EXHIBIT 18.A [letterhead of CALFP] To: Wendel Investissement Trief Corporation S.A 29 November, 2002 Dear Sirs, We refer to the Put Agreement between Beheer- en Beleggingsmaatschappij Tewina B.V. ("Tewina") and Wendel Investissements of even date...

                                                               EXHIBIT 18.A


                              [letterhead of CALFP]

To:  Xxxxxx Investissement
     Trief Corporation S.A                                 29 November, 2002


Dear Sirs,

We refer to the Put Agreement between Beheer-en Beleggingsmaatschappij Tewina
B.V. ("Tewina") and Xxxxxx Investissements of even date which has been assigned
to us by Xxxxxx (the "Assignment").

In consideration of the sum of EURO 1.00 (which we have today received), we
agree that should we be entitled to exercise the Put Agreement by virtue of a
default of Floscule B.V. ("Floscule") we shall exercise our rights as assignee
of the Put Agreement to require you to purchase Trader Shares to the fullest
extent permitted under the terms of the Assignment and our equity swap
transaction of even date with Floscule.

Yours faithfully,

/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
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Credit Agricole Lazard Financial Products.