COVENANTS OF THE CLASS B HOLDERS. Each Class B Holder hereby covenants and agrees until December 31, 2000 not to, directly or indirectly, as owner, partner, joint venturer, stockholder, employee, broker, agent, principal, trustee, corporate officer, director, licensor, or in any capacity whatsoever engage in, become financially interested in, be employed by, render any consultation or business advice with respect to, or have any connection with, any business which competes with the business conducted by Equity (including without limitation the business being conducted by EPI as of the date hereof) in any geographic area where the business of Equity or any of its affiliates is then being conducted or is proposed to be conducted in any manner whatsoever; provided, however, that ownership of securities of a corporation which is engaged in such business and is publicly owned and traded but in an amount not to exceed at any one time one percent (1%) of any class of stock or securities of such corporation, by itself, shall not be deemed a violation of this covenant. In addition, each such EPI Holder hereby covenants and agrees until December 31, 2000 not to (a) request or cause contracting parties, licensors, suppliers or customers with whom EPI or Equity has a business relationship to cancel or terminate any such business relationship with EPI or Equity or (b) solicit, interfere with or entice from EPI or Equity any employee (or former employee) of EPI.
