in transit: returned, repossessed and rejected Goods of said
                  description; and all documents (whether or not negotiable)
                  which represent any of the foregoing.

         "Investment Property": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC.

         "Lease": Any lease or other agreement, no matter how styled or
                  structured, pursuant to which the Borrower is entitled to the
                  use or occupancy of any space.

         "Leasehold Interest": Any interest of the Borrower as lessee under any
                  Lease.

         "Lender": Is defined in the Preamble to the within Agreement.

         "Lender's Rights and Remedies":             Is defined in Section 9-6.

         "Liabilities" (in the singular, "Liability") All and each of the
                  following, whether now existing or hereafter arising:
                           (a) Any and all direct and indirect liabilities,
                  debts, and obligations of the Borrower to the Lender under
                  this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents, each of every
                  kind, nature, and description.
                           (b) Each obligation to repay any loan, advance,
                  indebtedness, note, obligation, overdraft, or amount now or
                  hereafter owing by the Borrower to the Lender under this
                  Agreement or any of the Loan Documents (including all future
                  advances whether or not made pursuant to a commitment by the
                  Lender ), whether or not any of such are liquidated,
                  unliquidated, primary, secondary, secured, unsecured, direct,
                  indirect, absolute, contingent, or of any other type, nature,
                  or description, or by reason of any cause of action which the
                  Lender may hold against the Borrower.
                           (c) The Term Note and all notes and other obligations
                  of the Borrower

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                  under the Loan Documents which are now or hereafter assigned
                  to or held by the Lender, each of every kind, nature, and
                  description.
                           (d) All interest, fees, and charges and other amounts
                  which may be charged by the Lender to the Borrower under this
                  Agreement or any of the Loan Documents, and/or which may be
                  due from the Borrower to the Lender from time to time under
                  this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents.
                           (e) All costs and expenses incurred or paid by the
                  Lender in respect of or under this Agreement or any of the
                  Loan Documents (including, without limitation, Costs of
                  Collection, attorneys' reasonable fees, and all court and
                  litigation costs and expenses).
                           (f) Any and all covenants of the Borrower to or with
                  the Lender under this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents,
                  and any and all obligations of the Borrower to act or to
                  refrain from acting in accordance with under this Agreement or
                  any of the Loan Documents.

         "Loan Documents": The within Agreement, each instrument and document
                  executed and/or delivered as contemplated by Article 3, below,
                  and each other instrument or document from time to time
                  executed and/or delivered in connection with the arrangements
                  contemplated hereby or in connection with any transaction with
                  the Lender, including, without limitation, any transaction
                  which arises out of any cash management, depository,
                  investment, letter of credit, interest rate protection, or
                  equipment leasing services provided by the Lender, as each may
                  be amended from time to time.

         "Material Accounting Change": Any change in GAAP applicable to
                  accounting periods subsequent to the Borrower's fiscal year
                  most recently completed prior to the execution of the within
                  Agreement, which change has a material effect on the
                  Borrower's financial condition or operating results, as
                  reflected on financial statements and reports prepared by or
                  for the Borrower, when compared with such condition or results
                  as if such change had not taken place or where preparation of
                  the Borrower's statements and reports in compliance with such
                  change results in the breach of a financial performance
                  covenant imposed pursuant to Section 5-11 where such a breach
                  would not have occurred if such change had not taken place or
                  visa versa.

         "Maturity Date": The earliest of (a) the August 31, 2000; or (b) the
                  occurrence of any event described in Section 8-11 hereof; or
                  (c) date set by written notice by the Lender to the Borrower,
                  which notice sets the Maturity Date on account of the
                  occurrence of any
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                  Event of Default other than as described in Section 8-11
                  hereof; or (d) date set by irrevocable written notice by the
                  Borrower to the Lender, which notice sets the Maturity Date as
                  a Business Day not less than Thirty (30) days after the date
                  of the subject notice.

         "Mentmore: Mentmore Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

         "MentmorePerson": Mentmore; Richard Kramer; William Remley; any
                  affiliate of Richard Kramer or William Remley; any Affiliate
                  of Mentmore; or any shareholder, director, officer, or
                  employee of Mentmore or any such Affiliate.

         "Monthly Installment": Is defined in Section 2-3(b).

         "Participant": Is defined in Section 12-14.

         "Permitted Encumbrances": Those Encumbrances permitted as provided in
                  Section 4-6(a) hereof.

         "Permitted Redemption": Is defined in Section 4-7(b)(ii).

         "Person": Any natural person, and any corporation, limited liability
                  company, trust, partnership, joint venture, or other
                  enterprise or entity.

         "PIK Interest": Defined in Section 2-4(a)(ii).

         "Proceeds": Includes, without limitation, "Proceeds" as defined in the
                  UCC (defined below), and each type of property described in
                  Section 6-1 hereof.

         "Qualified Appraisal": Any appraisal undertaken by any of those
                  appraisers listed on EXHIBIT 1-0 , annexed hereto (and
                  reasonable substitutes for each of such appraisers) using the
                  same methodology and approach as had been undertaken in
                  connection with the preparation of those appraisals relied
                  upon by the Lender prior to the closing on the Term Loan.

         "Real Estate Collateral": The land, with the improvements thereon,
                  owned by the Borrower in Fayetteville, North Carolina; Haw
                  River, North Carolina; Rocky Mount, North Carolina;
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                  and Jefferson, Georgia.

         "Receivables Collateral": That portion of the Collateral which consists
                  of the Borrower's Accounts, Accounts Receivable, General
                  Intangibles, Chattel Paper, Instruments, Documents of Title,
                  Documents, Investment Property, letters of credit for the
                  benefit of the Borrower, and bankers' acceptances held by the
                  Borrower, and any rights to payment.

         "Related Entity": Any corporation, limited liability company, trust,
                  partnership, joint venture, or other enterprise which: is a
                  parent, brother-sister, or subsidiary, of the Borrower; could
                  have such enterprise's tax returns or financial statements
                  consolidated with the Borrower's; could be a member of the
                  same controlled group of corporations (within the meaning of
                  Section 1563(a)(1), (2) and (3) of the Internal Revenue Code
                  of 1986, as amended from time to time) of which the Borrower
                  is a member; controls or is controlled by the Borrower or by
                  any Affiliate of the Borrower.

         "Requirement of Law": As to any Person:
                           (a)(i) All statutes, rules, regulations, orders, or
                  other requirements having the force of law and (ii) all court
                  orders and injunctions, arbitrator's decisions, and/or similar
                  rulings, in each instance ((i) and (ii)) of or by any federal,
                  state, municipal, and other governmental authority, or court,
                  tribunal, panel, or other body which has or claims
                  jurisdiction over such Person, or any property of such Person,
                  or of any other Person for whose conduct such Person would be
                  responsible.
                           (b) That Person's charter, certificate of
                  incorporation, articles of organization, and/or other
                  organizational documents, as applicable; and (c) that Person's
                  by-laws and/or other instruments which deal with corporate or
                  similar governance, as applicable.

         "SEC":   The Securities and Exchange Commission.

         "Subordinated Extendible Bonds": The Subordinated Extendible 11% Bonds,
                  due April 1, 2000 issued pursuant to that certain Indenture
                  dated as of April 12, 1990 to which the Borrower is a party.

         "Term Note":      Is defined in Section 2-2.

         "Term Loan":      Is defined in Section 2-1 .

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         "Total Debt Service":      Is defined in EXHIBIT 5-11.

         "Total Interest Expense":          Is defined in EXHIBIT 5-11.

         "Tranche A Agent": BankBoston N.A., a national banking association, as
                  Agent for the ratable benefit of the lenders under the Tranche
                  A Loan Agreement, as amended from time to time.

         "Tranche A Default": The occurrence of any event which is or which is,
                  but for the giving of notice or the expiry of any applicable
                  grace period (or both) would constitute, an event of default
                  or circumstance under which the Tranche A Loan could be
                  accelerated.

         "Tranche A Loan": The revolving credit facility established pursuant to
                  the Tranche A Loan Agreement.

         "Tranche A Loan Agreement": The $40,000,000 Loan and Security Agreement
                  dated as of on or about August 28, 1998 among the Borrower,
                  the Tranche A Agent, and the Lenders party thereto.

         "Tranche A Loan Documents": Those instruments and documents, including
                  the Tranche A Loan Agreement, which evidence, govern, and
                  control the Tranche A Loan.

         "UCC":   The Uniform Commercial Code as presently in effect in
                  Massachusetts (Mass. Gen. Laws, Ch. 106).

         "Year    2000 Compliant": Computer applications which do not include a
                  material risk they may not be able to recognize certain dates
                  or properly perform date sensitive functions involving dates
                  prior to and after December 31, 1999.

ARTICLE 2 - THE TERM LOAN:

         2-1. Commitment To Make Term Loan. Subject to satisfaction of the
Conditions Precedent (Article 3) on or before August 31, 1998 (or their waiver
(in accordance with Section 12-4(b)) of one or more of such Conditions Precedent
by the Lender), the Borrower shall borrow from the Lender and

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                                                     .. 12 ..

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the Lender shall lend to the Borrower the sum of $13,000,000.00 (the "Term
Loan"), repayable with interest as provided herein.

         2-2. The Term Note. The obligation to repay the Term Loan, with
interest as provided herein, shall be evidenced by a Note (the "Term Note") in
the form of EXHIBIT 2-2, annexed hereto, executed by the Borrower. Neither the
original nor a copy of the Term Note shall be required, however, to establish or
prove any Liability. In the event that the Term Note is ever lost, mutilated, or
destroyed, the Borrower shall execute a replacement thereof and deliver such
replacement to the Lender.

         2-3.     Payment of Principal of the Term Loan.
                  (a) The Borrower may repay all or any portion of the principal
balance of the Term Loan from time to time until the Maturity Date without
premium or penalty, but with the payment of the Early Termination Fee (if
applicable) as provided in Section 2-8. Amounts which are so prepaid may not be
reborrowed.
                  (b) Commencing with October 1, 1998, and on the first day of
each month thereafter, the Borrower shall prepay $100,000.00 of the unpaid
principal balance of the Term Loan (each of which payments is referred to herein
as a "Monthly Installment").
                  (c) No earlier than August 31, 1999, nor more frequently than
once in any 12 months, the Borrower, on 30 days notice from the Lender, shall
prepay so much of the then unpaid principal balance of the Term Loan so that,
immediately after such prepayment, the unpaid principal balance of the Term Loan
does not exceed the aggregate of (i) plus (ii), below (each as determined by a
Qualified Appraisal dated as of a date which is not more than 60 days prior to
the date on which such notice is given by the Lender to the Borrower, a copy of
which Qualified Appraisal shall be provided to the Borrower with such notice ) :
                           (i)      The lesser of
                                    (A) 65% of the orderly liquidation value or
                                    (B) 70% of the forced liquidation value of
                                        the Borrower's Equipment. 
                           (ii)     50% of the fair market value of the Real
                                    Estate Collateral.

                  (d) On the Maturity Date, the Borrower shall repay the then
entire unpaid balance of the Term Loan and all other Liabilities not otherwise
duly waived.

         2-4.     Interest.
                  (a) The unpaid principal balance of the Term Loan shall bear
interest, until repaid (calculated based upon a 360-day year and actual days
elapsed), fixed at 15.0% per annum, payable as follow:
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                           (i) Interest on the unpaid principal balance of the
         Term Loan, at 12.0% per annum ("Current Pay Interest") shall be payable
         monthly in arrears, on the first day of each month, and on the Maturity
         Date.
                           (ii) Accrued Interest on the unpaid principal balance
         of the Term Loan, at 3.0% per annum ("PIK Interest") , shall be added
         to the then unpaid principal balance of the Term Note monthly, on the
         first day of each month, commencing with October 1, 1998. The aggregate
         balance of PIK Interest so added to the Term Note shall bear interest
         (determined based on a 360 day year and actual days elapsed) at 12% per
         annum.
                  (b) Following the occurrence of any Event of Default (and
whether or not the Lender exercises any of the Lender's rights on account of
such Event of Default), Current Pay Interest shall be 15% per annum and PIK
Interest shall remain at 3% per annum.

         2-5.     Commitment and Closing Fees.
                  (a) As compensation for the Lender's having committed to make
the Term Loan, the Lender has earned a commitment fee of $200,000.00 which is
payable at earlier of ,
                           (i) the making out the Term Loan (in which event, the
         commitment fee shall be payable out of the proceeds of the Term Loan;
         or
                           (ii)     September 1, 1998.
                  (b) As compensation for the Lender's having made the Term
Loan, the Lender has earned a Closing Fee of $190,000.00, which is payable out
of the proceeds of the Term Loan.

         2-6. Anniversary Fee. As further compensation for the Lender's having
made the Term Loan, the Lender has earned the "Anniversary Fee" of $390,000.00
which shall be due on the earlier of August 31, 1999 or the Maturity Date.

         2-7. Collateral Monitoring Fee. As compensation for its monitoring the
Borrower's compliance with this Agreement, the Lender shall be paid a
"Collateral Monitoring Fee" (so referred to herein) of $84,000.00, payable in
installments of $3,500.00, each, on the first day of each month, commencing with
September 1, 1998, and with the unpaid balance of such fee due on the Maturity
Date, provided, however, any remaining balance of the Collateral Monitoring Fee
shall be waived by the Lender in the event of either
                  (a) the early termination of the Term Loan on account of which
         the Early Termination Fee is paid; or
                  (b) the Term Loan is refinanced by the Tranche B Lender.
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                                                     .. 14 ..

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         2-8.     Early Termination Fee.

                  (a) Except as provided in Section 2-8(b), any prepayment of
the Term Loan which is made prior to June 1, 1999, shall be accompanied by an
Early Termination Fee (so referred to herein) equal to 1.5% of the amount so
prepaid.
                  (b)      No Early Termination Fee shall be due on account of
                           (i)      payment of any Monthly Installment; or
                           (ii)     any prepayment pursuant to Section 4-13(d)(iv); or
                           (iii) any prepayment as part of a refinancing of the
Term Loan by the Lender.

         2-9. Payments. The Borrower authorizes the Lender to request that the
Tranche A Agent pay over directly to the Lender any and all amounts due from
time to time under this Agreement as advances under the credit facility created
under the Tranche A Loan Agreement and hereby instructs the Tranche A Agent to
honor such request. The Lender shall provide the Borrower with prompt written
notice of any amount which the Lender receives from the Tranche A Agent pursuant
to a request made under this Section.

ARTICLE 3 - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT:
         As condition to the effectiveness of this Agreement and the making of
the Term Loan, each of the documents respectively described in Sections 3-1
through and including 3-4, (each in form and substance satisfactory to the
Lender) shall have been delivered to the Lender, and the conditions respectively
described in Sections 3-5 through and including 3-11, shall have been satisfied:

         3-1.     Corporate Due Diligence.
                  (a) A Certificate of corporate good standing issued by the
Secretary of State of Delaware.
                  (b) Certificates of due qualification, in good standing,
issued by the Secretary(ies) of State of each State in which the nature of the
Borrower's business conducted or assets owned requires such qualification.
                  (c) A Certificate of the Borrower's Secretary of the due
adoption, continued effectiveness, and setting forth the texts of, each
corporate resolution adopted in connection with the establishment of the loan
arrangement contemplated by the Loan Documents and attesting to the true
signatures of each Person authorized as a signatory to any of the Loan
Documents.

         3-2. Opinion. An opinion of counsel to the Borrower in form and
substance satisfactory 
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                                                     .. 15 ..

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to the Lender .

         3-3. Additional Documents. Such additional instruments and documents as
the Lender or its counsel reasonably may require or request.

         3-4. Officers' Certificates. Certificates executed by the President and
the Chief Financial Officer of the Borrower and stating that the representations
and warranties made by the Borrower to the Lender in the Loan Documents are true
and complete as of the date of such Certificate, and that no event has occurred
which is a Default.

         3-5. Representations and Warranties. Each of the representations made
by or on behalf of the Borrower in this Agreement or in any of the other Loan
Documents or in any other report, statement, document, or paper provided by or
on behalf of the Borrower shall be true and complete as of the date as of which
such representation or warranty was made.

         3-6. Closing on Tranche A Loan. The closing on the Tranche A Loan as
contemplated by the letter agreement, dated on or about August 14, 1998, between
the Tranche A Agent and the Borrower (or the closing on the Tranche A Loan
contemporaneous with the closing on the Term Loan).

         3-7 Minimum Excess Availability Under Tranche A Loan. Excess
availability under the Tranche A Loan, following the closing on the amendment of
the Tranche A Loan as described in Section 3-6 after giving effect to all
charges made in connection with such amendment and the making of the Term Loan
as contemplated herein, but exclusive of check float, shall not be less than
$4,000,000.00.

         3-8. Waiver of Certain Provisions of 8 3/4% Debentures. The waiver, by
the requisite holders of 8 3/4% Debentures, of the requirement to make deposits
in the nature of sinking fund payments as set forth in the indenture and its
supplements which govern the 8 3/4% Debenture.

         3-9. All Fees and Expenses Paid. All fees due at the closing on the
Term Loan and all costs and expenses incurred by the Lender in connection with
such closing (including the fees and expenses of counsel to the Lender) shall
have been paid.

         3-10.    No Default.       No Default shall then exist.

No document shall be deemed delivered to the Lender until received and accepted
by the Lender at its 
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                                                       .. 16 ..

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head offices in Boston, Massachusetts. Under no circumstances will the within
Agreement take effect until executed and accepted by the Lender at said head
office.

ARTICLE 4 - GENERAL REPRESENTATIONS, COVENANTS AND WARRANTIES:

         To induce the Lender to establish the loan arrangement contemplated
herein and to make the Term Loan (which loan shall be deemed to have been made
in reliance thereupon) the Borrower, in addition to all other representations,
warranties, and covenants made by the Borrower in any other Loan Document),
makes those representations, warranties, and covenants included in the within
Agreement.

         4-1. Payment and Performance of Liabilities. The Borrower shall pay
each Liability when due (or when demanded if payable on demand) and shall
promptly, punctually, and faithfully perform each other Liability.

         4-2.     Due Organization - Corporate Authorization - No Conflicts.
                  (a) The Borrower presently is and shall hereafter remain in
good standing as a Delaware corporation and is and shall hereafter remain duly
qualified and in good standing in every other State in which, by reason of the
nature or location of the Borrower's assets or operation of the Borrower's
business, such qualification may be necessary.
                  (b) Each Related Entity is listed on EXHIBIT 4-2, annexed
hereto. Each Related Entity is and shall hereafter remain in good standing in
the State in which incorporated and is and shall hereafter remain duly qualified
in which other State in which, by reason of that entity's assets or the
operation of such entity's business, such qualification may be necessary. The
Borrower shall provide the Lender with prior written notice of any entity's
becoming or ceasing to be a Related Entity.
                  (c) The Borrower shall not change its State of incorporation
nor its taxpayer identification number.
                  (d) The Borrower has all requisite corporate power and
authority to execute and deliver all Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a
party and has and will hereafter retain all requisite corporate power to perform
all Liabilities.
                  (e) The execution and delivery by the Borrower of each Loan
Document to which it is a party; the Borrower's consummation of the transactions
contemplated by such Loan Documents (including, without limitation, the creation
of security and mortgage interests by the Borrower as contemplated hereby); the
Borrower's performance under those of the Loan Documents to which it is a party;
the borrowings hereunder; and the use of the proceeds thereof:

                                                     .. 17 ..

<PAGE>

                           (i) Have been duly authorized by all necessary
         corporate action.
                           (ii) Do not, and will not, contravene in any material
         respect any provision of any Requirement of Law or obligation of the
         Borrower.
                           (iii) Will not result in the creation or imposition
         of, or the obligation to create or impose, any Encumbrance upon any
         assets of the Borrower pursuant to any Requirement of Law or
         obligation, except pursuant to the Loan Documents.
                  (f) The Loan Documents have been duly executed and delivered
by Borrower and are the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower,
enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms
except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general application relating to
or affecting the rights and remedies of creditors generally and except as the
remedy of specific performance or injunctive relief is subject to the discretion
of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.


         4-3.     Trade Names.
                  (a) EXHIBIT 4-3, annexed hereto, is a listing of:
                  (i) All names under which the Borrower ever conducted its
         business.
                  (ii) All entities and/or persons with whom the Borrower ever
         consolidated or merged, or from whom the Borrower ever acquired in a
         single transaction or in a series of related transactions substantially
         all of such entity's or person's assets.
                  (b) The Borrower will not change its name or conduct its
business under any name not listed on EXHIBIT 4-3 except (i) upon not less than
twenty-one (21) days prior written notice (with reasonable particularity) to the
Lender and (ii) in compliance with all other provisions of this Agreement.

         4-4.     Infrastructure.
                  (a) The Borrower has and will maintain a sufficient
infrastructure to conduct its business as presently conducted and as
contemplated to be conducted.
                  (b) On or before the following date, the Borrower shall
furnish the Lender with a certificate of the Borrower's Chief Financial Officer
to the effect that, in all material respects, the Borrower's following
components of the Borrower's information management systems are Year 2000
Compliant.:

                           (i)      Accounting systems:                December 1, 1998.
                           (ii)     Process control systems:           March 1, 1999.
                           (iii)    Manufacturing support systems:     May 1, 1999.
                           (iv)     All other systems:                 May 1, 1999.
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                                                     .. 18 ..

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                  (c) The Borrower will not employ any computer application
hereafter unless the Borrower shall have first made a diligent inquiry to assure
that no material Year 2000 Problem will arise on account of the use of such
application.
                  (d) The Borrower owns and possesses, or has the right to use
(and will hereafter own, possess, or have such right to use) all patents,
industrial designs, trademarks, trade names, trade styles, brand names, service
marks, logos, copyrights, trade secrets, know-how, confidential information, and
other intellectual or proprietary property of any third Person necessary for the
Borrower's conduct of the Borrower's business.
                  (e) To the Borrower's knowledge, the conduct by the Borrower
of the Borrower's business does not presently infringe (nor will the Borrower
conduct its business in the future so as to infringe) the patents, industrial
designs, trademarks, trade names, trade styles, brand names, service marks,
logos, copyrights, trade secrets, know-how, confidential information, or other
intellectual or proprietary property of any third Person.

         4-5.     Locations.
                  (a) The Collateral, and the books, records, and papers of
Borrower pertaining thereto, are kept and maintained solely at the Borrower's
chief executive offices at
                           (i)      1430 Broadway, New York, New York 10018; and
                           (ii) those locations which are listed on EXHIBIT 4-5,
         annexed hereto, which EXHIBIT specifies those locations owned by the
         Borrower and those which are leased by it.
                  (b) The Borrower shall not remove any of the Collateral from
said chief executive office or those locations listed on EXHIBIT 4-5 except to:
                           (i) accomplish sales of Inventory in the ordinary
                           course of business; or (ii) move Inventory from one
                           such location to another such location; or (iii)
                           utilize such of the Collateral as is removed from
                           such locations in the
         ordinary course of business (such as motor vehicles).
                  (c) Except as otherwise disclosed pursuant to, or permitted
by, this Section 4-5, no tangible personal property of the Borrower is in the
care or custody of any third party or stored or entrusted with a bailee or other
third party and none shall hereafter be placed under such care, custody,
storage, or entrustment.

         4-6.     Title to Assets.
                  (a) The Borrower is, and shall hereafter remain, the owner of
the Collateral free and clear of all Encumbrances with the exceptions of the
following (the "Permitted Encumbrances"):
                           (i)   Encumbrances in favor of the Lender.

                                                     .. 19 ..

<PAGE>
                           (ii) "Permitted Liens" within the meaning of the
                           Tranche A Loan Agreement                        
                           (iii) Those Encumbrances (if any) listed on     
                           EXHIBIT 4-6, annexed hereto.                    
                           
                  (b) The Borrower does not and shall not have possession of any
property on consignment to the Borrower.
                  (c) The Borrower shall not acquire or obtain the right to use
any Equipment, the acquisition or right to use of which Equipment is otherwise
permitted by the within Agreement, in which Equipment any third party has an
interest, except for:
                  (i) Equipment which is merely incidental to the conduct of the
Borrower's business.
                  (ii) Equipment, the acquisition or right to use of which has
been consented to by the Lender, which consent may be conditioned upon the
Lender's receipt of such agreement with the third party which has an interest in
such Equipment as is satisfactory to the Lender.

         4-7.     Indebtedness.
                  (a) The Borrower does not and shall not hereafter have any
Indebtedness with the exceptions of:
                           (i)  Any Indebtedness to the Lender .
                           (ii) "Permitted Purchase Money Debt" within the
         meaning of the Tranche A Loan Agreement.
                           (iii) The Indebtedness (if any) listed on EXHIBIT
                  4-7, annexed hereto. 
                  (b) The Borrower shall not repay or prepay any Indebtedness
                  other than
                           (i) in accordance with the pre-default tenor of such
                  Indebtedness; or
                           (ii) the "Permitted Redemption", by which is meant
                  the redemption of the Bonds, but only if each of the following
                  conditions are satisfied:
                                    (A) The aggregate of Bonds which are so
                           redeemed does not exceed $8,000,000.00.
                                    (B) The Borrower shall have provided the
                           Lender with not less than seven (7) days prior
                           written notice of each such redemption, which notice
                           shall include a pro forma calculation of excess
                           availability, under the Tranche A Loan, immediately
                           after such forthcoming redemption.
                                    (C) Excess availability under the Tranche A
                           Loan, immediately after the subject redemption, is
                           not less than $4,000,000.00.
                                    (D) The Borrower's accounts payable are all
                           within customary terms accorded to the Borrower.
                                    (E) The redemption is permitted under the
                           Tranche A Loan 

                                                     .. 20 ..

<PAGE>
                           Documents. 
                           
                                    (F) No Event of Default has occurred.
                                    (G) The Exchange Offer shall have been 
                                        consummated. 
                  (c) The Borrower shall cause the Permitted
                  Redemption to be consummated by no
later than September 1, 1999.

         4-8. Exchange Offer For 8 3/4% Debenture . On or before April 30, 1999,
the Borrower shall consummate an exchange offer (the "Exchange Offer") with
holders of not less than $27,100,000.00 in principal amount of the 8 3/4%
Debentures which Exchange Offer shall include the following features (the
debentures which result from the Exchange Offer are referred to herein as the
"Exchanged 8 3/4% Debentures"):
                  (a) Interest may accrue on the Exchanged 8 3/4% Debentures at
up to 15% per annum, subject, however, to a limit of 8.75% current pay and the
balance payable at maturity.
                  (b) The maturity of the Exchanged 8 3/4% Debentures shall be
extended to August 1, 2002.
                  (c) The Borrower may issue warrants to the holders of the
Exchanged 8 3/4% Debentures, pursuant to which the indebtedness evidenced by the
Exchanged 8 3/4% Debentures may be converted to preferred stock of the Borrower
which is convertible into common stock of the Borrower.
                  (d) The Borrower's indebtedness evidenced by the Exchanged 8
3/4% Debentures may be secured on a deeply subordinated basis on terms,
including standstill provisions, as outlined in Exhibit 4-8.

         4-9.     Insurance Policies.
                  (a) EXHIBIT 4-9, annexed hereto, is a schedule of all
insurance policies owned by the Borrower or under which the Borrower is the
named insured. Each of such policies is in full force and effect. Neither the
issuer of any such policy nor the Borrower is in default or violation of any
such policy.
                  (b) The Borrower shall have and maintain at all times
insurance covering such risks, in such amounts, containing such terms, in such
form, for such periods, and written by such companies as may be satisfactory to
the Lender . The coverage reflected on EXHIBIT 4-9 presently satisfies the
foregoing requirements, it being recognized by the Borrower, however, that such
requirements may change hereafter to reflect changing circumstances. All
insurance carried by the Borrower shall provide for a minimum of Sixty (60)
days' written notice of cancellation to the Lender and all such insurance which
covers the Collateral shall include an endorsement in favor of the Lender, which
endorsement shall provide that the insurance, to the extent of the Lender's
interest therein, shall not be impaired or invalidated, in whole or in part, by
reason of any act or neglect of the Borrower or by the failure of the

                                    .. 21 ..

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Borrower to comply with any warranty or condition of the policy. In the event of
the failure by the Borrower to maintain insurance as required herein, the
Lender, at its option, may obtain such insurance, provided,
however, the Lender's obtaining of such insurance shall not constitute a cure or
waiver of any Default occasioned by the Borrower's failure to have maintained
such insurance. The Borrower shall furnish to the Lender certificates or other
evidence satisfactory to the Lender regarding compliance by the Borrower with
the foregoing insurance provisions.
                  (c) The Borrower shall advise the Lender of each claim in
excess of $50,000.00 made by the Borrower under any policy of insurance which
covers the Collateral.

         4-10. Licenses. Each license, distributorship, franchise, and similar
agreement issued to, or to which the Borrower is a party is in full force and
effect. No party to any such license or agreement is in default or violation
thereof. The Borrower has not received any notice or threat of cancellation of
any such license or agreement.

         4-11. Leases. EXHIBIT 4-11, annexed hereto, is a schedule of all
presently effective Capital Leases. Exhibit 4-5 includes a list of all other
presently effective Leases. Each of such Leases and Capital Leases is in full
force and effect. No party to any such Lease or Capital Lease is in default or
violation of any such Lease or Capital Lease and the Borrower has not received
any notice or threat of cancellation of any such Lease or Capital Lease. The
Borrower hereby authorizes the Lender at any time and from time to time to
contact any of the Borrower's landlords in order to confirm the Borrower's
continued compliance with the terms and conditions of the Lease(s) between the
Borrower and that landlord and to discuss such issues, concerning the Borrower's
occupancy under such Lease(s), as the Lender may determine.

         4-12. Requirements of Law. The Borrower is in compliance with, and
shall hereafter comply with and use its assets in compliance with, all
Requirements of Law. The Borrower has not received any notice of any violation
of any Requirement of Law (whether or not such violation is material), which
violation has not been cured or otherwise remedied.

         4-13.    Maintain Properties. The Borrower shall:
                  (a) Keep the Collateral in good order and repair (ordinary
reasonable wear and tear and insured casualty excepted).
                  (b) Not suffer or cause the waste or destruction of any
                  material part of the Collateral. 
                  (c) Not use any of the Collateral in violation of any policy
                  of insurance thereon.
                  (d) Not sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of any of the
                  Collateral or the Real Estate

                                    .. 22 ..

<PAGE>

Collateral, other than the following:
                           (i) The sale of Inventory in compliance with the
        within Agreement.
                           (ii) The disposal of Equipment which is obsolete,
         worn out, or damaged beyond repair, which Equipment is replaced to the
         extent necessary to preserve or improve the operating efficiency of the
         Borrower.
                           (iii) The disposal of Equipment other than as
         described in Section 4-13(d)(ii), the cash proceeds of which (net of
         reasonable costs and expenses of the subject disposition) in excess of
         a cumulative aggregate of $50,000.00 in any 12 month period are
         applied, not later than 30 days after receipt of such net proceeds,
         towards the prepayment of the Term Note.
                           (iv) The turning over to the Lender of all Receipts
        as provided herein.

         4-14.    Pay Taxes.
                  (a) The Borrower has received written notice from the Internal
Revenue Service that the Internal Revenue Service has completed its examination
of the Borrower's federal income tax returns for all tax years through and
including the Borrower's taxable year referenced on EXHIBIT 4-14, annexed
hereto, and that all deficiencies, assessments, and other amounts asserted as a
result of such examinations have been fully paid or settled. No agreement is
extant which waives or extends any statute of limitations applicable to the
right of the Internal Revenue Service to assert a deficiency or make any other
claim for or in respect to federal income taxes. No issue has been raised in any
such examination which, by application of similar principles, reasonably could
be expected to result in the assertion of a deficiency for any fiscal year open
for examination, assessment, or claim by the Internal Revenue Service.
                  (b) The Borrower has received written notice from the
respective state and local taxing authorities to which the Borrower is subject
that such authorities have completed their respective examination of the
Borrower's returns for all state and local income, excise, sales, and other
taxes for which the Borrower is liable for the respective tax years referenced
on EXHIBIT 4-14, annexed hereto, and that all deficiencies, assessments, and
other amounts asserted as a result of such examinations have been fully paid or
settled. No agreement is extant which waives or extends any statute of
limitations applicable to the right of any state taxing authority to assert a
deficiency or make any other claim for or in respect to any such state taxes. No
issue has been raised in any such examination which, by application of similar
principles, reasonably could be expected to result in the assertion of a
deficiency for any fiscal year open for examination, assessment, or claim by any
state or local taxing authority.
                  (c) Except as disclosed on said EXHIBIT 4-14, there are no
examinations of or with respect to the Borrower presently being conducted by the
Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.
                  (d) The Borrower has, and hereafter shall: pay, as they become
due and payable, all 

                                    .. 23 ..

<PAGE>

taxes and unemployment contributions and other charges of any kind or nature
levied, assessed or claimed against the Borrower or the Collateral by any person
or entity whose claim could result in an
Encumbrance upon any asset of the Borrower or by any governmental authority;
properly exercise any trust responsibilities imposed upon the Borrower by reason
of withholding from employees' pay or by reason of the Borrower's receipt of
sales tax or other funds for the account of any third party; timely make all
contributions and other payments as may be required pursuant to any Employee
Benefit Plan now or hereafter established by the Borrower; and timely file all
tax and other returns and other reports with each governmental authority to whom
the Borrower is obligated to so file.
                  (e) At its option, the Lender may, but shall not be obligated
to, pay any taxes, unemployment contributions, and any and all other charges
levied or assessed upon the Borrower or the Collateral by any person or entity
or governmental authority, and make any contributions or other payments on
account of the Borrower's Employee Benefit Plan as the Lender , in the Lender's
discretion, may deem necessary or desirable, to protect, maintain, preserve,
collect, or realize upon any or all of the Collateral or the value thereof or
any right or remedy pertaining thereto, provided, however, the Lender's making
of any such payment shall not constitute a cure or waiver of any Default
occasioned by the Borrower's failure to have made such payment.

         4-15. No Margin Stock. The Borrower is not engaged in the business of
extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin stock
(within the meaning of Regulations U,T, and X of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System of the United States). No part of the proceeds of any
borrowing hereunder will be used at any time to purchase or carry any such
margin stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or
carrying any such margin stock.

         4-16. ERISA. Neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate ever has or
hereafter shall:
                  (a) Violate or fail to be in full compliance with the
Borrower's Employee Benefit Plan.
                  (b) Fail timely to file all reports and filings required by
ERISA to be filed by the Borrower.
                  (c) Engage in any "prohibited transactions" or "reportable
events" (respectively as described in ERISA).
                  (d) Engage in, or commit, any act such that a tax or penalty
could be imposed upon the Borrower on account thereof pursuant to ERISA.
                  (e) Accumulate any material funding deficiency within the
meaning of ERISA. 
                  (f) Terminate any Employee Benefit Plan such that a lien could
be asserted against any assets of the Borrower on account thereof pursuant to
ERISA.
                  (g) Be a member of, contribute to, or have any obligation
under any Employee 
                                    .. 24 ..

<PAGE>

Benefit Plan which is a multiemployer plan within the meaning of Section 4001(a)
of ERISA.

         4-17.    Hazardous Materials.
                  (a) Except as described on EXHIBIT 4-17, annexed hereto, the
Borrower has never:
                  (i) Been legally responsible for any release or threat of
         release of any Hazardous Material.
                  (ii) Received notification of any release or threat
         of release of any Hazardous Material from any site or vessel occupied
         or operated by the Borrower and/or of the incurrence of any expense or
         loss in connection with the assessment, containment, or removal of any
         release or threat of release of any Hazardous Material from any such
         site or vessel.
                  (b) At the execution of this Agreement, the aggregate
remediation cost for which the Borrower is obligated on account of those matters
described in Section 4-17(a) does not exceed $300,000.00.
                  (c) The Borrower shall:
                           (i) Dispose of any Hazardous Material only in
         compliance with all Environmental Laws.
                           (ii) Not store on any site or vessel occupied or
         operated by the Borrower and not transport or arrange for the transport
         of any Hazardous Material, except if such storage or transport is in
         the ordinary course of the Borrower's business and is in compliance
         with all Environmental Laws.
                  (d) The Borrower shall provide the Lender with written notice
upon the Borrower's obtaining knowledge of any incurrence of any expense or loss
by any governmental authority or other Person in connection with the assessment,
containment, or removal of any Hazardous Material, for which expense or loss the
Borrower may be liable.

         4-18. Litigation. Except as described in EXHIBIT 4-18, annexed hereto,
there is not presently pending or threatened by or against the Borrower any
suit, action, proceeding, or investigation which, if determined adversely to the
Borrower, would have a material adverse effect upon the Borrower's financial
condition or ability to conduct its business as such business is presently
conducted or is contemplated to be conducted in the foreseeable future.

         4-19.    Dividends or Investments. The Borrower shall not:
                  (a) Pay any cash dividend or make any other distribution in
respect of any class of the Borrower's capital stock.
                  (b) Own, redeem, retire, purchase, or acquire any of the
Borrower's capital stock.
                                    .. 25 ..

<PAGE>
                  (c) Invest in or purchase any stock or securities or rights to
purchase any such stock or securities, of any corporation or other entity other
than

                           (i)      The Permitted Redemption; and
                           (ii)     Adjusted Permitted Investments.
                           (iii) As described on EXHIBIT 4-19(c)(iii), annexed
                  hereto.
       
                  (d) Merge or consolidate or be merged or consolidated with or
into any other corporation or other entity.
                  (e) Consolidate any of the Borrower's operations with those of
any other corporation or other entity.
                  (f)      Organize or create any Related Entity.
                  (g) Subordinate any debts or obligations owed to the Borrower
by any third party to any other debts owed by such third party to any other
Person.
                  (h) Acquire any assets other than in the ordinary course and
conduct of the Borrower's business as conducted at the execution of this
Agreement

         4-20. Loans. The Borrower shall not make any loans or advances to, nor
acquire the Indebtedness of, any Person, provided, however, the foregoing does
not prohibit any of the following:
                  (a) Advance payments made to the Borrower's suppliers in the
ordinary course.
                  (b) Advances to the Borrower's officers, employees, and
salespersons with respect to reasonable expenses to be incurred by such
officers, employees, and salespersons for the benefit of the Borrower, which
expenses are properly substantiated by the person seeking such advance and
properly reimbursable by the Borrower.

         4-21. Protection of Assets. The Lender, in the Lender's discretion, and
from time to time, may discharge any tax or Encumbrance on any of the
Collateral, or take any other action that the Lender may deem necessary or
desirable to repair, insure, maintain, preserve, collect, or realize upon any of
the Collateral. The Lender shall not have any obligation to undertake any of the
foregoing and shall have no liability on account of any action so undertaken
except where there is a specific finding in a judicial proceeding (in which the
Lender has had an opportunity to be heard), from which finding no further appeal
is available, that the Lender had acted in actual bad faith or in a grossly
negligent manner. The Borrower shall pay to the Lender, on demand, all amounts
paid or incurred by the Lender pursuant to this section. The obligation of the
Borrower to pay such amounts is a Liability.

         4-22. Line of Business. The Borrower shall not engage in any business
other than the business in which it is currently engaged or a business
reasonably related thereto.
                                    .. 26 ..

<PAGE>

         4-23.    Affiliate Transactions.
                  (a) The Borrower shall not make any payment, nor give any
value to any Related Entity except for goods and services actually purchased by
the Borrower from, or sold by the Borrower to, such Related Entity for a price
and on terms which shall
                           (i)      be
                                    (A) competitive and fully deductible as an
                  "ordinary and necessary business expense" and/or fully
                  depreciable under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the
                  Treasury Regulations, each as amended; and
                                    (B) not be less favorable from those which
                  would have been charged in an arms length transaction;
                           or
                           (ii) be permitted by Section 4-23(b) or 4-23(c).
                  (b) No payment shall be made to Mentmore until the
consummation of the Exchange Offer except for payments which satisfy each of the
following conditions:
                           (i) The payment otherwise satisfies the standards
         included in Section 4- 23(a)(i).
                           (ii) The payment is required by be made under the
         Borrower's Managment Agreement with Mentmore, which Agreement was in
         effect on August 1, 1998.
                           (iii) The payment constitutes reimbursement for
         actual out-of-pocket expenses paid by Mentmore directly and indirectly
         to third parties for the account or benefit of the Borrower.
                  (c)       Following the consummation of the Exchange Offer,
                           (i) payments otherwise permitted pursuant to Section
        4-23(b) may continue to be made; and
                           (ii) the Borrower may make payments to Mentmore, not
        to exceed $112,500.00 per month, but only if no Event of Default has
        occurred or will occur after giving effect to such payment.

         4-24.    Additional Assurances.
                  (a) Immediately upon the satisfaction of the conditions
precedent to the effectiveness of the credit facility contemplated hereby
(Article 3) all property and assets owned by the Borrower, or in which the
Borrower has any interest, will be subject to a perfected security or mortgage
or other collateral interest in favor of the Lender (subject only to Permitted
Encumbrances) to secure the Liabilities.
                  (b) The Borrower will not hereafter acquire any asset or any
interest in property which is not, immediately upon or contemporaneous with such
acquisition, subject to such a perfected                 

                                    .. 27 ..

<PAGE>

security or mortgage or other collateral interest in favor of the Lender to
secure the Liabilities (subject only to Permitted Encumbrances).
                  (c) The Borrower shall execute and deliver to the Lender such
instruments, documents, and papers, and shall do all such things from time to
time hereafter as the Lender may request to carry into effect the provisions and
intent of this Agreement; to protect and perfect the Lender's security and
mortgage interests in the Collateral; and to comply with all applicable statutes
and laws, and facilitate the collection of the Receivables Collateral. The
Borrower shall execute all such instruments as may be required by the Lender
with respect to the recordation and/or perfection of the security interests
created herein.
                  (d) The Borrower hereby designates the Lender as and for the
Borrower's true and lawful attorney, with full power of substitution, to sign
and file any financing statements in order to perfect or protect the Lender's
security , mortgage, and other collateral interests in the Collateral.
                  (e) A carbon, photographic, or other reproduction of this
Agreement or of any financing statement or other instrument executed pursuant to
this Section 4-24 shall be sufficient for filing to perfect the security
interests granted herein.

         4-25.    Adequacy of Disclosure.
                  (a) After giving effect to those filings with the SEC
described on EXHIBIT 4-25, annexed hereto, all financial statements furnished to
the Lender by the Borrower have been prepared in accordance with GAAP
consistently applied and present fairly the condition of the Borrower at the
date(s) thereof and the results of operations and cash flows for the period(s)
covered. There has been no change in the financial condition, results of
operations, or cash flows of the Borrower since the date(s) of such financial
statements, other than changes in the ordinary course of business, which changes
have not been materially adverse, either singularly or in the aggregate.
                  (b) The Borrower does not have any contingent obligations or
obligation under any Lease or Capital Lease which is not noted in the Borrower's
financial statements furnished to the Lender prior to the execution of the
within Agreement.
                  (c) No document, instrument, agreement, or paper now or
hereafter given the Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower or any guarantor of
the Liabilities in connection with the execution of the within Agreement by the
Lender contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omits
or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements
therein not misleading. There is no fact known to the Borrower which has, or
which, in the foreseeable future could have, a material adverse effect on the
financial condition of the Borrower or any such guarantor which has not been
disclosed in writing to the Lender.

                                    .. 28 ..

<PAGE>

         4-26. Other Covenants. The Borrower shall not indirectly do or cause to
be done any act which, if done directly by the Borrower, would breach any
covenant contained in this Agreement.


ARTICLE 5 - FINANCIAL REPORTING AND PERFORMANCE COVENANTS:

         5-1.     Maintain Records. The Borrower shall:
                  (a) At all times, keep proper books of account, in which full,
true, and accurate entries shall be made of all of the Borrower's transactions,
all in accordance with GAAP applied consistently with prior periods to fairly
reflect the financial condition of the Borrower at the close of, and its results
of operations for, the periods in question.
                  (b) Timely provide the Lender with those financial reports,
statements, and schedules required by this Article 5 or otherwise, each of which
reports, statements and schedules shall be prepared, to the extent applicable,
in accordance with GAAP applied consistently with prior periods to fairly
reflect the financial condition of the Borrower at the close of, and its results
of operations for, the period(s) covered therein.
                  (c) At all times, retain independent certified public
accountants who are reasonably satisfactory to the Lender and instruct such
accountants to fully cooperate with, and be available to, the Lender to discuss
the Borrower's financial performance, financial condition, operating results,
controls, and such other matters, within the scope of the retention of such
accountants, as may be raised by the Lender.
                  (d) Not change the Borrower's fiscal year.

         5-2.     Access to Records.
                  (a) The Borrower shall accord the Lender and the Lender's
representatives with access from time to time as the Lender and such
representatives may require to all properties owned by or over which the
Borrower has control. The Lender and the Lender's representatives shall have the
right, and the Borrower will permit the Lender and such representatives from
time to time as the Lender and such representatives may request, to examine,
inspect, copy, and make extracts from any and all of the Borrower's books,
records, electronically stored data, papers, and files. The Borrower shall make
all of the Borrower's copying facilities available to the Lender.
                  (b)      The Borrower hereby authorizes the Lender and the
                           Lender's representatives to: 
                           (i) Inspect, copy, duplicate, review, cause to be
                  reduced to hard copy, run off, draw off, and otherwise use any
                  and all computer or electronically stored information or data
                  which relates to the Borrower, or any service bureau,
                  contractor, accountant, or other person, and 

                                    .. 29 ..

<PAGE>
directs any such service bureau, contractor, accountant, or other person fully
to cooperate with the Lender and the Lender's representatives with respect
thereto.
                
         (ii)     Verify at any time the Collateral or any portion thereof.

         5-3.     Immediate Notice to Lender .
                  (a) The Borrower shall provide the Lender with written notice,
reasonably promptly after the occurrence of any of the following events, which
written notice shall be with reasonable particularity as to the facts and
circumstances in respect of which such notice is being given:
                           (i)      Any change in the Borrower's officers.
                           (ii) Any ceasing of the Borrower's making of payment,
         in the ordinary course, to any of its creditors (including the ceasing
         of the making of such payments on account of a dispute with the subject
         creditor).
                           (iii) Any material change in the business,
         operations, or financial affairs of the Borrower.
                           (iv) The occurrence of any Default or Tranche A
         Default.
                           (v) Any intention on the part of the Borrower to
         discharge the Borrower's present independent accountants or any
         withdrawal or resignation by such independent accountants from their
         acting in such capacity (as to which, see Subsection 5-1(c)).
                           (vi) Any litigation which, if determined adversely to
         the Borrower, might have a material adverse effect on the financial
         condition of the Borrower.
                  (b)      The Borrower shall:
                           (i) Provide the Lender, when so distributed, with
         copies of any materials distributed to the shareholders of the Borrower
         (qua such shareholders).
                           (ii)     Provide the Lender:
                                    (A) When filed, copies of all filings with
                                    the SEC. 
                                    (B) When received, copies of all
                                    correspondence from the SEC, other than
                                    routine non-substantive general
                                    communications from the SEC.
                           (iii) Provide the Lender, when received by the
         Borrower, with a copy of any management letter or similar
         communications from any accountant of the Borrower.

         5-4. Monthly Reports. The Borrower, monthly, shall provide the Lender
with original counterparts withing thirty (30) days of the end of the then
immediately prior month:

                  (a) A listing of all Equipment which the Borrower is then
offering for sale or other disposition.
                  (b) A schedule of all Equipment (have a unit value in excess
of $10,000.00) which 


                                    .. 30 ..

<PAGE>


was disposed of during the then immediately prior month, with detail as to
compliance of such disposition with Section 4-13(d)(ii) or 4-13(d)(iv) of this
Agreement.
                  (c) Proof of payment of all real estate and use taxes due
during the then immediately prior month.
                           (d) An internally prepared financial statement of the
                  Borrower's financial condition the results of its operations
                  for, the period ending with the end of the subject month,
                  which financial statement shall include, at a minimum, a
                  balance sheet, income statement, cash flow and comparison of
                  same store sales for the corresponding month of the then
                  immediately previous year.

         5-5. Quarterly Reports. The Borrower shall provide the Lender,
quarterly, within Forty Five (45) days following the end of each of the
Borrower's fiscal quarters, with an original counterpart of a management
prepared financial statement of the Borrower for the period from the beginning
of the Borrower's then current fiscal year through the end of the subject
quarter, with comparative information for the same period of the previous fiscal
year, which statement shall include, at a minimum, a balance sheet, income
statement, statement of changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows and
comparisons for the corresponding quarter of the then immediately previous year.

         5-6. Financial Reports Provided to Tranche A Agent. The Borrower hereby
consents to the Tranche A Lender's providing the Lender with copies of all
financial statements and reports required under the Tranche A Loan Agreement.

         5-7.     Annual Reports.
                  (a) Annually, within ninety (90) days following the end of the
Borrower's fiscal year, the Borrower shall furnish the Lender with an original
signed counterpart of the Borrower's annual financial statement, which statement
shall have been prepared by, and bear the unqualified opinion of, the Borrower's
independent certified public accountants (i.e. said statement shall be
"certified" by such accountants). Such annual statement shall include, at a
minimum (with comparative information for the then prior fiscal year) a balance
sheet, income statement, statement of changes in shareholders' equity, and cash
flows.
                  (b) No later than the earlier of Fifteen (15) days prior to
the end of each of the Borrower's fiscal years or the date on which such
accountants commence their work on the preparation of the Borrower's annual
financial statement, the Borrower shall give written notice to such accountants
(with a copy of such notice, when sent, to the Lender) that:
                           (i) Such annual financial statement will be delivered
         by the Borrower to the 


                                    .. 31 ..

<PAGE>
         Lender.
                           

                           (ii) It is the primary intention of the Borrower, in
                  its engagement of such accountants, to satisfy the financial
                  reporting requirements set forth in this Article 5.
                           (iii) The Borrower has been advised that the Lender
                  will rely thereon with respect to the administration of, and
                  transactions under, the credit facility contemplated by the
                  within Agreement. 
                  (c) The Borrower will use its best efforts to cause each
annual statement to be accompanied by such accountant's Certificate indicating
that, in the preparation of such annual statement, such accountants did not
conclude that any Default had occurred during the subject fiscal year (or if one
or more had occurred, the facts and circumstances thereof).

         5-8. Officers' Certificates. The Borrower shall cause the Borrower's
President and Chief Financial Officer respectively to provide such Person's
Certificate with those monthly, quarterly, and annual statements to be furnished
pursuant to this Agreement, which Certificate shall:
                  (a) Indicate that the subject statement was prepared in
accordance with GAAP consistently applied and presents fairly the financial
condition of the Borrower at the close of, and the results of the Borrower's
operations and cash flows for, the period(s) covered, subject, however to the
following:
                           (i) usual year end adjustments (this exception shall
         not be included in the Certificate which accompanies such annual
         statement).
                           (ii) Material Accounting Changes (in which event,
         such Certificate shall include a schedule (in reasonable detail) of the
         effect of each such Material Accounting Change) not previously
         specifically taken into account in the determination of the financial
         performance covenant imposed pursuant to Section 5-11.
                  (b) Indicate either that (i) no Default has occurred or (ii)
if such an event has occurred, its nature (in reasonable detail) and the steps
(if any) being taken or contemplated by the Borrower to be taken on account
thereof.
                  (c) Include calculations concerning the Borrower's compliance
(or failure to comply) at the date of the subject statement with each of the
financial performance covenants included in Section 5-11 hereof.

         5-9. Qualified Appraisals. Upon the Lender's request from time to time,
the Borrower shall permit the Lender to obtain Qualified Appraisals (in all
events, at the Borrower's expense) in order to determine whether a mandatory
prepayment described in Section 2-3(c) is to be required, it being understood
that the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Lender only for no more
than one set of 

                                    .. 32 ..

<PAGE>
such Qualified Appraisals in any 12 month period.

         5-10.    Additional Financial Information.
                  (a) In addition to all other information required to be
provided pursuant to this Article 5, the Borrower promptly shall provide the
Lender (and any guarantor of the Liabilities), with such other and additional
information concerning the Borrower, the Collateral, the operation of the
Borrower's business, and the Borrower's financial condition, including original
counterparts of financial reports and statements, as the Lender may from time to
time request from the Borrower.
                  (b) The Borrower may provide the Lender, from time to time
hereafter, with updated projections of the Borrower's anticipated performance
and operating results.
                  (c) In all events, the Borrower, no sooner than Ninety (90)
nor later than Sixty (60) days prior to the end of each of the Borrower's fiscal
years, shall furnish the Lender with an updated and extended projection which
shall go out at least through the end of the then next fiscal year.
                  (d) The Borrower recognizes that all appraisals, inventories,
analysis, financial information, and other materials which the Lender may
obtain, develop, or receive with respect to the Borrower is confidential to the
Lender and that, except as otherwise provided herein, the Borrower is not
entitled to receipt of any of such appraisals, inventories, analysis, financial
information, and other materials, nor copies or extracts thereof or therefrom.

         5-11. Financial Performance Covenants. The Borrower shall observe and
comply with those financial performance covenants set forth on EXHIBIT 5-11,
annexed hereto. Compliance with such financial performance covenants shall be
made as if no Material Accounting Changes had been made (other than any Material
Accounting Changes specifically taken into account in the setting of such
covenants).

ARTICLE 6 - GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST:
         6-1. Grant of Security Interest. To secure the Borrower's prompt,
punctual, and faithful performance of all and each of the Liabilities, the
Borrower hereby grants to the Lender a continuing security interest in and to,
and assigns to the Lender, the following, and each item thereof, whether now
owned or now due, or in which the Borrower has an interest, or hereafter
acquired, arising, or to become due, or in which the Borrower obtains an
interest, and all products, Proceeds, substitutions, and accessions of or to any
of the following (all of which, together with any other property in which the
Lender may in the future be granted a security interest, is referred to herein
as the "Collateral"):
                  (a)      All Accounts and Accounts Receivable.

                                    .. 33 ..

<PAGE>

                  (b)      All Inventory.
                  (c)      All General Intangibles.
                  (d)      All Equipment.
                  (e)      All Goods.
                  (f)      All Fixtures.
                  (g)      All Chattel Paper.
                  (h)      All books, records, and information relating to the
                           Collateral and/or to the operation of the Borrower's
                           business, and all rights of access to such books,
                           records, and information, and all property in which
                           such books, records, and information are stored,
                           recorded, and maintained.
                  (i)      All Investment Property, Instruments, Documents,
                           Deposit Accounts, policies and certificates of
                           insurance, deposits, impressed accounts, compensating
                           balances, money, cash, or other property.
                  (j)      All insurance proceeds, refunds, and premium rebates,
                           including, without limitation, proceeds of fire and
                           credit insurance, whether any of such proceeds,
                           refunds, and premium rebates arise out of any of the
                           foregoing.(6-1(a) through 6- 1(i)) or otherwise.
                  (k)      All liens, guaranties, rights, remedies, and
                           privileges pertaining to any of the foregoing (6-1(a)
                           through 6-1(i)), including the right of stoppage in
                           transit.
                  (l)      All Leasehold Interests.

         6-2. Extent and Duration of Security Interest. The within grant of a
security interest is in addition to, and supplemental of, any security interest
previously granted by the Borrower to the Lender and shall continue in full
force and effect applicable to all Liabilities until all Liabilities have been
paid and/or satisfied in full and the security interest granted herein is
specifically terminated in writing by a duly authorized officer of the Lender .

ARTICLE 7 - LENDER AS BORROWER'S ATTORNEY-IN-FACT:

         7-1. Appointment as Attorney-In-Fact. The Borrower hereby irrevocably
constitutes and appoints the Lender as the Borrower's true and lawful attorney,
effective following the occurrence of an Event of Default, with full power of
substitution, to convert the Collateral into cash at the sole risk, cost, and
expense of the Borrower, but for the sole benefit of the Lender. The rights and
powers granted the Lender by the within appointment include but are not limited
to the right and power to:
                  (a) Prosecute, defend, compromise, or release any action
relating to the Collateral.

                                    .. 34 ..

<PAGE>

                  (b) Sign change of address forms to change the address to
which the Borrower's mail is to be sent to such address as the Lender shall
designate; receive and open the Borrower's mail; remove any Receivables
Collateral and Proceeds of Collateral therefrom and turn over the balance of
such mail either to the Borrower or to any trustee in bankruptcy, receiver,
assignee for the benefit of creditors of the Borrower, or other legal
representative of the Borrower whom the Lender determines to be the appropriate
person to whom to so turn over such mail.
                  (c) Endorse the name of the Borrower in favor of the Lender
upon any and all checks, drafts, notes, acceptances, or other items or
instruments; sign and endorse the name of the Borrower on, and receive as
secured party, any of the Collateral, any invoices, schedules of Collateral,
freight or express receipts, or bills of lading, storage receipts, warehouse
receipts, or other documents of title respectively relating to the Collateral.
                  (d) Sign the name of the Borrower on any notice to the
Borrower's Account Debtors or verification of the Receivables Collateral; sign
the Borrower's name on any Proof of Claim in Bankruptcy against Account Debtors,
and on notices of lien, claims of mechanic's liens, or assignments or releases
of mechanic's liens securing the Accounts.
                  (e) Take all such action as may be necessary to obtain the
payment of any letter of credit and/or banker's acceptance of which the Borrower
is a beneficiary.
                  (f) Repair, manufacture, assemble, complete, package, deliver,
alter or supply goods, if any, necessary to fulfill in whole or in part the
purchase order of any customer of the Borrower.
                  (g) Use, license or transfer any or all General Intangibles of
the Borrower.

         7-2. No Obligation to Act. The Lender shall not be obligated to do any
of the acts or to exercise any of the powers authorized by Section 7-1 herein,
but if the Lender elects to do any such act or to exercise any of such powers,
it shall not be accountable for more than it actually receives as a result of
such exercise of power, and shall not be responsible to the Borrower for any act
or omission to act except for any act or omission to act as to which there is a
final determination made in a judicial proceeding (in which proceeding the
Lender has had an opportunity to be heard) which determination includes a
specific finding that the subject act or omission to act had been grossly
negligent or in actual bad faith.


ARTICLE 8 - EVENTS OF DEFAULT:

         The occurrence of any event described in this Article 8 respectively
shall constitute an "Event of Default" herein. Upon the occurrence of any Event
of Default described in Section 8-11, any and all Liabilities shall become due
and payable without any further act on the part of the Lender. Upon the


                                    .. 35 ..

<PAGE>


occurrence of any other Event of Default, any and all Liabilities shall become
immediately due and payable, at the option of the Lender, with written notice to
the Borrower. The occurrence of any Event of Default shall also constitute, at
the option of the Lender, with written notice to the Borrower, a default under
all other agreements between the Lender and the Borrower and instruments and
papers given the Lender by the Borrower, whether such agreements, instruments,
or papers now exist or hereafter arise.

         8-1. Failure to Pay Term Loan. The failure by the Borrower to pay any
amount when due under the Term Loan.

         8-2. Failure To Make Other Payments. The failure by the Borrower to pay
when due (or upon demand, if payable on demand) any payment Liability other than
under the Term Loan.

         8-3. Failure to Perform Covenant or Liability (No Grace Period). The
failure by the Borrower to promptly, punctually, faithfully and timely perform,
discharge, or comply with any covenant or Liability not otherwise described in
Section 8-1 or Section 8-2 hereof, and included in any of the following
provisions hereof:
                           Section             Relates to            :
                           ------------------------------------------
                           4-5              Location of Collateral
                           4-6              Title to Assets
                           4-7              Indebtedness
                           4-9              Insurance Policies
                           4-14             Pay taxes
                           4-23             Affiliate Transactions
                           4-24             Additional Assurances
                           6-1              Use of Collateral
                           Article 5        Reporting Requirements and Financial
                                             Covenants

         8-4. Failure to Perform Covenant or Liability (Grace Period). The
failure by the Borrower, upon Ten (10) days written notice by the Lender , to
cure the Borrower's failure to promptly, punctually and faithfully perform,
discharge, or comply with any covenant or Liability not described in any of
Sections 8-1, 8-2, or 8-3 hereof.

         8-5. Misrepresentation. Any representation or warranty at any time made
by the Borrower to the Lender, was not true or complete in all material respects
when given.

         8-6.     Acceleration of Other Debt. Breach of Lease.
                  (a) The occurrence of any event such that any Indebtedness of
the Borrower in excess of $1,000,000.00 to any creditor other than the Lender
could be accelerated or, without the 

                                    .. 36 ..

<PAGE>
consent of the Borrower, any Lease could be terminated (whether or not the
subject creditor or lessor takes any action on account of such occurrence).
                  (b) The occurrence of any "Event of Default" within the
meaning of the Tranche A Loan Agreement

         8-7. Default Under Other Agreements. The occurrence of any breach or
default under any agreement between the Lender and the Borrower or instrument or
paper given the Lender by the Borrower, whether such agreement, instrument, or
paper now exists or hereafter arises (notwithstanding that the Lender may not
have exercised its rights upon default under any such other agreement,
instrument or paper).

         8-8. Uninsured Casualty Loss. The occurrence of any uninsured loss,
theft, damage, or destruction of or to any material portion of the Collateral.

         8-9.     Judgment.  Restraint of Business.
                  (a) The service of process upon the Lender or any Participant
seeking to attach, by trustee, mesne, or other process, any of the Borrower's
funds on deposit with, or assets of the Borrower in the possession of, the
Lender or such Participant.
                  (b) The entry of any judgment in excess of $100,000.00 against
the Borrower, which judgment is not satisfied (if a money judgment) or appealed
from (with execution or similar process stayed) within fifteen (15) days of its
entry.
                  (c) The entry of any order or the imposition of any other
process having the force of law, the effect of which is to restrain in any
material way the conduct by the Borrower of its business in the ordinary course.

         8-10. Business Failure. Any act by, against, or relating to the
Borrower, or its property or assets, which act constitutes the application for,
consent to, or sufferance of the appointment of a receiver, trustee, or other
person, pursuant to court action or otherwise, over all, or more than a de
minimus part of the Borrower's property; the granting of any trust mortgage or
execution of an assignment for the benefit of the creditors of the Borrower, or
the occurrence of any other voluntary or involuntary liquidation or extension of
debt agreement for the Borrower; the offering by or entering into by the
Borrower of any composition, extension, or any other arrangement seeking relief
from or extension of the debts of the Borrower; or the initiation of any
judicial or non-judicial proceeding or agreement by, against, or including the
Borrower which seeks or intends to accomplish a reorganization or arrangement
with creditors; and/or the initiation by or on behalf of the Borrower of the
liquidation or winding up of all or any part of the 

                                    .. 37 ..

<PAGE>

Borrower's business or operations.


         8-11. Bankruptcy. The failure by the Borrower to generally pay the
debts of the Borrower as they mature; adjudication of bankruptcy or insolvency
relative to the Borrower; the entry of an order for relief or similar order with
respect to the Borrower in any proceeding pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code or any
other federal bankruptcy law; the filing of any complaint, application, or
petition by the Borrower initiating any matter in which the Borrower is or may
be granted any relief from the debts of the Borrower pursuant to the Bankruptcy
Code or any other insolvency statute or procedure; the filing of any complaint,
application, or petition against the Borrower initiating any matter in which the
Borrower is or may be granted any relief from the debts of the Borrower pursuant
to the Bankruptcy Code or any other insolvency statute or procedure, which
complaint, application, or petition is not timely contested in good faith by the
Borrower by appropriate proceedings or, if so contested, is not dismissed within
sixty (60) days of when filed.

         8-12. Indictment - Forfeiture. The indictment of, or institution of any
legal process or proceeding against, the Borrower, under any federal, state,
municipal, and other civil or criminal statute, rule, regulation, order, or
other requirement having the force of law where the relief, penalties, or
remedies sought or available include the forfeiture of any property of the
Borrower and/or the imposition of any stay or other order, the effect of which
could be to restrain in any material way the conduct by the Borrower of its
business in the ordinary course.


         8-13.    Challenge to Loan Documents.
                  (a) Any challenge by or on behalf of the Borrower or any
guarantor of the Liabilities to the validity of any Loan Document or the
applicability or enforceability of any Loan Document strictly in accordance with
the subject Loan Document's terms or which seeks to void, avoid, limit, or
otherwise adversely affect any security interest created by or in any Loan
Document or any payment made pursuant thereto.
                  (b) Any determination by any court or any other judicial or
government authority that any Loan Document is not enforceable strictly in
accordance with the subject Loan Document's terms or which voids, avoids,
limits, or otherwise adversely affects any security interest created by any Loan
Document or any payment made pursuant thereto.

         8-14.    Change in Control.        Any Change in Control.




                                    .. 38 ..

<PAGE>




ARTICLE 9 - RIGHTS AND REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT:

         In addition to all of the rights, remedies, powers, privileges, and
discretions which the Lender is provided prior to the occurrence of an Event of
Default, the Lender shall have the following rights and remedies upon the
occurrence of any Event of Default and at any time thereafter.

          9-1. Rights of Enforcement. The Lender shall have all of the rights
and remedies of a secured party upon default under the UCC, in addition to which
the Lender shall have all and each of the following rights and remedies:
                  (a) To collect the Receivables Collateral with or without the
taking of possession of any of the Collateral.
                  (b) To take possession of all or any portion of the
Collateral.
                  (c) To sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of any or all of the
Collateral, in its then condition or following such preparation or processing as
the Lender deems advisable and with or without the taking of possession of any
of the Collateral.
                  (d) To apply the Receivables Collateral or the Proceeds of the
Collateral towards (but not necessarily in complete satisfaction of) the
Liabilities.
                  (e) To exercise all or any of the rights, remedies, powers,
privileges, and discretions under all or any of the Loan Documents.

         9-2.     Sale of Collateral.
                  (a) Any sale or other disposition of the Collateral may be at
public or private sale upon such terms and in such manner as the Lender deems
advisable, having due regard to compliance with any statute or regulation which
might affect, limit, or apply to the Lender's disposition of the Collateral.
                  (b) The Lender, in the exercise of the Lender's rights and
remedies upon default, may conduct one or more going out of business sales, in
the Lender's own right or by one or more agents and contractors. Such sale(s)
may be conducted upon any premises owned, leased, or occupied by the Borrower.
The Lender and any such agent or contractor, in conjunction with any such sale,
may augment the Inventory with other goods (all of which other goods shall
remain the sole property of the Lender or such agent or contractor). Any amounts
realized from the sale of such goods which constitute augmentations to the
Inventory (net of an allocable share of the costs and expenses incurred in their
disposition) shall be the sole property of the Lender or such agent or
contractor and neither the Borrower nor any Person claiming under or in right of
the Borrower shall have any interest therein.


                                    .. 39 ..

<PAGE>



                  (c) Unless the Collateral is perishable or threatens to
decline speedily in value, or is of a type customarily sold on a recognized
market (in which event the Lender shall provide the Borrower with such notice as
may be practicable under the circumstances), the Lender shall give the Borrower
at least seven (7) days prior written notice of the date, time, and place of any
proposed public sale, and of the date after which any private sale or other
disposition of the Collateral may be made. The Borrower agrees that such written
notice shall satisfy all requirements for notice to the Borrower which are
imposed under the UCC or other applicable law with respect to the exercise of
the Lender's rights and remedies upon default.
                  (d) The Lender may purchase the Collateral, or any portion of
it at any sale held under this Article.
                  (e) If any of the Collateral is sold, leased, or otherwise
disposed of by the Lender on credit, the Liabilities shall not be deemed to have
been reduced as a result thereof unless and until payment is finally received
thereon by the Lender.
                  (f) The Lender shall apply the proceeds of any exercise of the
Lender's Rights and Remedies under this Article 9 towards the Liabilities in
such manner, and with such frequency, as the Lender determines.

         9-3. Occupation of Business Location. In connection with the Lender's
exercise of the Lender's rights under this Article 9, the Lender may enter upon,
occupy, and use any premises owned or occupied by the Borrower, and may exclude
the Borrower from such premises or portion thereof as may have been so entered
upon, occupied, or used by the Lender. The Lender shall not be required to
remove any of the Collateral from any such premises upon the Lender's taking
possession thereof, and may render any Collateral unusable to the Borrower. In
no event shall the Lender be liable to the Borrower for use or occupancy by the
Lender of any premises pursuant to this Article 9, nor for any charge (such as
wages for the Borrower's employees and utilities) incurred in connection with
the Lender's exercise of the Lender's Rights and Remedies.

         9-4. Grant of Nonexclusive License. The Borrower hereby grants to the
Lender a royalty free nonexclusive irrevocable license to use, apply, and affix
any trademark, trade name, logo, or the like in which the Borrower now or
hereafter has rights, such license being with respect to the Lender's exercise
of the rights hereunder including, without limitation, in connection with any
completion of the manufacture of Inventory or sale or other disposition of
Inventory.

         9-5. Assembly of Collateral. The Lender may require the Borrower to
assemble the Collateral and make it available to the Lender at the Borrower's
sole risk and expense at a place or places which are


                                    .. 40 ..

<PAGE>



reasonably convenient to both the Lender and Borrower.

         9-6. Rights and Remedies. The rights, remedies, powers, privileges, and
discretions of the Lender hereunder (herein, the " Lender's Rights and
Remedies") shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which
it would otherwise have. No delay or omission by the Lender in exercising or
enforcing any of the Lender's Rights and Remedies shall operate as, or
constitute, a waiver thereof. No waiver by the Lender of any Event of Default or
of any default under any other agreement shall operate as a waiver of any other
default hereunder or under any other agreement. No single or partial exercise of
any of the Lender's Rights or Remedies, and no express or implied agreement or
transaction of whatever nature entered into between the Lender and any person,
at any time, shall preclude the other or further exercise of the Lender 's
Rights and Remedies. No waiver by the Lender of any of the Lender's Rights and
Remedies on any one occasion shall be deemed a waiver on any subsequent
occasion, nor shall it be deemed a continuing waiver. All of the Lender's Rights
and Remedies and all of the Lender's rights, remedies, powers, privileges, and
discretions under any other agreement or transaction are cumulative, and not
alternative or exclusive, and may be exercised by the Lender at such time or
times and in such order of preference as the Lender in its sole discretion may
determine. The Lender's Rights and Remedies may be exercised without resort or
regard to any other source of satisfaction of the Liabilities.



ARTICLE 10 - NOTICES:

         10-1. Notice Addresses. All notices, demands, and other communications
made in respect of this Agreement shall be made to the following addresses, each
of which may be changed upon seven (7) days written notice to all others given
by certified mail, return receipt requested:



                                    .. 41 ..

<PAGE>



If to the Lender:
                                    Back Bay Capital LLC
                                    40 Broad Street
                                    Boston, Massachusetts 02109
                                    Attention        : Mr. Robert DeAngelis
                                                       Director
                                    Fax : 617 434-4339

         With a copy to:
                                    Riemer & Braunstein
                                    Three Center Plaza
                                    Boston, Massachusetts  02108
                                    Attention       : Richard B. Jacobs, Esquire
                                    Fax             :  617 723-6831

If to the Borrower:
                                    Texfi Industries, Inc.
                                    1430 Broadway
                                    New York, New York 10018
                                    Attention        :  Mr. Robert Ambrosini
                                    Fax              : 212 930-7208

         With a copy to:
                                    Winston & Strawn
                                    200 Park Avenue
                                    New York, New York 10166
                                    Attention      : Jonathan Goldstein, Esquire
                                    Fax            : (212) 294-4700

         10-2.    Notice Given.
                  (a) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, notices
shall be deemed made and correspondence received, as follows (all times being
local to the place of delivery or receipt):
                           (i) By mail: the sooner of when actually received or
         Three (3) days following deposit in the United States mail, postage
         prepaid.
                           (ii) By recognized overnight express delivery: the
         Business Day following the day when sent.
                           (iii) By Hand: If delivered on a Business Day after
         9:00 AM and no later than Three (3) hours prior to the close of
         customary business hours of the recipient, when delivered.
         Otherwise, at the opening of the then next Business Day.
                           (iv) By Facsimile transmission (which must include a
         header on which the party sending such transmission is indicated): If
         sent on a Business Day after 9:00 AM and no later than Three (3) hours
         prior to the close of customary business hours of the recipient, one
         (1) hour after being sent. Otherwise, at the opening of the then next
         Business Day.
                  (b) Rejection or refusal to accept delivery and inability to
deliver because of a


                                    .. 42 ..

<PAGE>



changed address or Facsimile Number for which no due notice was given shall each
be deemed receipt of the notice sent.



ARTICLE 11 - TERM:

         11-1. Effect of Termination. On the Maturity Date, the Borrower shall
pay the Lender (whether or not then due), in immediately available funds, all
then Liabilities including, without limitation: the entire balance of the Term
Note, as well as all accrued and unpaid interest thereon (including all accrued
and unpaid PIK Interest); any then remaining balance of the Collateral
Management Fee; the Anniversary Fee (if not previously paid): any Early
Termination Fee, and all unreimbursed costs and expenses of the Lender for which
the Borrower is responsible. Until such payment, all provisions of this
Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect until all Liabilities shall
have been paid in full. The release by the Lender of the security and other
collateral interests granted the Lender by the Borrower hereunder may be upon
such reasonable conditions and indemnifications as the Lender may require.


ARTICLE 12 - GENERAL:

         12-1. Protection of Collateral. The Lender has no duty as to the
collection or protection of the Collateral beyond the safe custody of such of
the Collateral as may come into the possession of the Lender and shall have no
duty as to the preservation of rights against prior parties or any other rights
pertaining thereto. The Lender may include reference to the Borrower (and may
utilize any logo or other distinctive symbol associated with the Borrower) in
connection with any advertising, promotion, or marketing undertaken by the
Lender.

         12-2. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the
Borrower and the Borrower's representatives, successors, and assigns and shall
enure to the benefit of the Lender and the Lender's successors and assigns
provided, however, no trustee or other fiduciary appointed with respect to the
Borrower shall have any rights hereunder. In the event that the Lender assigns
or transfers its rights under this Agreement, the assignee shall thereupon
succeed to and become vested with all rights, powers, privileges, and duties of
the Lender hereunder and the Lender shall thereupon be discharged and relieved
from its duties and obligations hereunder.



                                    .. 43 ..

<PAGE>



         12-3. Severability. Any determination that any provision of this
Agreement or any application thereof is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in
any respect in any instance shall not affect the validity, legality, or
enforceability of such provision in any other instance, or the validity,
legality, or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

         12-4.    Amendments.  Course of Dealing.
                  (a) This Agreement and the other Loan Documents incorporate
all discussions and negotiations between the Borrower and the Lender, either
express or implied, concerning the matters included herein and in such other
instruments, any custom, usage, or course of dealings to the contrary
notwithstanding. No such discussions, negotiations, custom, usage, or course of
dealings shall limit, modify, or otherwise affect the provisions thereof. No
failure by the Lender to give notice to the Borrower of the Borrower's having
failed to observe and comply with any warranty or covenant included in any Loan
Document shall constitute a waiver of such warranty or covenant or the amendment
of the subject Loan Document.
                  (b) The Borrower may undertake any action otherwise prohibited
hereby, and may omit to take any action otherwise required hereby, upon and with
the express prior written consent of the Lender. No consent, modification,
amendment, or waiver of any provision of any Loan Document shall be effective
unless executed in writing by or on behalf of the party to be charged with such
modification, amendment, or waiver (and if such party is the Lender, then by a
duly authorized officer thereof). Any modification, amendment, or waiver
provided by the Lender shall be in reliance upon all representations and
warranties theretofore made to the Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower (and
any guarantor, endorser, or surety of the Liabilities) and consequently may be
rescinded in the event that any of such representations or warranties was not
true and complete in all material respects when given.

         12-5. Power of Attorney. In connection with all powers of attorney
included in this Agreement, the Borrower hereby grants unto the Lender full
power to do any and all things necessary or appropriate in connection with the
exercise of such powers as fully and effectually as the Borrower might or could
do, hereby ratifying all that said attorney shall do or cause to be done by
virtue of this Agreement. No power of attorney set forth in this Agreement shall
be affected by any disability or incapacity suffered by the Borrower and each
shall survive the same. All powers conferred upon the Lender by this Agreement,
being coupled with an interest, shall be irrevocable until this Agreement is
terminated by a written instrument executed by a duly authorized officer of the
Lender.

         12-6. Application of Proceeds. The proceeds of any collection, sale, or
disposition of the Collateral, or of any other payments received hereunder,
shall be applied towards the Liabilities in such


                                    .. 44 ..

<PAGE>



order and manner as the Lender determines in its sole discretion. The Borrower
shall remain liable for any deficiency remaining following such application.

         12-7.    Lender's Costs and Expenses.
                  (a) The Borrower shall pay on demand all Costs of Collection
and all reasonable expenses of the Lender in connection with the preparation,
execution, and delivery of this Agreement and of any other Loan Documents,
whether now existing or hereafter arising, and all other reasonable expenses
which may be incurred by the Lender in preparing or amending this Agreement and
all other agreements, instruments, and documents related thereto, or otherwise
incurred with respect to the Liabilities, and all costs and expenses of the
Lender which relate to the credit facility contemplated hereby.

                  (b) The Borrower authorizes the Lender to pay all such fees
and expenses and in the Lender's discretion, to request that the Tranche A Agent
advance the amount of such fees and advances under the credit facility created
under the Tranche A Loan Agreement and hereby instructs the Tranche A Agent to
honor such request. The Lender shall provide the Borrower with prompt written
notice of any amount which the Lender receives from the Tranche A Agent pursuant
to a request made under this Section.
                  (c) The undertaking on the part of the Borrower in this
Section 12-7 shall survive payment of the Liabilities and/or any termination,
release, or discharge executed by the Lender in favor of the Borrower, other
than a termination, release, or discharge which makes specific reference to this
Section 12-7.

         12-8. Copies and Facsimiles. This Agreement and all documents which
relate thereto, which have been or may be hereinafter furnished the Lender may
be reproduced by the Lender by any photographic, microfilm, xerographic, digital
imaging, or other process, and the Lender may destroy any document so
reproduced. Any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the
original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding (whether or not the
original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made in the
regular course of business). Any facsimile which bears proof of transmission
shall be binding on the party which or on whose behalf such transmission was
initiated and likewise shall be so admissible in evidence as if the original of
such facsimile had been delivered to the party which or on whose behalf such
transmission was received.

         12-9. Massachusetts Law. This Agreement and all rights and obligations
hereunder, including matters of construction, validity, and performance, shall
be governed by the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.


                                    .. 45 ..

<PAGE>



         12-10.   Consent to Jurisdiction.
                  (a) The Borrower agrees that any legal action, proceeding,
case, or controversy against the Borrower with respect to any Loan Document may
be brought in the Superior Court of Suffolk County Massachusetts or in the
United States District Court, District of Massachusetts, sitting in Boston,
Massachusetts, as the Lender may elect in the Lender's sole discretion. By
execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Borrower, for itself and in
respect of its property, accepts, submits, and consents generally and
unconditionally, to the jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts.
                  (b) The Borrower WAIVES personal service of any and all
process upon it, and irrevocably consents to the service of process out of any
of the aforementioned courts in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of
copies thereof by certified mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the
Borrower's address for notices as specified herein, such service to become
effective five (5) Business Days after such mailing.
                  (c) The Borrower WAIVES any objection based on forum non
conveniens and any objection to venue of any action or proceeding instituted
under any of the Loan Documents and consents to the granting of such legal or
equitable remedy as is deemed appropriate by the Court.
                  (d) Nothing herein shall affect the right of the Lender to
bring legal actions or proceedings in any other competent jurisdiction.
                  (e) The Borrower agrees that any action commenced by the
Borrower asserting any claim or counterclaim arising under or in connection with
this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be brought solely in the
Superior Court of Suffolk County Massachusetts or in the United States District
Court, District of Massachusetts, sitting in Boston, Massachusetts, and that
such Courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction with respect to any such action.

         12-11. Indemnification. The Borrower shall indemnify, defend, and hold
the Lender and any Participant and any employee, officer, or agent of the Lender
and of any Participant (each, an "Indemnified Person") harmless of and from any
claim brought or threatened against any Indemnified Person by the Borrower, any
guarantor or endorser of the Liabilities, or any other Person (as well as from
attorneys' reasonable fees and expenses in connection therewith) on account of
the relationship of the Borrower or of any other guarantor or endorser of the
Liabilities Lender (each of claims which may be defended, compromised, settled,
or pursued by the Indemnified Person with counsel of the Lender's selection, but
at the expense of the Borrower) other than any claim as to which a final
determination is made in a judicial proceeding (in which the Lender and any
other Indemnified Person has had an opportunity to be heard), which
determination includes a specific finding that the Indemnified Person seeking
indemnification had acted in a grossly negligent manner or in actual bad faith.
The within indemnification shall survive payment of the Liabilities and/or any
termination, release, or discharge


                                    .. 46 ..

<PAGE>



executed by the Lender in favor of the Borrower, other than a termination,
release, or discharge which makes specific reference to this Section 12-11.

         12-12. Rules of Construction. The following rules of construction shall
be applied in the interpretation, construction, and enforcement of this
Agreement and of the other Loan Documents:
                  (a) Each reference herein to any Tranche A Loan Document is to
that instrument or document in the form executed contemporaneously with the
execution of this Agreement in satisfaction of the conditions precedent set
forth in Section 3-6 and not to any amendment or modification of such Tranche A
Loan Document other than any amendment or modification to which the Lender has
given its written consent.
                  (b) Words in the singular include the plural and words in the
plural include the singular.
                  (c) Titles, headings (indicated by being underlined or shown
in SMALL CAPITALS) and any Table of Contents are solely for convenience of
reference; do not constitute a part of the instrument in which included; and do
not affect such instrument's meaning, construction, or effect.
                  (d) The words "includes" and "including" are not limiting.
                  (e) Text which follows the words "including, without
limitation" (or similar words) is illustrative and not limitational.
                  (f) Except where the context otherwise requires or where the
relevant subsections are joined by "or", compliance with any Section or
provision of any Loan Document which constitutes a warranty or covenant requires
compliance with all subsections (if any) of that Section or provision. Except
where the context otherwise requires, compliance with any warranty or covenant
of any Loan Document which includes subsections which are joined by "or" may be
accomplished by compliance with any of such subsections.
                  (g) Text which is shown in italics, shown in bold, shown IN
ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, or in any combination of the foregoing, shall be deemed to
be conspicuous.
                  (h) The words "may not" are prohibitive and not permissive.
                  (i) The word "or" is not exclusive.
                  (j) Any reference to a Person's "knowledge" (or words of
similar import) are to such Person's knowledge assuming that such Person has
undertaken reasonable and diligent investigation with respect to the subject of
such "knowledge" (whether or not such investigation has actually been
undertaken).
                  (k) Terms which are defined in one section of any Loan
Document are used with such definition throughout the instrument in which so
defined.
                  (l) The symbol "$" refers to United States Dollars.


                                    .. 47 ..

<PAGE>



                  (m) Unless limited by reference to a particular Section or
provision, any reference to "herein", "hereof", or "within" is to the entire
Loan Document in which such reference is made.
                  (n) References to "this Agreement" or to any other Loan
Document is to the subject instrument as amended to the date on which
application of such reference is being made.
                  (o) Except as otherwise specifically provided, all references
to time are to Boston time.
                  (p) In the determination of any notice, grace, or other period
of time prescribed or allowed hereunder:
                           (i) Unless otherwise provided (I) the day of the act,
         event, or default from which the designated period of time begins to
         run shall not be included and the last day of the period so computed
         shall be included unless such last day is not a Business Day, in which
         event the last day of the relevant period shall be the then next
         Business Day and (II) the period so computed shall end at 5:00 PM on
         the relevant Business Day.
                           (ii) The word "from" means "from and including".
                           (iii) The words "to" and "until" each mean "to, but
                           excluding". 
                           (iv) The work "through" means "to and including".
                  (q) The Loan Documents shall be construed and interpreted in a
harmonious manner and in keeping with the intentions set forth in Section 12-13
hereof, provided, however, in the event of any inconsistency between the
provisions of the within Agreement and any other Loan Document, the provisions
of the within Agreement shall govern and control.

         12-13.   Intent. It is intended that:
                  (a)      This Agreement take effect as a sealed instrument.
                  (b) The scope of the security interests created by this
Agreement be broadly construed in favor of the Lender.
                  (c) The security interests created by this Agreement secure
all Liabilities, whether now existing or hereafter arising.
                  (d) All reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Lender
in connection with the Lender's relationship(s) with the Borrower shall be borne
by the Borrower.
                  (e) Unless otherwise explicitly provided herein, the Lender's
consent to any action of the Borrower which is prohibited unless such consent is
given may be given or refused by the Lender in its sole discretion.

         12-14. Right of Set-Off. Any and all deposits or other sums at any time
credited by or due to the Borrower from the Lender or any participant (a
"Participant") in the credit facility contemplated


                                    .. 48 ..

<PAGE>



hereby or any from any Affiliate of the Lender or any Participant and any cash,
securities, instruments or other property of the Borrower in the possession of
the Lender any Participant or any such Affiliate, whether for safekeeping or
otherwise (regardless of the reason such Person had received the same) shall at
all times constitute security for all Liabilities and for any and all
obligations of the Borrower to the Lender or any Participant or any such
Affiliate and may be applied or set off against the Liabilities and against such
obligations at any time the same are due and whether or not other collateral is
then available to the Lender or any Participant or any such Affiliate.

         12-15. Maximum Interest Rate. Regardless of any provision of any Loan
Document, the Lender shall never be entitled to contract for, charge, receive,
collect, or apply as interest on any Liability, any amount in excess of the
maximum rate imposed by applicable law. Any payment which is made which, if
treated as interest on a Liability would result in such interest's exceeding
such maximum rate shall be held, to the extent of such excess, as additional
collateral for the Liabilities as if such excess were "Collateral."

         12-16.   Waivers.
                  (a) The Borrower (and all guarantors, endorsers, and sureties
of the Liabilities) make each of the waivers included in Section 12-16(b),
below, knowingly, voluntarily, and intentionally, and understands that the
Lender, in entering into the financial arrangements contemplated hereby and in
providing loans and other financial accommodations to or for the account of the
Borrower as provided herein, whether not or in the future, is relying on such
waivers.
                  (b)      THE BORROWER, AND EACH SUCH GUARANTOR, ENDORSER, AND
SURETY RESPECTIVELY WAIVES THE FOLLOWING:
                           (i) Except as otherwise specifically required hereby,
         notice of non-payment, demand, presentment, protest and all forms of
         demand and notice, both with respect to the Liabilities and the
         Collateral.
                           (ii) Except as otherwise specifically required
         hereby, the right to notice and/or hearing prior to the Lender's
         exercising of the Lender's rights upon default.
                           (iii) THE RIGHT TO A JURY IN ANY TRIAL OF ANY CASE OR
         CONTROVERSY IN WHICH THE LENDER IS OR BECOMES A PARTY (WHETHER SUCH
         CASE OR CONTROVERSY IS INITIATED BY OR AGAINST THE LENDER OR IN WHICH
         THE LENDER IS JOINED AS A PARTY LITIGANT), WHICH CASE OR CONTROVERSY
         ARISES OUT OF OR IS IN RESPECT OF, ANY RELATIONSHIP AMONGST OR BETWEEN
         THE BORROWER OR ANY OTHER PERSON AND THE LENDER (AND THE LENDER
         LIKEWISE WAIVES THE RIGHT TO A JURY IN ANY TRIAL OF ANY SUCH CASE OR
         CONTROVERSY).


                                    .. 49 ..

<PAGE>



                           (iv) Any defense, counterclaim, set-off, recoupment,
         or other basis on which the amount of any Liability, as stated on the
         books and records of the Lender, could be reduced or claimed to be paid
         otherwise than in accordance with the tenor of and written terms of
         such Liability.
                           (v) Any claim to consequential, special, or punitive
damages.






                                    .. 50 ..

<PAGE>






                                              TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                                        ("Borrower")

                                 By  /s/ Robert P. Ambrosini
                                    ________________________________

                         Print Name: Robert P. Ambrosini
                                    ________________________________

                              Title: Chief Financial Officer
                                    ________________________________



                                                BACK BAY CAPITAL LLC
                                                          ("Lender")

                                 By /s/ Robert DeAngelis
                                    _________________________________

                         Print Name: Robert DeAngelis
                                    ________________________________

                              Title: SVP/Managing Director
                                    ________________________________







<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT 1-0
                              QUALIFIED APPRAISAL

                         Equipment: Marshall & Stevens
                        Real Estate: JL Lee & Associates


<PAGE>


TERM NOTE                                                BACK BAY CAPITAL, LLC

Boston, Massachusetts                                   As of August 28,  1998

      FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, Texfi Industries, Inc., a Delaware
corporation with its principal executive offices at 1430 Broadway, New York, New
York 10018 (the "BORROWER") promises to pay to the order of Back Bay Capital,
LLC, a Delaware limited liability company with offices at 40 Broad Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02109 (hereinafter, with any subsequent holder, the
"LENDER") the principal sum of THIRTEEN MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS
($13,000,000.00), with interest thereon at the times and in the manner set forth
in the Term Loan and Security Agreement of even date (as such may be amended
hereafter, the "LOAN AGREEMENT") between the Lender and the Borrower.

      This is the "Term Note" to which reference is made in the Loan Agreement,
and is subject to all terms and provisions thereof. The principal of, and
interest on, this Note shall be payable as provided in the Loan Agreement and
shall be subject to acceleration as provided therein.

      The Lender's books and records concerning this Term Note, the accrual of
interest thereon, and the repayment hereof, shall be prima facie evidence of the
indebtedness to the Lender hereunder.

      No delay or omission by the Lender in exercising or enforcing any of the
Lender's powers, rights, privileges, remedies, or discretions hereunder shall
operate as a waiver thereof on that occasion nor on any other occasion. No
waiver of any default hereunder shall operate as a waiver of any other default
hereunder, nor as a continuing waiver.

      The Borrower, and each endorser and guarantor of this Note, respectively
waives presentment, demand, notice, and protest, and also waives any delay on
the part of the holder hereof. Each assents to any extension or other indulgence
(including, without limitation, the release or substitution of collateral)
permitted by the Lender with respect to this Note and/or any collateral given to
secure this Note or any extension or other indulgence with respect to any other
liability or any collateral given to secure any other liability of the Borrower
or any other person obligated on account of this Note.

      This Note shall be binding upon the Borrower, and each endorser and
guarantor hereof, and upon 

<PAGE>

their respective heirs, successors, assigns, and representatives, and shall
inure to the benefit of the Lender and its successors, endorsees, and assigns.

      The liabilities of the Borrower, and of any endorser or guarantor of this
Note, are joint and several, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, the release by the Lender of any
one or more such person, endorser or guarantor shall not release any other
person obligated on account of this Note. Each reference in this Note to the
Borrower, any endorser, and any guarantor, is to such person individually and
also to all such persons jointly. No person obligated on account of this Note
may seek contribution from any other person also obligated unless and until all
liabilities, obligations and indebtedness to the Lender of the person from whom
contribution is sought have been satisfied in full.

      This Note is delivered to the Lender at the offices of the Lender in
Boston, Massachusetts, shall be governed by the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, and shall take effect as a sealed instrument.

      The Borrower makes the following waiver knowingly, voluntarily, and
intentionally, and understands that the Lender in the establishment and
maintenance of Lender's relationship with the Borrower contemplated by the
within Note, is relying thereon. THE BORROWER, TO THE EXTENT ENTITLED THERETO,
WAIVES ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE RIGHT OF THE BORROWER, OR OF ANY GUARANTOR OR
ENDORSER OF THE BORROWER OR OF ANY OTHER PERSON LIABLE TO THE LENDER ON ACCOUNT
OF OR IN RESPECT TO THE LIABILITIES, TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY CASE OR
CONTROVERSY IN WHICH THE LENDER IS OR BECOMES A PARTY (WHETHER SUCH CASE OR
CONTROVERSY IS INITIATED BY OR AGAINST THE LENDER OR IN WHICH THE LENDER IS
JOINED AS A PARTY LITIGANT), WHICH CASE OR CONTROVERSY ARISES OUT OF, OR IS IN
RESPECT TO, ANY RELATIONSHIP AMONGST OR BETWEEN THE BORROWER, ANY SUCH PERSON,
AND THE LENDER.

                                    .. 2 ..
<PAGE>



                                                        TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                                                (The "BORROWER")


                                               By:____________________________

                                               Name: _________________________

                                             Title: __________________________

<PAGE>
                                   EXHIBIT 4-2
                                       TO
                        TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                             Texfi Industries, Inc.
                                       And
                              Back Bay Capital, LLC



                                  Subsidiaries


Borrower is the parent company of a wholly owned subsidiary, Casualwear
Express, Inc. for which the jurisdiction of organization is North Carolina.
Casualwear Express, Inc. is an inactive corporation that has not been
officially dissolved.










<PAGE>


                                   EXHIBIT 4-3
                                       TO
                        TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                             Texfi Industries, Inc.
                                       And
                              Back Bay Capital, LLC



                                   Trade Names

                                      Texfi
                                  Texfi Blends






<PAGE>


                                   EXHIBIT 4-5
                                       TO
                        TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                             Texfi Industries, Inc.
                                       And
                              Back Bay Capital, LLC


                                    Locations
                                    ---------
Owned Properties
- ----------------

400 English Road
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
27804

601 Hoffler Drive
Fayetteville, North Carolina
28301

28 Epps Street
Jefferson, Georgia
30549

105 Stone Street
Haw River, North Carolina
27258

Leased Properties
- -----------------

5400 Glenwood Avenue
Suite 215 (beginning November 4, 1994)
Suite 318 (April 1, 1990 through November 3, 1994) 
Raleigh, North Carolina 
27612

US Colors
English Road
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
27804

Mid-Atlantic Warehouse & Storage
7041 Stanley Park Drive
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
27804

<PAGE>

110 East 9th Street
Suite B729
Los Angeles, California
90079-2827

10 Southern Trace
Lake Wylie, South Carolina
29710






<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT 4-6
                                       TO
                        TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                             Texfi Industries, Inc.
                                      And
                             Back Bay Capital, LLC


                                  Encumbrances
                                  ------------



                                      None


<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT 4-7
                                       TO
                        TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                             Texfi Industries, Inc.
                                      And
                             Back Bay Capital, LLC


                                  Indebtedness
                                  ------------


Senior Subordinated Debentures, 8 3/4%, due August 1, 1999, First Union National
Bank as trustee

First Supplemental Indenture to the Senior Subordinated Debentures, 8 3/4%, due
August 1, 1999, dated March 10, 1995 between Borrower and First Union National
Bank as trustee

Second Supplemental Indenture to the Senior Subordinated Debentures, 8 3/4%, due
August 1, 1999, dated March 15, 1996 between Borrower and First Union National
Bank as trustee

Subordinated Extendible Debentures, 11%, due April 1, 2000, State Street Bank
and Trust Company as trustee, First Union National Bank as paying agent

Master Loan and Security Agreement between BOT Financial Corporation and the
Borrower dated June 1, 1993

Master Loan and Security Agreement between KeyCorp. Leasing Ltd. and the
Borrower dated June 1, 1993

$50,000 obligations of the Borrower with respect to letter of credit #37559,
dated October 12, 1993, with NationsBank, N.A. as lender and Liberty Mutual
Insurance Company as beneficiary, as amended

Employment Agreement between the Borrower and Gerald Rubinfeld dated January
1, 1997

Employment Agreement between the Borrower and Andrew J. Parise, Jr. dated
April 1, 1997

Employment Agreement between the Borrower and Robert Ambrosini dated May 1,
1998


<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT 4-8
          Minimum Subordination Features for Exchanged 8 3/4% Debentures

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


      |_|   Any security or mortgage interest, or lien or encumbrance granted or
            created to secure the Exchanged 8 3/4% Debentures shall be junior to
            the interests in the subject collateral of the Lender and the
            Tranche A Agent and any successor lender to the Borrower.

      |_|   Each instrument which evidences any security or mortgage interest,
            or lien or encumbrance which secures the Exchanged 8 3/4% Debentures
            shall include a conspicuous legend, on its first page, that the
            interest, liens or encumbrance created therein is subject and
            subordinate to the interests of the Lender and the Tranche A Agent
            and any successor lender to the Borrower.

      |_|   Payments otherwise due under or on account of the Exchanged 8 3/4%
            Debentures may be suspended by written notice to the Trustee for
            such Debentures (the "TRUSTEE") of the occurrence of any Event of
            Default.

      |_|   Neither the holders of, nor the Trustee, may accelerate or cause the
            acceleration of the Exchanged 8 3/4% Debentures for 180 days
            following written notice by the Trustee to the Lender and the
            Tranche A Agent and any successor lender to the Borrower, which
            written notice may not be given until the date on which such
            acceleration otherwise could be effected.

      |_|   Neither the holders of, nor the Trustee, may exercise any rights
            upon default with respect to any collateral granted to secure the
            Exchanged 8 3/4% Debentures, except upon 15 days written notice
            given by the Trustee to the Lender and the Tranche A Agent and any
            successor lender to the Borrower, which written notice may not be
            given the expiry of the 180 day period referenced above, nor with
            respect to any collateral as to which any of the Lender, the Tranche
            A Agent, or any successor lender to the Borrower shall then be
            exercising such Person's rights as a secured creditor upon default.


 .. September 14, 1998,,                                            EXHIBIT 4-8

<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT 4-11
                                       TO
                        TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                             Texfi Industries, Inc.
                                      And
                             Back Bay Capital, LLC


                                 Capital Leases
                                 --------------


                                      None



<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT 4-14
                                       TO
                        TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                             Texfi Industries, Inc.
                                      And
                             Back Bay Capital, LLC


                                     Taxes
                                     -----


Examination relating to Federal, North Carolina, South Carolina, and New York
State income tax returns completed for fiscal years ending on and prior to
October 31, 1993.

The Borrower has signed an extension of time limitations relating to an audit by
the City of New York on tax returns for the fiscal years ending October 31, 1991
through October 31, 1994.

The Borrower filed amended New York City income tax returns in the fall of 1997
paying the taxes and interest due in respect of tax warrants previously recorded
by New York City, but declining to pay penalties sought by such warrants. Such
amended returns are being reviewed by the New York City tax authorities.


<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT 4-17
                                       TO
                        TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                             Texfi Industries, Inc.
                                      And
                             Back Bay Capital, LLC


                              Hazardous Materials
                              -------------------


Small quantities of certain organic solvents are present in the groundwater at a
New Bern, North Carolina site previously owned by the Borrower. The Borrower
engaged the engineering firm of Charles T. Main, Inc. to conduct an assessment
of the contamination and to propose a plan of remediation. Charles T. Main, Inc.
completed a Remedial Act Plan which was approved by the Division of
Environmental Management, North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and
Natural Resources ("NCDEHNR"). The Borrower obtained a permit to treat recovered
groundwater and discharge it into an infiltration gallery at the New Bern site.
The engineering firm of Four Seasons Industrial Services, Inc. was engaged to
complete the engineering, design and installation of the groundwater remediation
system. The Borrower engaged Aquaterra Engineering to implement the Corrective
Action Plan. The corrective activities which have continued for several years
are conducted pursuant to a Special Order by Consent entered into between the
Borrower and NCDEHNR. The improved portion of this New Bern site has been sold
to the Borrower's former tenant there, but the Borrower continues to be
responsible for the groundwater remediation project. An escrow fund was
established by the Borrower for the payment of expenses associated with said
groundwater remediation project. The Borrower believes that no further
remediation should be required and has requested that NCDEHNR remove the site
and consider the Corrective Action Plan complete. NCDEHNR denied this request
and the Borrower is in the process of appealing this ruling.

The unimproved portion of the New Bern site retained by the Borrower includes an
area that was used in earlier years by the Borrower as a refuse and solid waste
disposal site. The Borrower engaged the engineering firm of Delta Environmental
Consultants, Inc. to conduct a preliminary assessment of the site in order to
determine whether it is causing or has the potential to cause environmental
damage. The preliminary report indicated the possibility that some remedial
activity may be required. The existence of the site was reported to the State of
North Carolina. The Borrower has conducted no further assessment of the site and
no Governmental Authority has made a request for remedial activity.

Reference is hereby made to the information contained in the following reports,
copies of which have been provided to the Lender:

      (1) Updated Phase I Environmental Site Assessment dated August 25, 1998
      for Texfi Industries, Inc., 28 Epps Street, Jefferson, Georgia;

<PAGE>

      (2) Phase I Environmental Site Assessment dated August 25, 1998 for Texfi
      Industries, Inc., 601 Hoffer Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina;

      (3) Updated Phase I Environmental Site Assessment dated August 25, 1998
      for Texfi Industries, Inc., 105 Stone Street, Haw River, North Carolina;

      (4) Phase I Environmental Site Assessment dated August 25, 1998 for Texfi
      Industries, Inc., 400 English Road, Rocky Mount, North Carolina; and

      (5) Phase II Environmental Site Assessments dated August 27, 1998 for
      Texfi Industries, Inc. Facilitites in Rocky Mount and Fayetteville, North
      Carolina











<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT 4-18
                                       TO
                        TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                             Texfi Industries, Inc.
                                       And
                              Back Bay Capital, LLC


                                   Litigation
                                   ----------

Action filed in 1993 by Robert Shapiro, President of Fabri-Com, Inc. for
payments allegedly due him under an alleged sales commission agreement.
Fabric-Com has asserted three causes of action against Texfi Industries, Inc.
and is demanding damages of $30 million dollars. Shapiro was a commissioned
sales agent who was never an employee of Texfi Elastex or its predecessor
Stedman Elastics. Shapiro was paid all commissions due through his dismissal in
1993 and is trying to assert that he is due additional fees under an agreement
which never existed. An answer to the complaint was served. Discovery is
complete. Fabri-Com has dismissed its one cause of action against defendant
Dynarex. The case is pending in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New
York County.

Action commenced by Worldtex, Inc. and Elastex, Inc., as plaintiffs, against the
Borrower, as defendant, in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of
New York, under Index Number 981602807, alleging obligations of the Borrower to
pay the plaintiffs the aggregate amount of approximately $285,000 in connection
with post-closing adjustments and related matters arising out of an agreement
for the sale of the Borrower to the plaintiffs of the Borrower's Narrow Fabrics
Division in October 1997. The Borrower answered the complaint in this matter.
Discussions related to possible settlement are pending.



<PAGE>


                              EXHIBIT 4-19(c)(iii)
                                       TO
                        TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                             Texfi Industries, Inc.
                                      And
                             Back Bay Capital, LLC


                              Certain Investments
                              -------------------

$100,000  Certificate of Deposit at  NationsBank,  N.A. dated October 20, 1997
with a twelve-month term

$4,524,285 Note Receivable from Clarendon Holdings, LLC dated as of December 15,
1997 repayable as to principal in a single payment on the tenth anniversary of
the date of issuance thereof (subject to required prepayments from specified
funds) and as to interest, at the rate of 5% per annum, only when principal is
repaid




<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT 4-25
                                       TO
                        TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                             Texfi Industries, Inc.
                                      And
                             Back Bay Capital, LLC


                              Certain SEC Filings
                              -------------------


The Borrower's annual report for the fiscal year ended on October 31, 1997 on
Form 10-K/A and its quarterly report for the fiscal quarter ended January 31,
1998 on Form 10-Q/A, each containing restated financial statements for the
fiscal year and quarter, respectively, covered thereby, as filed with the SEC on
June 22, 1998.


<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT 5-11

                        Financial Performance Covenants


1.    DEBT SERVICE COVENANT RATIO:  The Borrower will not suffer to permit
its Debt Service Coverage Ratio to be less than the following for the period
indicated:

                           DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE RATIO
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PERIOD                                                       MINIMUM RATIO
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal quarter ending on or about October 31, 1998           1.2
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two consecutive fiscal quarters ending  on or about January
31, 1999                                                     1.25
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three consecutive fiscal quarters ending on or about April
30, 1999                                                     1.3
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each four consecutive fiscal quarters ending after April
30, 1999.                                                    1.3
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.    MINIMUM CAPITAL FUNDS:        The Borrower will not suffer or permit
its Capital Funds to be less than the following at any time during the period
indicated:

                              Minimum Capital Funds
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERIOD                                            $ THOUSANDS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Through October 31, 1998                          12,300
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 1, 1998 through July 31, 1999            11,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 1, 1999 through January 31, 2000           11,400
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 1, 2000 through April 30, 2000           11,700
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All times after April 30, 2000                    12,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 .. September 14, 1998 ..                                            EXHIBIT 5-11


<PAGE>

DEFINITIONS:      As used herein, the following terms have the following
meanings:

      "ADJUSTED OPERATING CASH FLOW": For any test period, means EBIT for
            such period MINUS the sum of
                  (i) cash income taxes paid by the Borrower during such period
            (net of cash refunds of income taxes received by them during such
            period) PLUS
                  (ii) the amount of Capital Expenditures not financed with Debt
            (other than proceeds of the Term Loan) of the Borrower and its
            Consolidated Subsidiaries during such period after deducting all
            capitalized interest related thereto. PLUS the sum of
                  (x)   depreciation expense PLUS
                  (y)   amortization expense, PLUS
                  (z)   accrued and unpaid management fees owed by the Borrower
                        to Mentmore to the extent that such fees had been
                        deducted in the calculation of EBIT,

            in each case of the Borrower for such period.

      "CAPITAL FUNDS":  At the time of determination, the Net Worth of the
            Borrower plus outstanding Subordinated Debt.

      "DEBT": means,
                  (a)   Indebtedness for money borrowed,
                  (b)   Indebtedness, whether or not in any such case the
            same was for money borrowed,
                        (i)  represented by notes payable, and drafts
                  accepted, that represent extensions of credit,
                        (ii) constituting obligations evidenced by bonds,
                  debentures, notes or similar instruments, or
                        (iii) upon which interest charges are customarily paid
                  or that was issued or assumed as full or partial payment for
                  property (other than trade credit that is incurred in the
                  ordinary course of business),
                  (c) Indebtedness that constitutes an obligation on account of
                  a Capital Lease, and
                  (d) Indebtedness which has been guarantied by the Borrower,
                  but only to the extent that the obligations described
                  Guaranteed are obligations that would

                                    .. 2 ..
 .. September 14, 1998 ..                                            EXHIBIT 5-11


<PAGE>

                  constitute Debt.

      "EBIT": For any test period , Net Income of the Borrower for such period,
            PLUS the sum of
                  (i) federal and state income tax expense PLUS
                  (ii) Total Interest Expense
            MINUS any amount in respect of federal or state income tax
            refunds or interest income, all of the foregoing to the extent
            deducted in computing consolidated Net Income.

      "NET  INCOME": Tthe net income (or net loss) of any Person for the period
            in question after giving effect to deduction of or provision for all
            operating expenses, all taxes and reserves (including reserves for
            deferred taxes) and all other proper deductions, all determined in
            accordance with GAAP, provided that there shall be excluded:
                  (a) The net income (or net loss) of any Person accrued prior
            to the date it becomes a Subsidiary of, or is merged into or
            consolidated with, the Person whose net Income is being determined
            or a Subsidiary of such Person.
                  (b) The net income (or net loss) of any Person in which the
            Person whose Net Income is being determined or any Subsidiary of
            such Person has an ownership interest, except, in the case of net
            income, to the extent that any such income has actually been
            received by such Person or such Subsidiary in the form of cash
            dividends or similar distributions.
                  (c) Any restoration of any contingency reserve, except to the
            extent that provision for such reserve was made out of income during
            such period.
                  (d) Any net gains or losses on the sale or other disposition,
            not in the ordinary course of business, of Investments, business
            units and other capital assets. provided that there shall also be
            excluded any related charges for taxes thereon,
                  (e) Any net gain arising from the collection of the proceeds
            of any insurance policy.
                  (f) Any write-up of any asset.
                  (g) Any other extraordinary item.

      "NET  WORTH": Any Person's total shareholder's equity (including capital
            stock, additional paid-in capital and retained earnings, after
            deducting treasury stock) which would appear as such on a balance
            sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP, PROVIDED
            THAT, as this Definition is applied to the Borrower, accured and
            unpaid management fees to Mentmore deducted in the computation of
            such shareholders' equity shall be added

                                    .. 3 ..
 .. September 14, 1998 ..                                            EXHIBIT 5-11

<PAGE>

            back to such shareholders' equity and noncash gains or losses
            recorded or realized after August 1, 1998 in respect of the disposal
            of intangibles assets shall be excluded from such computations.

      "SUBORDINATED DEBT":          The Debt of the Borrower under the Bonds
            and other Debt of the Borrower that is subordinated to the
            Liabilities on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Lender.

      "TERM DEBT":      Debt of the Borrower on account of the Term Loan.

      "TOTAL DEBT SERVICE":    For any test period, the sum of
                  (i)   repayments of principal of Term Debt scheduled to be
            made during such period PLUS
                  (ii)  Total Interest Expense,
            MINUS, to the extent included in Total Interest Expenses for such
            period, any amortization of bond discount on the Bonds or the
            Exchanged 8 3/4% Debentures which is not payable in cash.

      "TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE":      For any test period , total cash
            interest expense of the Borrower, determined in accordance with
            GAAP, but including all capitalized interest in connection with
            Capital Expenditures.

                                    .. 4 ..
 .. September 14, 1998 ..                                            EXHIBIT 5-11


                                                                Exhibit 4(d)(20)


                     THE CIT GROUP/COMMERCIAL SERVICES, INC.
                       Two First Union Center, 25th Floor
                             301 South Tryon Street
                         Charlotte, North Carolina 28202





                                August 28, 1998
                                       -- 


Texfi Industries, Inc.
5400 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 215
Raleigh, North Carolina 27612


Ladies and Gentlemen:

      Please refer to that certain Loan and Security Agreement, dated of even
date herewith, among BankBoston, N.A., as agent, The CIT Group/Commercial
Services, Inc. ("CIT") and the other lenders thereto (collectively, the
"Lenders"), and Texfi Industries, Inc. (the "Borrower"), pursuant to the terms
and conditions of which, the Lenders have agreed, among other things, to make a
$40,000,000 revolving credit facility available to the Borrower (such Loan
Agreement, as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time,
being hereinafter known as the "Loan Agreement"). Capitalized terms used herein
without definition shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Loan
Agreement.

      A condition precedent to CIT's entering into the Loan Agreement and
agreeing, with the other Lenders, to make Loans and other financial
accommodations available to the Borrower thereunder is the entering into of this
letter agreement with the Borrower providing for the payment to CIT of a portion
of the CIT Ledger Debt in the aggregate amount of $1,500,000 (the "Payable CIT
Ledger Debt"). To induce CIT to enter into the Loan Agreement, the Borrower
therefore agree with CIT as follows:

      1. The Borrower shall pay CIT $500,000 of the Payable CIT Ledger Debt
simultaneously with closing of the Loan Agreement and the making of the initial
Loan thereunder.

      2. The Borrower shall pay CIT the remaining $1,000,000 of the Payable CIT
Ledger Debt in six (6) consecutive bi-weekly installments of $166,666.67 each,
beginning on the fourteenth day after the Agreement Date and continuing on each
fourteenth day thereafter until paid in full (each such payment being
hereinafter referred to as a "CIT Ledger Debt Payment"), if and only to the
extent that either immediately
<PAGE>

before or after giving effect to each such CIT Ledger Debt Payment, no Default
or Event of Default which has not been waived by the Lenders shall exist. Any
such payment that is due on a day that is not a Business Day shall be payable on
the next succeeding Business Day.

      3. The Borrower shall pay each of the CIT Ledger Debt Payments by federal
funds wire transfer to the following account of CIT:

                        First Union National Bank
                        Charlotte, North Carolina
                        ABA Number: 053000219
                        For credit to The CIT Group/Commercial Services, Inc.
                        Account Number: 2000000621186
                        Reference:  Texfi Industries, Inc.
                        Attention: Carlene Courtney

      4. If the Borrower fails to make any CIT Ledger Debt Payment for any
reason, including, without limitation, the existence either immediately before
or after giving effect to any CIT Ledger Debt Payment of a Default or Event of
Default which has not been waived by the Lenders, the unpaid CIT Ledger Debt
Payments shall automatically become due and payable without declaration, notice
or demand by CIT.

      5. This agreement shall be interpreted, and the rights and liabilities of
the parties hereto determined, in accordance with the laws of the State of North
Carolina.

      6. This agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the
parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

      7. This agreement constitutes and expresses the entire understanding among
the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

      8. This agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by
different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which when so
executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original and all of which
counterparts taken together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.


                                       2
<PAGE>


      9. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF THE PARTIES
HERETO DOES HEREBY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED
TO THIS AGREEMENT.


                              Very truly yours,

                       THE CIT GROUP/COMMERCIAL SERVICES,
                              INC.


                              By: /s/ Gordon Jones
                                  ------------------------------------------
                                       Name: Gordon Jones
                                             -------------------------------
                                      Title: Vice President
                                             -------------------------------


Read and Agreed to:

TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.


By: /s/ Robert P. Ambrosini
    --------------------------------- 
       Name: Robert P. Ambrosini
             ------------------------  
       Title: EVP & CFO
              ----------------------- 


                                       3


                                                                EXHIBIT 10(a)(1)

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


      AGREEMENT made and entered into as of May 1, 1998 (the "Agreement") by and
between TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware corporation with offices at 5400
Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina ("Texfi" or the "Company") and ROBERT
P. AMBROSINI ("Ambrosini").

                            W I T N E S S E T H :

      WHEREAS, Texfi desires to employ Ambrosini and to enter into the Agreement
embodying the terms of such employment; and
      WHEREAS,  Ambrosini  desires to accept such employment and to enter into
the Agreement;
      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
contained herein, the parties agree that the following provisions shall
constitute the Agreement:

      1. Employment. Texfi hereby employs Ambrosini and Ambrosini hereby accepts
employment with Texfi for the term set forth in Section 2 below, and upon the
other terms and conditions hereinafter stated.

      2. Term. Unless otherwise terminated as hereinafter provided, the term of
the Agreement shall commence on May 1, 1998, and shall continue through April
30, 2001.

                                       1
<PAGE>

      3. Position, Duties, Responsibilities, Extent of Services.

         3.1. Position. It is intended that, at all times during the term of the
Agreement, Ambrosini shall serve as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice
President of Texfi. In accordance with such position, he is hereby granted
appropriate responsibilities, duties and authorities, subject to the direction
of the Chief Executive Officer and the President and Chief Operating Officer of
the Company.

         3.2. Extent of Services. During his employment under this Agreement,
Ambrosini shall devote his full time and attention to the business and affairs
of Texfi; provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall preclude
Ambrosini from engaging in charitable and civic activities or from managing his
personal investments so long as such outside activities do not unreasonable
interfere with the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this
Agreement.

      4. Salary. For services rendered by him under this Agreement, Ambrosini
shall receive a base salary at the annual rate of $225,000 (the "Base Salary"),
payable at least in equal monthly installments, or such other amount as Texfi
and Ambrosini may agree to from time to time

      5. Bonus. Ambrosini will be eligible to participate in the Texfi Executive
Incentive Bonus Program - fiscal annual bonus opportunity of up to 75% of base
salary. Ambrosini is guaranteed a fiscal 1998 (11/1/97 - 10/31/98) bonus of
$50,000 for the six-month period 5/1/98-10/31/98, which will be considered
earned as of November 1, 1998 and will be paid on December 1, 1998. Thereafter,
the actual incentive bonus amount will be based upon the performance of Texfi
for the year.

                                       2
<PAGE>

         5.1. Stock Options. Texfi hereby grants to Ambrosini stock options of
the Company in the amount of 35,000 shares of common stock. Such options shall
expire on a date five (5) years from the date of this Agreement.

      6. Employee Benefit Plans. Ambrosini will be provided employee benefit
programs comparable to those being provided by Texfi to senior executive
officers during the term of the Agreement.

      7. Reimbursable Expenses.

         7.1. Business Expenses. During the term of his employment hereunder,
Ambrosini shall be entitled to receive proper reimbursement for all reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by him (in accordance with the policies and
procedures established by Texfi for its senior executive officers) in performing
services hereunder, provided Ambrosini properly accounts therefor. 

         7.2. Automobile. During the term of this employment hereunder, Texfi
will pay to Ambrosini an automobile allowance of $500 per month.

      8. Termination of Employment.

         8.1. Death. In the event of the death of Ambrosini during the during
the term of this Agreement, the following payments shall be made to his
designated beneficiary or, in the absence of such designation, to his estate:
(a) his Base Salary, as provided in Section 4, through the end of the month in
which death occurs, and (b) any amounts due under Incentive Bonus Plans then in
effect in accordance with the terms of such plans.


                                       3
<PAGE>

         8.2. Long-Term Disability. In the event that Ambrosini shall suffer an
illness or mental or physical disability or incapacity of such a nature, degree
or effect that he is unable to perform his duties hereunder for a continuous
period of six (6) months or for shorter periods aggregating six (6) months
within any 12-month period, the Company, at its sole option, may terminate his
employment and this Agreement. Upon such termination, Ambrosini shall be
entitled to payment of (a) his Base Salary, as provided in Section 4, through
the end of the pay period in which the termination occurs, and (b) any amounts
due under Incentive Bonus Plans then in effect in accordance with the terms of
such plans.

         8.3. For Cause. The Company shall have the right to terminate the
employment of Ambrosini and this Agreement for "cause." For purposes of this
Agreement, "cause" shall mean: (i) Ambrosini's willful and continued failure to
perform substantially his duties under this Agreement (other than by reason of
illness or mental or physical disability or incapacity) for more than 60 days
after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to him by the
Board of Directors of the Company; which demand specifically identifies the
manner in which Ambrosini has not substantially performed his duties; (ii) theft
or misappropriation by Ambrosini of assets of the Company; or (iii) actions by
Ambrosini which constitute an act of moral turpitude or that materially injure
the Company. If Ambrosini's employment is terminated for cause, he shall be
entitled to his Base Salary, as provided in Section 4, through the end of the
pay period in which the termination occurs.

         8.4. Without Cause. Notwithstanding any other term or provision of this
Agreement, the Company may terminate Ambrosini's employment and this Agreement
at any time and for whatever reason(s) it deems appropriate. In the event such
termination by the Company

                                       4
<PAGE>

occurs and is not due to disability pursuant to Section 8.2 or for cause
pursuant to Section 8.3, Ambrosini shall be entitled to payment of (a) his Base
Salary, as provided in Section 4, for the greater of six (6) months from the
date of termination or the remaining term of this Agreement, and (b) any amounts
due under Incentive Bonus Plans then in effect in accordance with the terms of
such plans. 

         8.5. Voluntary Termination. Ambrosini may voluntarily terminate his
employment with the Company on at least 60 days' written notice.

      9. Acceleration of Stock Options. All outstanding and unexpired stock
options held by Ambrosini that are not then exercisable shall become
exercisable, in whole or in part, for a period of sixty (60) days following
termination of employment pursuant to Section 8.4.

      10. Covenants Not to Compete.

         10.1. Competition; Soliciting Customers. Ambrosini promises and agrees
that, until the later of (a) the termination of the Agreement or (b) the
expiration of any salary payments made to Ambrosini pursuant to Section 8.4, he
will not, directly or indirectly:

                  (i) own, manage, operate, control, be employed by, render
            advisory services to, participate in or be connected in any way with
            any management or control of any business in the United States that
            is engaged in competition with Texfi or any of its subsidiaries or
            affiliates in the commission dying and finishing of textile products
            or the manufacture and/or sale of textile products of the same or a
            like nature to the products of Texfi and its subsidiaries, or

                                       5
<PAGE>

                  (ii) influence or attempt to influence any customer of Texfi
            or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to divert its purchases of
            woven or knit fabrics or other products to any individual,
            partnership, firm, corporation or other entity then in competition
            with Texfi or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.

For purposes of this Section 10.1, "competition with Texfi or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates" shall mean direct competition for customers of
textile products or services in any geographic area in which Texfi or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates is engaged, directly or indirectly, in selling or
attempting to sell such products or services. 

         10.2. Soliciting Employees; Interference. Ambrosini promises and agrees
that, for a period of one (1) year after the later of (a) the termination of the
Agreement, or (b) the expiration of any salary payments made to Ambrosini
pursuant to Section 8.4, he will not, directly or indirectly:

                  (i) Solicit any employee of Texfi or any subsidiary or
            affiliate of Texfi, who earned annually $25,000 or more as an
            employee during the last six months of Ambrosini's employment by
            Texfi, to work for any business, individual, partnership, firm,
            corporation or other entity then in competition with the business of
            Texfi or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates; or

                  (ii) Wrongfully interfere with, disrupt or attempt to disrupt
            the relationship, contractual or otherwise, between Texfi and any
            other party, including without limitation any supplier, distributor,
            lessor or lessee, licensor or licensee.

                                       6
<PAGE>

         10.3. Scope. Ambrosini acknowledges and agrees that the covenants set
forth in Sections 10.1 and 10.2 shall be enforceable in accordance with their
terms notwithstanding any termination of the Agreement or his employment by
Texfi, for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation, the termination
of his employment under the circumstances described in Sections 8.3, 8.4, and
8.5; and the obligations set forth in Sections 10.1 and 10.2 shall continue as
therein provided irrespective of whether payments are required by Texfi to
Ambrosini under the Agreement except that Ambrosini shall not be bound by said
covenants if Texfi fails to make any payments which, under the terms of the
Agreement, it has agreed to make to Ambrosini after the termination of his
employment.

         10.4. Savings Clause. It is the desire and intent of the parties that
the provisions of Sections 10.1 and 10.2 shall be enforced to the fullest extent
permitted under the laws and public policies of each jurisdiction in which
enforcement is sought. Accordingly, if any particular portion of Sections 10.1
and/or 10.2 shall be adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable, such
adjudication shall apply only with respect to the operation of that portion in
the particular jurisdiction in which such adjudication is made, and all other
portions shall continue in full force and effect.

      11. Confidential Information; Rights to Materials.

         11.1. Confidential Information. Ambrosini agrees not to disclose,
either while in Texfi's employ or at any time thereafter to any person not
employed by Texfi, or engaged to render services to Texfi, any confidential
and/or proprietary information of Texfi obtained by him while in the employ of
Texfi, including, without limitation, any of Texfi's methods, processes,
techniques, shop practices, formulae, research data, marketing and sales
information, personnel data, customer lists, financial data, plans, and all
other know-how, trade secrets and proprietary information of 


                                       7
<PAGE>

Texfi; provided, however, that this provisions shall not preclude Ambrosini from
use or disclosure of information known generally to the public (other than
information known generally to the public as a result of a violation of this
Section 11.1 by Ambrosini), from use or disclosure required by law or court
order, or from disclosure appropriate and in the ordinary course of carrying out
his duties and authorities hereunder (e.g., disclosure to Texfi's outside
accountants, bankers or trade creditors of financial data properly requested by
such persons).

         11.2. Rights to Materials. Ambrosini also agrees that, upon termination
of his employment for whatever reason, he will not take with him, without the
prior written consent of an officer authorized to act in the matter by the Board
of Directors, any records, files, memoranda, reports, price lists, customer
lists, drawings, plans, sketches, documents, specifications, and the like (or
any copies thereof) relating to the business of Texfi.

      12. Assignment by Texfi. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall
inure to the benefit of Texfi or any corporation or other entity to which Texfi
may transfer all or substantially all of its assets and business (by operation
of law or otherwise) and to which Texfi may assign this Agreement, in which case
"Texfi," as used herein, shall mean such transferee corporation or other entity.

      13. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws and judicial decisions of the State of North Carolina.

      14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains all of the understandings
and agreements of the parties hereto with respect to the employment of Ambrosini
by the Company and supersedes all prior understandings and agreements between
the parties, whether oral or in writing.

                                       8
<PAGE>

      15. Amendment; Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be amended,
modified or waived unless such amendment, modification or waiver is agreed to in
writing and signed by Ambrosini and by an officer of the Company duly authorized
to sign by the Board of Directors of the Company. No waiver by either party
hereto of any breach by the other of any provision of this Agreement to be
performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of a similar or
dissimilar provision at the same time or at any prior or subsequent time.

      16. Severability. If any one or more of the provisions contained in this
Agreement shall be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect under
applicable law, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining
provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

      17. Withholding. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, all
payments made by the Company hereunder shall be subject to the withholding of
such amounts relating to taxes as the Company may reasonably determine it should
withhold pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the 1st day of May, 1998.

                                       TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.

                                       By:  /s/ Andrew J. Parise, Jr.
                                            ----------------------------
                                            President


                                       /s/ Robert P. Ambrosini
                                       ----------------------------
                                       Robert P. Ambrosini




                                       9

                                                                Exhibit 10(d)(1)
                              SECOND AMENDMENT TO
                      STOCK AND OPTION PURCHASE AGREEMENT


      THIS SECOND AMENDMENT, dated as of June 17, 1998 (this "Second
Amendment"), is made with respect to that certain Stock and Option Purchase
Agreement, dated as of May 24, 1994 (the "Stock and Option Purchase Agreement"),
between Texfi Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation and Chadbourne
Corporation, a Delaware corporation, as amended by First Amendment to Stock and
Option Purchase Agreement dated as of November 13, 1997. Each capitalized term
used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the
Stock and Option Purchase Agreement.

      The parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

       Amendment to Section 5.1. Section 5.1 shall be amended and restated in
its entirety to read as follows:

            "The exercise price (the "Exercise Price") for the Option shall be
            the lower of: (i) the average closing price of the Common Stock on
            the New York Stock Exchange for the thirty (30) trading days
            preceding June 17, 1998; or, (ii) such price for the thirty (30)
            days following June 17, 1998. The Exercise Price is subject to
            adjustment as provided in Section 5.4 hereof".

      Amendment to Section 5.2. Section 5.2 is amended by deleting the reference
therein to "five years" and inserting in lieu thereof "ten years".

                            [signature page follows]

                                     

<PAGE>


            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Second
Amendment as of the date first above written.


                              TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.



                              By: /s/ Andrew Parise
                                  ------------------------------------
                                   Name: Andrew Parise
                                   Title: President COO



                              CHADBOURNE CORPORATION



                              By:  /s/ William L. Remley
                                   -----------------------------------
                                   Name: William L. Remley
                                   Title: Exec. Officer


                                       2


                                                                Exhibit 10(d)(2)
                           OPTION PURCHASE AGREEMENT

      THIS OPTION PURCHASE AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made as of June 17, 1998,
between TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and
MENTMORE HOLDINGS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the "Optionee").

                                   RECITALS

      WHEREAS, the Company has entered into a forbearance agreement dated as of
June 5, 1998 (the "Forbearance Agreement") by and among the Company, BankBoston,
N.A., the CIT Group/ Commercial Services, Inc. and National Bank of Canada (the
"Lenders") and BankBoston, N.A. as the Agent for the Lenders;

      WHEREAS, the conditions to the effectiveness of the Forbearance Agreement
include that (i) the Optionee guarantee (the "Guaranty") one million dollars
($1,000,000) of the obligations owed by the Company pursuant to the terms of the
Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of December 19, 1997,
between the Company, the financial institutions party thereto from time to time
and BankBoston, N.A., such Guaranty to be secured by a letter of credit (the
"Letter of Credit") and (ii) the Optionee agree to defer receipt of certain
management fees owed to it by the Company;

      WHEREAS, the Optionee has issued the Guaranty and the Letter of Credit and
has agreed to defer the receipt of certain management fees owed to it by the
Company; and

      WHEREAS, in consideration of the issuance of the Guaranty and the Letter
of Credit and the agreement of the Optionee to defer the receipt of certain
management fees owed to it by the Company, the Company has agreed to issue to
the Optionee or the Optionee's designee an option (the "Option") to purchase
600,000 shares of the Company's common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the
"Common Stock");

      NOW, THEREFORE, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
this Agreement, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I
                     AUTHORIZATION AND ISSUANCE OF OPTION

      1.1 Authorization of the Option. The Company has authorized the issuance
of the Option to the Optionee.

      1.2 Issuance of the Option. Simultaneously with the execution and delivery
of this Agreement, the Company shall issue and deliver to the Optionee a
certificate evidencing the Option in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.



<PAGE>



                                  ARTICLE II
                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

            As a material inducement to the Optionee to enter into this
Agreement, the Company hereby represents and warrants that:

      2.1 Organization and Corporate Power. The Company is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware and is qualified or licensed to do business and is in good standing in
every jurisdiction where the nature of its business or the ownership of its
properties requires it to be so qualified or licensed and where the failure to
be so qualified or licensed would have a material adverse effect on the business
prospects, financial condition, operating results, assets or operations of the
Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole. The Company has all requisite
corporate power and authority and all material licenses, permits and
authorizations necessary to own and operate its properties, to carry on its
business and to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

      2.2 Capital Stock. The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of
20,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par
value $1.00 per share, of which 8,859,098 shares of Common Stock are issued and
outstanding as of the date of this Agreement.

      2.3 Authorization; No Breach. The execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement and all other agreements contemplated hereby to which the Company
is a party have been duly authorized by the Company and do not require the
approval of the Company's shareholders. This Agreement and all other agreements
contemplated hereby have been validly executed and delivered by the Company and
each such agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company,
enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar
laws affecting creditors' rights generally or by general equitable principles.
After giving effect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby,
the Company will not be in default under any contract, agreement, instrument or
indenture related to the borrowing of money to which it is a party or by which
it or any of its property is bound. The execution and delivery by the Company of
this Agreement and all other agreements contemplated hereby to which the Company
is a party and the fulfillment of the compliance with the respective terms
hereof and thereof by the Company, the offering, sale and issuance of the Option
hereunder (assuming the accuracy of the Optionee's investment representations
set forth in Section 3.1), do not and shall not (i) conflict with or result in a
breach of the terms, conditions or provisions of, (ii) constitute a default
under, (iii) result in the creation of any lien, security interest, charge or
encumbrance upon the Company's or any subsidiary's capital stock or assets
pursuant to, (iv) give any third party the right to modify, terminate or
accelerate any obligation under, (v) result in a violation of, or (vi) require
any authorization, consent, approval, exemption or other action by or notice to
any court or administrative or governmental body pursuant to, the Certificate of
Incorporation or bylaws of the Company or any subsidiary, or any law,

                                      2

<PAGE>



statute, rule or regulation to which the Company or any subsidiary is subject,
or any material agreement, instrument, order, judgment or decree to which the
Company or any subsidiary is a party or by which it, or any of its property, is
bound.

      2.4 Authorization and Consent. Assuming the accuracy of the Optionee's
investment representations set forth in Section 3.1, no authorization,
exemption, consent or approval of, notice to, or declaration to or filing with,
any governmental authority is required for the valid execution, delivery and
performance by the Company of this Agreement or the consummation by the Company
of the transactions contemplated hereby. The Company has obtained all material
third party consents, waivers, approvals and exemptions necessary to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby, except for any such third party consents,
waivers, approvals and exemptions required for any of the shares that may be
purchased pursuant to the Option to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

      2.5 Reports with Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company has made
all filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission which it is required to
make under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


                                  ARTICLE III
                REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE OPTIONEE

      3.1 Optionee's Investment Representations. The Optionee hereby represents
that:

            A. The Optionee is acquiring the Option and the shares which may be
purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Option (together, for purposes of this
Section 3.1, the "Investment Securities") for its own account with the present
intention of holding such Investment Securities for purposes of investment, and
that the Optionee has no intention of selling such Investment Securities in a
public distribution in violation of the federal securities laws or any
applicable state securities laws.

            B. The Optionee is sophisticated in financial matters and is able to
evaluate the risks and benefits of its investment in the Investment Securities.

            C. The Optionee is able to bear the economic risk of its investment
in the Investment Securities for an indefinite period of time because the
Investment Securities have not been registered under the Securities Act and,
therefore, cannot be sold unless subsequently registered under the Securities
Act or an exemption from such registration is available.

            D. The Optionee has had full opportunity to interview directors and
officers and to ask questions and receive answers concerning the Company and has
had

                                      3

<PAGE>



full access to such other information concerning the Company as it has
requested.

                                  ARTICLE IV
                           COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY

      4.1 Reservation of Shares. The Company covenants and agrees that all
shares that may be issued upon the exercise of the Option will, upon issuance,
be fully paid and nonassessable and free from all taxes, liens and charges with
respect to the issue thereof (other than transfer taxes in respect of any
transfer occurring contemporaneously with such issue) and shall be approved for
listing on the New York Stock Exchange subject to the issuance thereof if the
Company's securities are then listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The Company
further covenants and agrees that during the period within which the rights
represented by the Option may be exercised, the Company will at all times have
authorized and reserved a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock to provide
for the exercise in full of the rights represented by the Option. The Company
will provide to, or make available to, as the case may be, the Optionee the same
information, reports and notices as it shall provide to, or make available to,
the holders of its Common Stock, and at the same time as such information,
reports and notices are provided to, or made available to, the holders of its
Common Stock.

      4.2 Listing of Shares.The Company shall use its best efforts to insure
that, within ninety (90) days from the date of this Agreement, the shares that
may be purchased pursuant to the Option are approved for listing on the New York
Stock Exchange or, if the Common Stock is not so listed, on such other markets
or exchanges on which the Common Stock is then listed for trading.

                                   ARTICLE V
                     PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE OPTION

      5.1 Exercise Price. The exercise price (the "Exercise Price") for the
Option shall be the lower of: (i) the average closing price of the Common Stock
on the New York Stock Exchange for the thirty (30) trading days preceding June
17, 1998; or, (ii) such price for the thirty (30) trading days following June
17, 1998.

      5.2 Term and Exercise. The Option may be exercised in whole or in part as
to any whole number of shares at any time and from time to time prior to ten
(10) years from the date of this Agreement by (i) delivery to the Company of a
written notice of exercise stating the number of shares that the Optionee then
elects to purchase and (ii) payment of the Exercise Price in certified funds or
by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the
Company.

      5.3   Anti-Dilution Provisions.

            A. Exercise Price Adjustments. The Exercise Price shall be subject
to

            
                                        4

<PAGE>



adjustment from time to time as follows:

                  (i) In the event the Company should at any time or from time
to time after the date hereof fix a record date for the effectuation of a split
or subdivision of the outstanding shares of Common Stock or the determination of
holders of Common Stock entitled to receive a dividend or other distribution
payable in additional shares of Common Stock or other securities or rights
convertible into, or entitling the holder thereof to receive directly or
indirectly, additional shares of Common Stock (hereinafter referred to as
"Common Stock Equivalents") without payment of any consideration by such holder
for the additional shares of Common Stock or the Common Stock Equivalents
(including the additional shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion or
exercise thereof), then, as of such record date (or the date of such dividend
distribution, split or subdivision if no record date is fixed), the Exercise
Price shall be appropriately decreased and the number of shares of Common Stock
issuable pursuant to the Option shall be appropriately increased in proportion
to such increase of the aggregate of shares of Common Stock and those issuable
with respect to Common Stock Equivalents to be outstanding immediately following
such transaction compared with the aggregate of the shares of Common Stock and
those shares issuable with respect to Common Stock Equivalents then outstanding
immediately prior to such transaction.

                  (ii) If the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at
any time after the date hereof is decreased by a reverse split or other
combination of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, then, following the
record date of such combination, the Exercise Price shall be appropriately
increased and the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise shall
be appropriately decreased in proportion to such decrease in the outstanding
shares of Common Stock.

                  (iii) Issuance of Common Stock Below Exercise Price. If the
Company shall, at any time or from time to time, directly or indirectly, sell or
issue shares of Common Stock for cash or property or in payment of an obligation
which could be made in cash at the election of the Company, or rights, options,
warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities containing the right to
subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock in either case at a price per
share of Common Stock (determined, in the case of rights, options, warrants or
convertible or exchangeable securities, by dividing (x) the total amount
received or receivable by the Company (including the amount of payment of an
obligation which could be made in cash at the election of the Company) in
consideration of the sale or issuance of such rights, options, warrants or
convertible or exchangeable securities, plus the total consideration payable to
the Company upon exercise or conversion or exchange thereof, by (y) the total
number of shares of Common Stock covered by such rights, options, warrants or
convertible or exchangeable securities) lower than the Exercise Price of the
Option immediately prior to such sale or issuance, then the applicable Exercise
Price shall be reduced to a price determined by multiplying the Exercise Price
in effect immediately prior thereto by a fraction, the numerator of which shall
be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior
to such sale or issuance plus the number of shares of Common Stock which the
aggregate

                                      5

<PAGE>



consideration received (determined as provided below) for such sale or issuance
would purchase at the applicable Exercise Price immediately prior to such sale
or issuance and the denominator of which shall be the total number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding immediately after such sale or issuance. Such
adjustment shall be made successively whenever such sale or issuance is made.
For the purposes of such adjustments, the shares of Common Stock which the
holder of any such rights, options, warrants, or convertible or exchangeable
securities shall be entitled to subscribe for or purchase shall be deemed to be
issued and outstanding as of the date of such sale or issuance and the
consideration received by the Company (plus any underwriting discounts or
commissions in connection therewith) for such rights, options, warrants or
convertible or exchangeable securities, plus the consideration stated in such
rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities to be paid
for the shares of Common Stock covered thereby. If the Company shall sell or
issue shares of Common Stock for a consideration consisting, in whole or in
part, of property other than cash or its equivalent, then in determining the
"price per share of Common Stock" and the "consideration received by the
Company" for purposes of the first sentence and the immediately preceding
sentence of this Section 5.3(A)(iii), the fair value of such property shall be
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company. The
determination of whether any adjustment is required under this Section
5.3(A)(iii), by reason of the sale and issuance of rights, options, warrants or
convertible or exchangeable securities and the amount of such adjustment, if
any, shall be made only at the time of such issuance or sale and not at the
subsequent time of issuance or sale of Common Stock upon the exercise of such
rights to subscribe or purchase.

            B. No Impairment. The Company will not, by amendment of its
Certificate or Incorporation or through any reorganization, recapitalization,
transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of
securities or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance
or performance of any of the terms to be observed or performed hereunder by the
Company, but will at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all
the provisions of this Section 5.3 and in the taking of all such action as may
be necessary or appropriate in order to protect the rights of the Optionee
against dilution.

      5.4 Rights as a Shareholder. The Optionee will have no rights as a
shareholder with respect to any shares covered by the Option until the date that
the Optionee has fully complied with the terms of Section 5.2 above. Except as
provided in Section 5.3 above, no adjustment will be made for dividends, other
distributions, or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date of
such issuance.

      5.5 Cash in Lieu of Fractional Shares. The Company shall not be required
to issue fractional shares upon the exercise of the Option. If, by reason of any
change made pursuant to Section 5.3, the Optionee would be entitled, upon the
exercise of any rights evidenced hereby, to receive a fractional interest in a
share, the Company shall, upon such exercise, purchase such fractional interest
for an amount in cash equal to the fair market value of such fractional interest
(as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company),
determined as of the date of the exercise of the Option.

                                      6

<PAGE>



                                  ARTICLE VI
                              REGISTRATION RIGHTS

      6.1   Piggyback Registrations.

            A. Right to Piggyback. Whenever the Company proposes to register any
of its securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any similar
federal law then in force (the "Securities Act") in any primary, secondary or
combined offering (other than pursuant to a Demand Registration), and the
registration form to be used may be used for the registration of Registrable
Securities (a "Piggyback Registration"), the Company will give prompt written
notice to the Optionee of its intention to effect such a registration and will
(subject to the priorities established below) include in such registration all
Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received written
requests for inclusion therein within thirty (30) days after the receipt of the
Company's notice.

            B. Piggyback Expenses. The Company's Registration Expenses will be
paid by the Company in all Piggyback Registrations.

            C. Priority on Piggyback Registrations. If a Piggyback Registration
is an underwritten registration, and the managing underwriters advise the
Company in writing that in their opinion the number of Registrable Securities
requested to be included in such registration exceeds the number of Registrable
Securities that can be sold in an orderly manner in such offering after the
Company has been able to sell the number of securities it proposes to sell
within a price range acceptable to the Company, the Company will include in such
registration the number of securities the Company proposes to sell and then the
number of the Optionee's Registrable Securities that, in the opinion of the
managing underwriter, can be sold in an orderly manner in such offering after
the Company has been able to sell the number of securities it proposes to sell
within a price range acceptable to the Company. If, pursuant to this Section
6.1(C), the number of the Optionee's Registrable Securities included in such
registration is more than twenty percent (20%) less than the number of the
Optionee's Registrable Securities the Optionee has requested to be included in
such registration, then such registration will not be deemed to be an
"opportunity" as that word is used in Section 6.2(A) hereof.

            D. Selection of Underwriters. If any Piggyback Registration is in
connection with an underwritten offering, the Company will have the right to
select the investment banker(s) and manager(s) to administer the Offering.

            E. Other Registrations. If the Company has previously filed a
registration statement with respect to Registrable Securities pursuant to this
Section 6.1, and if such previous registration has not been withdrawn or
abandoned, the Company will not file or cause to be effected any other
registration of any of its Registrable Securities or securities convertible or
exchangeable into or exercisable for its Registrable Securities under the
Securities Act (except on Form S-8 or Form S-4 or any successor forms), whether
on its own behalf or at the request of any holder or holders of such Registrable
Securities, until

                                      7

<PAGE>



a period of at least ninety (90) days has elapsed from the effective date of
such previous registration.

      6.2   Demand Registrations.

            A. Right to Demand Registrations. At any time after three (3) years
from the date of this Agreement, if the Company has failed to provide the
Optionee with at least two (2) opportunities to register securities pursuant to
the Piggyback Registration Rights granted herein, the Optionee may request
registration under the Securities Act of all or any part of the Optionee's
Registrable Securities (a "Demand Registration"); provided, however, that the
Optionee may not request any Demand Registration after the Company has given the
notice of a Piggyback Registration referred to in Section 6.1(A) until the first
to occur of (i) 150 days (or, in the event the Company is permitted to use any
applicable short form, 90 days) after the date of such notice, (ii) 90 days (or,
in the event the Company is permitted to use any applicable short form, 45 days)
after the date of such notice, if the Company has not yet filed a registration
statement with respect to such Piggyback Registration, (iii) the withdrawal of
any registration statement the Company has filed with respect to such Piggyback
Registration (or any public announcement by the Company that it no longer
intends to pursue such public offering), or (iv) five (5) Business Days after
the effectiveness of such Piggyback Registration. The Optionee will be entitled
to request up to two (2) Demand Registrations. Each request for a Demand
Registration shall specify the approximate number of such Registrable Securities
requested to be registered and the anticipated per share price range for such
offering and proposed manner of distribution including whether or not the
offering will be underwritten. Demand Registrations will be on Form S-2 or S-3
or any similar short-form registration statement whenever the Company is
permitted to use any applicable short form.

            B. Priority on Demand Registrations. If in a Demand Registration the
managing underwriters (if any) advise the Company in writing that in their
opinion the number of Registrable Securities requested to be included in such
registration together with the number of securities the Company proposes to be
included in such registration for its own account exceeds the number of
securities that can be sold in an orderly manner in such offering within a price
range acceptable to the Optionee, the Company will include in such registration
first, the number of Registrable Securities requested to be included in such
registration by the Optionee, and next, the number of securities requested to be
included in such registration by the Company for its own account.

            C. Restrictions on Demand Registrations. The Company may postpone
for up to ninety (90) days the filing or the effectiveness of a registration
statement for a Demand Registration if the Company reasonably determines that
such Demand Registration would have an adverse effect other than of an
immaterial nature on any proposal or plan by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries to engage in any acquisition of assets (other than in the ordinary
course of business) or any merger, consolidation, tender offer or similar
transaction; provided that in such event, the Optionee will be entitled to
withdraw such request and, if such request is withdrawn, such Demand
Registration shall

                                      8

<PAGE>



not count as one of the permitted Demand Registrations hereunder and the Company
will pay all expenses incurred by the Optionee in such withdrawn Demand
Registration. The Company will not be obligated to effect any Demand
Registration within six (6) months after the effective date of a previous Demand
Registration, or such lesser period after such effective date as agreed to in
writing by the managing underwriter(s) for such previous Demand Registration.

            D. Selection of Underwriters. In any underwritten Demand
Registration, the Company will have the right to select the investment banker(s)
and manager(s) to administer the offering, subject to the approval of the
Optionee, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld.

            E. Expenses of Demand Registration. The Optionee shall bear all
expenses of any Demand Registration hereunder unless the Company includes in
such registration securities to be registered for its own account, in which case
the Optionee will pay the expenses allocable to the registration of the
Optionee's securities included in the registration, and any expenses not so
allocable will be borne by the Optionee in proportion to the aggregate selling
price of the securities to be so registered.

      6.3   Holdback Agreement.

            A. The Optionee agrees not to effect any public sale or distribution
(including sales pursuant to Rule 144) of equity securities of the Company, or
any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such
securities, during the 180-day period beginning on the effective date of any
underwritten Piggyback Registration in which Registrable Securities are included
(except as part of such underwritten registration or as bona fide gifts), unless
the underwriters managing the registered pubic offering otherwise agree.

            B. The Company agrees not to effect any public sale or distribution
of its equity securities, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or
exercisable for such securities, during the 180-day period beginning on the
effective date of any underwritten Demand Registration or any underwritten
Piggyback Registration (except (i) as part of such underwritten registration,
(ii) as offerings pursuant to registrations on Form S-8 or any successor form or
(iii) upon the exercise or conversion of any Common Stock Equivalents then
outstanding), unless the underwriters managing the registered public offering
otherwise agree.

      6.4 Registration Procedures. Whenever the Optionee has requested that any
Registrable Securities be registered pursuant to this Agreement, the Company
will use its best efforts to effect the registration and the sale of such
Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method of disposition
thereof, and pursuant thereto the Company will as expeditiously as possible:

            A. prepare and file with the United States Securities and Exchange

                                      9

<PAGE>



Commission or any governmental body or agency succeeding to the functions
thereof (the "Securities and Exchange Commission") a registration statement with
respect to such Registrable Securities and use its best efforts to cause such
registration statement to become effective (provided that before filing a
registration statement or prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto,
the Company will furnish to counsel selected and retained by the Optionee at the
Optionee's expense copies of all such documents proposed to be filed, which
documents will be subject to the timely review and comment of such counsel);

            B. prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission such
amendments and supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus
used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration
statement effective for a period of not less than 270 days or until such earlier
time as all of the securities covered by such registration statement have been
sold and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the
disposition of all securities covered by such registration statement during such
period in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the sellers
thereof set forth in such registration statement;

            C. furnish to the Optionee such number of copies of such
registration statement, each amendment and supplement thereto, the prospectus
included in such registration statement (including each preliminary prospectus)
and such other documents as the Optionee may reasonably request in order to
facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by the Optionee;

            D. use its best efforts to register or qualify such Registrable
Securities under such other securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as
the Optionee reasonably requests and do any and all other acts and things which
may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable the Optionee to consummate
the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities owned by the
Optionee; provided that the Company will not be required to (i) qualify
generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be
required to qualify but for this Section 6.4(D), (ii) subject itself to taxation
in any such jurisdiction, (iii) consent to general service of process in any
such jurisdiction or (iv) register the Registrable Securities or seek an
exemption from registration under the securities laws of any state that
requires, as a condition to registration or such exemption, that the Company
indefinitely file in such jurisdiction substantially all reports required to be
filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission;

            E. notify the Optionee, at any time when a prospectus relating
thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening
of any event as a result of which the prospectus included in such registration
statement contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits any fact
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and, at the request of
the Optionee, the Company will promptly prepare (and, when completed, give
notice to the Optionee) a supplement or amendment to such prospectus so that, as
thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Registrable Securities, such
prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state any

                                      10

<PAGE>



fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however,
that upon such notification by the Company, the Optionee will not sell
Registrable Securities until the Company has notified the Optionee that it has
prepared a supplement or amendment to such prospectus;

            F. cause all such Registrable Securities to be listed on each
securities exchange on which similar securities issued by the Company are then
listed and, if not so listed, to be included on the NASD automated quotation
system;

            G. provide a transfer agent and registrar for all such Registrable
Securities not later than the effective date of such registration statement;

            H. enter into such customary agreements (including underwriting
agreements in customary form) and take all such other actions as the Optionee or
the underwriters, if any, reasonably request in order to expedite or facilitate
the disposition of such Registrable Securities (including, without limitation,
effecting a stock split or a combination of shares);

            I. make available for inspection on a confidential basis by the
Optionee, any underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to such
registration statement, and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by
the Optionee or any such underwriter, all financial and other records, pertinent
corporate documents and properties of the Company, and cause the Company's
officers, directors, employees, attorneys and independent accountants to supply
all information reasonably requested by any such seller, underwriter, attorney,
accountant or agent in connection with such registration statement;

            J. otherwise use its best efforts to comply with all applicable
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and make
available to its securityholders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings
statement covering the period of at least twelve months beginning with the first
day of the Company's first full fiscal quarter after the effective date of the
registration statement, which earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of
Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder;

            K. permit the Optionee (if, in the Optionee's sole and exclusive
judgment, the Optionee might be deemed to be an underwriter or a controlling
person of the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act) to
participate in the preparation of such registration or comparable statement and
to require the insertion therein of material furnished to the Company in
writing, which in the reasonable judgment of the Optionee and its counsel should
be included, provided that such material shall be furnished under such
circumstances as shall cause it to be subject to the indemnification provisions
provided pursuant to Section 6.6(B) hereof;

            L. in the event of the issuance of any stop order suspending the
effectiveness of a registration statement, or of any order suspending or
preventing the use of any related prospectus or suspending the qualification of
any Common Stock included

                                      11

<PAGE>



in such registration statement for sale in any jurisdiction, the Company will
use its reasonable best efforts promptly to obtain the withdrawal of such order;
and

            M. furnish to the Optionee at the time of the disposition of
Registrable Securities to be registered an opinion of counsel for the Company,
in form and substance satisfactory to the Optionee, to the effect that: (i) the
Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of its state of incorporation with full corporate power and
authority to own and hold its properties, including such properties as it holds
under lease, and to conduct its business as described in the registration
statement, and is qualified to conduct business and is in good standing in each
jurisdiction where the conduct of its business requires such qualification and
in which the failure to be so qualified could have a material adverse effect on
the Company; (ii) such Registrable Securities have been validly issued and are
fully paid and nonassessable; (iii) a registration statement covering such
Registrable Securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Act and has been made effective by order of such
Commission; (iv) such registration statement and the prospectus contained
therein appear on their face to be appropriately responsive in all material
respects to the requirements of the Securities Act, and nothing has come to such
counsel's attention that would cause it to believe that either such registration
statement or such prospectus contains any untrue statement of a material fact or
omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading; (v) such Registrable Securities conform in all material
respects to the description thereof contained in such registration statement;
and (vi) to the best of such counsel's knowledge, no stop order has been issued
by the Securities and Exchange Commission suspending the effectiveness of such
registration statement.

      6.5   Registration Expenses.

            A. All expenses incident to the Company's performance of or
compliance with this Agreement, including, without limitation, all fees and
expenses of compliance with securities or blue sky laws, printing expenses,
messenger and delivery expenses, and fees and disbursements of counsel for the
Company and the Company's independent certified public accountants, underwriters
(excluding discounts and commissions) and other persons retained by the Company
(all such expenses being herein called "Registration Expenses"), will be borne
by the Company, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement (including with
respect to Demand Registrations), except that the Company will, in any event,
pay its internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and
expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties),
the expense of any liability insurance for the Company and its board of
directors and the expenses for listing the securities to be registered on each
securities exchange on which similar securities issued by the Company are then
listed or on the NASD automated quotation system.

            B. To the extent Registration Expenses are not required to be paid
by the Company, the Optionee will pay the Registration Expenses allocable to the
registration of

                                      12

<PAGE>



the Optionee's securities included in the registration, and any Registration
Expenses not so allocable will be borne by the Optionee in proportion to the
aggregate selling price of the securities to be so registered. Such expenses
would include, without limitation, underwriter's discounts and commissions and
fees of the Optionee's counsel.

      6.6   Indemnification.

            A. The Company agrees to indemnify, to the extent permitted by law,
the Optionee, its officers, directors, employees and agents and each person who
controls the Optionee (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against all
losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including legal fees and
expenses) caused by any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact
contained in any registration statement, prospectus or preliminary prospectus or
any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission
of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading, except insofar as the same are (i) caused by
or contained in any information furnished in writing to the Company by the
Optionee expressly for use therein, (ii) caused by the Optionee's failure to
deliver a copy of the registration statement or prospectus or any amendments or
supplements thereto after the Company has furnished the Optionee with a
sufficient number of copies of the same, or (iii) caused by the Optionee's sale
of Registrable Securities in violation of the proviso to Section 6.4(E) hereof.

            B. In connection with any registration statement in which the
Optionee is participating, the Optionee will furnish to the Company in writing
such information, affidavits and other material as the Company reasonably
requests for use in connection with any such registration statement or
prospectus and, to the extent permitted by law, will indemnify the Company, its
directors and officers and each Person who controls the Company (within the
meaning of the Securities Act) against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities
and expenses resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material
fact contained in the registration statement, prospectus or preliminary
prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or
alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make the statements therein not misleading, but only to the extent that such
untrue statement or omission is contained in any information, affidavit or other
material so furnished in writing by the Optionee.

            C. In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation)
shall be instituted involving any person in respect of which indemnity may
properly be sought pursuant to this Article VI, such person (the "indemnified
party") shall promptly notify the person against whom such indemnity may be
sought (the "indemnifying party") in writing and the indemnifying party, upon
request of the indemnified party, shall retain counsel to which the indemnified
party has no reasonable objection to represent the indemnified party and any
others the indemnifying party may designate in such proceedings and shall pay
the fees and disbursements of such counsel related to such proceeding. Except as
otherwise provided in this paragraph, after the indemnifying party retains
counsel in accordance with the preceding sentence, the indemnifying party shall
not be liable to the

                                      13

<PAGE>



indemnified party under this Article VI for any legal or other expenses
subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the defense
thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation. In any such proceeding,
any indemnified party shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the
fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such indemnified
party unless (i) the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have
mutually agreed in writing to the retention of such counsel and to the payment
by the indemnifying party of such counsel's fees and expenses or (ii) the named
parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both
the indemnifying party and the indemnified party and representation of both
parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential
conflicting interests between them. The indemnified party agrees to consult with
the indemnifying party prior to the retention of its own counsel in situations
covered by clause (ii) of the preceding sentence. It is understood that the
indemnifying party shall not, in respect of the legal expenses of any
indemnified party in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in
the same jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one
separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all such indemnified
parties and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are
incurred. In the case of any such separate firm for the Optionee and such
control persons of the Optionee, such firm shall be designated in writing by the
Optionee. In the case of any separate firm for the Company, and such directors,
officers and control persons of the Company, such firm shall be designated in
writing by the Company. The indemnifying party shall not be liable for any
settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if
settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the
indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party from and against
any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. No indemnifying
party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, such
consent not to be unreasonably withheld, effect any settlement of any pending or
threatened proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have
been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified
party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such
indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of
such proceeding.

            D. The indemnification provided for under this Agreement will remain
in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of
the indemnified party or any officer, director or controlling person of such
indemnified party and will survive the transfer of securities. The Company also
agrees to make such provisions, as are reasonably requested by any indemnified
party, for contribution to such party in the event the Company's indemnification
is unavailable for any reason.

      6.7 Participation in Underwritten Registrations. No person may participate
in any registration hereunder that is underwritten unless such person (a) agrees
to sell such person's securities on the basis provided in any underwriting
arrangements approved by the person or persons entitled hereunder to approve
such arrangements and (b) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of
attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents required
under the terms of such underwriting arrangements and which are customary in
such transactions; provided, however, that the Optionee shall not

                                      14

<PAGE>



be required to make any representations or warranties to the Company or the
underwriters other than representations and warranties regarding the Optionee
and the Optionee's intended method of distribution.

      6.8 No Inconsistent Agreements. The Company will not hereafter enter into
any agreement with respect to its securities that is inconsistent with the
rights granted to the Optionee in this Agreement.

      6.9 Definition of "Registrable Securities". As used in this Article VI,
the term "Registrable Securities" means the shares of Common Stock purchased
upon exercise of the Option. As to any particular Registrable Securities, such
securities will cease to be Registrable Securities when they have been
distributed to the public through a broker, dealer or market purchaser in
compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any similar rule then in
force) or pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities
Act.

                                  ARTICLE VII
                                 MISCELLANEOUS

      7.1 Restrictive Legend. Each certificate for the shares purchased pursuant
to the exercise of the Option shall be imprinted with a legend in substantially
the following form:

      THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED
      UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR
      TRANSFERRED EXCEPT UPON REGISTRATION UNDER ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND
      STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR UPON DELIVERY TO THE CORPORATION OF EITHER (A) A
      NO-ACTION LETTER FROM THE STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES HAVING JURISDICTION
      THEREOF OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE CORPORATION THAT
      NEITHER THE SALE NOR THE PROPOSED TRANSFER CONSTITUTES A VIOLATION OF ANY
      FEDERAL OR STATE SECURITIES LAW.

      7.2 Consent to Amendments. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein,
the provisions of this Agreement may be amended and the Company or the Optionee
may take any action herein prohibited, or omit to perform any act herein
required to be performed by it, with the written consent of the Company and the
Optionee. No other course of dealing between the Company and the Optionee or any
delay in exercising any rights hereunder or under the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation shall operate as a waiver of any rights of the Optionee.

      7.3 Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and
warranties contained herein or made in writing by an party in connection
herewith shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, regardless of any
investigation made by the Optionee

                                      15

<PAGE>



or on its behalf.

      7.4 Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein,
all covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement by or on behalf of any
of the parties hereto shall bind and inure to the benefit of the respective
successors and assigns of the parties hereto whether so expressed or not. In
addition, and whether or not any express assignment has been made, the
provisions of this Agreement that are for the Optionee's benefit as a purchaser
or holder of Registrable Securities are also for the benefit of, and enforceable
by, any subsequent holder of such Registrable Securities; provided that
Registrable Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities under this
Agreement when they have been (i) effectively registered under the Securities
Act and disposed of in accordance with the registration statement covering them
or (ii) distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144. This Agreement shall
terminate at such time as all of the Registrable Securities have been (i)
effectively registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in accordance
with the registration statement covering them or (ii) distributed to the public
pursuant to Rule 144.

      7.5 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement
shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under
applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be prohibited
by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to
the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder
of this Agreement.

      7.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, any one
of which need not contain the signatures of more than one party, but all such
counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

      7.7 Descriptive Headings; Interpretation. The descriptive headings of this
Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this
Agreement. The use of the word "including" in this Agreement shall be by way of
example rather than by limitation.

      7.8 Governing Law. The corporate law of the State of Delaware shall govern
all issues concerning the relative rights of the Company and its shareholders.
All other questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of
this Agreement and the exhibits and schedules hereto shall be governed by the
internal law, and not the law of conflicts, of the State of New York.

      7.9 Notices. All notices, demands or other communications to be given or
delivered under or by reason of the provisions of this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered personally to the
recipient, one business day after sent to the recipient by reputable express
courier service (charges prepaid) or five business days after mailed to the
recipient by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage
prepaid. Such notices, demands and other communications shall be sent to the
Optionee and to the Company at the addresses

                                      16

<PAGE>



indicated below:

If to the Company:      Texfi Industries, Inc.
                        1430 Broadway, 13th Floor
                        New York, New York 10018-3308
                        Attn: Chief Financial Officer

If to the Optionee:     Mentmore Holdings Corporation
                        1430 Broadway, 13th Floor
                        New York, New York 10018-3308
                        Attn: Michael D. Schenker

or to such other address or to the attention of such other person as the
recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party.

                                      17

<PAGE>



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


                                          TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.



                                          By: /s/ Andrew Parise
                                              -------------------------------
                                          Name:  Andrew Parise
                                               ------------------------------
                                          Title: President COO
                                                 ----------------------------



                                          MENTMORE HOLDINGS CORPORATION



                                          By: /s/ William L. Remley
                                              -------------------------------
                                          Name: William L. Remley
                                                -----------------------------
                                          Title: President
                                                -----------------------------








<PAGE>



                                   EXHIBIT A

                             CERTIFICATE OF OPTION


            For value received, Texfi Industries, Inc. does hereby grant to
Mentmore Holdings Corporation or its designee an option to purchase up to
600,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of Texfi Industries,
Inc., on the terms and conditions set forth in that certain Option Purchase
Agreement dated as of June 17, 1998, between Texfi Industries, Inc., and
Mentmore Holdings Corporation.


                             TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.



                                    By:_______________________________

                                    Name:______________________________

                                    Title:_____________________________










                                   EXHIBIT 11
                             TEXFI INDUSTRIES, INC.
                        COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED        THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED
                                                                         JULY 31,   August 1,       JULY 31,        August 1,
                                                                           1998       1997            1998            1997
                                                                        ---------   ---------       ---------      ---------
<S>                                                                   <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>      
NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING:
  Balance at beginning of period ................................     8,859,098      8,841,696      8,859,098      8,735,491
  Deferred compensation .........................................          --             --             --          106,205
                                                                      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
  Balance at end of period ......................................     8,859,098      8,841,696      8,859,098      8,841,696
                                                                      =========      =========      =========      =========

BASIC:
  Net (loss) income .............................................   $(4,050,000)   $  (668,000)   $(7,715,000)   $   885,000
                                                                    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========


  Weighted average number of common
     shares outstanding .........................................     8,859,098      8,841,696      8,859,098      8,791,646
                                                                      =========      =========      =========      =========


  Per common share amounts:
      Net income (loss) .........................................   $      (.46)   $      (.07)   $      (.87)   $       .10
                                                                    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========


DILUTED:
  Net (loss) income .............................................   $(4,050,000)   $  (668,000)   $(7,715,000)   $   885,000
                                                                    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========



Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Common stock outstanding for the period
     based on a daily weighted average ..........................     8,859,098      8,841,696      8,859,098      8,791,646
    Common stock equivalents - outstanding stock
     options computed on the treasury stock
     method using average market price ..........................          --           66,249           --           75,974
                                                                      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                      8,859,098      8,907,945      8,859,098      8,867,620
                                                                      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
Increase in common shares assuming conversion
    of the 11-1/4% Convertible Senior Subordinated
    Debentures ..................................................          --          475,783           --          498,826
                                                                      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
Weighted average number of common
    shares outstanding ..........................................     8,859,098      9,383,728      8,859,098      9,366,446
                                                                      =========      =========      =========      =========

Per common share amounts: Excluding convertible debenture shares:
     Net (loss) income ..........................................   $      (.46)   $      (.07)   $      (.87)   $       .10
                                                                    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
  Including Convertible Debenture Shares:
     Net (loss) income ..........................................   $      (.46)   $      (.06)   $      (.87)   $       .10
                                                                    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              Oct-30-1998
<PERIOD-START>                                 May-2-1998
<PERIOD-END>                                   Jul-31-1998
<CASH>                                         292
<SECURITIES>                                   0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  23,714
<ALLOWANCES>                                   651
<INVENTORY>                                    14,228
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               43,187
<PP&E>                                         79,821
<DEPRECIATION>                                 53,733
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 71,674
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          27,427
<BONDS>                                        36,745
                          0
                                    0
<COMMON>                                       34,393
<OTHER-SE>                                     (57,998)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   71,674
<SALES>                                        106,955
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               106,955
<CGS>                                          97,870
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  106,573
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               1,130
<LOSS-PROVISION>                               0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             6,967
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (7,715)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (7,715)
<DISCONTINUED>                                 0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                0
<CHANGES>                                      0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (7,715)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                  (.87)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  (.87)
        

</TABLE>


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