RAYOVAC CORP
S-1, 1997-09-08
MISCELLANEOUS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
Previous: INTERPOOL CAPITAL TRUST, 8-A12B, 1997-09-08
Next: DELTEK SYSTEMS INC, 8-K, 1997-09-08





                                                      Registration No. 333-
================================================================================


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                                 ---------------


                                    FORM S-1

                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      Under
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                 ---------------


                               RAYOVAC CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>                                  <C>
     Wisconsin                       3692                                22-2423556
(State or other jurisdiction of     (Primary Standard Industrial         (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization       Classification Code Number)          Identification No.)
</TABLE>

                               601 Rayovac Drive

                         Madison, Wisconsin 53711-2497
                                 (608) 275-3340
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
                   registrant's principal executive offices)
                                ---------------

                           JAMES A. BRODERICK, ESQ.

                      Vice President and General Counsel
                              Rayovac Corporation
                               601 Rayovac Drive
                         Madison, Wisconsin 53711-2497
                                (608) 275-3340
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                             of agent for service)
                                ---------------

                          Copies of Communications to:


<TABLE>
<S>                                          <C>
     LOUIS A. GOODMAN, ESQ.                  VALERIE FORD JACOB, ESQ.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP     Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson
        One Beacon Street                    One New York Plaza
      Boston, Massachusetts 02108            New York, New York 10004
          (617) 573-4800                     (212) 859-8000
</TABLE>

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

       Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
                                        

     If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered
on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act
of 1933, check the following box. [ ]


     If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering.[ ] -------


     If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering.[ ] -------


     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
               please check the following box. [ ] ----------------


                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       Title of Each Class of              Proposed Maximum Aggregate       Amount of
     Securities to be Registered               Offering Price(1)          Registration Fee
- ----------------------------------------   ----------------------------   -------------------
<S>                                        <C>                            <C>
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share           $115,000,000                 $34,849
</TABLE>

(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
    pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
    includes shares of Common Stock that may be purchased by the Underwriters
    pursuant to an over-allotment option.

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


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



<PAGE>

                               EXPLANATORY NOTE

     This Registration Statement contains two separate prospectuses. The first
prospectus relates to a public offering of shares of Common Stock of Rayovac
Corporation, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock") in the United States
and Canada (the "U.S. Offering"). The second prospectus relates to a concurrent
offering of Common Stock outside the United States and Canada (the
"International Offering"). The prospectuses for the U.S. Offering and the
International Offering will be identical in all respects, other than the front
cover page, the "Underwriting" section and the back cover page relating to the
International Offering. Such alternate pages appear in this Registration
Statement immediately following the complete prospectus for the U.S. Offering.
<PAGE>

         SUBJECT TO COMPLETION PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED     , 1997


PROSPECTUS

                                         Shares


                                  RAYOVAC LOGO



                                  Common Stock
                                   -----------

     All of the           shares of Common Stock offered hereby are being sold
by Rayovac Corporation ("Rayovac" or the "Company"). Of the           shares of
Common Stock offered hereby,           shares are being offered for sale
initially in the United States and Canada by the U.S. Underwriters and
          shares are being offered for sale initially in a concurrent offering
outside the United States and Canada by the International Managers. The initial
public offering price and the aggregate underwriting discount per share will be
identical for both Offerings. See "Underwriting."


     Prior to the Offerings, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock. It is currently estimated that the initial public offering price will be
between $      and $      per share. See "Underwriting" for a discussion of the
factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price.


     Application is being made for listing of the Common Stock on the New York
Stock Exchange under the symbol "ROV."


     See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 11 for a discussion of certain
factors that should be considered by prospective purchasers of the Common Stock
offered hereby.
                                 -----------

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
 AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
 ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
 A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
========================================================
                   Price to   Underwriting   Proceeds to
                    Public    Discount (1)   Company (2)
<S>                <C>        <C>            <C>
Per Share   ......   $           $             $
Total (3)   ......   $           $             $
</TABLE>

=========================================================


(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against
    certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities
    Act of 1933, as amended. See "Underwriting."

(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at $         .

(3) The Company has granted the U.S. Underwriters and the International
    Managers options to purchase up to an additional           shares and
              shares of Common Stock, respectively, in each case exercisable
    within 30 days after the date hereof, solely to cover over-allotments, if
    any. If such options are exercised in full, the total Price to Public,
    Underwriting Discount and Proceeds to Company will be $   , $    and $   ,
    respectively. See "Underwriting."
                                 -----------


     The shares of Common Stock are offered by the several Underwriters,
subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject
to the approval of certain legal matters by counsel for the Underwriters and
certain other conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to withdraw,
cancel or modify such offer and to reject orders in whole or in part. It is
expected that delivery of the shares of Common Stock will be made in New York,
New York on or about      , 1997.
                                  -----------


Merrill Lynch & Co.

       Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.
             Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
                Securities Corporation
                                                               Smith Barney Inc.
                                  -----------

                  The date of this Prospectus is      , 1997.

Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State.
<PAGE>

                         [Picture of ---------------- ]











































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

     RAYOVAC[RegTM], RENEWAL[RegTM], LOUD'N CLEAR[RegTM], POWER STATION[RegTM],
PROLINE[RegTM], WORKHORSE[RegTM], ROUGHNECK[RegTM] and SMART PACK[RegTM] are
registered trademarks of the Company. MAXIMUM[TM], LIFEX[TM] and SMART[TM]
STRIP are trademarks of the Company. All other trademarks or tradenames
referred to in this Prospectus are the property of their respective owners.

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

     Certain persons participating in the Offerings may engage in transactions
that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the Common Stock.
Such transactions may include stabilizing, the purchase of Common Stock to
cover syndicate short positions and the imposition of penalty bids. For a
description of these activities, see "Underwriting."


                                       2
<PAGE>

                              PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

     The following summary information is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the more detailed information and financial statements, including
the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. Unless otherwise
indicated, the information in this Prospectus assumes that the Underwriters'
over-allotment options have not been exercised. Upon consummation of the
Recapitalization (as defined herein) on September 12, 1996, the Company changed
its fiscal year end from June 30 to September 30. For clarity of presentation
and comparison, references to fiscal 1994, fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1996 are to
the Company's fiscal years ended June 30, 1994, June 30, 1995 and June 30,
1996, respectively, and references to the "Transition Period ended September
30, 1996" and the "Transition Period" are to the period from July 1, 1996 to
September 30, 1996.


                                  The Company

     The Company is the leading value brand and the third largest domestic
manufacturer of general batteries (including alkaline, heavy duty and
rechargeable alkaline), and is the leading worldwide manufacturer of hearing
aid batteries. The Company is also the leading domestic manufacturer of
rechargeable household batteries, heavy duty batteries and certain other
specialty batteries, including lantern batteries and lithium batteries for
personal computer clocks and memory backup. In addition, the Company is a
leading marketer of battery-powered lighting products. Originally introduced in
1921, the Rayovac brand is a well recognized name in the battery industry. The
Company attributes the longevity and strength of its brand name to its
high-quality products and to the success of its marketing and merchandising
initiatives.

     The Company has established its position as the leading value brand in the
U.S. general alkaline battery market by focusing on the mass merchandiser
channel. The Company achieved this position by (i) offering batteries with
quality and performance substantially equivalent to batteries offered by its
principal competitors at a lower price, (ii) emphasizing innovative in-store
merchandising programs, and (iii) offering retailers attractive margins. The
Company has established its position as the leader in various specialty battery
niche markets through (i) continual technological advances, (ii) creative
distribution and marketing, and (iii) strong relationships with industry
professionals and manufacturers. The Company sells and distributes its products
in several channels including mass merchandisers, food and convenience stores,
drug and specialty retailers, hardware/home centers, department stores, hearing
aid professionals, industrial and government/OEM. The Company markets all of
its branded products under the Rayovac[RegTM] name and selected products under
sub-brand names such as MAXIMUM[TM], Renewal[RegTM], Loud'n Clear[RegTM],
ProLine[RegTM], Lifex[TM], Power Station[RegTM], Workhorse[RegTM], and
Roughneck[RegTM].


Business Strategy

     In September 1996, pursuant to the Recapitalization, affiliates of the
Thomas H. Lee Company acquired beneficial ownership of approximately 79% of the
outstanding Common Stock of Rayovac. David A. Jones was hired as Chief
Executive Officer of the Company to implement a new business strategy focused
on (i) reinvigorating the Rayovac brand name by raising consumer brand
awareness through, among other things, focused marketing and advertising, (ii)
growing Rayovac's market share by expanding distribution into new channels,
increasing sales to under-penetrated channels and customers, launching new
products, and selectively pursuing acquisitions and alliances, (iii) reducing
costs by rationalizing manufacturing and distribution, better utilizing
existing plant capacity, outsourcing products where appropriate, reducing
working capital, and downsizing corporate overhead, and (iv) improving employee
productivity by reorganizing workflow to support the business units,
implementing modern information systems, increasing training and education, and
implementing a pay-for-performance culture.

     To implement its new strategy, the Company has undergone a significant
transformation since the Recapitalization.

     Strengthened Senior Management Team. In addition to Mr. Jones, three
experienced senior managers were recruited to fill key positions: Kent J.
Hussey, Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief
Financial Officer; Merrell M. Tomlin, Senior Vice President of Sales; and
Stephen P. Shanesy, Senior Vice President of Marketing and General Manager of
General Batteries. The new senior managers have over 70 years of collective
experience in the consumer products industry. In addition, the current
management team includes several key members who served the Company prior to
the Recapitalization, providing continuity and retaining significant


                                       3
<PAGE>

battery industry expertise. After giving effect to the Offerings, the eight
executive officers of the Company will beneficially own       % of the
outstanding Common Stock on a fully diluted basis.

     Reorganized Sales, Marketing and Administration by Distribution
Channel. Rayovac has realigned its marketing department, sales organization,
supply chain and support functions along major distribution channels, including
mass merchandisers, food and convenience stores, drug and specialty retailers,
hardware/home centers, department stores, hearing aid professionals, industrial
and government/OEM. The Company believes that sales to under-penetrated
channels should increase as the dedicated teams focus on implementing channel
specific marketing strategies, sales promotions and customer service
initiatives.

     Launched New Sales and Marketing Programs. Rayovac has developed and is in
the process of implementing broad new marketing initiatives designed to
reinvigorate the Rayovac brand name. Major steps completed to date include: (i)
the selection of Young & Rubicam as the Company's new advertising agency and
the development of its first major national advertising campaign for general
battery products; (ii) the launch of a new and improved alkaline product line
under the MAXIMUM sub-brand; (iii) the redesign of all product graphics and
packaging to convey a high quality image and emphasize the Rayovac brand name;
(iv) the extension of the Company's existing contract with Michael Jordan to
include his representation for all Rayovac products; (v) the restructuring of
the Company's sales representative network; and (vi) the implementation of a 4%
price increase for alkaline general battery products in May 1997.

     Outsourced Certain Non-Manufacturing Operations. Since the
Recapitalization, the Company has outsourced a number of non-manufacturing
operations, including mainframe computer operations, graphic design and
production, packaging design and payroll processing. As a result, the Company
has reduced costs and increased profitability, while improving services and
operations.

     Rationalized Manufacturing and Other Costs. In March 1997, the Company
transferred the manufacture of round cell batteries from its Newton Aycliffe,
United Kingdom facility to its Wisconsin manufacturing plants. In August 1997,
it closed its Kinston, North Carolina facility and transferred production to
its Wonewoc, Wisconsin lighting products plant and to Far Eastern suppliers.
The Company also implemented a significant organizational restructuring in the
United States and United Kingdom and undertook additional measures to
rationalize the Company's manufacturing, distribution and other overhead costs.
The Company estimates these initiatives should result in aggregate annual
savings of $6.8 million. Management believes that the Company's current
manufacturing capacity remains sufficient to meet its anticipated production
requirements.

     Reorganized Information Systems. The Company has completed an initial
reorganization of its information systems function by (i) hiring an experienced
Chief Information Officer, (ii) outsourcing mainframe computer operations,
(iii) completing an enterprise software system analysis, and (iv) retaining
Electronic Data Systems to modernize and upgrade its data processing and
telecommunications infrastructure. The Company has begun implementing an
enterprise-wide, integrated information system to upgrade and modernize its
business operations, the majority of which is expected to be substantially
completed by late 1998. When fully implemented, this system is expected to
reduce cycle times, lower manufacturing and administrative costs, improve both
asset and employee productivity and address the Year 2000 issue.


Growth Strategy

     Rayovac believes it has significant growth opportunities in its businesses
and has developed corporate and market segment strategies aimed at increasing
sales, profits and market share. Key elements of the Company's growth strategy
are as follows:

     Reinvigorate the Rayovac Brand Name. The brand, originally introduced in
1921, has wide recognition in all markets where the Company competes, but has
lower awareness than the more highly advertised Duracell and Energizer brands.
The Company is committed to reinvigorating the Rayovac brand name after many
years of underdevelopment. The Company has initiated an integrated advertising
campaign using significantly higher levels of TV and print media. The campaign
is designed to increase awareness of the Rayovac brand and to heighten
customers' perceptions of the quality, performance and value of Rayovac
products. The Company intends to continue building its brand name to increase
sales of all its products. In 1997, the Company launched a reformulated
alkaline battery, Rayovac MAXIMUM, supported by new graphics, new packaging, a
new advertising campaign,


                                       4
<PAGE>

and aggressive introductory retail promotions. This focused marketing approach
is specifically designed to raise consumer awareness and increase retail sales.
 

     Leverage Value Brand Position. Rayovac believes it has a unique position
in the general battery market as the value brand in an industry in which the
leading three brands (Duracell, Energizer and Rayovac) account for
approximately 90% of sales. The Company's strategy is to provide products of
quality and performance equal to its major competitors in the general battery
market at a lower price, appealing to a large segment of the population
desiring a value brand. To demonstrate its value positioning, Rayovac offers
comparable battery packages at a lower price or, in some cases, more batteries
for the same price.

     Expand Retail Distribution. Historically the Company had focused its sales
and marketing efforts on the mass merchandiser channel which accounted for 48%
of industry sales growth in the domestic alkaline battery market over the past
five years. As a result, the Company has achieved a 19% share of domestic
alkaline battery sales through mass merchandisers. However, this narrow focus
contributed to much lower market share in all other retail channels which
represent a market of $1.7 billion or 70% of the general battery market. The
Company believes its value brand positioned products and innovative
merchandising programs make it an attractive supplier to these channels. The
Company has reorganized its marketing, sales, and sales representative
organizations by channel in order to grow market share by (i) gaining new
customers, (ii) penetrating existing customers with a larger assortment of
products, (iii) introducing new products, and (iv) utilizing more aggressive
and channel specific promotional programs.

     Further Capitalize on Worldwide Leadership in Hearing Aid Batteries. The
Company seeks to increase its 50% worldwide market share in the hearing aid
battery segment, as it has done consistently for the past 10 years, by
leveraging its leading technology and its dedicated and focused sales and
marketing organizations. Rayovac is the only hearing aid battery manufacturer
to advertise its products and plans to continue to utilize Arnold Palmer as its
spokesperson in its print media campaign. Rayovac has also recently introduced
large multi-packs of hearing aid batteries which have rapidly gained consumer
favor.

     Reposition the Renewal Rechargeable Alkaline Battery. The Company's
Renewal rechargeable battery is the only rechargeable alkaline battery in the
U.S. market, commanding a 58% market share of the rechargeable household
battery market for the 52 weeks ended July 5, 1997. Since the Recapitalization,
management has lowered the price of Renewal rechargers by 33% to 50% to
encourage consumers to purchase the system and shifted Renewal's marketing
message from its environmental benefits to its money-saving benefits. Renewal
batteries present a value proposition to consumers because Renewal batteries
can be recharged over 25 times, providing 10 times the energy of disposable
alkaline batteries at only twice the retail price. In addition, alkaline
rechargeables are superior to nickel cadmium rechargeables (the primary
competing technology) because they provide more energy between charges, are
sold fully charged, retain their charge longer and are environmentally safer.

     Introduce New Niche Products. The Company has developed leading positions
in several important niche markets, including those for lantern batteries and
lithium coin cells for personal computer memory back-up. The Company intends to
continue selectively pursuing opportunities to exploit under-served niche
markets, as well as further develop recent initiatives including the sales and
marketing of photo and keyless entry batteries. In the lighting products
segment, the Company is introducing a number of attractively designed new
products over the next twelve months and intends to bring new products to the
market in the future on a six-month cycle. New products have been proven to be
a key element in gaining market share for lighting products.

     Develop New Markets. The Company intends to leverage its existing
resources to expand its business into new markets for batteries and related
products both domestically and internationally. The Company expects to pursue a
strategy of selective acquisitions and regularly considers potential
acquisition candidates. These acquisitions may focus on expansion into new
geographic markets, technologies or product lines and, in addition, such
acquisitions may be of a significant size and could involve domestic or
international parties. See "Risk Factors--Risks Associated with Future
Acquisitions."


                                       5
<PAGE>

                                 The Offerings


     The offering of         shares of the Company's Common Stock in the United
States and Canada (the "U.S. Offering") and the offering of         shares of
the Common Stock outside the United States and Canada (the "International
Offering") are collectively referred to herein as the "Offerings."


<TABLE>
<S>                                               <C>
Common Stock offered by the Company    .........         shares
Common Stock to be outstanding after the
 Offerings(1)  .................................         shares
Use of proceeds   ..............................  The net proceeds to be received by the Company from the
                                                  Offerings will be used to repay indebtedness incurred in
                                                  connection with the recapitalization of the Company
                                                  completed in September 1996. See "The Recapitalization"
                                                  and "Use of Proceeds."
Proposed New York Stock Exchange symbol   ......   "ROV"
</TABLE>

- ----------------
(1) Assumes the Underwriters' over-allotment options are not exercised. If such
    over-allotment options are exercised in full, an additional         shares
    of Common Stock would be outstanding. Excludes         shares of Common
    Stock reserved for sale or issuance under the Company's employee benefit
    plans, of which options to purchase         shares have been granted and
            shares remain available for issuance or sale. See
    "Management--Stock Option Plans."


                                       6
<PAGE>

                             Industry Market Data

     External market information in this Prospectus is provided by the Company,
based on data licensed from A.C. Nielsen. The two primary sources of market
data are Nielsen Scanner Data (obtained from checkout scanners in selected food
stores, drug stores and mass merchandisers) and Nielsen Consumer Panel Data
(obtained from a group of representative households selected by A.C. Nielsen
equipped with in-home scanners). Except as set forth below, specific market
share references are obtained from Nielsen Scanner Data. Specific hearing aid
battery market share references are obtained from Nielsen Scanner Data, as
supplemented by National Family Opinion Purchase Diary Data. Information
regarding the size (in terms of both dollars and unit sales) of the total U.S.
retail battery market is based upon Nielsen Scanner Data, as supplemented by
Nielsen Consumer Panel Data.

     Other industry data used throughout this Prospectus has been obtained from
a variety of industry surveys (including surveys forming a part of primary
research studies conducted by the Company) and publications but has not been
independently verified by the Company. The Company believes that information
contained in such surveys and publications has been obtained from reliable
sources, but there can be no assurance as to the accuracy and completeness of
such information.

     Unless otherwise indicated, all market share estimates are Company
estimates based on the foregoing, are for the U.S. market and reflect units
sold.


                                 Risk Factors

     Purchasers of Common Stock in the Offerings should carefully consider the
risk factors set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" and the other
information included in this Prospectus prior to making an investment decision.
See "Risk Factors."


                          Forward-Looking Statements

     This Prospectus contains certain forward-looking statements relating to,
among other things, future results of operations, growth plans, sales, capital
requirements and general industry and business conditions applicable to the
Company. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the Company's
current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties.
Actual results could differ materially from those implied by these
forward-looking statements. Important factors to consider in evaluating such
forward-looking statements include changes in external competitive market
factors, changes in the Company's business strategy or an inability to execute
its strategy due to unanticipated changes in the Company's industry or the
economy in general and various competitive factors that may prevent the Company
from competing successfully in existing or new markets. In light of these risks
and uncertainties, many of which are described in further detail under the
caption "Risk Factors," there can be no assurance that the forward-looking
statements contained in this Prospectus will in fact be realized.

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

     Established in 1906, the Company is a Wisconsin corporation with its
principal executive offices at 601 Rayovac Drive, Madison, Wisconsin,
53711-2497. The Company's telephone number is (608) 275-3340.


                                       7
<PAGE>

                            SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA

     The following summary historical financial data as of and for the three
fiscal years ended June 30, 1996 and the Transition Period ended September 30,
1996 is derived from the audited combined consolidated financial statements of
the Company, together with the notes thereto, included elsewhere in this
Prospectus. The summary historical financial data as of and for the nine months
ended June 30, 1996 and June 29, 1997 is derived from the unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements of the Company and, in the opinion of
management, includes all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals)
necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results of
operations as of the date and for the period indicated. The summary historical
financial data of the Company as of and for the two fiscal years ended June 30,
1993 is derived from audited combined consolidated financial statements of the
Company which are not included herein. The following summary financial data
should be read in conjunction with the Company's combined consolidated
financial statements and the related notes thereto and the information
contained in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" included elsewhere herein.

     This financial data, as well as all other financial data set forth herein,
gives effect to the reclassification by the Company of certain promotional
expenses, previously reported as a reduction of net sales, to selling expense.
The amounts which have been reclassified are $14.7 million, $19.0 million,
$17.5 million, $24.2 million, and $24.0 million for the years ended June 30,
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1996, respectively, $6.9 million for the Transition
Period ended September 30, 1996, $17.2 million for the nine months ended June
30, 1996 and $21.8 million for the nine months ended June 29, 1997. The Company
believes that this reclassification is consistent with the method used by other
consumer products companies.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                
                                                                                  Transition      Nine Months Ended
                                           Fiscal Year Ended June 30,            Period Ended    --------------------
                                 ----------------------------------------------- September 30,
                                                                                                 June 30,   June 29,
                                  1992     1993       1994      1995     1996         1996         1996       1997
                                 -------- -------- ----------- -------- -------- --------------- ---------- ---------
                                                         (In millions, except per share data)
<S>                              <C>      <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>      <C>             <C>        <C>
Statement of Operations Data:
 Net sales    ..................   $346.9   $372.4  $  403.7     $415.2   $423.4    $  101.9       $316.0     $321.0
 Gross profit    ...............    154.8    171.0     168.8      178.1    184.0        42.6        137.4      142.6
 Income from operations before
   non-recurring charges(1)  ...     31.0     31.2      21.9       31.5     30.3         4.7         22.3       28.1
 Income (loss) from
   operations(2)(3)(4)    ......     31.0     31.2      10.9       31.5     30.3       (23.7)        22.3       23.2
 Interest expense   ............     14.1      6.0       7.7        8.6      8.4         4.4          6.0       18.9
 Net income (loss)(5)(6)  ......      5.5     15.0       4.4       16.4     14.3       (20.9)        10.7        3.3
Pro Forma Operations Data(7):
 Income before provision for
   income taxes  ...............                                          $ 14.0                              $ 10.3
 Provision for income taxes  ...                                             4.2                                 3.2
 Pro forma net income  .........                                             9.8                                 7.1
 Pro forma net income per
   common and common
   equivalent share    .........
 Weighted average common and
   common equivalent shares  ...
Other Financial Data:
 Depreciation    ...............   $  6.1   $  7.4  $   10.3     $ 11.0   $ 11.9    $    3.3       $  8.7     $  8.7
 Capital expenditures(8)  ......     15.3     30.3      12.5       16.9      6.6         1.2          7.2        5.1
 Cash flows from operating
   activities    ...............     23.4     15.8     (18.7)      35.5     17.8        (1.1)        28.2       32.6
 EBITDA(9)    ..................     37.6     39.3      21.2       41.3     42.2       (20.4)        31.0       31.9
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                June 29, 1997
                                          --------------------------
                                                (In millions)
                                           Actual       As Adjusted
Balance Sheet Data(10):                   -----------   ------------
<S>                                       <C>           <C>
Working capital   .....................    $   50.5        $ 50.5
Total assets   ........................       218.0         218.0
Total debt  ...........................       206.6         117.8
Shareholders' equity (deficit)   ......       (81.2)          8.9
</TABLE>

                                                   (footnotes on following page)

 

                                       8
<PAGE>

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


 (1) Income (loss) from operations includes expenses incurred during the
     Fennimore Expansion, and Recapitalization and other special charges in
     fiscal 1994, the Transition Period Ended September 30, 1996, and the nine
     months ended June 29, 1997. Income (loss) from operations before these
     non-recurring charges was as follows:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                       Nine Months Ended
                                                     Fiscal Year Ended June 30,         Transition    --------------------
                                               --------------------------------------- Period Ended   June 30,   June 29,
                                                                                       September 30,
                                                1992    1993    1994    1995    1996       1996         1996       1997
                                               ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------------- ---------- ---------
                                                                              (In millions)
<S>                                            <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>            <C>        <C>
Income (loss) from operations  ...............   $31.0   $31.2   $10.9   $31.5   $30.3     $(23.7)      $22.3      $23.2
Fennimore Expansion   ........................      --      --     9.5      --      --         --          --         --
Recapitalization and other special charges   .      --      --     1.5      --      --       28.4          --        4.9
                                                ------  ------  ------  ------  ------    --------      ------     ------
Income from operations before non-
 recurring charges    ........................   $31.0   $31.2   $21.9   $31.5   $30.3   $    4.7       $22.3      $28.1
                                                ======  ======  ======  ======  ======   ========       ======     ======
</TABLE>

 (2) Income from operations in fiscal 1994 was impacted by increased selling
     expenses due to higher advertising and promotion expenses related to the
     Renewal Introduction (as defined herein). In addition, income from
     operations was impacted by non-recurring costs of $9.5 million in
     connection with the Fennimore Expansion (as defined herein) including $8.4
     million of increased cost of goods sold and $1.1 million of increased
     general and administrative expenses, and other special charges of
     approximately $1.5 million related to a plan to reduce the Company's cost
     structure and to improve productivity through an approximate 2.5%
     reduction in headcount on a worldwide basis. See "Management's Discussion
     and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
     Operations--Introduction."
 (3) During the Transition Period, the Company recorded charges of $12.3
     million directly related to the Recapitalization and other special charges
     of $16.1 million. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
     Condition and Results of Operations."
 (4) In the nine months ended June 29, 1997, the Company recorded other special
     charges of $4.9 million for organizational restructuring in the United
     States, the discontinuation of certain manufacturing operations at the
     Company's Newton Aycliffe, United Kingdom facility and the discontinuation
     of operations at the Company's facility in Kinston, North Carolina.
 (5) In fiscal 1992, the Company recorded a $6.6 million charge for the
     cumulative effect of adopting SFAS No. 109 "Accounting For Income Taxes."
 (6) The Recapitalization of the Company included repayment of certain
     outstanding indebtedness, including prepayment fees and penalties. Such
     prepayment fees and penalties of $2.4 million, net of income tax benefit
     of $0.8 million, has been recorded as an extraordinary item in the
     Combined Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Transition Period
     ended September 30, 1996.
 (7) The unaudited pro forma operations data gives effect to the
     Recapitalization, the sale by the Company of      shares of Common Stock
     offered hereby (after deduction for the underwriting discounts and
     estimated offering expenses), and the application of the net proceeds
     therefrom as if they had occurred at the beginning of the fiscal year
     ended June 30, 1996 and the beginning of the nine months ended June 29,
     1997. The pro forma adjustments are based upon available data and certain
     assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable. The unaudited pro
     forma operations data does not purport to represent what the Company's
     results of operations would actually have been had the sale by the Company
     of      shares of Common Stock in fact occurred at such prior times or to
     project the Company's results of operations for or at any future period or
     date. The pro forma adjustments for fiscal 1996 record (i) the incremental
     interest expense of $15.0 million arising from incremental debt required
     to finance the Recapitalization the issuance of the Notes; (ii) the
     reduction in interest expense of $7.7 million to give effect to the sale
     by the Company of      shares of Common Stock offered hereby (after
     deduction for the underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses)
     and the application of the net proceeds therefrom; and (iii) the reduction
     in income tax expense of $2.8 million relating to the pro forma interest
     adjustments (computed using an effective income tax rate of 39%). Interest
     related to the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined herein) was
     determined based on an annual average of $26.0 million of borrowings
     outstanding. The pro forma adjustments for the nine months ended June 29,
     1997 record (i) the reduction in interest expense of $6.2 million to give
     effect to the sale by the Company of      shares of Common Stock offered
     hereby (after deduction for the underwriting discounts and estimated
     offering expenses) and the application of the net proceeds therefrom; and
     (ii) the incremental income tax expense of $2.4 million relating to the
     pro forma interest adjustment (computed using an effective income tax rate
     of 39%).
     Interest expense was calculated using the following average rates: (i)
     Revolving Credit Facility, 8.0%; (ii) Term Loan Facility (as defined
     herein), 8.0% to 9.0%; and (iii) Notes, 10.25%.

     The Company will use approximately $38.2 million of the net proceeds to
     redeem or repurchase approximately $35.0 million principal amount of the
     Notes, including a $3.2 million premium. The $3.2 million premium charge
     which will be reported as an extraordinary item, net of applicable income
     tax, was not reflected in the pro forma operations data presented.
 (8) From 1992 to 1995 the Company invested an aggregate of $36.7 million in
     connection with the Fennimore Expansion, including $19.7 million incurred
     in fiscal 1993. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
     Condition and Results of Operations--Introduction."
 (9) EBITDA represents income from operations plus depreciation and
     amortization (excluding amortization of debt issuance costs) and reflects
     an adjustment of income from operations to eliminate the establishment and
     subsequent reversal of two reserves ($0.7 million established in 1993 and
     reversed in 1995, and $0.5 million established in 1992 and reversed in
     1995). The Company believes that EBITDA and related measures are commonly
     used by certain investors and analysts to analyze and compare, and provide
     useful information regarding, the Company's ability to service its
     indebtedness. However, the following factors should be considered in
     evaluating such measures: EBITDA and related measures (i) should not be
     considered in isolation, (ii) are not measures of performance calculated
     in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"),
     (iii) should not be construed as alternatives or substitutes for income
     from operations, net income or cash flows from operating activities in
     analyzing the Company's operating performance, financial position or cash
     flows (in each case, as determined in accordance with GAAP) and (iv)
     should not be used as indicators of the Company's operating performance or
     measures of its liquidity. Additionally, because all companies do not
     calculate EBITDA and related measures in a uniform fashion, the
     calculations presented in this Prospectus may not be comparable to other
     similarly titled measures of other companies.
 (10) As adjusted to give effect to the sale by the Company of      shares of
      Common Stock offered hereby (after deducting the underwriting discounts
      and estimated offering expenses) and the application of the net proceeds
      therefrom. See "Use of Proceeds."


                                       9
<PAGE>

                                 RISK FACTORS


     Prospective investors should carefully consider all of the information set
forth in this Prospectus, including the risk factors set forth below.


Competition

     The industries in which the Company participates are very competitive.
Competition is based upon brand name recognition, perceived quality, price,
performance, product packaging and product innovation, as well as creative
marketing, promotion and distribution strategies. In the U.S. battery industry,
the Company competes primarily with two well established companies, Duracell
International Inc. ("Duracell"), a subsidiary of The Gillette Company, and
Eveready Battery Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Ralston Purina Company and
producer of Energizer brand batteries ("Energizer"), each of which has
substantially greater financial and other resources and greater overall market
share than the Company. In addition, the Company believes that Duracell and
Energizer may have lower costs of production and higher profit margins in
certain product lines than the Company. The Company competes with these
competitors for the limited shelf space that retailers allot to battery
products and for the promotional efforts of such retailers.

     Although foreign battery manufacturers historically have not been
successful in penetrating the U.S. retail market to any significant extent,
they have, from time to time, attempted to establish a significant presence in
the U.S. battery market. There can be no assurance that these attempts will not
be successful in the future or that the Company will be able to compete
effectively with current or prospective participants in the U.S. battery
industry. In addition, the battery-powered lighting device industry is highly
competitive and includes a greater number of competitors than the U.S. battery
industry, some of which have greater financial and other resources than the
Company. See "Business--Competition."


Dependence on Key Customers

     Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. ("Wal-Mart"), the Company's largest retailer
customer, accounted for 18.5% of the Company's net sales in fiscal 1996 and
19.0% of the Company's net sales for the nine months ended June 29, 1997. In
addition, the Company's three largest retailer customers, including Wal-Mart,
together accounted for 28.6% of the Company's net sales in fiscal 1996 and
28.5% of the Company's net sales for the nine months ended June 29, 1997. The
Company does not have long-term agreements with any of its major customers, and
sales are generally made to them through the use of individual purchase orders,
consistent with industry practice. There can be no assurance that there will
not be a significant reduction in purchases by any of the Company's three
largest retailer customers, which could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition or results of operations. See
"Business--Sales and Distribution."


Substantial Leverage

     As of June 29, 1997, the Company had total indebtedness of $206.6 million
and total shareholders' deficit of $81.2 million. After giving effect to the
Offerings and the application of the net proceeds to the Company therefrom, as
of June 29, 1997, the Company would have had total indebtedness of $117.8
million and total shareholders' equity of $8.9 million. Subject to the
restrictions contained in the Company's Credit Agreement (as defined herein)
and the indenture (the "Indenture") relating to the Company's 101/4% Series B
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2006 (the "Notes"), the Company may incur
additional indebtedness from time to time to finance acquisitions or capital
expenditures or for other corporate purposes. A significant portion of cash
flow from operations must be dedicated to the payment of principal of and
interest on the Company's indebtedness, thereby reducing the amount of funds
available for working capital, capital expenditures and other purposes. The
Company's ability to make scheduled payments on its outstanding indebtedness
will depend on its future operating performance which, in turn, will be
affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, competitive,
regulatory and similar factors. The Credit Agreement and the Indenture impose
operational and financial restrictions on the Company. See "Description of
Certain Indebtedness." Although the Company believes that, based on current
levels of operations, its cash flow from operations, together with external
sources of liquidity, will be adequate to make required payments on its debt,
whether at or prior to maturity, finance anticipated capital expenditures and
fund working capital requirements, there can be no assurance in this regard.


                                       11
<PAGE>

Risks Associated with Future Acquisitions

     An element of the Company's growth strategy is to pursue increased market
penetration through strategic acquisitions, which could be of significant size
and involve either domestic or international parties. The diversion of
management attention required by the acquisition and integration of a separate
organization, as well as other difficulties which may be encountered in the
transition and integration process, could have a material adverse effect on the
revenue and operating results of the Company. There can be no assurance that
the Company will identify suitable acquisition candidates, that acquisitions
will be consummated on acceptable terms or that the Company will be able to
successfully integrate the operations of any acquisition. In addition, the
Company may incur additional indebtedness in connection with acquisitions,
which might not be available on terms as favorable to the Company as current
terms and which would increase the leveraged position of the Company. See
"--Substantial Leverage." Further, acquisitions utilizing equity may be
dilutive to shareholders.


Environmental Matters

     The Company's facilities are subject to a broad range of federal, state,
local and foreign laws and regulations relating to the environment, including
those governing discharges to the air and water and land, the handling and
disposal of solid and hazardous substances and wastes and the remediation of
contamination associated with releases of hazardous substances at Company
facilities and at off-site disposal locations. Risk of environmental liability
is inherent in the Company's business, however, and there can be no assurance
that material environmental costs will not arise in the future. In particular,
the Company might incur capital and other costs to comply with increasingly
stringent environmental laws and enforcement policies. Based on currently
available information, the Company believes that it is substantially in
compliance with applicable environmental regulations at its facilities,
although no assurance can be provided with respect to such compliance in the
future.

     The Company has been identified as a potentially responsible party ("PRP")
under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
("CERCLA") or similar state laws with respect to the past disposal of waste.
Such laws may impose liability on certain statutory classes of persons that are
considered jointly and severally liable for the costs of investigation and
remediation of contaminated properties, regardless of fault or the legality of
the original disposal. These persons include the present or former owner or
operator of a facility and companies that generated, disposed or arranged for
the disposal of hazardous substances found at the facility. The Company may be
named as a PRP at additional sites in the future, and the costs associated with
such additional or existing sites may be material. In addition, certain of the
Company's battery manufacturing facilities have been in operation for decades
and, over such time, the Company and other prior operators of such facilities
have generated and disposed of wastes such as manganese, cadmium and mercury
which are or may be considered hazardous. The Company has not conducted
invasive testing to identify all potential risks, and given the age of the
Company's facilities and the nature of the Company's operations, there can be
no assurance that material liabilities will not arise in the future in
connection with its current or former facilities. The discovery of previously
unknown contamination of property underlying or in the vicinity of the
Company's manufacturing facilities could require the Company to incur material
unforeseen expenses. Occurrences of any such events may have a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial condition.

     In addition, the Company has been notified that its former manganese
processing facility in Covington, Tennessee is being evaluated by the Tennessee
Department of Environment and Conservation ("TDEC") for a determination as to
whether the facility should be added to the National Priorities List as a
Superfund site. Groundwater monitoring at the site conducted pursuant to the
post-closure maintenance of solid waste lagoons on site, and recent groundwater
testing beneath former process areas on site, indicate that there are elevated
levels of certain inorganic contaminants, particularly (but not exclusively)
manganese, in the groundwater underneath the site. The Company cannot predict
the outcome of TDEC's investigation of the site. See "Business--Environmental
Matters."

     The Company has been and is subject to several proceedings related to its
disposal of industrial and hazardous material at off-site disposal locations
under CERCLA or analogous state laws that hold persons who "arranged for" the
disposal or treatment of such substances strictly liable for the costs incurred
in responding to the release or threatened release of hazardous substances from
such sites. Except for the Velsicol Chemical and Morton International
proceedings described below (as to which there is insufficient information to
make a judgment as to its impact on the Company at this time), the Company does
not believe that any of its pending CERCLA or


                                       12
<PAGE>

analogous state matters, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a
material impact on the Company's operations, financial condition or liquidity.

     The Company has been named as a defendant in two lawsuits in connection
with a Superfund site located in Bergen County, New Jersey (Velsicol Chemical
Corporation, et al. v. A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company, et al., and Morton
International, Inc. v. A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company, et al., United States
District Court for the District of New Jersey, filed July 29, 1996). These
lawsuits involve contamination at a former mercury processing facility and the
watershed of a nearby creek (the "Bergen County Site"). The Company is one of
approximately 100 defendants named in these lawsuits. The cost to remediate the
Bergen County Site has not been determined and the Company cannot predict the
outcome of these proceedings. See "Business--Environmental Matters."


Battery Technology

     The battery industry generally involves continually evolving technology
with individual advances typically resulting in modest increases in product
life. There can be no assurance that, as existing battery products and
technologies improve and new, more advanced products and technologies are
introduced, the Company's products will be able to compete effectively in any
of its targeted market segments. The development and successful introduction of
new and enhanced products and other competing technologies that may outperform
the Company's batteries and technological developments by competitors or
consumer perceptions as to improved product offerings of competitors may have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or
results of operations, particularly in the context of the substantially greater
resources of the Company's two principal competitors in the general battery
market, Duracell and Energizer. See "--Competition." Similarly, in those market
segments where the Company's battery products currently have technological
advantages there can be no assurance that the Company's products will maintain
such advantages.

     The general battery industry historically has sustained unit sales growth
even as battery life has increased with innovation (largely due to expansion in
the use of and the number of applications for batteries); however, there can be
no assurance that continued enhancements of battery performance (including
rechargeable battery performance) will not have an adverse effect on unit
sales.


Risks of Foreign Sales; Exchange Rate Fluctuations

     The Company's foreign sales and certain expenses are transacted in foreign
currencies. In fiscal 1996, approximately 19.2% of the Company's revenues and
14.9% of the Company's expenses were denominated in currencies other than U.S.
dollars. International operations and exports and imports to and from foreign
markets are subject to a number of special risks including, but not limited to,
risks with respect to currency exchange rates, economic and political
destabilization, restrictive actions by foreign governments (e.g. duties and
quotas and restrictions on transfer of funds), changes in United States and
foreign laws regarding trade and investment and difficulty in obtaining
distribution and support. Significant increases in the value of the U.S. dollar
relative to certain foreign currencies could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's results of operations. The Company generally hedges a portion of
its foreign currency exposure and will, in the future, be vulnerable to the
effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations. For a description of the
Company's operations in different geographic areas, including the Company's
sales, revenue and profit or loss and identifiable assets attributable to each
of the Company's geographic areas, see Note 12 of Notes to Combined
Consolidated Financial Statements.


Raw Materials

     The Company's principal raw material for the production of its battery
products is zinc and the Company expects to spend approximately $7.3 million
for zinc in fiscal 1997. Prices for zinc are subject to market forces beyond
the control of the Company. The Company regularly engages in forward purchases
and hedging transactions to effectively manage raw material costs and inventory
relative to anticipated production requirements for the next six to twelve
months. However, the Company's future profitability may be materially adversely
affected by increased zinc prices to the extent it is unable to pass on higher
raw material costs to its customers.


Limited Intellectual Property Protection

     The Company relies upon a combination of patent, trademark and trade
secret laws, together with licenses, confidentiality agreements and other
contractual covenants, to establish and protect its technology and other
intellectual property rights. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by
the Company will be adequate to


                                       13
<PAGE>

prevent misappropriation of its technology or other intellectual property or
that the Company's competitors will not independently develop technologies that
are substantially equivalent or superior to the Company's technology. Moreover,
although the Company believes that its current products do not infringe upon
the valid proprietary rights of others, there can be no assurance that third
parties will not assert infringement claims against the Company and that, in
the event of an unfavorable ruling on any such claim, a license or similar
agreement will be available to the Company on reasonable terms. Moreover, the
laws of certain foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights
to the same extent as do the laws of the United States.

     Certain technology underlying the Company's rechargeable line of alkaline
batteries is the subject of a non- exclusive license from a third party and
could be made available to the Company's competitors. The licensing of that
technology to a competitor could have an adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition or results of operations. The Company does not
believe, however, that this effect would be material to the Company because
revenues from sales of the Company's rechargeable alkaline batteries and
rechargers account for less than 10% of the Company's total revenues.

     The Company does not have any right to the trademark "Rayovac" in Brazil,
where the mark is owned by an independent third-party battery manufacturer. In
addition, ROV Limited, a third party unaffiliated with the Company, has an
exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free license for the use on general batteries
(but not hearing aid or other specialty batteries) and lighting devices of the
Rayovac trademark in a number of countries, including in Latin America. See
"Business--Patents, Licenses and Trademarks."


Seasonality

     Sales of the Company's products are seasonal, with the highest sales
occurring in the fiscal quarter ending on or about December 31, during the
holiday season. During the past four fiscal years, the Company's sales in the
quarter ending on or about December 31 have represented an average of 34% of
annual net sales. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations--Seasonality."


Control by Existing Shareholders

     Upon completion of the Offerings, the Company's existing shareholders will
beneficially own    % of the Company's outstanding Common Stock (   % if the
Underwriters' over-allotment options are exercised in full). Of those shares,
the Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund III, L.P. (the "Lee Fund") and certain other
affiliates of Thomas H. Lee Company ("THL Co.," the Lee Fund and such other
affiliates being referred to herein as the "Lee Group") will beneficially own
   % of the Company's outstanding Common Stock (   % if the Underwriters' over-
allotment options are exercised in full). Consequently, the Lee Group will
control the Company and have the power to elect the board of directors of the
Company (the "Board of Directors") and to approve any action requiring
shareholder approval, including the adoption of amendments to the Company's
Restated Articles of Incorporation and the approval of mergers or sales of all
or substantially all of the Company's assets. See "Ownership of Capital Stock."
The Company's ability to take certain of these actions is limited by certain
terms of its outstanding indebtedness. See "Description of Certain
Indebtedness."


Shares Eligible for Future Sale; Potential for Adverse Effect on Stock Price;
Registration Rights

     Sales of a substantial number of shares of Common Stock in the public
market or the perception that such sales could occur could adversely affect
prevailing market prices for the Common Stock. Upon completion of the
Offerings, the Company will have outstanding         shares of Common Stock,
excluding         shares of Common Stock which have been granted under the
Company's stock incentive plans but have not yet vested. Of these shares, the
shares of Common Stock to be sold in the Offerings will be freely tradable
without restriction under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), except for any such shares which may be acquired by an
"affiliate" of the Company. In connection with the Offerings, certain existing
shareholders and the executive officers of the Company (holding an aggregate of
   shares of Common Stock upon consummation of the Offerings) and the Company
have agreed not to dispose of any shares of Common Stock for a period of 180
days from the date of this Prospectus (the "Lockup Period") without the consent
of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") on
behalf of the Underwriters. Upon expiration of the Lockup Period,    shares
will be eligible for sale in the public market subject to compliance with the
volume limitations and other restrictions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
 


                                       14
<PAGE>

     Following the consummation of the Offerings, the Lee Group will hold
shares of common stock and will be entitled to certain registration rights with
respect to the registration of such shares under the Securities Act. Under the
terms of a shareholders agreement between the Company and certain shareholders,
dated as of September 12, 1996 (the "Shareholders Agreement"), at any time when
the Lee Group and their permitted transferees own in the aggregate 10% of the
shares acquired in the Recapitalization, the Lee Group has the right to require
the Company to file a registration statement under the Securities Act in order
to register the sale of all or any part of its shares of common stock. See
"Shares Eligible for Future Sale." The Lee Group is entitled to demand that the
Company register their shares of Common Stock on three occasions at the
Company's expense; provided, however, that if the Lee Group owns at least 10%,
but not more than 25%, of the shares acquired in the Recapitalization, then the
Company shall be obligated to effect only one such registration. Additionally,
the Lee Group and shareholders party to the Shareholders Agreement have the
right, subject to certain limitations, to include their shares in certain
offerings initiated by the Company whether for its own account or for other
shareholders. The Company may in certain circumstances defer such
registrations, and the underwriters with respect to such sale have the right,
subject to certain limitations, to limit the number of shares included in such
registrations. In the event that the Company proposes to register the sale of
any of its securities under the Securities Act, the Company is required to
promptly give such shareholders written notice no later than 10 days before the
effective date of the registration statement, at which point such shareholders
will have five days to make a written request of the Company to include their
shares of Common Stock in such registration, subject to the underwriters' right
to limit such shares and certain other limitations. In general, the Company is
required to bear the expense of all such registrations except for transfer
taxes. The sale of such shares could have an adverse effect on the Company's
ability to raise equity capital in the public markets. The shares held by the
Lee Group are subject to the Lockup Period referred to in the preceding
paragraph. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."


No Prior Market for Common Stock; Offering Price

     Prior to the Offerings, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock, and there can be no assurance that an active trading market will develop
or, if developed, that such market will be sustained. The initial public
offering price of the Common Stock will be determined through negotiations
between the Company and the representatives of the Underwriters. In addition,
the Company believes that factors such as quarterly fluctuations in the
financial results of the Company, as well as developments that affect the
Company's industry, the overall economy and the financial markets in general
could cause the price of the Common Stock to fluctuate substantially. See
"Underwriting."


Anti-Takeover Provisions

     Certain provisions of Wisconsin corporation law may have the effect of
discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company or
unsolicited acquisition proposals. See "Description of Capital Stock--Anti-
takeover Effects of Provisions of Wisconsin Law."


Substantial and Immediate Dilution to Investors Purchasing in the Offerings

     Investors purchasing shares of Common Stock in the Offerings will
experience immediate and substantial dilution in net tangible book value per
share of $     (assuming an initial public offering price of $     per share).
See "Dilution."

                             THE RECAPITALIZATION

     Effective as of September 12, 1996, the Company, all of the shareholders
of the Company, the Lee Fund and other affiliates of THL Co. completed a
recapitalization (the "Recapitalization") pursuant to which, among other
things: (i) the Company obtained senior financing under a Credit Agreement
dated as of September 12, 1996 by and among the Company, Bank of America
National Trust and Savings Association and DLJ Capital Funding, Inc. (the
"Credit Agreement") in an aggregate amount of $170.0 million, of which $131.0
million was borrowed at the closing of the Recapitalization, including $26.0
million under the Revolving Credit Facility; (ii) the Company obtained $100.0
million in financing through the issuance of bridge notes (the "Bridge Notes");
(iii) the Company redeemed a portion of the shares of Common Stock held by
Thomas F. Pyle, Jr., the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company; (iv) the Lee Group purchased for cash shares of Common Stock owned by
shareholders of the Company (a group consisting of current and former directors
and management of the Company and the Thomas Pyle and Judith Pyle Charitable
Remainder Trust (the "Pyle Trust")) which resulted in a change of control of
the Company; and (v) the Company repaid certain of its outstanding
indebtedness, including prepayment fees and penalties. The Bridge Notes were
subsequently repaid with the proceeds of the sale of 10-1/4% Senior
Subordinated Notes Due 2006, which were later exchanged for a like principal
amount of the Notes.


                                       15
<PAGE>

                                USE OF PROCEEDS

     The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of shares of Common Stock
offered hereby are estimated to be approximately $92.0 million (approximately
$      million if the Underwriters' over-allotment options are exercised in
full) assuming an initial public offering price of $   per share (the midpoint
of the range of the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page
of this Prospectus), and after deducting the underwriting discounts and
estimated offering expenses.

     Of the net proceeds to the Company from this offering, approximately $38.2
million will be used to redeem or repurchase approximately $35.0 million
principal amount of the Notes and pay the associated premium, and approximately
$53.8 million will be used to repay term loans provided pursuant to the Credit
Agreement incurred in connection with the Recapitalization. The Notes bear
interest at a rate of 10-1/4%, payable semiannually, and mature on November 1,
2006. The term loans under the Credit Agreement consist of a six-year Tranche A
term loan of $55.0 million, a seven-year Tranche B term loan of $25.0 million
and an eight-year Tranche C term loan of $25.0 million (collectively, the "Term
Loan Facility"). Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, in each
case at the Company's option, as follows: (i) with respect to the Tranche A
loans, at Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association's base rate
plus 1.50% per annum, or at IBOR plus 2.50% per annum; (ii) with respect to the
Tranche B loans, at Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association's
base rate plus 2.00% per annum, or at IBOR plus 3.00% per annum; and (iii) with
respect to the Tranche C loans, at Bank of America National Trust and Savings
Association's base rate plus 2.25% per annum, or at IBOR plus 3.25% per annum.
The Credit Agreement requires the Company to apply 50% of the proceeds of the
Offerings not used to redeem or repurchase Notes to repayment of indebtedness
under the Credit Agreement, pro rata among the tranches except as may be
otherwise agreed. See "Description of Certain Indebtedness."


                                DIVIDEND POLICY

     The Company does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable
future, but intends to retain any future earnings for reinvestment in its
business. In addition, the Credit Agreement and the Notes restrict the
Company's ability to pay dividends to its shareholders. Any future
determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of the Board of
Directors and will be dependent upon the Company's financial condition, results
of operations, capital requirements, contractual restrictions and such other
factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant.


                                       16
<PAGE>

                                CAPITALIZATION

     The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of
June 29, 1997, and as adjusted as of that date to give effect to the sale by
the Company of       shares of Common Stock offered hereby (at an assumed
initial public offering price of $      per share) and the application of the
net proceeds therefrom as described in "Use of Proceeds." This table should be
read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and
the related notes thereto and the information contained in "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"
included elsewhere herein.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      As of June 29, 1997
                                                                   --------------------------
                                                                    Actual       As Adjusted
                                                                   -----------   ------------
                                                                     (Dollars in millions)
<S>                                                                <C>           <C>
Debt:
 Revolving Credit Facility(1)  .................................    $    0.0      $    0.0
 Term Loan Facility(2)   .......................................       102.8          49.0
 Notes    ......................................................       100.0          65.0
 Capitalized leases and foreign currency borrowings    .........         3.8           3.8
                                                                    --------      --------
  Total debt    ................................................       206.6         117.8
                                                                    --------      --------
Shareholders' equity (deficit):
 Common stock, $.01 par value,       shares authorized;
   20,581,000 and       shares outstanding, respectively, actual
   and as adjusted    ..........................................         0.5           0.5
 Additional paid in capital    .................................        16.0         108.0
 Foreign currency translation  .................................         2.6           2.6
 Note receivable officer/shareholder    ........................        (0.7)         (0.7)
 Retained earnings    ..........................................        28.4          26.5
 Less treasury stock, at cost,            shares    ............      (128.0)       (128.0)
                                                                    --------      --------
  Total shareholders' equity (deficit)  ........................       (81.2)          8.9
                                                                    --------      --------
   Total capitalization  .......................................    $  125.4      $  126.7
                                                                    ========      ========
</TABLE>

- ----------------
(1) For a description of the Revolving Credit Facility, see "Description of
    Certain Indebtedness--The Credit Agreement." Total availability under the
    Revolving Credit Facility is $65.0 million.
(2) For a description of the Term Loan Facility, see "Description of Certain
    Indebtedness--The Credit Agreement."

                                       17
<PAGE>

                                   DILUTION

     The net tangible book value of the Company as of June 29, 1997 was $(84.0)
million, or $(4.08) per share. Net tangible book value per share is determined
by dividing total tangible assets less total liabilities of the Company by the
total number of outstanding shares of Common Stock. After giving effect to the
sale of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby (assuming an initial public
offering price of $      per share), deducting the estimated underwriting
discount and estimated expenses to be paid by the Company and applying the
estimated net proceeds as set forth in "Use of Proceeds," the pro forma net
tangible book value of the Company at June 29, 1997 would have been $        or
$      per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book
value of $      per share to existing shareholders and an immediate dilution of
$      per share to new investors purchasing shares in the Offering. The
following table illustrates this dilution per share:



<TABLE>
<S>                                                                        <C>          <C>
   Assumed initial public offering price per share    ..................                $
    Net tangible book value per share as of June 29, 1997   ............   $
    Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to new
     investors    ......................................................   ------       ---------
   Pro forma net tangible book value per share after the Offerings   ...
   Dilution per share to new investors(1)    ...........................            $
                                                                                        =========
</TABLE>

- ----------------
(1) If the Underwriters' over-allotment options are exercised in full, dilution
    to new investors will be $     per share.


     The following table sets forth, on a pro forma basis as of June 29, 1997,
the number of shares of Common Stock purchased from the Company, the total
consideration paid to the Company and the average price per share paid by
existing shareholders and by the new investors purchasing shares of Common
Stock from the Company in the Offerings (before deducting underwriting
discounts and estimated offering expenses).



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Shares Purchased       Total Consideration
                                 ---------------------   ----------------------   Average
                                                                                  Price per
                                 Number      Percent     Amount       Percent      Share
                                 ---------   ---------   ----------   ---------   ----------
                                        (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
<S>                              <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
Existing shareholders   ......                           $                        $
New investors  ...............  ------       ------      ---------    ------
  Total  .....................               100.0%                   100.0%
                                ======       ======      =========    ======
</TABLE>

     The foregoing tables assume no exercise of the Underwriters'
over-allotment options. The Company currently has outstanding options to
purchase an aggregate of 2,318,126 shares of Common Stock at a weighted average
exercise price of $4.39 per share. See "Management--Option Grants and
Exercises." To the extent that outstanding options are exercised in the future,
there will be further dilution to new investors.


                                       18
<PAGE>

                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

     The following selected historical financial data as of and for the three
fiscal years ended June 30, 1996 and the Transition Period ended September 30,
1996 is derived from the audited combined consolidated financial statements of
the Company, together with the notes thereto, included elsewhere in this
Prospectus. The selected historical financial data as of and for the nine months
ended June 30, 1996 and June 29, 1997 is derived from the unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements of the Company and, in the opinion of
management, includes all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals)
necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results of
operations as of the date and for the period indicated. The selected historical
financial data of the Company as of and for the two fiscal years ended June 30,
1993 is derived from audited combined consolidated financial statements of the
Company which are not included herein. The following selected financial data
should be read in conjunction with the Company's combined consolidated financial
statements and the related notes thereto and the information contained in
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" included elsewhere herein.

     This financial data, as well as all other financial data set forth herein,
gives effect to the reclassification by the Company of certain promotional
expenses, previously reported as a reduction of net sales, to selling expense.
The amounts which have been reclassified are $14.7 million, $19.0 million,
$17.5 million, $24.2 million, and $24.0 million for the years ended June 30,
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1996, respectively, $6.9 million for the Transition
Period ended September 30, 1996, $17.2 million for the nine months ended June
30, 1996 and $21.8 million for the nine months ended June 29, 1997. The Company
believes that this reclassification is consistent with the method used by other
consumer products companies.


                                       19
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Fiscal Year Ended June 30,
                                           --------------------------------------------------
                                              1992      1993       1994      1995     1996
                                           ----------- -------- ----------- -------- --------
                                                  (In millions, except per share data)
<S>                                        <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>
Statement of Operations Data:
Net sales   ..............................  $ 346.9      $372.4 $  403.7      $415.2   $423.4
Cost of goods sold   .....................    192.1       201.4    234.9       237.1    239.4
                                            -------     ------- ---------    -------  -------
Gross profit   ...........................    154.8       171.0    168.8       178.1    184.0
Selling expense   ........................     86.9        98.8    121.3       108.7    116.5
General and administrative expense  ......     31.1        35.4     29.4        32.9     31.8
Research and development expense    ......      5.8         5.6      5.7         5.0      5.4
Recapitalization and other special
 charges(1)(2)    ........................       --          --      1.5          --       --
                                            -------     ------- ---------    -------  -------
Income (loss) from operations (3)(4)   .       31.0        31.2     10.9        31.5     30.3
Interest expense  ........................     14.1         6.0      7.7         8.6      8.4
Other expense (income), net   ............     (1.0)        1.2     (0.6)        0.3      0.6
                                            -------     ------- ---------    -------  -------
Income (loss) before income taxes,
 extraordinary item and cumulative
 effect of change in accounting  .........     17.9        24.0      3.8        22.6     21.3
Income tax expense (benefit)  ............      5.8         9.0     (0.6)        6.2      7.0
                                            -------     ------- ---------    -------  -------
Income (loss) before extraordinary
 item and cumulative effect of
 change in accounting   ..................     12.1        15.0      4.4        16.4     14.3
Extraordinary item(5)   ..................       --          --       --          --       --
Cumulative effect of change in
 accounting(6)    ........................     (6.6)         --       --          --       --
                                            -------     ------- ---------    -------  -------
Net income (loss)    .....................  $   5.5      $ 15.0 $    4.4      $ 16.4   $ 14.3
                                            =======     ======= =========    =======  =======
Net income (loss) per common share
 before extraordinary item and
 cumulative effect of change in
 accounting    ...........................  $  0.24      $ 0.30 $   0.09      $ 0.33   $ 0.29
                                            =======     ======= =========    =======  =======
Net income (loss) per common share   .      $  0.11      $ 0.30 $   0.09      $ 0.33   $ 0.29
                                            =======     ======= =========    =======  =======
Weighted average common and
 common equivalent shares  ...............     50.0        50.0     50.0        50.0     49.5

Pro Forma Operations Data(7):
Income before provision for income
 taxes   .................................                                             $ 14.0
Provision for income taxes    ............                                                4.2
Pro forma net income    ..................                                             $  9.8
                                                                                      =======
Pro forma net income per common
 and common equivalent share  ............
Weighted average common and
 common equivalent shares  ...............
Other Financial Data:
Depreciation   ...........................  $   6.1      $  7.4 $   10.3      $ 11.0   $ 11.9
Capital expenditures(8)    ...............     15.3        30.3     12.5        16.9      6.6
Cash flows from operating activities   .       23.4        15.8    (18.7)       35.5     17.8
EBITDA(9)   ..............................     37.6        39.3     21.2        41.3     42.2

Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital   ........................  $  17.2      $ 31.6 $   63.6      $ 55.9   $ 62.5
Total assets   ...........................    156.0       189.0    222.4       220.6    221.9
Total debt  ..............................     50.2        74.1    109.0        88.3     81.3
Shareholders' equity (deficit)   .........     25.6        36.7     37.9        53.6     61.6



<CAPTION>
                                             Transition      Nine Months Ended
                                            Period Ended   ----------------------
                                           September 30,
                                                           June 30,    June 29,
                                                1996         1996        1997
                                           --------------- ---------- -----------
<S>                                        <C>             <C>        <C>
Statement of Operations Data:
Net sales   ..............................    $ 101.9        $316.0   $  321.0
Cost of goods sold   .....................       59.3         178.6      178.4
                                              -------        -------  ---------
Gross profit   ...........................       42.6         137.4      142.6
Selling expense   ........................       27.8          86.6       87.1
General and administrative expense  ......        8.6          24.4       22.6
Research and development expense    ......        1.5           4.1        4.8
Recapitalization and other special
 charges(1)(2)    ........................       28.4            --        4.9
                                              -------        -------  ---------
Income (loss) from operations (3)(4)   .        (23.7)         22.3       23.2
Interest expense  ........................        4.4           6.0       18.9
Other expense (income), net   ............        0.1           0.5        0.2
                                              -------        -------  ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes,
 extraordinary item and cumulative
 effect of change in accounting  .........      (28.2)         15.8        4.1
Income tax expense (benefit)  ............       (8.9)          5.1        0.8
                                              -------        -------  ---------
Income (loss) before extraordinary
 item and cumulative effect of
 change in accounting   ..................      (19.3)         10.7        3.3
Extraordinary item(5)   ..................       (1.6)           --         --
Cumulative effect of change in
 accounting(6)    ........................         --            --         --
                                              -------        -------  ---------
Net income (loss)    .....................    $ (20.9)       $ 10.7   $    3.3
                                              =======        =======  =========
Net income (loss) per common share
 before extraordinary item and
 cumulative effect of change in
 accounting    ...........................    $ (0.44)       $ 0.22   $   0.16
                                              =======        =======  =========
Net income (loss) per common share   .        $ (0.48)       $ 0.22   $   0.16
                                              =======        =======  =========
Weighted average common and
 common equivalent shares  ...............       43.8          49.5       20.5

Pro Forma Operations Data(7):
Income before provision for income
 taxes   .................................                            $   10.3
Provision for income taxes    ............                                 3.2
Pro forma net income    ..................                            $    7.1
                                                                      =========
Pro forma net income per common
 and common equivalent share  ............
Weighted average common and
 common equivalent shares  ...............
Other Financial Data:
Depreciation   ...........................    $   3.3        $  8.7   $    8.7
Capital expenditures(8)    ...............        1.2           7.2        5.1
Cash flows from operating activities   .         (1.1)         28.2       32.6
EBITDA(9)   ..............................      (20.4)         31.0       31.9

Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital   ........................    $  63.2        $ 62.5   $   50.5
Total assets   ...........................      245.2         221.9      218.0
Total debt  ..............................      233.7          81.3      206.6
Shareholders' equity (deficit)   .........      (85.7)         61.6      (81.2)
</TABLE>



                                                   (footnotes on following page)

                                       20
<PAGE>

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


(1) During the Transition Period, the Company recorded charges of $12.3 million
    directly related to the Recapitalization and other special charges of
    $16.1 million. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
    Condition and Results of Operations."


(2) In the nine months ended June 29, 1997, the Company recorded other special
    charges of $4.9 million for organizational restructuring in the United
    States, the discontinuation of certain manufacturing operations at the
    Company's Newton Aycliffe, United Kingdom facility and the discontinuation
    of operations at the Company's facility in Kinston, North Carolina.


 (3) Income (loss) from operations includes expenses incurred during the
     Fennimore Expansion (as defined herein), and Recapitalization and other
     special charges in fiscal 1994, the Transition Period Ended September 30,
     1996, and the nine months ended June 29, 1997. Income (loss) from
     operations before these non-recurring charges was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       
                                                                                                       Nine Months Ended
                                                     Fiscal Year Ended June 30,         Transition    --------------------
                                               --------------------------------------- Period Ended   June 30,   June 29,
                                                                                       September 30,
                                                1992    1993    1994    1995    1996       1996         1996       1997
                                               ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------------- ---------- ---------
                                                                              (In millions)
<S>                                            <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>            <C>        <C>
Income (loss) from operations  ...............   $31.0   $31.2   $10.9   $31.5   $30.3     $(23.7)      $22.3      $23.2
Fennimore Expansion   ........................      --      --     9.5      --      --         --          --         --
Recapitalization and other special charges   .      --      --     1.5      --      --       28.4          --        4.9
                                                ------  ------  ------  ------  ------    --------      ------     ------
Income (loss) from operations before
 non-recurring charges   .....................   $31.0   $31.2   $21.9   $31.5   $30.3   $    4.7       $22.3      $28.1
                                                ======  ======  ======  ======  ======   ========       ======     ======
</TABLE>

(4) Income from operations in fiscal 1994 was impacted by increased selling
    expenses due to higher advertising and promotion expenses related to the
    Renewal Introduction (as defined herein). In addition, income from
    operations was impacted by non-recurring costs of $9.5 million in
    connection with the Fennimore Expansion including $8.4 million of
    increased cost of goods sold and $1.1 million of increased general and
    administrative expenses, and other special charges of approximately $1.5
    million related to a plan to reduce the Company's cost structure and to
    improve productivity through an approximate 2.5% reduction in headcount on
    a worldwide basis. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
    Condition and Results of Operations--Introduction."

(5) The Recapitalization of the Company included repayment of certain
    outstanding indebtedness, including prepayment fees and penalties. Such
    prepayment fees and penalties of $2.4 million, net of income tax benefit
    of $0.8 million, has been recorded as an extraordinary item in the
    Combined Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Transition Period
    ended September 30, 1996.

(6) In fiscal 1992, the Company recorded a $6.6 million charge for the
    cumulative effect of adopting SFAS No. 109 "Accounting For Income Taxes."

(7) The unaudited pro forma operations data gives effect to the
    Recapitalization, the sale by the Company of      shares of Common Stock
    offered hereby (after deduction for the underwriting discounts and
    estimated offering expenses), and the application of the net proceeds
    therefrom as if they had occurred at the beginning of the fiscal year
    ended June 30, 1996 and the beginning of the nine months ended June 29,
    1997. The pro forma adjustments are based upon available data and certain
    assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable. The unaudited pro
    forma operations data does not purport to represent what the Company's
    results of operations would actually have been had the sale by the Company
    of      shares of Common Stock in fact occurred at such prior times or to
    project the Company's results of operations for or at any future period or
    date.The pro forma adjustments for fiscal 1996 record (i) the incremental
    interest expense of $15.0 million arising from incremental debt required
    to finance the Recapitalization; (ii) the reduction in interest expense of
    $7.7 million to give effect to the sale by the Company of      shares of
    Common Stock offered hereby (after deduction for the underwriting
    discounts and estimated offering expenses) and the application of the net
    proceeds therefrom; and (iii) the reduction in income tax expense of $2.8
    million relating to the pro forma interest adjustments (computed using an
    effective income tax rate of 39%).

    The pro forma adjustments for the nine months ended June 29, 1997 record (i)
    the reduction in interest expense of $6.2 million to give effect to the sale
    by the Company of shares of Common Stock offered hereby (after deduction for
    the underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses) and the
    application of the net proceeds therefrom; and (ii) the incremental income
    tax expense of $2.4 million relating to the pro forma interest adjustment
    (computed using an effective income tax rate of 39%).

    Interest related to the Revolving Credit Facility, as defined herein, was
    determined based on an annual average of $26.0 million of borrowings
    outstanding. Interest expense was calculated using the following average
    rates: (i) Revolving Credit Facility, 8.0%; (ii) Term Loan Facility (as
    defined herein), 8.0% to 9.0%; and (iii) Notes, 10.25%.


    The Company will use approximately $38.2 million of the net proceeds to
    redeem or repurchase approximately $35.0 million principal amount of the
    Notes, including a $3.2 million premium. The $3.2 million premium charge
    which will be reported as an extraordinary item, net of applicable income
    tax, was not reflected in the pro forma operations data presented.


(8) From 1992 to 1995 the Company invested an aggregate of $36.7 million in
    connection with the Fennimore Expansion, including $19.7 million incurred
    in fiscal 1993. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
    Condition and Results of Operations--  Introduction."


(9) EBITDA represents income from operations plus depreciation and amortization
    (excluding amortization of debt issuance costs) and reflects an adjustment
    of income from operations to eliminate the establishment and subsequent
    reversal of two reserves ($0.7 million established in 1993 and reversed in
    1995, and $0.5 million established in 1992 and reversed in 1995). The
    Company believes that EBITDA and related measures are commonly used by
    certain investors and analysts to analyze and compare, and provide useful
    information regarding, the Company's ability to service its indebtedness.
    However, the following factors should be considered in evaluating such
    measures: EBITDA and related measures (i) should not be considered in
    isolation, (ii) are not measures of performance calculated in accordance
    with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), (iii) should not
    be construed as alternatives or substitutes for income from operations,
    net income or cash flows from operating activities in analyzing the
    Company's operating performance, financial position or cash flows (in each
    case, as determined in accordance with GAAP) and (iv) should not be used
    as indicators of the Company's operating performance or measures of its
    liquidity. Additionally, because all companies do not calculate EBITDA and
    related measures in a uniform fashion, the calculations presented in this
    Prospectus may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of
    other companies.

                                       21
<PAGE>

                MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                       CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the "Selected
Financial Data" and the Company's combined consolidated financial statements
and the related notes thereto, included elsewhere herein.


Introduction

     Upon completion of the Recapitalization, the Company changed its fiscal
year end from June 30 to September 30. For clarity of presentation and
comparison, references herein to fiscal 1994, fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1996 are
to the Company's fiscal years ended June 30, 1994, June 30, 1995 and June 30,
1996, respectively, and references to the "Transition Period ended September
30, 1996" and the "Transition Period" are to the period from July 1, 1996 to
September 30, 1996.

     The Company's operating performance depends on a number of factors, the
most important of which are: (i) general retailing trends, especially in the
mass merchandise segment of the retail market; (ii) the Company's overall
product mix among various specialty and general household batteries and
battery-powered lighting devices, which sell at different price points and
profit margins; (iii) the Company's overall competitive position, which is
affected by both the introduction of new products and promotions by the Company
and its competitors and the Company's relative pricing and battery performance;
and (iv) changes in operating expenses. Set forth below are specific
developments that have affected and may continue to affect the Company's
performance.

     Investment in Future Growth Opportunities. Since the Recapitalization, the
Company has undertaken significant measures to pursue growth opportunities and
increase the Company's market share for its products. These measures included
the launch of a new integrated advertising campaign which shifted expenditures
from the Renewal line to the Rayovac brand name. The Company also introduced
new product graphics and packaging designed to build the awareness and image of
the Rayovac brand name and leverage the Company's value brand position. See
"Business--Growth Strategy."

     Cost Rationalization Initiatives. Following the Recapitalization, the
Company initiated significant measures to rationalize the Company's
manufacturing, distribution and general overhead costs. The initiatives
relating to manufacturing activities included discontinuing certain
manufacturing operations at the Company's Newton Aycliffe, United Kingdom
facility and closing the Company's Kinston, North Carolina facility. In
addition, the Company implemented a significant organizational restructuring in
the United States and the United Kingdom. These cost rationalization
initiatives resulted in charges of approximately $4.9 million for the nine
months ended June 29, 1997 and are expected to result in annual savings of
approximately $6.8 million.

     Expansion of Production Facility.  From 1992 to 1995 the Company invested
an aggregate of $36.7 million in the modernization and expansion of its
production lines at its Fennimore, Wisconsin facility (the "Fennimore
Expansion") at which the Company manufactures all of its alkaline products. As
a result of the Fennimore Expansion, the Company replaced substantially all of
its alkaline battery manufacturing equipment with state-of- the-art technology
which more than doubled the Company's aggregate capacity for AA and AAA size
alkaline batteries. This investment also resulted in a reformulation of the
Company's alkaline batteries so as to be mercury-free, better performing and
higher quality. The Fennimore Expansion resulted in $9.5 million of
non-recurring costs in fiscal 1994. Such costs included increased raw material
costs incurred pursuant to the terms of equipment purchase agreements entered
into in connection with the Fennimore Expansion which required the Company to
source material from specified foreign vendors at an increased cost. These
incremental costs decreased in fiscal 1996 as a result of the increased use of
lower-cost domestic raw material sources to replace the foreign vendor
sourcing, which replacement was substantially completed in fiscal 1997.

     Effect of Recapitalization. The Recapitalization of the Company, which was
completed on September 12, 1996, resulted in non-recurring charges of $12.3
million which were recognized in the Transition Period, including (i) $5.0
million of advisory, legal and consulting fees and (ii) $7.3 million of stock
option compensation, severance payments and employment contract settlements for
the benefit of certain current and former officers, directors and management of
the Company. In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company incurred
other non-recurring special charges of $16.1 million recognized in the
Transition Period, including (i) $2.7 million of charges related to the
discontinuation of manufacturing operations at the Company's Newton Aycliffe,
United Kingdom facility; (ii) $1.7 million of charges for deferred compensation
plan obligations to former officers of the Company resulting


                                       22
<PAGE>

from the curtailment of the plan; (iii) $1.5 million of charges reflecting the
present value of lease payments for land which new management determined would
not be used for any future productive purpose; (iv) $5.6 million in costs and
asset writedowns principally related to changes in pricing strategies for Power
Station, the Renewal recharging system; and (v) $4.6 million of termination
benefits and other charges. See "The Recapitalization."

     Renewal Product Line. In fiscal 1994, the Company introduced the Renewal
rechargeable battery, the first alkaline rechargeable battery sold in the
United States (the "Renewal Introduction"). The Company incurred significant
advertising and promotional expense related to Renewal of $26.0 million in
fiscal 1994, $15.7 million in fiscal 1995 and $20.3 million in fiscal 1996,
with the fiscal 1996 increase largely due to the Company's new promotional
campaign featuring basketball superstar Michael Jordan.

     Since the Recapitalization, the Company has significantly revised its
marketing and advertising strategies for the Renewal product line. Management
believes that continued improvement in consumer awareness of the value and
money-saving benefit of Renewal over conventional disposable alkaline batteries
will be necessary to further expand the Company's market for Renewal. Although
the percentage of the Company's advertising budget allocated to the Renewal
product line has decreased, the Company has begun aggressively marketing
Renewal's money-saving benefit over disposable alkaline batteries and
performance advantage over rechargeable nickel cadmium batteries and has
lowered the prices of the recharger system for Renewal. Due to the historically
high levels of investment associated with Renewal, the Renewal product line has
been unprofitable. However, initiatives implemented by the Company's new
management team are expected to result in the Renewal product line becoming
profitable for fiscal 1997.


Seasonality

     The Company's sales are seasonal, with the highest sales occurring in the
fiscal quarter ending on or about December 31, during the holiday season.
During the past four fiscal years, the Company's sales in the quarter ended on
or about December 31 have represented an average of 34% of annual net sales. As
a result of this seasonality, the Company's working capital requirements and
revolving credit borrowings are typically higher in the third and fourth
calendar quarters of each year. The following table sets forth the Company's
net sales for each of the periods presented.





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Fiscal Quarter Ended
                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   September 30,   December 30,   March 30,   June 30,   September 30,   December 28,   March 29,   June 29,
                        1995           1995          1996       1996          1996           1996          1997       1997
                   --------------- -------------- ----------- ---------- --------------- -------------- ----------- ---------
                                                                 (In millions)
<S>                <C>             <C>            <C>         <C>        <C>             <C>            <C>         <C>
Net sales   ......     $107.3         $140.9        $80.5       $94.6        $101.9         $141.9        $83.6      $95.5
</TABLE>

 

                                       23
<PAGE>

Results of Operations

     This financial data, as well as all other data set forth herein, gives
effect to the reclassification by the Company of certain promotional expenses,
previously reported as a reduction of net sales, to selling expense. The
amounts which have been reclassified are $17.5 million, $24.2 million, and
$24.0 million for the years ended June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively,
$6.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 1995, $6.9 million for
the Transition Period ended September 30, 1996, $17.2 million for the nine
months ended June 30, 1996 and $21.8 million for the nine months ended June 29,
1997. The Company believes that this reclassification is consistent with the
method used by other consumer products companies.

     The following table sets forth the percentage relationship of certain
items in the Company's statement of operations to net sales for the periods
presented:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          
                                                                                  Transition         Nine Months Ended
                                Fiscal Year Ended June 30,     Three Months         Period         ----------------------
                              ------------------------------      Ended             Ended
                                                               September 30,     September 30,     June 30,     June 29,
                              1994       1995       1996           1995              1996           1996         1997
                              --------   --------   --------   ---------------   ---------------   ----------   ---------
<S>                           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>               <C>               <C>          <C>
Net sales   ...............   100.0%     100.0%     100.0%          100.0%            100.0%         100.0%       100.0%
Cost of goods sold   ......    58.2       57.1       56.5            59.7              58.2           56.5         55.6
                              ------     ------     ------         ------          ----------       ------       ------
Gross profit   ............    41.8       42.9       43.5            40.3              41.8           43.5         44.4
Selling expense   .........    30.0       26.2       27.5            27.9              27.3           27.4         27.1
General and administrative
 expense    ...............     7.3        7.9        7.5             6.9               8.4            7.7          7.0
Research and development
 expense    ...............     1.4        1.2        1.3             1.2               1.5            1.3          1.5
Recapitalization and other
 special charges  .........     0.4         --         --              --              27.9             --          1.6
                              ------     ------     ------         ------          ----------       ------       ------
Income (loss) from
 operations    ............     2.7%       7.6%       7.2%            4.3%            (23.3%)          7.1%         7.2%
</TABLE>

Nine Months Ended June 29, 1997 Compared to Nine Months Ended June 30, 1996

     Net Sales. The Company's net sales increased $5.0 million, or 1.6% to
$321.0 million for the nine months ended June 29, 1997, from $316.0 million for
the nine months ended June 30, 1996. Increased sales of lighting products,
hearing aid batteries and other specialty battery products were partially
offset by decreases in sales of general battery products. Sales of hearing aid
batteries increased as a result of continued growth in the hearing aid battery
market and the promotional campaign featuring Arnold Palmer.

     Gross Profit. Gross profit increased $5.2 million, or 3.8%, to $142.6
million for the nine months ended June 29, 1997 from $137.4 million for the
nine months ended June 30, 1996. Gross profit increased as a percentage of net
sales to 44.4% in the nine months ended June 29, 1997 from 43.5% in the nine
months ended June 30, 1996, primarily due to improved margins on general
battery products and increased sales of higher margin products such as hearing
aid batteries.

     Selling Expense. Selling expense increased $0.5 million, or 0.6%, to $87.1
million for the nine months ended June 29, 1997 from $86.6 million for the nine
months ended June 30, 1996 due to increased marketing expense associated with
the Company's new graphics and packaging which was partially offset by
decreased advertising expense. Selling expense decreased as a percentage of net
sales to 27.1% in the nine months ended June 29, 1997 from 27.4% in the nine
months ended June 30, 1996.

     General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expense
decreased $1.8 million, or 7.4%, to $22.6 million for the nine months ended
June 29, 1997 from $24.4 million for the nine months ended June 30, 1996 due
primarily to the elimination of expense associated with the Company's former
aircraft.

     Research and Development Expense. Research and development expense
increased $0.7 million, or 17.1%, to $4.8 million for the nine months ended
June 29, 1997 from $4.1 million for the nine months ended June 30, 1996. This
increase was primarily a result of the assignment of increased resources to the
development of an on-the-label battery tester which management has since
decided to discontinue.

     Other Special Charges. The Company recorded charges of $4.9 million for
the nine months ended June 29, 1997 for organizational restructuring in the
United States, the discontinuation of certain manufacturing operations at the
Company's Newton Aycliffe, United Kingdom facility and the discontinuation of
operations at the Company's facility in Kinston, North Carolina.


                                       24
<PAGE>

     Income from Operations. Income from operations increased $0.9 million, or
4.0%, to $23.2 million for the nine months ended June 29, 1997 from $22.3
million for the nine months ended June 30, 1996. The Company's increased gross
profit and lower operating expenses were substantially offset by the special
charges discussed above.

     Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $12.9 million to $18.9
million for the nine months ended June 29, 1997 from $6.0 million for the nine
months ended June 30, 1996, due primarily to increased indebtedness associated
with the Recapitalization and a write-off of $2.0 million of unamortized debt
issuance costs related to the Bridge Notes of the Company issued in September
1996.

     Income before Income Taxes. Income before income taxes decreased $11.7
million to $4.1 million for the nine months ended June 29, 1997 from $15.8
million for the nine months ended June 30, 1996. Higher interest expense and
special charges were partially offset by increased income from operations
before special charges.

     Net Income. Net income decreased $7.4 million to $3.3 million, or $0.16
per share for the nine months ended June 29, 1997 from $10.7 million, or $0.22
per share, for the nine months ended June 30, 1996, primarily as a result of
increased interest expense and special charges discussed above. The Company's
effective tax rate for the nine months ended June 29, 1997 was 19.5% compared
to 32.3% for the nine months ended June 30, 1996 due primarily to an adjustment
of approximately $0.3 million in 1997 to the tax provision recorded in a prior
year.


Transition Period Ended September 30, 1996 Compared to Three Months Ended
September 30, 1995

     Net Sales. The Company's net sales decreased $5.4 million, or 5.0%, to
$101.9 million in the Transition Period from $107.3 million in the three months
ended September 30, 1995 (the "Prior Fiscal Year Period") primarily due to
decreased sales to the food and drug store retail channels and the Company
having made sales to certain retail customers in connection with promotional
orders after the Transition Period which were made during the Prior Fiscal Year
Period.

     Gross Profit. Gross profit decreased $0.6 million, or 1.4%, to $42.6
million in the Transition Period from $43.2 million in the Prior Fiscal Year
Period, primarily as a result of decreased sales in the Transition Period, as
discussed above. Gross profit increased as a percentage of net sales to 41.8%
in the Transition Period from 40.3% in the Prior Fiscal Year Period due
primarily to a lower proportion of promotion sales as discussed above.

     Selling Expense. Selling expense decreased $2.1 million, or 7.0%, to $27.8
million in the Transition Period from $29.9 million in the Prior Fiscal Year
Period, primarily due to decreased advertising expense in the Transition
Period.

     General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expense
increased $1.2 million, or 16.2%, to $8.6 million in the Transition Period from
$7.4 million in the Prior Fiscal Year Period, primarily as a result of the
Company having incurred certain expenditures during the Transition Period which
were incurred subsequent to the Prior Fiscal Year Period.

     Research and Development Expense. Research and development expense
increased $0.2 million, or 15.4%, to $1.5 million in the Transition Period from
$1.3 million in the Prior Fiscal Year Period, primarily as a result of
increased product development efforts.

     Recapitalization and Other Special Charges. During the Transition Period,
the Company recorded charges of $28.4 million, including non-recurring charges
related to the Recapitalization and other special charges.

     Non-recurring charges of $12.3 million related to the Recapitalization
include (i) $5.0 million of advisory, legal and consulting fees and (ii) $7.3
million of stock option compensation, severance payments and employment
contract settlements for the benefit of certain present and former officers,
directors and management of the Company.

     Other special charges of $16.1 million include (i) $2.7 million of charges
related to the discontinuation of manufacturing operations at the Company's
Newton Aycliffe, United Kingdom facility; (ii) $1.7 million of charges for
deferred compensation plan obligations to former officers of the Company
resulting from the curtailment of the plan; (iii) $1.5 million of charges
reflecting the present value of lease payments for land which new management
determined would not be used for any future productive purpose; (iv) $5.6
million in costs and asset writedowns principally related to changes in Renewal
Power Station pricing strategies adopted by new management subsequent to the
Recapitalization and prior to September 30, 1996; and (v) $4.6 million of
termination benefits and other charges.


                                       25
<PAGE>

     Income (loss) from Operations. Income (loss) from operations decreased
$28.3 million to $(23.7) million in the Transition Period from $4.6 million in
the Prior Fiscal Year Period for the reasons discussed above.

     Net Income (loss). Net income (loss) for the Transition Period decreased
$22.3 million to $(20.9) million from $1.4 million in the Prior Fiscal Year
Period, primarily because of non-recurring charges related to the
Recapitalization and other special charges discussed above. In addition,
amortization of deferred finance charges related to the Bridge Notes and an
extraordinary loss on the early retirement of debt decreased net income in the
Transition Period by $2.6 million, net of income taxes.


Transition Period Ended September 30, 1996 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended June
30, 1996

     Results of operations for the Transition Period Ended September 30, 1996
include amounts for a three-month period, while results for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1996 include amounts for a twelve-month period. Results (in
terms of dollar amounts) for these periods are not directly comparable.
Accordingly, management's discussion and analysis for these periods is
generally based upon a comparison of specified results as a percentage of net
sales.

     Net Sales. The Company's net sales decreased $321.5 million, or 75.9%, to
$101.9 million in the Transition Period from $423.4 million in fiscal 1996
because the Transition Period included only three months of net sales as
compared to twelve months in fiscal 1996. Overall pricing was relatively
constant between the two periods.

     Gross Profit. Gross profit decreased $141.4 million, or 76.8%, to $42.6
million in the Transition Period from $184.0 million in fiscal 1996. As a
percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 41.8% in the Transition
Period from 43.5% in fiscal 1996, primarily because the products sold during
the Transition Period carried a higher average unit cost than the overall
average unit cost of products sold in fiscal 1996 due to seasonal sales trends.
 

     Selling Expense. Selling expense decreased $88.7 million, or 76.1%, to
$27.8 million in the Transition Period from $116.5 million in fiscal 1996. As a
percentage of net sales, selling expenses decreased to 27.3% in the Transition
Period from 27.5% in fiscal 1996, primarily as a result of decreased
advertising expense in the Transition Period.

     General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expense
decreased $23.2 million, or 73.0%, to $8.6 million in the Transition Period
from $31.8 million in fiscal 1996. As a percentage of net sales, general and
administrative expense increased to 8.4% in the Transition Period from 7.5% in
fiscal 1996, primarily as a result of the effects of seasonal sales trends in
the Transition Period.

     Research and Development Expense. Research and development expense
decreased $3.9 million, or 72.2%, to $1.5 million in the Transition Period from
$5.4 million in fiscal 1996. As a percentage of net sales, research and
development expense increased to 1.5% in the Transition Period from 1.3% in
fiscal 1996, primarily as a result of increased support for ongoing product
development efforts.

     Recapitalization and Other Special Charges. During the Transition Period
ended September 30, 1996, the Company recorded charges totalling $28.4 million,
including non-recurring charges related to the Recapitalization and other
special charges. Non-recurring charges of $12.3 million related to the
Recapitalization include (i) $5.0 million of advisory, legal and consulting
fees and (ii) $7.3 million of stock option compensation, severance payments and
employment contract settlements for the benefit of certain present and former
officers, directors and management of the Company.

     Other special charges of $16.1 million include (i) $2.7 million of charges
related to the discontinuation of manufacturing operations at the Company's
Newton Aycliffe, United Kingdom facility; (ii) $1.7 million of charges for
deferred compensation plan obligations to former officers of the Company
resulting from the curtailment of the plan; (iii) $1.5 million of charges
reflecting the present value of lease payments for land which new management
determined would not be used for any future productive purpose; (iv) $5.6
million in costs and asset writedowns principally related to changes in Renewal
Power Station pricing strategies adopted by new management subsequent to the
Recapitalization and prior to September 30, 1996; and (v) $4.6 million of
termination benefits and other charges.

     Income (loss) from Operations. Income (loss) from operations decreased
$54.0 million, or 178.2%, to $(23.7) million in the Transition Period from
$30.3 million in fiscal 1996. As a percentage of net sales, income (loss) from
operations decreased to (23.3)% in the Transition Period from 7.2% in fiscal
1996 for the reasons discussed above.


                                       26
<PAGE>

     Net Income (loss). Net income (loss) decreased $35.2 million, or 246.2%,
to $(20.9) million for the Transition Period from $14.3 million in fiscal 1996.
As a percentage of net sales, net income (loss) decreased to (20.5)% in the
Transition Period from 3.4% in fiscal 1996, primarily because of non-recurring
charges related to the Recapitalization and other special charges discussed
above. In addition, amortization of deferred finance charges related to the
Bridge Notes and an extraordinary loss on the early retirement of debt
decreased net income in the Transition Period by $2.6 million, net of income
taxes.


Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1996 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1995

     Net Sales. The Company's net sales increased $8.2 million, or 2.0%, to
$423.4 million in fiscal 1996 from $415.2 million in fiscal 1995, primarily due
to higher unit sales of hearing aid batteries, Renewal rechargeable batteries
and alkaline batteries, offset in part by decreases in unit sales of heavy duty
and lantern batteries. Overall pricing was relatively constant between the two
periods. Sales of hearing aid batteries increased as a result of unit sales
growth in the overall hearing aid battery market as well as increased
penetration by the Company's Loud'n Clear line of hearing aid batteries and the
introduction of a new miniature size battery, used in hearing aids that fit
completely in the ear. Unit sales of Renewal rechargeable alkaline batteries
increased as a result of increased consumer awareness of the benefits of
Renewal over nickel-cadmium household rechargeable batteries and disposable
batteries and as replacement sales increased to retailers who had sold through
their high levels of fiscal 1995 Renewal inventory. The Company's unit sales of
alkaline batteries increased as the Company participated to a certain extent in
the continued overall growth in the market for alkaline batteries. Unit sales
of heavy duty batteries decreased due to the continued worldwide migration away
from heavy duty batteries and toward alkaline batteries while unit sales of
lantern batteries also decreased due to an overall decline in the lantern
battery market.

     Gross Profit. Gross profit increased $5.9 million, or 3.3%, to $184.0
million in fiscal 1996 from $178.1 million in fiscal 1995. Gross profit
increased as a percentage of net sales to 43.5% in fiscal 1996 from 42.9% in
fiscal 1995. These increases are primarily attributable to increased sales of
higher margin products such as Renewal rechargeable batteries and hearing aid
batteries. In addition, the Company experienced manufacturing cost
improvements, particularly for alkaline battery raw materials related to the
Fennimore Expansion as discussed above.

     Selling Expense. Selling expense increased $7.8 million, or 7.2%, to
$116.5 million in fiscal 1996 from $108.7 million in fiscal 1995. Selling
expense as a percentage of net sales increased to 27.5% in 1996 from 26.2% in
1995. These increases are primarily attributable to increased advertising costs
to promote the Renewal product line as discussed above.

     General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expense
decreased $1.1 million, or 3.3%, to $31.8 million in fiscal 1996 from $32.9
million in fiscal 1995. General and administrative expense as a percentage of
net sales decreased from 7.9% in fiscal 1995 to 7.5% in fiscal 1996. These
decreases occurred primarily because the $4.0 million payment of management
incentives in 1995 was not repeated in fiscal 1996.

     Research and Development Expense. Research and development expense
increased $0.4 million, or 8.0%, to $5.4 million in fiscal 1996 from $5.0
million in fiscal 1995 as a result of continued support for ongoing product
development efforts.

     Income from Operations. Income from operations decreased $1.2 million, or
3.8%, to $30.3 million, or 7.2% of net sales in fiscal 1996, from $31.5
million, or 7.6% of net sales, in fiscal 1995 for the reasons discussed above.

     Net Income. Net income decreased $2.1 million, or 12.8%, to $14.3 million
for fiscal 1996 from $16.4 million in fiscal 1995, principally as a result of
decreased income from operations and higher effective tax rates, which
increased from 27.4% in 1995 to 32.9% in 1996. The Company's effective income
tax rates in fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1995 were impacted by the income tax
benefits of Rayovac International Corporation, a domestic international sales
corporation ("DISC") owned by the Company's shareholders, and fiscal 1995 was
also impacted by the utilization of a foreign net operating loss carryforward.


Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1995 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1994

     Net Sales. The Company's net sales increased $11.5 million, or 2.8%, to
$415.2 million in fiscal 1995 from $403.7 million in fiscal 1994, primarily due
to higher unit sales of hearing aid batteries and alkaline batteries, offset in
part by decreases in unit sales of Renewal rechargeable batteries and lighting
products. Overall pricing was


                                       27
<PAGE>

relatively constant between the two periods. Sales of hearing aid batteries
increased as a result of unit sales growth in the overall hearing aid battery
market and the success of a national advertising and promotional campaign by
the Company featuring Arnold Palmer. Sales of alkaline batteries increased as a
result of unit increases in the market for alkaline batteries. Decreases in
unit sales of Renewal rechargeable batteries were principally a result of
inventory corrections relating to excess retail inventory accumulated at the
time of Renewal's introduction in fiscal 1994 in anticipation of demand which
materialized later than expected, and consequently delayed replacement sales.
Unit sales of lighting devices decreased due primarily to the successful
introduction in the retail flashlight market of a new flashlight product by a
competitor.

     Gross Profit. Gross profit increased $9.3 million, or 5.5%, to $178.1
million in fiscal 1995 from $168.8 million in fiscal 1994. Gross profit
increased as a percentage of net sales to 42.9% in fiscal 1995 from 41.8% in
fiscal 1994. The comparison was favorable primarily because of the one-time
$8.4 million manufacturing costs incurred in 1994 due to the Fennimore
Expansion, as discussed above, the benefit of which was offset in part by a
1995 increase in foreign sourced raw material costs resulting from the
Fennimore Expansion.

     Selling Expense. Selling expense decreased $12.6 million, or 10.4%, to
$108.7 million in fiscal 1995 from $121.3 million in fiscal 1994 largely due to
a $10.3 million decline in Renewal advertising and promotional expenses from
fiscal 1994 when $26.0 million in initial advertising and promotional expenses
were incurred in connection with the Renewal Introduction and reduced
promotional expenses in other products. Selling expense decreased as a
percentage of net sales to 26.2% in fiscal 1995 from 30.0% in fiscal 1994.

     General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expense
increased $3.5 million, or 11.9%, to $32.9 million in fiscal 1995 from $29.4
million in fiscal 1994. Non-recurring expense of $1.1 million associated with
the Fennimore Expansion, as discussed above, was included in general and
administrative expense in fiscal 1994. General and administrative expense as a
percentage of net sales increased from 7.3% in fiscal 1994 to 7.9% in fiscal
1995. This increase occurred as a result of the payment of $4.0 million in
management incentives in fiscal 1995.

     Research and Development Expense. Research and development expense
decreased $0.7 million, or 12.3%, to $5.0 million in fiscal 1995 from $5.7
million in fiscal 1994 largely due to the temporary assignment of development
resources and personnel to the Fennimore Expansion, in fiscal 1995, as
discussed above.

     Other Special Charges. In fiscal 1994, the Company recorded a charge of
$1.5 million related to a head count reduction in connection with efforts to
reduce costs and improve productivity.

     Income from Operations. Income from operations in 1995 increased $20.6
million to $31.5 million, or 7.6% of net sales in fiscal 1995, from $10.9
million, or 2.7% of net sales, in fiscal 1994, for the reasons discussed above.
 

     Net Income. Net income increased $12.0 million, or 272.7%, to $16.4
million for fiscal 1995 from $4.4 million in fiscal 1994, largely as a result
of higher operating earnings (as described above), which were partially offset
by increased income tax expense in comparison to a tax benefit in 1994.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

     For the nine months ended June 29, 1997, net cash provided by operating
activities increased $4.4 million to $32.6 million from $28.2 million for the
nine months ended June 30, 1996, primarily as a result of reductions in working
capital.

     Capital expenditures during the nine months ended June 29, 1997, were $5.1
million, reflecting maintenance level spending, which allowed the Company to
use the majority of cash provided by operating activities to reduce borrowings
under the Revolving Credit Facility.

     Since the Recapitalization, the Company's primary capital requirements
have been for debt service, working capital and capital expenditures. The
Company currently expects that capital expenditures for fiscal 1997 will be
approximately $10.0 million. Capital expenditures in fiscal 1998 are expected
to increase to approximately $15.0 million due to the start up of projects
deferred during the process of capacity rationalization in fiscal 1997 and the
implementation of new computer information systems. In addition, the Company
may also allocate capital expenditures from time to time to expand capacity or
in connection with strategic acquisitions. The Company believes that cash flow
from operating activities and periodic borrowings under its existing credit
facilities will be adequate to meet the Company's short-term and long-term
liquidity requirements prior to the maturity of those credit


                                       28
<PAGE>

facilities, although no assurance can be given in this regard. The Company's
current credit facilities include a revolving credit facility of $65.0 million
of which no amounts were borrowed at June 29, 1997, and approximately $0.6
million was utilized for outstanding letters of credit. See "Risk
Factors--Substantial Leverage."

     The Company is subject to various federal, state, local and foreign
environmental laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which it operates,
including laws and regulations relating to discharges to air, water and land,
the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste and the cleanup of
properties affected by hazardous substances. Except for liabilities related to
the Velsicol Chemical and Morton International proceedings described under
"Business--Environmental Matters" as to which the Company cannot predict the
impact of such liabilities, the Company does not currently anticipate any
material adverse effect on its operations or financial condition or any
material capital expenditure as a result of its efforts to comply with
environmental laws and as of June 29, 1997 had reserved $1.7 million for known
on-site and off-site environmental liabilities. Some risk of environmental
liability is inherent in the Company's business, however, and there can be no
assurance that material environmental costs will not arise in the future. The
Company has been identified as a PRP under CERCLA or similar state laws with
respect to the past disposal of waste and is a party to two lawsuits as to
which there is insufficient information to make a judgment as to the likelihood
of a material impact on the Company's operations, financial condition or
liquidity at this time. The Company may be named as a PRP at additional sites
in the future, and the costs associated with such additional or existing sites
may be material. In addition, certain of the Company's facilities have been in
operation for decades and, over such time, the Company and other prior
operators of such facilities have generated and disposed of wastes which are or
may be considered hazardous such as cadmium and mercury utilized in the battery
manufacturing process. See "Risk Factors--Environmental Matters" and
"Business--Environmental Matters."


Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

     In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per Share ("FAS
128"). FAS 128 will be effective for periods ending after December 15, 1997,
and specifies the computation, presentation, and disclosure requirements for
earnings per share. Adoption of this accounting standard is not expected to
have a material effect on the earnings per share computations of the Company
assuming the current capital structure.

     In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive
Income ("FAS 130"), which establishes standards for reporting and display of
comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general purpose
financial statements. All items that are required to be recognized under
accounting standards as components of comprehensive income are to be reported
in a financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other
financial statements. FAS 130 requires that an enterprise (i) classify items of
other comprehensive income by their nature in a financial statement and (ii)
display the accumulated balance of other comprehensive income separately from
retained earnings and additional paid-in-capital in the equity section of the
balance sheet. FAS 130 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 1997. Reclassification of financial statements for earlier periods provided
for comparative purposes is required. The Company is evaluating the effect of
this pronouncement on its consolidated financial statements.

     In June 1997, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information
("FAS 131"), which is effective for financial statements for periods beginning
after December 15, 1997. FAS 131 establishes standards for the way public
business enterprises are to report information about operating segments in
annual financial reports issued to shareholders. It also establishes standards
for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major
customers. The Company is evaluating the effect of this pronouncement on its
consolidated financial statements.


                                       29
<PAGE>

                                   BUSINESS


General

     The Company is the leading value brand and the third largest domestic
manufacturer of general batteries (including alkaline, heavy duty and
rechargeable alkaline), and is the leading worldwide manufacturer of hearing
aid batteries. The Company is also the leading domestic manufacturer of
rechargeable household batteries, heavy duty batteries and certain other
specialty batteries, including lantern batteries and lithium batteries for
personal computer clocks and memory backup. In addition, the Company is a
leading marketer of battery-powered lighting products. Originally introduced in
1921, the Rayovac brand is a well recognized name in the battery industry. The
Company attributes the longevity and strength of its brand name to its
high-quality products and to the success of its marketing and merchandising
initiatives.

     The Company has established its position as the leading value brand in the
U.S. general alkaline battery market by focusing on the mass merchandiser
channel. The Company achieved this position by (i) offering batteries with
quality and performance substantially equivalent to batteries offered by its
principal competitors at a lower price, (ii) emphasizing innovative in-store
merchandising programs, and (iii) offering retailers attractive margins. The
Company has established its position as the leader in various specialty battery
niche markets through (i) continual technological advances, (ii) creative
distribution and marketing, and (iii) strong relationships with industry
professionals and manufacturers. The Company sells and distributes its products
in several channels including mass merchandisers, food and convenience stores,
drug and specialty retailers, hardware/home centers, department stores, hearing
aid professionals, industrial and government/OEM. The Company markets all of
its branded products under the Rayovac[RegTM] name and selected products under
sub-brand names such as MAXIMUM[TM], Renewal[RegTM], Loud'n Clear[RegTM],
ProLine[RegTM], Lifex[TM], Power Station[RegTM], Workhorse[RegTM], and
Roughneck[RegTM].


Business Strategy

     In September 1996, pursuant to the Recapitalization, affiliates of the
Thomas H. Lee Company acquired beneficial ownership of approximately 79% of the
outstanding Common Stock of Rayovac. David A. Jones was hired as Chief
Executive Officer of the Company to implement a new business strategy focused
on (i) reinvigorating the Rayovac brand name by raising consumer brand
awareness through, among other things, focused marketing and advertising, (ii)
growing Rayovac's market share by expanding distribution into new channels,
increasing sales to under-penetrated channels and customers, launching new
products, and selectively pursuing acquisitions and alliances, (iii) reducing
costs by rationalizing manufacturing and distribution, better utilizing
existing plant capacity, outsourcing products where appropriate, reducing
working capital, and downsizing corporate overhead, and (iv) improving employee
productivity by reorganizing workflow to support the business units,
implementing modern information systems, increasing training and education, and
implementing a pay-for-performance culture.

     To implement its new strategy, the Company has undergone a significant
transformation since the Recapitalization.

     Strengthened Senior Management Team. In addition to Mr. Jones, three
experienced senior managers were recruited to fill key positions: Kent J.
Hussey, Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief
Financial Officer; Merrell M. Tomlin, Senior Vice President of Sales; and
Stephen P. Shanesy, Senior Vice President of Marketing and General Manager of
General Batteries. The new senior managers have over 70 years of collective
experience in the consumer products industry. In addition, the current
management team includes several key members who served the Company prior to
the Recapitalization, providing continuity and retaining significant battery
industry expertise. After giving effect to the Offerings, the eight executive
officers of the Company will beneficially own       % of the outstanding Common
Stock on a fully diluted basis.

     Reorganized Sales, Marketing and Administration by Distribution
Channel. Rayovac has realigned its marketing department, sales organization,
supply chain and support functions along major distribution channels, including
mass merchandisers, food and convenience stores, drug and specialty retailers,
hardware/home centers, department stores, hearing aid professionals, industrial
and government/OEM. The Company believes that sales to under-penetrated
channels should increase as the dedicated teams focus on implementing channel
specific marketing strategies, sales promotions and customer service
initiatives.

     Launched New Sales and Marketing Programs. Rayovac has developed and is in
the process of implementing broad new marketing initiatives designed to
reinvigorate the Rayovac brand name. Major steps completed to date


                                       30
<PAGE>

include: (i) the selection of Young & Rubicam as the Company's new advertising
agency and the development of its first major national advertising campaign for
general battery products; (ii) the launch of a new and improved alkaline
product line under the MAXIMUM sub-brand; (iii) the redesign of all product
graphics and packaging to convey a high quality image and emphasize the Rayovac
brand name; (iv) the extension of the Company's existing contract with Michael
Jordan to include his representation for all Rayovac products; (v) the
restructuring of the Company's sales representative network; and (vi) the
implementation of a 4% price increase for alkaline general battery products in
May 1997.

     Outsourced Certain Non-Manufacturing Operations. Since the
Recapitalization, the Company has outsourced a number of non-manufacturing
operations, including mainframe computer operations, graphic design and
production, packaging design and payroll processing. As a result, the Company
has reduced costs and increased profitability, while improving services and
operations.

     Rationalized Manufacturing and Other Costs. In March 1997, the Company
transferred the manufacture of round cell batteries from its Newton Aycliffe,
United Kingdom facility to its Wisconsin manufacturing plants. In August 1997,
it closed its Kinston, North Carolina facility and transferred production to
its Wonewoc, Wisconsin lighting products plant and to Far Eastern suppliers.
The Company also implemented a significant organizational restructuring in the
United States and United Kingdom and undertook additional measures to
rationalize the Company's manufacturing, distribution and other overhead costs.
The Company estimates these initiatives should result in aggregate annual
savings of $6.8 million. Management believes that the Company's current
manufacturing capacity remains sufficient to meet its anticipated production
requirements.

     Reorganized Information Systems. The Company has completed an initial
reorganization of its information systems function by (i) hiring an experienced
Chief Information Officer, (ii) outsourcing mainframe computer operations,
(iii) completing an enterprise software system analysis, and (iv) retaining
Electronic Data Systems to modernize and upgrade its data processing and
telecommunications infrastructure. The Company has begun implementing an
enterprise-wide, integrated information system to upgrade and modernize its
business operations, the majority of which is expected to be substantially
completed by late 1998. When fully implemented, this system is expected to
reduce cycle times, lower manufacturing and administrative costs, improve both
asset and employee productivity and address the Year 2000 issue.


Growth Strategy

     Rayovac believes it has significant growth opportunities in its businesses
and has developed corporate and market segment strategies aimed at increasing
sales, profits and market share. Key elements of the Company's growth strategy
are as follows:

     Reinvigorate the Rayovac Brand Name. The brand, originally introduced in
1921, has wide recognition in all markets where the Company competes, but has
lower awareness than the more highly advertised Duracell and Energizer brands.
The Company is committed to reinvigorating the Rayovac brand name after many
years of underdevelopment. The Company has initiated an integrated advertising
campaign using significantly higher levels of TV and print media. The campaign
is designed to increase awareness of the Rayovac brand and to heighten
customers' perceptions of the quality, performance and value of Rayovac
products. The Company intends to continue building its brand name to increase
sales of all its products. In 1997, the Company launched a reformulated
alkaline battery, Rayovac MAXIMUM, supported by new graphics, new packaging, a
new advertising campaign, and aggressive introductory retail promotions. This
focused marketing approach is specifically designed to raise consumer awareness
and increase retail sales.

     Leverage Value Brand Position. Rayovac believes it has a unique position
in the general battery market as the value brand in an industry in which the
leading three brands (Duracell, Energizer and Rayovac) account for
approximately 90% of sales. The Company's strategy is to provide products of
quality and performance equal to its major competitors in the general battery
market at a lower price, appealing to a large segment of the population
desiring a value brand. To demonstrate its value positioning, Rayovac offers
comparable battery packages at a lower price or, in some cases, more batteries
for the same price.

     Expand Retail Distribution. Historically the Company had focused its sales
and marketing efforts on the mass merchandiser channel which accounted for 48%
of industry sales growth in the domestic alkaline battery market over the past
five years. As a result, the Company has achieved a 19% share of domestic
alkaline battery


                                       31
<PAGE>

sales through mass merchandisers. However, this narrow focus contributed to
much lower market share in all other retail channels which represent a market
of $1.7 billion or 70% of the general battery market. The Company believes its
value brand positioned products and innovative merchandising programs make it
an attractive supplier to these channels. The Company has reorganized its
marketing, sales, and sales representative organizations by channel in order to
grow market share by (i) gaining new customers, (ii) penetrating existing
customers with a larger assortment of products, (iii) introducing new products,
and (iv) utilizing more aggressive and channel specific promotional programs.

     Further Capitalize on Worldwide Leadership in Hearing Aid Batteries. The
Company seeks to increase its 50% worldwide market share in the hearing aid
battery segment, as it has done consistently for the past 10 years, by
leveraging its leading technology and its dedicated and focused sales and
marketing organizations. Rayovac is the only hearing aid battery manufacturer
to advertise its products and plans to continue to utilize Arnold Palmer as its
spokesperson in its print media campaign. Rayovac has also recently introduced
large multi-packs of hearing aid batteries which have rapidly gained consumer
favor.

     Reposition the Renewal Rechargeable Alkaline Battery. The Company's
Renewal rechargeable battery is the only rechargeable alkaline battery in the
U.S. market, commanding a 58% market share of the rechargeable household
battery market for the 52 weeks ended July 5, 1997. Since the Recapitalization,
management has lowered the price of Renewal rechargers by 33% to 50% to
encourage consumers to purchase the system and shifted Renewal's marketing
message from its environmental benefits to its money-saving benefits. Renewal
batteries present a value proposition to consumers because Renewal batteries
can be recharged over 25 times, providing 10 times the energy of disposable
alkaline batteries at only twice the retail price. In addition, alkaline
rechargeables are superior to nickel cadmium rechargeables (the primary
competing technology) because they provide more energy between charges, are
sold fully charged, retain their charge longer and are environmentally safer.

     Introduce New Niche Products. The Company has developed leading positions
in several important niche markets, including those for lantern batteries and
lithium coin cells for personal computer memory back-up. The Company intends to
continue selectively pursuing opportunities to exploit under-served niche
markets, as well as further develop recent initiatives including the sales and
marketing of photo and keyless entry batteries. In the lighting products
segment, the Company is introducing a number of attractively designed new
products over the next twelve months and intends to bring new products to the
market in the future on a six-month cycle. New products have been proven to be
a key element in gaining market share for lighting products.

     Develop New Markets. The Company intends to leverage its existing
resources to expand its business into new markets for batteries and related
products both domestically and internationally. The Company expects to pursue a
strategy of selective acquisitions and regularly considers potential
acquisition candidates. These acquisitions may focus on expansion into new
geographic markets, technologies or product lines and, in addition, such
acquisitions may be of a significant size and could involve domestic or
international parties. See "Risk Factors--Risks Associated with Future
Acquisitions."


Battery Industry

     The U.S. battery industry had aggregate sales in 1996 of approximately
$4.2 billion as set forth below.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 U.S. Battery Industry Sales             (In billions)
<S>                                          <C>
   Retail:
    General    ...........................        $2.4
    Hearing aid   ........................         0.2
    Other specialty  .....................         0.8
   Industrial, OEM and Government   ......         0.8
                                                  -----
       Total   ...........................        $4.2
                                                  =====
</TABLE>

                                       32
<PAGE>

     Retail sales of general batteries represented $2.4 billion of aggregate
U.S. battery industry sales in 1996. As set forth below, this segment has
experienced steady growth, with compound annual unit sales growth since 1986 of
5.3%.



[Tabular Representation of Line Chart]

    RETAIL GENERAL BATTERY MARKET
    Total Retail General Batteries
    ------------------------------

               Units         Dollars
             (Millions)     (Millions)
             ----------     ----------

1986           1,923          1,538

1987           2,030          1,648

1988           2,132          1,740

1989           2,186          1,792

1990           2,225          1,834

1991           2,358          1,912

1992           2,543          2,003

1993           2,715          2,099

1994           2,910          2,192

1995           3,071          2,310




Source:   A.C. Nielsen Scanner Data
          A.C. Nielsen Consumer Panel Data




     The U.S. battery industry is dominated by three manufacturers, (Duracell,
Energizer and Rayovac) each of which manufactures and markets a wide variety of
batteries. Together, these three accounted for approximately 90% of the U.S.
retail general battery market in the 52 weeks ended July 5, 1997. Retail sales
of general and specialty batteries represent the largest portion of the U.S.
battery industry, accounting for approximately 82% of sales in 1996. Batteries
are popular with many retailers because they provide attractive profit margins.
As batteries are an impulse purchase item, increasing display locations in
stores tends to generate increased sales.

     The growth in retail sales of general batteries in the U.S. is largely due
to (i) the popularity and proliferation of battery-powered devices (such as
remote controls, personal radios and cassette players, pagers, portable compact
disc players, electronic and video games and battery-powered toys), (ii) the
miniaturization of battery-powered devices, which has resulted in consumption
of a larger number of smaller batteries, and (iii) increased purchases of
multiple-battery packages for household "pantry" inventory. These factors have
increased the average household usage of batteries from an estimated 23
batteries per year in 1986 to an estimated 35 batteries per year in 1996.

     Similar to general retailing trends, increased battery sales through mass
merchandisers and warehouse clubs have driven the overall growth of retail
battery sales. Mass merchandisers accounted for 53% of the total increase in
general battery retail dollar sales between 1991 and 1996 and, together with
warehouse clubs, accounted for 43% of total retail battery sales in 1995.

     In 1996, U.S. and worldwide retail sales of hearing aid batteries were
$205 million and $530 million, respectively, and have grown at a compound
annual growth rate of 7% and 5%, respectively, over the last five years. Growth
in the hearing aid battery market has been driven by an aging population;
increases in hearing instrument device sales driven by technological advances,
including miniaturization, which provides higher cosmetic appeal and improved
amplification; and the higher replacement rates of smaller hearing instruments.
 

     Other markets in which the Company operates include those for watch and
calculator batteries, which had worldwide sales of $920 million in 1996, photo
batteries, which had worldwide sales of $600 million in 1996 and lithium coin
cells, which had worldwide sales of $50 million in 1996.


Products

     Rayovac develops, manufactures and markets a wide variety of batteries and
battery-powered lighting devices. The Company's broad line of products includes
(i) general batteries (including alkaline, heavy duty and rechargeable alkaline
batteries) and specialty batteries (including hearing aid, watch, photo,
keyless entry, and personal computer clock and memory back-up batteries) and
(ii) lighting products and lantern batteries. General batteries (D, C, AA, AAA
and 9-volt sizes) are used in devices such as radios, remote controls, personal
radios and cassette players, pagers, portable compact disc players, electronic
and video games and battery-powered toys, as well as a variety of
battery-powered industrial applications. Of the Company's specialty batteries,
button cells are used in smaller


                                       33
<PAGE>

devices (such as hearing aids and watches), lithium coin cells are used in
cameras, calculators, communication equipment, medical instrumentation and
personal computer clocks and memory back-up systems, and lantern batteries are
used almost exclusively in battery-powered lanterns. The Company's lighting
products include flashlights, lanterns and similar portable products.

     Net sales data for the Company's products as a percentage of net sales for
fiscal 1995, fiscal 1996, the Transition Period and the nine months ended June
29, 1997 are set forth below.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Percentage of Company Net Sales
                                     -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Fiscal Year June 30,
                                     -----------------------   Transition Period       Nine Months
                                                               Ended September 30,     Ended June 29,
                                      1995         1996               1996                 1997
Product Type                         ----------   ----------   ---------------------   ---------------
<S>                                  <C>          <C>          <C>                     <C>
Battery Products:
Alkaline  ........................      43.4%        43.6%              41.4%                43.4%
Heavy Duty   .....................      14.1         12.2               12.7                 10.8
Rechargeable Batteries   .........       5.6          7.1                5.1                  5.9
Hearing Aid  .....................      12.7         14.6               14.3                 15.3
Other Specialty Batteries   ......      10.0          8.6               10.1                  9.6
                                      ------       ------             ------               ------
  Total   ........................      85.8         86.1               83.6                 85.0
Lighting Products and Lantern
 Batteries   .....................      14.2         13.9               16.4                 15.0
                                      ------       ------             ------               ------
  Total   ........................     100.0%       100.0%             100.0%               100.0%
                                      ======       ======             ======               ======
</TABLE>

Battery Products

     A description of the Company's major battery products including their
typical uses is set forth below.


<TABLE>
<S>                 <C>                 <C>               <C>               <C>                <C>                <C>
                     General Batteries                     Hearing Aid       Other Specialty Batteries            Lantern
                                                           Batteries                                              Batteries
 Technology          Alkaline            Zinc             Zinc Air           Lithium            Silver            Zinc
 Types/             - Disposable        - Heavy Duty       --                --                 --                Lantern (Zinc
 Common             - Rechargeable      (Zinc Chloride)                                                           Chloride and
 Name:                                                                                                            Zinc Carbon)
 Brand; Sub-brand   Rayovac; MAXIMUM,    Rayovac          Rayovac; Loud'n   Rayovac; Lifex      Rayovac           Rayovac
 Names(1):          Renewal, Power                        Clear, ProLine
                     Station
 Sizes:             D, C, AA, AAA, 9-volt(2) for both     5 sizes           5 primary sizes    10 primary sizes   Standard
                    Alkaline and Zinc                                                                             lantern
 Typical            All standard household applications    Hearing          Personal com-       Watches           Beam lanterns
 Uses:              including pagers, personal radios      aids             puter clocks and                      Camping
                    and cassette players, remote con-                       memory back-up                        lanterns
                    trols and a wide variety of
                    industrial applications
</TABLE>

(1) The Company also produces and supplies private label brands in selected
    categories.


(2) The Company does not produce 9-volt rechargeable batteries.


     Products

     Alkaline Batteries. Alkaline batteries are based on technology which first
gained widespread application during the 1980s. Alkaline batteries provide
greater average energy per cell and considerably longer service life than
traditional zinc chloride (heavy duty) or zinc carbon (general purpose)
batteries, the dominant battery types throughout the world until the 1980s.
Alkaline performance superiority has resulted in alkaline batteries steadily
displacing zinc chloride and zinc carbon batteries. In the domestic retail
general battery market, for instance, alkaline batteries represented 87.5% of
total battery unit sales in the nine months ended June 29, 1997, despite higher
per battery prices than zinc batteries.


                                       34
<PAGE>

     Rayovac produces a full line of alkaline batteries including D, C, AA, AAA
and 9-volt size batteries for both consumers and industrial customers. The
Company's alkaline batteries are marketed and sold primarily under the Rayovac
MAXIMUM brand, although the Company also engages in limited private label
manufacture of alkaline batteries. AA and AAA size batteries are often used
with smaller electronic devices such as remote controls, photography equipment,
personal radios and cassette players, pagers, portable compact disc players and
electronic and video games. C and D size batteries are generally used in
devices such as flashlights, lanterns, radios, cassette players and battery-
powered toys. 9-volt size batteries are generally used in fire alarms, smoke
detectors and communication devices.

     The Company regularly tests the performance of its alkaline batteries
against those of its competitors across a number of applications and battery
sizes using American National Standards Institute ("ANSI") testing criteria,
the standardized testing criteria generally used by industry participants to
evaluate battery performance, as well as its own specific product device
testing, which the Company believes may provide more relevant information to
consumers. Although relative performance varies based on battery size and
device tests, the average performance of the Company's alkaline batteries and
those of its competitors are substantially equivalent. The Company's
performance comparison results are corroborated by published independent test
results.

     For the 52 weeks ended July 5, 1997, the Company had a 10% overall
alkaline battery market share and a 19% alkaline battery market share within
the mass merchandise retail channel.

     Heavy Duty Batteries. Heavy duty batteries include zinc chloride batteries
designed for low and medium-drain devices such as lanterns, flashlights, radios
and remote controls. The Company produces a full line of heavy duty batteries,
although AA, C and D size heavy duty batteries together accounted for 90% of
the Company's heavy duty battery sales in fiscal 1996.

     The Company had a 38% market share in the heavy duty battery market in the
52 weeks ended July 5, 1997. Generally, the size of the heavy duty battery
market has been decreasing because of increased sales of alkaline batteries for
uses traditionally served by non-alkaline batteries.

     Rechargeable Batteries. The Company's Renewal rechargeable battery is the
only rechargeable alkaline battery in the U.S. market, commanding a 58% market
share of the rechargeable household battery market for the 52 weeks ended July
5, 1997. Since the Recapitalization, management has lowered the price of
Renewal rechargers by 33% to 50% to encourage consumers to purchase the system
and shifted Renewal's marketing message from its environmental benefits to its
money-saving benefits. Renewal batteries present a value proposition to
consumers because they can be recharged over 25 times, providing 10 times the
energy of disposable alkaline batteries at only twice the retail price. In
addition, alkaline rechargeables are superior to nickel cadmium rechargeables
(the primary competing technology) because they provide more energy between
charges, are sold fully charged, retain their charge longer and are
environmentally safer. Certain technology underlying the Company's Renewal line
of alkaline rechargeable batteries could be made available to the Company's
competitors under certain circumstances. See "Risk Factors--Limited
Intellectual Property Protection."

     Hearing Aid Batteries. The Company was the largest worldwide seller of
hearing aid batteries in fiscal 1996, with a market share of 50%. This strong
market position is the result of hearing aid battery products with advanced
technological capabilities, consistent product performance, a strong
distribution system and an extensive marketing program. Hearing aid batteries
are produced in several sizes and are designed for use with various types and
sizes of hearing aids. The Company produces five sizes and two types of zinc
air button cells for use in hearing aids, which are sold under the Loud'n Clear
and ProLine brand names and under several private labels, including Beltone,
Miracle Ear and Siemens. Zinc air is a highly reliable, high energy density,
lightweight battery system with performance superior to that of traditional
hearing aid batteries. The Company was the pioneer and currently is the leading
manufacturer of the smallest (5A and 10A size) hearing aid batteries. The
Company's zinc air button cells offer consistently strong performance, capacity
and reliability based on ANSI testing criteria as applied by the Company.


                                       35
<PAGE>

     Other Specialty Batteries. The Company's other specialty battery products
include non-hearing aid button cells, lithium coin cells, photo batteries and
keyless entry batteries. The Company produces button and coin cells for
watches, cameras, calculators, communications equipment and medical
instrumentation. The Company's market shares within each of these categories
vary. The Company's Lifex lithium coin cells are high-quality lithium batteries
with certain performance advantages over other lithium battery systems. These
products are used in calculators and personal computer clocks and memory
back-up systems. Lifex lithium coin cells have outstanding shelf life and
excellent performance. The Company believes that the market for lithium
personal computer memory back-up batteries has significant growth potential due
to growth in the personal computer market.


     Battery Merchandising and Advertising

     Alkaline and Rechargeable Batteries. Since the Recapitalization, the
Company has substantially revised its merchandising and advertising strategies
for general batteries. Key elements of the Company's strategies include:
building the awareness and image of the Rayovac brand name; focusing on the
reformulated MAXIMUM alkaline product line; improving consumer perceptions of
the quality and performance of the Company's products; upgrading and unifying
product packaging; and solidifying the Company's position as the value brand by
offering batteries of equal quality and performance at a lower price than those
offered by its principal competitors. The Company's strategy is to provide
products of quality and performance equal to its major competitors in the
general battery market at a lower price, appealing to a large segment of the
population desiring a value brand. To demonstrate its value positioning,
Rayovac offers comparable battery packages at a lower price or, in some cases,
more batteries for the same price. The Company also works with individual
retail channel participants to develop unique merchandising programs and
promotions and to provide retailers with attractive profit margins to encourage
retailer brand support.

     In response to the introduction by the Company's principal competitors in
the U.S. general battery market of on-the-label battery testers for alkaline
batteries, the Company developed an on-the-label tester for the Company's
alkaline batteries. Based on the Company's consumer testing which indicated
that such testers are difficult to use, prone to failure and do not represent a
significant marketing advantage, management decided not to proceed with the
implementation of such testers.

     In the three fiscal years prior to the Recapitalization, the Company spent
substantially all of its advertising budget on its Renewal product line. The
Company's current advertising campaign designed by Young & Rubicam, the
Company's new advertising agency, has shifted advertising efforts to the
Company's MAXIMUM alkaline products. In addition, the Company is launching its
first major national advertising campaign. The campaign is designed to increase
awareness of the Rayovac brand and to heighten customers' perceptions of the
quality, performance and value of Rayovac products. The Company has engaged
Michael Jordan as a spokesperson for its general battery products under a
contract which extends through 2004.

     The Company substantially overhauled its marketing strategy for its
Renewal rechargeable batteries in 1997 to focus on the economic advantages of
Renewal rechargeable batteries and to position the rechargers at lower, more
attractive price points. As part of its marketing strategy for its rechargeable
batteries, the Company actively pursues OEM arrangements and other alliances
with major electronic device manufacturers.

     Hearing Aid Batteries. To market and distribute its hearing aid battery
products, the Company continues to use a highly successful national print
advertising campaign featuring Arnold Palmer. A binaural wearer and user of
Rayovac hearing aid batteries, Mr. Palmer has been extremely effective in
promoting the use of hearing aids, expanding the market and communicating the
specific product benefits of Rayovac hearing aid batteries. The Company has
also developed a national print advertising campaign in selected publications
such as Modern Maturity to reach the largest potential market for hearing aid
batteries. The Company also pioneered the use of multipacks and intends to
further expand multipack distribution in additional professional and retail
channels. Additionally, the Company believes that it has developed strong
relationships with hearing aid manufacturers and audiologists, the primary
purveyors of hearing aids, and seeks to further penetrate the professional
market. The Company has also established relationships with major Pacific Rim
hearing aid battery distributors to take advantage of anticipated global market
growth.

     Other Specialty Batteries. The Company's marketing strategies for its
other specialty batteries focus on leveraging the Company's brand name and
strong market position in hearing aid batteries to promote its specialty
battery products. The Company has redesigned its product graphics and packaging
of its other specialty battery


                                       36
<PAGE>

products to achieve a uniform brand appearance with the Company's other
products and generate greater brand awareness and loyalty. In addition, the
Company plans to continue to develop relationships with manufacturers of
communications equipment and other products in an effort to expand its share of
the non-hearing aid button cell market. The Company believes there to be
significant opportunity for growth in the photo and keyless entry battery
markets and seeks to further penetrate the replacement market for these
products.


     With regard to lithium coin cells, the Company seeks to further penetrate
the OEM portable personal computer market, as well as to broaden its customer
base by focusing additional marketing and distribution efforts on
telecommunication and medical equipment manufacturers.


Lighting Products and Lantern Batteries


     Products

     The Company is a leading marketer of battery-powered lighting devices,
including flashlights, lanterns and similar portable products for the retail
and industrial markets. For the 52 weeks ended July 5, 1997, the Company's
products accounted for 12% of aggregate lighting product retail dollar sales in
the mass merchandiser retail market segment. Rayovac has established its
position in this market based on innovative product features, consistent
product quality and creative product packaging. In addition, the Company
endeavors to regularly introduce new products to stimulate consumer demand and
promote impulse purchases.


     The Company also produces a wide range of consumer and industrial lantern
batteries. For the 52 weeks ended July 5, 1997, the Company held a 50% market
share in the lantern battery market. This market has experienced a decline in
recent years due to the declining use of this product for highway construction
barricades.


     Merchandising and Advertising

     The Company's marketing strategy for its lighting products and lantern
batteries focuses on leveraging the Company's strong brand name, regularly
introducing new products, utilizing innovative packaging and merchandising
programs, and promoting impulse buying and gift purchases.


Sales and Distribution


     General

     After the Recapitalization, the Company reorganized its sales force by
distribution channel. As a result of this reorganization, the Company maintains
separate U.S. sales forces primarily to service its retail sales and
distribution channels and its hearing aid professionals, industrial and OEM
sales and distribution channels. In addition, the Company utilizes a network of
independent brokers to service participants in selected distribution channels.
In conjunction with its broader cost rationalization initiatives, the Company
has reduced the number of independent brokers and sales agents from over one
hundred to approximately fifty. With respect to sales of the Company's hearing
aid batteries, while most of the Company's sales have historically been through
hearing aid professionals, the Company is actively engaged in efforts to
increase sales through retail channels. In addition, the Company maintains its
own sales force of approximately 30 employees in Europe which promotes the sale
of all of the Company's products.


     Retail

     In the retail segment, the Company realigned its sales resources to create
a sales force dedicated to each of its retail distribution channels. The
primary retail distribution channels include: mass merchandisers (both national
and regional); food and convenience stores; drug and specialty retailers;
hardware/home centers; department stores; and automotive aftermarket dealers,
military sales and catalog showrooms. The Company works closely with individual
retailers to develop unique product promotions and to provide them with the
opportunity for attractive profit margins to encourage brand support.


                                       37
<PAGE>

     The Company's sales efforts in the retail channel focus primarily on sales
and distribution to national mass merchandisers, in particular the Wal-Mart,
Kmart and Target chains, which collectively accounted for 48% of industry sales
growth in the domestic alkaline battery market over the past five years. The
Company's sales strategy for these and other mass merchandisers includes
increasing market share for all of the Company's products through the use of
account specific programs and a separate sales and marketing team dedicated to
these large retailers.


     The Company's sales strategy is to penetrate further particular retail
distribution channels, including home centers, hardware stores, warehouse clubs
and food and drug stores. The Company's strategy for these retail channels is
to develop creative and focused marketing campaigns which emphasize the
performance parity and consumer cost advantage of the Rayovac brand and to
tailor specific promotional programs unique to these distribution channels.


     Industrial and OEM

     In the industrial battery market, the Company services three sales and
distribution channels: contract sales to governments and related agencies;
maintenance repair organizations (including buying groups); and office product
supply companies. The primary products sold to this market include alkaline,
heavy duty, and lantern batteries and flashlights. Maintenance repair
organizations, the largest of which is W.W. Grainger (to whom the Company is a
major supplier of battery and lighting products), generally sell to contractors
and manufacturers. The office product supply channel includes sales to both
professional and retail companies in the office product supply business.


     In the OEM sales channel, the Company actively pursues OEM arrangements
and other alliances with major electronic device manufacturers for its
rechargeable batteries. The Company also utilizes the OEM channel for the sale
and distribution of its hearing aid batteries through strong relationships it
has developed with hearing aid manufacturers. The Company plans to continue to
develop relationships with manufacturers of communications equipment and other
products in an effort to expand its share of the non-hearing aid button cell
market. With regard to lithium coin cells, the Company plans to penetrate
further the OEM portable personal computer market and broaden its customer base
by focusing additional sales and distribution efforts on telecommunications and
medical equipment manufacturers.


Manufacturing and Raw Materials

     The Company manufactures batteries in the United States and the United
Kingdom. Since the Recapitalization, the Company has shifted manufacturing
operations from its Newton Aycliffe, United Kingdom and Kinston, North Carolina
facilities to other facilities of the Company and outsourced the manufacture of
certain lighting products. These efforts have increased plant capacity
utilization and eliminated some of the Company's underutilized manufacturing
capacity.

     During the past five years, the Company has spent significant resources on
capital improvements, including the modernization of many of its manufacturing
lines and manufacturing processes. These manufacturing improvements have
enabled the Company to increase the quality and service life of its alkaline
batteries and to increase its manufacturing capacity. Management believes that
the Company's manufacturing capacity is sufficient to meet its anticipated
production requirements. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations."

     The most significant raw materials used by the Company to manufacture
batteries are zinc powder, electrolytic manganese dioxide powder, graphite and
steel. There are a number of worldwide sources for all necessary raw materials,
and management believes that Rayovac will continue to have access to adequate
quantities of such materials at competitive prices. The Company regularly
engages in forward purchases and hedging transactions to effectively manage raw
material costs and inventory relative to anticipated production requirements.
See "Risk Factors--Raw Materials."


Research and Development

     The Company's research and development strategy is to purchase or license
state-of-the-art manufacturing technology from third parties and to develop
such technology through the Company's own research and development efforts. The
Company's research and development efforts focus primarily on performance and
cost


                                       38
<PAGE>

improvements of existing products and technologies. In recent years, these
efforts have led to advances in alkaline, heavy duty and lithium chemistries,
as well as zinc air hearing aid batteries and enhancements of licensed
rechargeable alkaline technology.

     The Company believes that continued development efforts are important in
light of the continually evolving nature of battery technology and credits the
competitive performance of its products to its recent development efforts. In
the hearing aid battery segment, the Company's research and development group
maintains close alliances with the developers of hearing aid devices and often
works in conjunction with these developers in preparing new product designs.
The success of these efforts is most recently demonstrated by the Company's
development of the two smallest (5A and 10A size) hearing aid batteries. The
Company's research and development efforts in the Lighting Products and Lantern
Batteries segment are focused on the development of new products. Further, the
Company continues to partner with the U.S. government in research efforts to
develop new battery technology. The Company's research and development group
includes approximately 95 employees, the expense for some of whom is funded by
U.S. government research contracts. See "--Patents, Trademarks and Licenses."


Information Systems

     The Company has completed an initial reorganization of its information
systems function by (i) hiring an experienced Chief Information Officer, (ii)
outsourcing mainframe computer operations, (iii) completing an enterprise
software system analysis and selection, and (iv) retaining Electronic Data
Systems to modernize and upgrade its data processing and telecommunications
infrastructure. The Company has begun implementing an enterprise-wide,
integrated information system to upgrade and modernize its business operations,
the majority of which will be substantially implemented by late 1998. When
fully implemented, this system is expected to reduce cycle times, lower
manufacturing and administrative costs, improve both asset and employee
productivity and address the Year 2000 issue.


Patents, Trademarks and Licenses

     The Company's success and ability to compete depends in part upon its
technology. The Company relies upon a combination of patent, trademark and
trade secret laws, together with licenses, confidentiality agreements and other
contractual covenants, to establish and protect its technology and other
intellectual property rights.

     The Company owns or licenses from third parties a considerable number of
patents and patent applications throughout the world, primarily for battery
product improvements, additional features and manufacturing equipment.

     The Company also uses a number of trademarks in its business, including
Rayovac[RegTM], MAXIMUM[TM], Renewal[RegTM], Loud'n Clear[RegTM], Power
Station[RegTM], ProLine[RegTM], Lifex[TM], Smart Pack[RegTM], Smart[TM] Strip,
Workhorse[RegTM] and Roughneck[RegTM]. The Company relies on both registered
and common law trademarks in the United States to protect its trademark rights.
The Rayovac[RegTM] mark is also registered in countries outside the United
States, including in Europe and the Far East. The Company does not have any
right to the trademark "Rayovac" in Brazil, where the mark is owned by an
independent third-party battery manufacturer. In addition, ROV Limited, a third
party unaffiliated with the Company, has an exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free
license for the use of certain of the Company's trademarks (including the
"Rayovac" mark) in connection with zinc carbon and alkaline batteries and
certain lighting devices in many countries outside the United States, including
Latin America.

     The Company has obtained a non-exclusive license to use certain technology
underlying its rechargeable battery line to manufacture such batteries in the
United States, Puerto Rico and Mexico and to sell and distribute batteries
based on the licensed technology worldwide. This license terminates with the
expiration of the last-expiring patent covering the licensed technology. In
addition, in the conduct of its business, the Company relies upon other
licensed technology in the manufacture of its products. See Note 13 to Notes to
Combined Consolidated Financial Statements.


Competition

     The Company believes that the markets for its products are highly
competitive. Duracell and Energizer are the Company's primary battery industry
competitors, each of which has substantially greater financial and other
resources and greater overall market share than the Company. Although other
competitors have sought to enter this market, the Company believes that new
market entrants would need significant financial and other resources to


                                       39
<PAGE>

develop brand recognition and the distribution capability necessary to serve
the U.S. marketplace. Substantial capital expenditures would be required to
establish U.S. battery manufacturing operations, although potential competitors
could import their products into the U.S. market. The Company and its primary
competitors enjoy significant advantages in having established brand
recognition and distribution channels. See "Risk Factors--Competition."

     In the U.S. market for general batteries competition is based on brand
name recognition, perceived quality, price, performance, product packaging and
design innovation, as well as creative marketing, promotion and distribution
strategies. In comparison to the U.S. battery market, the international general
battery market has more competitors, is as highly competitive and has similar
methods of competition.

     Competition in the hearing aid battery industry is based upon reliability,
performance, quality, product packaging and brand name recognition. The
Company's primary competitors in the hearing aid battery industry include
Duracell, Energizer and Panasonic. The battery-powered lighting device industry
is also very competitive and includes a greater number of competitors
(including Black & Decker, Mag-Lite and Energizer) than the U.S. battery
industry.


Employees

     As of July 31, 1997 the Company had approximately 2,181 employees. The
Company believes its relationship with its employees is good and there have
been no work stoppages involving Company employees since 1981. A significant
number of the Company's factory employees are represented by one of four labor
unions. The Company has recently entered into collective bargaining agreements
with its Madison and Fennimore, Wisconsin employees, each of which expires in
2000. The Company's collective bargaining agreement with its 81 Washington,
United Kingdom employees is scheduled to expire in December 1997. In addition,
the Company's collective bargaining agreements with its six Hayward, California
and 232 Portage, Wisconsin employees are scheduled to expire in May and July
1998, respectively.


Properties and Equipment

     The following table sets forth information regarding the Company's six
manufacturing sites in the United States and the United Kingdom:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Location           Product                                                     Owned/Leased     Square Feet
<S>                <C>                                                         <C>              <C>
Fennimore, WI      Alkaline batteries and Renewal rechargeable batteries          Owned           176,000
Madison, WI        Heavy duty/general purpose batteries                           Owned           158,000
Portage, WI        Zinc air and silver button cells                               Owned            62,000
Appleton, WI       Lithium coin cells and alkaline computer batteries             Owned            60,600
Wonewoc, WI        Battery-powered lighting products and lantern batteries       Leased            60,000
Washington, UK     Mercuric oxide and zinc air button cells                      Leased            63,000
</TABLE>

     Over the last five years the Company has invested in all of its major
battery facilities. During this period, the Company invested approximately $37
million in connection with the Fennimore Expansion. Additional investments in
zinc air battery production have helped to increase output and precision of
assembly as well as to increase the capacity of critical component
manufacturing. Investments in lithium coin cell production have been used to
build capacity for newly developed sizes of lithium coin cells as well as to
increase capacity of the largest volume sizes of such cells. The Company has
recently shifted manufacturing operations from its Newton Aycliffe, United
Kingdom and Kinston, North Carolina facilities to other facilities of the
Company and outsourced the manufacture of certain lighting products. The
following table sets forth information regarding the Company's four packaging
and distribution sites in the United States and the United Kingdom, all of
which are leased:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Location                Square Feet
<S>                     <C>
Middleton, WI             220,000
Laverne, TN                73,000
Hayward, CA                30,000
Newton Aycliffe, UK        75,000
</TABLE>

     The Company believes that its facilities, in general, are adequate for its
present and currently foreseeable needs.

                                       40
<PAGE>

Environmental Matters

     The Company's facilities are subject to a broad range of federal, state,
local and foreign laws and regulations relating to the environment, including
those governing discharges to the air and water and land, the handling and
disposal of solid and hazardous substances and wastes, and the remediation of
contamination associated with releases of hazardous substances at Company
facilities and at off-site disposal locations. The Company has a proactive
environmental management program that includes the use of periodic
comprehensive environmental audits to detect and correct practices that violate
environmental laws or are inconsistent with best management practices. Based on
information currently available to Company management, the Company believes
that it is substantially in compliance with applicable environmental
regulations at its facilities, although no assurance can be provided with
respect to such compliance in the future. There are no pending proceedings
against the Company alleging that the Company is or has been in violation of
environmental laws, and the Company is not aware of any such proceedings
contemplated by governmental authorities. The Company is, however, subject to
certain proceedings under CERCLA or analogous state laws, as described below.

     The Company has from time to time been required to address the effect of
historic activities on the environmental condition of its properties, including
without limitation the effect of releases from underground storage tanks.
Several Company facilities have been in operation for decades and are
constructed on fill that includes, among other materials, used batteries
containing various heavy metals. The Company has accepted a deed restriction on
one such property in lieu of conducting remedial activities, and may consider
similar actions at other properties if appropriate. Although the Company is
currently engaged in remedial projects at a few of its facilities, the Company
does not expect that such projects will cause it to incur material
expenditures. Nonetheless, the Company has not conducted invasive testing to
identify all potential risks and, given the age of the Company's facilities and
the nature of the Company's operations, there can be no assurance that the
Company will not incur material liabilities in the future with respect to its
current or former facilities.

     The Company has been notified that its former manganese processing
facility in Covington, Tennessee is being evaluated by TDEC for a determination
as to whether the facility should be added to the National Priorities List as a
Superfund site pursuant to CERCLA. Groundwater monitoring conducted pursuant to
the post-closure maintenance of solid waste lagoons on site, and recent
groundwater testing beneath former process areas on site, indicate that there
are elevated levels of certain inorganic contaminants, particularly (but not
exclusively) manganese, in the groundwater underneath the site. The Company has
completed closure of the aforementioned lagoons and has completed the
remediation of a stream that borders the site. The Company cannot predict the
outcome of TDEC's investigation of the site and there can be no assurance that
the Company will not incur material liabilities in the future with respect to
this site.

     The Company has been and is subject to several proceedings related to its
disposal of industrial and hazardous waste at off-site disposal locations,
under CERCLA or analogous state laws that hold persons who "arranged for" the
disposal or treatment of such substances strictly liable for the costs incurred
in responding to the release or threatened release of hazardous substances from
such sites. Current and former owners and operators of such sites, and
transporters of waste who participated in the selection of such sites, are also
strictly liable for such costs. Liability under CERCLA is generally "joint and
several," so that a responsible party under CERCLA may be held liable for all
of the costs incurred at a particular site. However, as a practical matter,
liability at such sites generally is allocated among all of the viable
responsible parties. Some of the most significant factors for allocating
liabilities to persons that disposed of wastes at Superfund sites are the
relative volume of waste such persons sent to the site and the toxicity of
their waste streams. Other than the Velsicol Chemical and Morton International
proceedings described below (as to which there is insufficient information to
make a judgment as to the likelihood of a material impact on the Company's
operations, financial condition or liquidity at this time), the Company does
not believe that any of its pending proceedings under CERCLA or analogous state
laws, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material impact on
the Company's operations, financial condition or liquidity, and the Company is
not aware of any such matters contemplated by governmental agencies that will
have such an impact. However, the Company may be named as a PRP at additional
sites in the future, and the costs associated with such additional or existing
sites may be material. In addition, certain of the Company's facilities have
been in operation for decades and, over such time, the Company and other prior
operators of such facilities have generated and disposed of wastes which are or
may be considered hazardous such as cadmium and mercury utilized in the battery
manufacturing process.


                                       41
<PAGE>

     The Company has been named as a defendant in two lawsuits in connection
with a Superfund site located in Bergen County, New Jersey (Velsicol Chemical
Corporation, et al, v. A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company, et al., and Morton
International, Inc. v. A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company, et al., United States
District Court for the District of New Jersey, filed July 29, 1996). The
Company is one of almost one hundred defendants named in these cases. Both
cases involve contamination at a former mercury processing plant. One case was
brought by the current owner and the other case by a former owner. The
complaints in the two cases are identical, with four counts alleging claims for
contribution under CERCLA, the New Jersey Spill Act, the Federal Declaratory
Judgment Act and the common law. The plaintiffs allege that the Company
arranged for the treatment or disposal of hazardous substances at the site.
Consequently, the plaintiffs allege, the Company is liable to them for
contribution toward the costs of investigating and remediating the site.

     No ad damnum is specified in either complaint. The Remedial
Investigation/Feasibility Study ("RI/FS") of the site has just begun.
Plaintiff's counsel estimates the cost of the RI/FS to be $4 million. There is
no estimate at this juncture as to the potential cost of remediation. The
Company is one of approximately 75 defendants who allegedly arranged for
treatment or disposal at the site. The remaining defendants are former owners
or operators of the site and adjacent industrial facilities which allegedly
contributed to the contamination. Evidence developed in discovery to date
indicates that while the Company was a customer of the facility, the
relationship was of relatively brief duration. The cost to remediate the Bergen
County Site has not been determined and the Company cannot predict the outcome
of these proceedings. "See Risk Factors--Environmental Matters."

     There can be no assurances that additional proceedings relating to
off-site disposal locations will not arise in the future or that such
proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition or results of operations. The discovery of previously
unknown contamination of property underlying or in the vicinity of the
Company's manufacturing facilities could require the Company to incur material
unforeseen expenses. Occurrences of any such events may have a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial condition. See "Risk Factors--Environmental
Matters." As of June 29, 1997, the Company has reserved $1.7 million for known
on-site and off-site environmental liabilities. The Company believes these
reserves are adequate, although there can be no assurance that this amount will
be adequate to cover such matters.


Legal Proceedings

     In the ordinary course of business, various suits and claims are filed
against the Company. The Company has been named as a defendant in two lawsuits
in connection with a Superfund site located in Bergen County, New Jersey
(Velsicol Chemical Corporation, et al. v. A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company, et
al. and Morton International, Inc. v. A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company, et
al., United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, filed July
29, 1996). For a discussion of the principal parties, the factual basis alleged
to underlie the proceedings and the relief sought, see "Business--Environmental
Matters." See also "Risk Factors--Environmental Matters." Other than the
Velsicol Chemical and Morton International proceedings (as to which there is
insufficient information to make a judgment as to the likelihood of a material
impact on the Company's business or financial condition at this time), the
Company is not party to any legal proceedings which, in the opinion of
management of the Company, are material to the Company's business or financial
condition.


                                       42
<PAGE>

                                  MANAGEMENT


Directors and Executive Officers

     Set forth below is certain information regarding each director and
executive officer of the Company as of September 1, 1997:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name                     Age     Position and Offices
- ----------------------   -----   ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>     <C>
David A. Jones           47      Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and
                                 President
Kent J. Hussey           51      Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration,
                                 Chief Financial Officer and Director
Roger F. Warren          56      President/International and Contract Micropower and
                                 Director
Trygve Lonnebotn         59      Executive Vice President of Operations and Director
Stephen P. Shanesy       41      Senior Vice President of Marketing and General Manager
                                 of General Batteries
Kenneth V. Biller        49      Senior Vice President and General Manager of Lighting
                                 Products & Industrial
Merrell M. Tomlin        44      Senior Vice President of Sales
James A. Broderick       53      Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Scott A. Schoen          38      Director
Thomas R. Shepherd       67      Director
Warren C. Smith, Jr.     41      Director
</TABLE>

     Mr. Jones has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief
Executive Officer and President of the Company since September 12, 1996.
Between February 1995 and March 1996, Mr. Jones was Chief Operating Officer,
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Thermoscan,
Inc. From 1989 to 1994, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of
The Regina Company, a manufacturer of vacuum cleaners and other floor care
equipment. Mr. Jones has over 25 years of experience working in the consumer
durables industry, most recently in management of operations, manufacturing and
marketing.

     Mr. Hussey is a director of the Company and has served as Executive Vice
President of Finance and Administration, Chief Financial Officer since October
1, 1996. Prior to that time and since 1994, Mr. Hussey was Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of ECC International, a producer of industrial minerals
and specialty chemicals, and from 1991 to 1994 he served as Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of The Regina Company.

     Mr. Warren is a director of the Company and has served as
President/International and Contract Micropower of the Company since 1995. Mr.
Warren joined the Company in 1985 and has held several positions including
Executive Vice President and General Manager and Senior Vice President and
General Manager/International.

     Mr. Lonnebotn is a director of the Company and, since 1985, has served as
Executive Vice President of Operations. He joined Rayovac in 1965.

     Mr. Shanesy is the Senior Vice President of Marketing and the General
Manager of General Batteries of the Company. From 1991 to 1995, Mr. Shanesy was
Vice President of Marketing of Oscar Mayer. Prior to that time and since 1983,
Mr. Shanesy held various marketing positions with Kraft Foods.

     Mr. Biller has been the Senior Vice President and General Manager of
Lighting Products & Industrial since 1996. Prior to such time he was Vice
President and General Manager of Lighting Products & Industrial since 1995. Mr.
Biller joined the Company in 1972 and has held several positions, including
Director of Technology/Battery Products and Vice President of Manufacturing.

     Mr. Tomlin is the Senior Vice President of Sales of the Company. From
March 1996 to September 30, 1996, Mr. Tomlin served as Vice President Sales of
Braun of North America/Thermoscan and from August 1995 to March 1996, he served
as Vice President Sales of Thermoscan, Inc. Prior to that time, Mr. Tomlin was
Vice President of Sales of various divisions of Casio Electronics.


                                       43
<PAGE>

     Mr. Broderick is Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for Rayovac
and has held these positions since 1985.

     Mr. Schoen has been a director of the Company since the Recapitalization
and is a managing director of THL Co., which he joined in 1986. In addition,
Mr. Schoen is a Vice President of Thomas H. Lee Advisors I and Thomas H. Lee
Advisors II. He is also a director of First Alert, Inc., Signature Brands,
U.S.A., Inc. and various private corporations.

     Mr. Shepherd has been a director of the Company since the Recapitalization
and is a managing director of THL Co. and has been engaged as a consultant to
THL Co. since 1986. In addition, Mr. Shepherd is an Executive Vice President of
Thomas H. Lee Advisors I and an officer of various other THL Co. affiliates. He
is also a director of General Nutrition Companies, Inc. and various private
corporations and Chairman of Signature Brands, U.S.A., Inc.

     Mr. Smith has been director of the Company since the Recapitalization and
is a managing director of THL Co. and has been employed by THL Co. since 1990.
In addition, Mr. Smith is a Vice President of Thomas H. Lee Advisors II. He is
also a director of Finlay Enterprises, Inc., Finlay Fine Jewelry Corporation
and various private corporations.

     The Company anticipates that it will designate two additional, independent
persons to the Board of Directors following the Offerings.


Board Committees

     The Board of Directors has established an audit committee (the "Audit
Committee") and a compensation committee (the "Compensation Committee"). The
members of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee are Messrs.
Schoen, Shepherd and Smith.


Executive Compensation

     The following table sets forth compensation paid to the former and current
Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the other four most highly
compensated executive officers of the Company during fiscal 1996 and during the
three month Transition Period ended September 30, 1996 (the "Named Executive
Officers") for services rendered in all capacities to the Company.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        Other
                                                                                        Annual
                                                                                        Compen-      All Other
Name and Principal Position                Fiscal Year         Salary ($)   Bonus ($)   sation ($)   Compensation($)
- ------------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ----------------
<S>                                        <C>                 <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
Thomas F. Pyle, Jr., Former Chairman,      1996                $640,500       $          $25,300
President and Chief Executive Officer      Transition Period    138,800                   26,900
                                                                                         
David A. Jones, Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer and President      Transition Period     19,700        179,500
Judith D. Pyle, Former Vice Chairman       1996                 248,100                   6,500
and Senior Vice President of Marketing     Transition Period     53,800                   8,200
Marvin G. Siegert, Former Executive
Vice President of Finance and
Administration and Chief Financial         1996                 231,000                  11,600
Officer                                    Transition Period     60,100                  10,800
Roger F. Warren, President/International   1996                 248,100                  11,000
and Contract Micropower                    Transition Period     64,500
                                                                                                     $ 486,600(1)
Trygve Lonnebotn, Executive Vice           1996                 231,000                   9,300
President of Operations                    Transition Period     60,100                                377,800(1)
</TABLE>

- ----------------
(1) Represents amounts paid by the Company in connection with the
Recapitalization.

Option Grants and Exercises

     In connection with the Recapitalization, the Board adopted the Rayovac
Corporation 1996 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"). Pursuant to the Plan, options
may be granted with respect to an aggregate of 3,000,000 shares of Common
Stock. The Board of Directors has granted an aggregate of 2,318,126 options to
purchase shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.39 per share,
911,577 of which have been granted to David A. Jones in accordance with the
terms of his employment agreement. See "--Employment Agreement."


                                       44
<PAGE>

     The following table discloses the grants of stock options during the
Transition Period ended September 30, 1996 to the Named Executive Officers.


                  Option/SAR Grants in the Transition Period


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              Potential
                                                                                               Realizable
                                                                                           Value At Assumed
                                                                                           Annual Rates of
                                                                                             Stock Price
                                                                                            Appreciation for
                                             Individual Grants                                Option Term
                     ------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------
                      Number of       Percent of Total
                     Securities        Options/SARs       Exercise
                     Underlying         Granted to        or Base
                     Options/SARs      Employees in       Price
Name                 Granted (#)       Fiscal Year        ($/Sh)      Expiration Date     5% ($)     10% ($)
- ------------------   --------------   -----------------   ---------   -----------------   --------   --------
<S>                  <C>              <C>                 <C>         <C>                 <C>        <C>
David A. Jones          911,577             62.3%          4.39         9/12/2006
Roger F. Warren         227,894             15.6           4.39         9/12/2006
Trygve Lonnebotn        170,921             11.7           4.39         9/12/2006
</TABLE>

     The Named Executive Officers did not receive any grant of stock options in
fiscal 1996, with the exception of Marvin G. Siegert. In fiscal 1996, Mr.
Siegert was granted options to purchase 350,000 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $1.15. Mr. Siegert's options were exercised and the shares of
Common Stock received upon such exercise were sold in connection with the
Recapitalization at a price of $4.39 per share.


Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

     During fiscal 1996, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
was composed of Benjamin Garmer III, Judith D. Pyle and Marvin G. Siegert.
During their fiscal 1996 service on the Compensation Committee, Ms. Pyle was
the Vice Chairman and Senior Vice President of Marketing of the Company and Mr.
Siegert was the Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration and
Chief Financial Officer and Ms. Pyle and Mr. Siegert participated in all
compensation decisions including those relating to their own compensation. Ms.
Pyle is the wife of Thomas F. Pyle, Jr., former Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions."


Employment Agreement

     Under the employment agreement between David A. Jones and the Company (the
"Jones Employment Agreement"), Mr. Jones is entitled to a salary of $400,000
per annum (which may be increased from time to time at the discretion of the
Board of Directors) and an annual bonus based upon the Company achieving
certain annual performance goals established by the Board of Directors. The
Jones Employment Agreement became effective on September 12, 1996 for a term of
three years expiring on September 30, 1999 which automatically renews for
successive one year periods unless terminated earlier upon 90 days prior
written notice by either party. At any time Mr. Jones has the right to resign
and terminate the agreement upon 60 days notice. Upon such resignation, the
Company must pay to Mr. Jones any unpaid base salary and any accrued but unpaid
bonus through the date of resignation. The agreement provides that, upon the
termination of Mr. Jones' employment for death or disability, the Company will
pay to Mr. Jones or his estate any unpaid base salary, any accrued but unpaid
bonus through the date of termination and a pro rata portion of the bonus for
such period. The Company has the right to terminate employment for "cause" (as
defined) and shall be obligated to pay to Mr. Jones base salary to the date of
termination. In the event Mr. Jones is terminated without cause (as defined),
the Company must pay to him any unpaid base salary, any accrued but unpaid
bonus through the date of termination and Mr. Jones' base salary and any
additional salary until the earlier of the end of the term of the agreement or
12 months from the date of termination as well as other benefits under the
agreement.

     The agreement also provides that, during the term of the agreement or the
period of time served as a director, and for one year thereafter, Mr. Jones
shall not engage in or have a financial interest in any business which is
involved in the industries in which the Company is engaged. The Company has
also granted Mr. Jones options to purchase 911,577 shares of Common Stock at
$4.39 per share, half of which become exercisable at a rate of 20% per year
over a five-year period and the other half of which become exercisable at the
end of ten years with accelerated vesting over each of the next five fiscal
years if the Company achieves certain performance goals. In connection with the
Recapitalization, Mr. Jones individually also purchased 227,895 shares of
Common Stock at approximately


                                       45
<PAGE>

$4.39 per share. One-half of the purchase price was paid in cash and one-half
with a promissory note. The Company holds this promissory note in the principal
amount of $500,000 from Mr. Jones in connection with the purchase of shares of
Common Stock. Mr. Jones will receive additional salary of $35,000 annually as
long as the promissory note remains outstanding. See "Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions."


Severance Agreements

     Each of Kent J. Hussey, Executive Vice President of Finance and
Administration and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, Roger F. Warren,
President/International and Contract Micropower of the Company, Trygve
Lonnebotn, Executive Vice President of Operations of the Company, Stephen P.
Shanesy, Senior Vice President of Marketing and General Manager of General
Batteries, and Merrell M. Tomlin, Senior Vice President of Sales has entered
into a severance agreement (each, a "Severance Agreement") with the Company
pursuant to which, in the event that his employment is terminated during the
term of the Severance Agreement (a) by the Company without cause (as defined)
or (b) by reason of death or disability (as defined), the Company shall pay him
an amount in cash equal to the sum of (i) his base salary as in effect for the
fiscal year ending immediately prior to the fiscal year in which such
termination occurs and (ii) the annual bonus (if any) earned by him pursuant to
any annual bonus or incentive plan maintained by the Company in respect of the
fiscal year ending immediately prior to the fiscal year in which such
termination occurs, such amount to be paid ratably monthly in arrears over the
remaining term of the Severance Agreement. In the event of such termination,
the Company shall also maintain for the twelve-month period following such
termination insurance benefits for such individual and his dependents similar
to those provided immediately prior to such termination. Under the Severance
Agreements, each of Messrs. Hussey, Warren, Lonnebotn, Shanesy and Tomlin has
agreed that for one year following the later of the end of the term of the
Severance Agreement or the date of termination, that he will not engage or have
a financial interest in any business which is involved in the industries in
which the Company is engaged. The initial term of each Severance Agreement is
one year with automatic one-year renewals thereafter, subject to thirty days
notice of non-renewal prior to the end of the then current term.


Director Compensation

     Directors who are employees of the Company receive no compensation for
serving on the Board of Directors. Non-employee directors of the Company are
reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses in attending meetings of the Board
of Directors. Messrs. Schoen, Shepherd and Smith receive no fees in their
capacities as directors. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions"
for a description of certain other arrangements pursuant to which THL Co., of
which they are managing directors, receives compensation from the Company.


Benefit Plans

     Rayovac Profit Sharing and Savings Plan. The Company sponsors the Rayovac
Profit Sharing and Savings Plan (the "Profit Sharing Plan"). Under the terms of
the Profit Sharing Plan, eligible employees may elect to contribute to the
Profit Sharing Plan, through payroll deductions, up to 15% of their
compensation for services rendered in any year, not to exceed a statutorily
prescribed annual limit. The Profit Sharing Plan provides that for any pay
period the Company may in its discretion make contributions to the Profit
Sharing Plan on behalf of each Profit Sharing Plan participant, which
contributions shall be a percentage of each participant's compensation for such
pay period. Participants may direct the investment of all contributions among
the funds offered by the Profit Sharing Plan. The executive officers of the
Company participate in the Profit Sharing Plan. Participants in the Profit
Sharing Plan are fully vested in their Plan accounts.

     Deferred Compensation Plan. The Company has adopted the Rayovac
Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Deferred Compensation Plan") for
eligible management employees employed at the level of vice president or above.
Participants in the Deferred Compensation Plan may elect to defer some or all
of their base salary and bonuses pursuant to elections made prior to the period
with respect to which such compensation is earned ("Deferrals"). In general,
Deferrals are payable upon retirement, death or disability, with a participant
also being eligible for certain hardship withdrawals. The normal form of
Deferral payment is in up to 15 annual installments, with a participant having
the option to receive a lump sum payment with the consent of the Company. The
Deferral will not be subject to federal income tax at the time of the Deferral.
Participants are credited with earnings on their accounts based upon individual
participant's selection from among investment benchmarks chosen by the Company.
The Company has established a related trust to fund Deferrals upon a change in
control of the Company. The Deferrals are unsecured liabilities payable by the
Company out of its general assets.


                                       46
<PAGE>

     The Company also has nonqualified deferred compensation agreements with
certain current and former officers under which the Company has agreed to pay
such individuals designated amounts annually for the first 15 years subsequent
to retirement or to a designated beneficiary upon death. The Company estimates
the actuarial present value of the unfunded liabilities related to such
agreements to be approximately $8.8 million as of June 30, 1996. See Note 10 to
Notes to Combined Consolidated Financial Statements.

     Stock Option Plans. In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company
adopted the 1996 Stock Option Plan (the "1996 Plan"). The 1996 Plan provides
for the grant, from time to time, of non-qualified stock options for an
aggregate of 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock to employees and directors of the
Company or a subsidiary to encourage continuity of service with the Company, to
increase their efforts on behalf of the Company and to promote the success of
the Company's business. The 1996 Plan is administered by the Compensation
Committee. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Compensation Committee is
empowered to, among other things, determine the persons to whom and the time or
times at which options may be granted, the number of shares to which an option
may relate and the terms, conditions and restrictions relating to any option.

     The 1996 Plan provides that the exercise price of options shall be paid in
full at the time of exercise and may be paid in cash or in shares of Common
Stock having a fair market value equal to the exercise price, or in a
combination of cash and shares of Common Stock or, in the discretion of the
Compensation Committee, through a cashless exercise procedure.

     Unless otherwise provided in the applicable option agreement, options may
be exercised only during the period that the recipient is an employee or member
of the Board of the Company and for a period of 30 days after termination of
employment other than for cause or due to the death or disability of the
recipient or for a period of twelve months from the date of termination due to
the death or disability of the recipient. The 1996 Plan may, at any time and
from time to time, be altered, amended, suspended or terminated by the Board of
Directors or the Compensation Committee, in whole or in part; provided that no
amendment may be made which adversely affects any of the rights of a recipient
of an option or theretofore granted, without such recipient's consent, and no
amendment which requires shareholder approval under applicable law or in order
for the plan to continue to comply with Section 162 (m) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended will be effective unless it is approved by the
requisite vote of shareholders. Options granted under the 1996 Plan are subject
to adjustment under certain specified circumstances to prevent dilution.
Options to purchase an aggregate of 2,318,126 shares of Common Stock were
granted under the 1996 Plan as of August 27, 1997.

     In connection with the purchase by the Company and the Lee Group of shares
of Common Stock from Thomas F. Pyle, Jr., former Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company as of August 1, 1997, the Company adopted the
Rayovac Corporation 1997 Stock Option Plan (the "1997 Plan"). The 1997 Plan
provides for the grant of options to purchase an aggregate of 665,000 shares of
Common Stock to employees of the Company at a specified management level and
above to provide an incentive to such employees to remain in the Company's
employ and to increase their efforts for the success of the Company by offering
them an opportunity to increase their proprietary interest in the Company. The
1997 Plan is administered by David Jones as administrator (the
"Administrator").

     The 1997 Plan provides that the exercise price of an option under the 1997
Plan shall be $6.01 per share. The Administrator may determine those persons
who shall be entitled to receive options and may prescribe the minimum and
maximum number of shares of Common Stock for which a Participant may exercise
an option, the expiration date of such option and such other terms and
conditions as the Administrator shall deem appropriate. The Plan and each
option granted thereunder shall expire no later than No vember 30, 1997. The
1997 Plan provides that the Administrator may cause the Company to lend to a
participant the amount of cash necessary to exercise the option granted to such
participant; provided, however, that such participant simultaneously executes a
promissory note in the form prescribed by the 1997 Plan.

     The Administrator may permit a participant to surrender an option held by
such participant and elect instead to have a portion of the amounts credited to
such participant's account under the Company's Deferred Compensation Plan
credited as deferred stock units, each economically equivalent to a share of
Common Stock. The maximum amount which a Participant may elect to have so
credited shall be equal to the aggregate purchase price of the shares of Common
Stock subject to the option (or portion thereof) so surrendered.

     Pursuant to the 1997 Plan, as of August 1, 1997, options to purchase an
aggregate of 500,830 shares of Common Stock were granted to management
employees of the Company. Such options were immediately exercised or
surrendered to the Deferred Compensation Plan as of such date and the proceeds
from the exercise or surrender


                                       47
<PAGE>

thereof were used to fund the Company's purchase of shares of Common Stock from
Mr. Pyle occurring as of such date. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions."

     On September 3, 1997, the Board adopted the 1997 Rayovac Incentive Plan
(the "Incentive Plan") which was approved by the Shareholders on     , 1997 to
support the Company's ongoing efforts to develop and retain exceptionally
talented employees and give the Company the ability to provide employees with
incentives that are directly linked to the profitability of the Company's
businesses and increases in shareholder value. The Incentive Plan replaces the
1996 Plan and no further awards will be granted under the 1996 Plan other than
awards of options for shares up to an amount equal to the number of shares
covered by options that terminate or expire prior to being exercised. Under the
Incentive Plan, the Company may grant to employees and non-employee directors
stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), restricted stock, and other
stock-based awards, as well as cash-based annual and long-term incentive
awards. The Company believes that the Incentive Plan will form an important
part of the Company's overall compensation program.

     All employees of the Company, its subsidiaries and its affiliates as well
as non-employee members of the Boards of Directors of the Company, its
subsidiaries, and its affiliates will be eligible to receive awards under the
Incentive Plan.

     It is currently anticipated that the Incentive Plan will be administered
by the Compensation Committee or a subcommittee thereof. The Compensation
Committee will select the individuals to whom awards will be granted and will
establish the terms of such awards. The Compensation Committee may delegate its
authority under the Incentive Plan to officers of the Company, subject to
Board-approved guidelines, with respect to employees or Directors who are not
"executive officers" of the Company.

     Up to 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock may be issued under the Incentive
Plan. The Incentive Plan will permit the granting of incentive stock options,
which qualify for special tax treatment, and nonqualified stock options. SARs
may also be granted either singly or in combination with underlying stock
options.  Cash-based annual and long-term incentive awards granted under the
Incentive Plan will be earned only if corporate, business unit or individual
performance objectives over performance cycles established by or under the
direction of the Compensation Committee are met.

     The Incentive Plan also provides for awards that are denominated in,
valued by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to, Common Stock.
These awards may include, without limitation, performance shares and restricted
stock units that entitle the recipient to receive, upon satisfaction of
performance goals or other conditions, a specified number of shares of Common
Stock or the cash equivalent thereof.

     The Incentive Plan provides that in the event of a "Change in Control" (as
defined in the Incentive Plan), all stock options and SARs will become
immediately exercisable, the restrictions applicable to outstanding restricted
stock and other stock-based awards will lapse, and, unless otherwise determined
by the Compensation Committee, the value of outstanding stock options, SARs,
restricted stock and other stock-based awards will be cashed out on the basis
of the highest price paid (or offered) during the preceding 60-day period. In
addition, outstanding incentive awards will be vested and paid out on a
prorated basis, based on the maximum award opportunity of such awards and the
number of months elapsed compared with the total number of months in the
performance cycle.

     The Incentive Plan became effective on September 3, 1997, and will expire
on August 31, 2007, unless terminated earlier, or extended, by the Board. Any
awards granted before the Incentive Plan expires or is terminated may extend
beyond the expiration or termination date. The Board may amend the Incentive
Plan at any time, provided that no such amendment will be made without
stockholder approval if such approval is required under applicable law, or if
such amendment would increase the number of shares that may be issued under the
plan.

     The terms and conditions of each award will be set forth in award
agreements, which can be amended by the Compensation Committee. The
Compensation Committee may require or permit deferral of the payment of awards
and may provide for the payment of interest or other earnings on deferred
amounts or the payment of dividend equivalents where the deferred amounts are
denominated in stock equivalents. Awards under the Incentive Plan may earn
dividends or dividend equivalents, as determined by the Compensation Committee.
 

     Under the Incentive Plan, no recipient may receive awards during the term
of the Incentive Plan that cover in the aggregate more than 10% of the shares
originally reserved for distribution. The value of a recipient's annual
incentive award may not exceed $5 million; individual long-term incentive
awards are limited to $3 million times the number of years in the applicable
performance cycle.

     It is presently intended that the Incentive Plan constitute an "unfunded"
plan for incentive compensation. The Incentive Plan authorizes the creation of
trusts and other arrangements to facilitate or ensure payment of the Company's
obligations.

                                       48
<PAGE>

                          OWNERSHIP OF CAPITAL STOCK

     The following table sets forth as of the date hereof and after giving
effect to the sale of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby certain
information as to each director, executive officer and beneficial owner of more
than 5% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock and with respect to all
directors and executive officers of the Company as a group, in each case as of
August 27, 1997.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Shares Beneficially Owned(2)
                                                    ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Percent of Outstanding Shares
                                                                   -------------------------------------
Name and Address(1)                                  Number        Before Offerings     After Offerings
- -------------------------------------------------   ------------   ------------------   ----------------
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>                  <C>
Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund III, L.P. (3)    ......   15,169,818            73.7%
 75 State Street, Ste. 2600
 Boston, MA 02109
Thomas H. Lee Foreign Fund III, L.P. (3)   ......      939,742             4.6
 75 State Street, Ste. 2600
 Boston, MA 02109
THL-CCI Limited Partnership (4)   ...............    1,592,847             7.4
 75 State Street, Ste. 2600
 Boston, MA 02109
David A. Jones (5) ..............................      274,006             1.3
Marvin G. Siegert  ..............................      190,105               *
Kent J. Hussey  .................................       42,489               *
Roger F. Warren .................................      569,735             2.8
Stephen P. Shanesy ..............................       39,775               *
Kenneth V. Biller  ..............................       95,653               *
Merrell M. Tomlin  ..............................       35,655               *
James A. Broderick ..............................      213,425             1.0
Trygve Lonnebotn   ..............................      410,863             2.0
Scott A. Schoen (3)(6)   ........................       76,456               *
Thomas R. Shepherd (6)   ........................       39,821               *
Warren C. Smith, Jr. (3)(6) .....................       63,724               *
All directors and executive officers of the
Company as a group (11 persons)(3)(6)   .........    1,861,602             9.0%
</TABLE>

*Less than 1%.

(1) Addresses are given only for beneficial owners of more than 5% of the
    outstanding shares of Common Stock.

(2) Unless otherwise noted, the nature of beneficial ownership is sole
    voting and/or investment power, except to the extent authority is shared by
    spouses under applicable law. Shares of Common Stock not outstanding but
    deemed beneficially owned by virtue of the right of a person or group to
    acquire them within 60 days are treated as outstanding only for purposes of
    determining the number and percent of shares of Common Stock owned by such
    person or group, except that 40,000 immediately exercisable options to
    purchase Common Stock of an employee of the Company who is not an executive
    officer of the Company are included for all purposes.

(3) THL Equity Advisors III Limited Partnership ("Advisors"), the general
    partner of the Lee Fund and Thomas H. Lee Foreign Fund III, L.P., THL Equity
    Trust III ("Equity Trust"), the general partner of Advisors, Thomas H. Lee,
    Scott A. Schoen, Warren C. Smith, Jr. and other managing directors of THL
    Co., as Trustees of Equity Trust, and Thomas H. Lee as sole shareholder of
    Equity Trust, may be deemed to be beneficial owners of the shares of Common
    Stock held by such Funds. Each of such persons maintains a principal
    business address at Suite 2600, 75 State Street, Boston, MA 02109. Each of
    such persons disclaims beneficial ownership of all shares. 

(4) THL Investment Management Corp., the general partner of THL-CCI Limited
    Partnership, and Thomas H. Lee, as director and sole shareholder of THL
    Investment Management Corp., may also be deemed to be beneficial owners of
    the shares of Common Stock held by THL-CCI Limited Partnership. Each of such
    persons maintains a principal business address at Suite 2600, 75 State
    Street, Boston, MA 02109. 

(5) Includes 4,513 shares representing Mr. Jones' proportional interest in
    the Lee Fund. Mr. Jones disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares. 

(6) Includes 76,456 shares, 39,821 shares and 63,724 shares, representing
    the proportional interests of Messrs. Schoen, Shepherd and Smith,
    respectively, in THL-CCI Limited Partnership; and 14,952 shares which Mr.
    Smith may be deemed to beneficially own as a result of Mr. Smith's
    children's proportional beneficial interest in THL-CCI Limited Partnership.

                                       49
<PAGE>

                CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

     The Company and THL Co. which, together with its affiliates will own     %
of the outstanding Common Stock following the Offerings, are parties to a
Management Agreement entered into in connection with the Recapitalization
pursuant to which the Company has engaged THL Co. to provide consulting and
management advisory services for an initial period of five years through
September 12, 2001. Under the Management Agreement and in connection with the
closing of the Recapitalization, the Company paid THL Co. and an affiliate an
aggregate fee of $3.25 million (the "THL Transaction Fee"). In consideration of
the consulting and management advisory services, the Company pays THL Co. and
its affiliate an aggregate annual fee of $360,000 plus expenses (the
"Management Fee"). The Company believes that this Management Agreement is on
terms no less favorable to the Company than could have been obtained from an
independent third party.

     The Company and Thomas F. Pyle entered into a Stock Sale Agreement, dated
as of August 1, 1997 (the "Pyle Agreement") pursuant to which Mr. Pyle sold
2,022,785 shares of Common Stock to the Company and the Lee Group. The Pyle
Agreement provides that, among other things, if (i) the Company enters into a
business combination or other transaction with a third party whereby less than
a majority of the outstanding capital stock of the surviving entity is owned by
the Lee Group, and (ii) such business combination or other transaction is the
result of negotiations or discussions entered into prior to December 31, 1997
and such combination is consummated prior to June 30, 1998, then the Lee Group
will remit to Mr. Pyle all amounts, if any, received by the Lee Group (or any
affiliated transferee of shares owned by the Lee Group) from the sale of the
shares of Common Stock to such third party in excess of $6.01 per share.

     The Company leases its corporate headquarters facilities and other
properties from partnerships in which Mr. Pyle is a partner. The Company has
annual minimum rental commitments on these properties of approximately $3.5
million, subject to adjustment based upon changes in the consumer price index.
Rental payments on these properties and other properties were $0.9 million,
$3.4 million, $3.2 million and $3.1 million for the Transition Period, fiscal
1996, fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1994, respectively.

     The Company and David A. Jones are parties to the Jones Employment
Agreement pursuant to which Mr. Jones agreed to be the Chairman of the Board of
Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company. Mr. Jones also
purchased from the Company 227,895 shares of Common Stock with cash and a
$500,000 promissory note held by the Company with interest payable at a rate of
7% per annum and principal payable on the earliest of the following to occur:
(i) the fifth anniversary of the note; (ii) the date on which (a) Mr. Jones
terminates his employment for any reason other than a Constructive Termination
(as defined in the Jones Employment Agreement) and (b) he is no longer a
director of the Company; or (iii) the date the Company terminates Mr. Jones'
employment for Cause (as defined in the Jones Employment Agreement). Proceeds
from any sale of Mr. Jones' shares must be used to immediately prepay, in whole
or in part, the principal amount of the promissory note outstanding and any
accrued and unpaid interest on the portion prepaid or the holder of the
promissory note may declare the entire principal amount of such note to be
immediately due and payable. Mr. Jones receives additional salary of $35,000
annually during the period the promissory note is outstanding. See
"Management--Employment Agreement."

     Pursuant to the 1997 Plan, on August 1, 1997, certain executive officers
of the Company, including Messrs. Jones, Hussey, Tomlin and Shanesy, exercised
options to purchase shares of Common Stock under the 1997 Plan with five year
promissory notes held by the Company, in principal amounts of $250,000,
$50,000, $50,000, and $20,000, respectively, with interest payable at 8% per
annnum, and no principal amounts have been paid on such notes to date.

     In addition, the Company holds five year promissory notes dated March 17,
1997 from Messrs. Hussey, Tomlin and Shanesy, in principal amounts of $75,000,
$60,000 and $80,000, respectively, with interest payable at 8% per annum, and
no principal amounts have been paid on such notes to date. Such notes were
incurred in connection with the purchase of shares of Common Stock by Messrs.
Hussey, Tomlin and Shanesy upon joining the Company.

     In connection with the Recapitalization, the Lee Group, certain other
shareholders of the Company and the Company entered into a Shareholders
Agreement dated as of September 12, 1996. The Shareholders Agreement provides
for certain restrictions on transfer of the shares beneficially owned by the
parties thereto. Additionally, the Shareholders Agreement provides that,
subject to certain limitations, so long as the Lee Group and their permitted
transferees own at least 10% of the shares of Common Stock acquired in the
Recapitalization, the Lee Group shall be entitled to three "demand"
registrations which may be exercised at any time. The shareholders party to the
Shareholders Agreement including the Lee Group are also entitled, subject to
certain limitations, to include shares


                                       50
<PAGE>

of Common Stock held by them in other registrations of equity securities of the
Company initiated by the Company for its own account or pursuant to a request
for registration by the Lee Group. See "Risk Factors--Shares Eligible for
Future Sale."


                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

     The following summary description of the capital stock of the Company does
not purport to be complete, and is subject to the detailed provisions of, and
is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Restated Articles of
Incorporation of the Company, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (the "Registration Statement") of which this is a part
and the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law (the "WBCL"). Whenever particular
provisions of the foregoing are referred to, such provisions are incorporated
by reference as a part of the statements made and such statements are qualified
in their entirety by reference to such provisions.


General

     Upon the closing of the Offerings, the authorized capital stock of the
Company will consist of    shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share,
shares of which will be issued and outstanding, and    shares of preferred
stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock"), none of which will be
outstanding.


Common Stock

     Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share in all matters
to be voted on by the shareholders of the Company and do not have cumulative
voting rights. Accordingly, holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock entitled to vote in any election of directors may elect all of the
directors standing for election. Subject to preferences that may be applicable
to any Preferred Stock outstanding at the time, holders of Common Stock are
entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared from
time to time by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor.
In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company,
holders of Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining
after payment of the Company's liabilities and the liquidation preference, if
any, of any outstanding Preferred Stock. Holders of shares of Common Stock have
no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. There are no
redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Common Stock. All of
the outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and the shares offered by the
Company in the Offerings will be, when issued and paid for, fully paid and
non-assessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of Common
Stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the
holders of shares of any series of Preferred Stock which the Company may
designate and issue in the future.

     At present, there is no established trading market for the Common
Stock. Application is being made for listing of the Common Stock on the New
York Stock Exchange.


Limitations on Directors' Liability

     Wisconsin law provides that, except as limited in a corporation's articles
of incorporation, directors of a corporation will not be liable to the
corporation, its shareholders, or any person asserting rights on behalf of the
corporation or its shareholders, for damages, settlements, fees, fines,
penalties or other monetary liabilities arising from a breach of, or failure to
perform, any duty resulting solely from his or her status as a director, unless
the person asserting liability proves that the breach or failure to perform
constitutes (i) a willful failure to deal fairly with the corporation or its
shareholders in connection with a matter in which the director has a material
conflict of interest; (ii) a violation of criminal law, unless the director had
reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was lawful or no reasonable
cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful; (iii) a transaction from
which the director derived an improper personal profit; or (iv) willful
misconduct.


Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of Wisconsin Law

     Wisconsin Anti-Takeover Statute

     As a Wisconsin corporation, the Company is subject to certain provisions
of the WBCL, including a business combination statute, a fair price statute and
a control share statute, which provide Wisconsin corporations with anti-
takeover protection.

     Sections 180.1140 to 180.1144 of the WBCL (collectively, the "Wisconsin
Business Combination Statute") regulate a broad range of "business
combinations" between a Wisconsin corporation and an "interested stockholder."
The


                                       51
<PAGE>

Wisconsin Business Combination Statute defines a "business combination" to
include a merger or share exchange, sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge,
transfer or other disposition of assets equal to at least 5% of the aggregate
market value of the stock or assets of a corporation or 10% of its earning
power, or the issuance of stock or rights to purchase stock with an aggregate
market value equal to at least 5% of the aggregate market value of all of the
outstanding stock, adoption of a plan of liquidation or dissolution, and
certain other transactions involving an "interested stockholder." An
"interested stockholder" is defined as a person who beneficially owns, directly
or indirectly, 10% of the voting power of the outstanding voting stock of a
corporation or who is an affiliate or associate of the corporation and
beneficially owned 10% of the voting power of the then outstanding voting stock
within the last three years. The Wisconsin Business Combination Statute
prohibits a corporation from engaging in a business combination (other than a
business combination of a type specifically excluded from the coverage of the
statute) with an interested stockholder for a period of three years following
the date such person becomes an interested stockholder, unless the board of
directors approved the business combination or the acquisition of the stock
that resulted in a person becoming an interested stockholder prior to such
acquisition. Business combinations after the three-year period following the
stock acquisition date are permitted only if (a) the board of directors
approved the acquisition of the stock prior to the acquisition date, (b) the
business combination is approved by a majority of the outstanding voting stock
not beneficially owned by the interested stockholder at a meeting called for
that purpose, or (c) the consideration to be received by shareholders meets
certain requirements of the Wisconsin Business Combination Statute with respect
to form and amount.


     In addition, Sections 180.1130 to 180.1134 of the WBCL provide that
certain mergers, share exchanges or sales, leases, exchanges or other
dispositions of assets in a transaction involving a "significant shareholder"
are subject to a supermajority vote of shareholders, in addition to any
approval otherwise required by law or the articles of incorporation of the
corporation (the "Wisconsin Fair Price Statute"). A "significant shareholder"
is defined as a person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or
more of the voting power of the outstanding voting shares of a corporation or
an affiliate of the corporation which beneficially owned, directly or
indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding voting
shares of the corporation. The Wisconsin Fair Price Statute provides that
certain transactions with a significant shareholder must be approved by 80% of
the votes entitled to be cast by outstanding voting shares of the corporation
and at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting
shares other than voting shares beneficially owned by the significant
shareholder who is a party to the relevant transaction or any of its affiliates
or associates, in each case voting together as a single group, unless the
following fair price standards have been met: (a) the aggregate value of the
per share consideration is equal to the higher of (i) the highest price paid
for any common shares of the corporation by the significant shareholder in the
transaction in which it became a significant shareholder or within two years
before the date of the transaction, (ii) the market value of the corporation's
shares on the date of commencement of any tender offer by the significant
shareholder, the date on which the person became a significant shareholder or
the date of the first public announcement of the proposed transaction,
whichever is higher, or (iii) the highest liquidation or dissolution
distribution to which holders of the shares would be entitled; and (b) either
cash, or the form of consideration used by the significant shareholder to
acquire the largest number of shares, is offered.


     Under Section 180.1150 (the "Wisconsin Control Share Statute"), the voting
power of shares, including shares issuable upon conversion of securities or
exercise of options or warrants, of an "issuing public corporation" held by any
person or persons acting as a group in excess of 20% of the voting power in the
election of directors is limited to 10% of the full voting power of those
shares. The Wisconsin Control Share Statute does not apply to shares acquired
directly from the issuing public corporation, in certain specified
transactions, or in a transaction in which the corporation's shareholders have
approved restoration of the full voting power of the otherwise restricted
shares.


     Section 180.1134 (the "Wisconsin Defensive Action Restrictions") provides
that, in addition to the vote otherwise required by law or the articles of
incorporation of an issuing public corporation, the approval of the holders of
a majority of the shares entitled to vote is required before such corporation
can take certain action while a takeover offer for such corporation's shares is
being made or after a takeover offer has been publicly announced and before it
is concluded. Under the Wisconsin Defensive Action Restrictions, shareholder
approval is required for the corporation to (a) acquire more than 5% of the
outstanding voting shares at a price above the market value from any individual
or organization that owns more than 3% of the outstanding voting shares and has
held such shares for less than two years, unless a similar offer is made to
acquire all voting shares and all securities which may be converted into voting
shares, or (b) sell or option assets of the corporation which amount to at
least 10% of the market value of the corporation, unless the corporation has at
least three independent directors and a majority of the independent directors
vote not to have this provision apply to the corporation. The restrictions
described in clause


                                       52
<PAGE>

(a) above may have the effect of deterring a shareholder from acquiring shares
of the Company with the goal of seeking to have the Company repurchase such
shares at a premium over the market price.


Transfer Agent and Registrar

     The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock is                .


                      DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS

     The following summaries of the principal terms of certain outstanding
indebtedness of the Company do not purport to be complete and are subject to
the detailed provisions of, and qualified in their entirety by reference to,
the respective financing agreements, copies of which have been filed or
incorporated by reference as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which
this Prospectus is a part and to which exhibits reference is hereby made.
Whenever particular provisions of such documents are referred to, such
provisions are incorporated by reference as a part of the statements made, and
the statements are qualified in their entirety by such reference.


The Credit Agreement

     Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, BA Securities, Inc., Donaldson, Lufkin &
Jenrette Securities Corporation and certain of its affiliates (collectively,
the "Arrangers"), as Arrangers for a group of financial institutions and other
accredited investors, have provided senior bank facilities in an aggregate
amount of $170.0 million.

     The Credit Agreement provides for a six-year Tranche A term loan of up to
$55.0 million, a seven-year Tranche B term loan of up to $25.0 million and an
eight-year Tranche C term loan of up to $25.0 million (collectively, the "Term
Loan Facility"), and a six-year Revolving Credit Facility of up to $65.0
million under which working capital loans may be made and with a $10.0 million
sublimit for letters of credit (the Revolving Credit Facility, and, together
with the Term Loan Facility, referred to collectively as the "Bank
Facilities"). On September 13, 1996 (the "Closing Date"), the Company borrowed
an aggregate amount of $131.0 million comprised of $26.0 million of Revolving
Loans, $55.0 million of Term A Loans, $25.0 million of Term B Loans and $25.0
million of Term C Loans.

     As shown in the table below, quarterly amortization of the Tranche A loans
is in aggregate amounts ranging from $1.0 million to $3.75 million beginning
December 31, 1996. Amortization of the Tranche B loans is in aggregate
quarterly amounts of $0.0625 million during each of the first six years and
$5.875 million during the seventh year beginning December 31, 1996.
Amortization of the Tranche C loans will be in aggregate quarterly amounts of
$0.0625 million during each of the first seven years and $5.8125 million during
the eighth year beginning December 31, 1996. The Revolving Credit Facility must
be reduced for 30 consecutive days each year to no more than $10.0 million for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 1997, $5.0 million for fiscal year ending
September 30, 1998 and is not required to be reduced for any fiscal year
thereafter.


                       Term Loan Quarterly Amortization
                             (Dollars in millions)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year         Tranche A     Tranche B     Tranche C
- ----------   -----------   -----------   ----------
<S>          <C>           <C>           <C>
1   ......      $ 1.0        $ .0625       $ .0625
2   ......        1.5          .0625         .0625
3   ......        2.0          .0625         .0625
4   ......        2.5          .0625         .0625
5   ......        3.0          .0625         .0625
6   ......       3.75          .0625         .0625
7   ......         --          5.875         .0625
8   ......         --             --        5.8125
</TABLE>

     Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, in each case at the
Company's option, as follows: (i) with respect to the Tranche A loans and the
Revolving Credit Facility, at Bank of America National Trust and Savings
Association's base rate plus 1.50% per annum, or at IBOR plus 2.50% per annum;
(ii) with respect to the Tranche B loans, at Bank of America National Trust and
Savings Association's base rate plus 2.00% per annum, or at IBOR plus 3.00% per
annum; (iii) with respect to the Tranche C loans, at Bank of America National
Trust and Savings Association's base rate plus 2.25% per annum, or at IBOR plus
3.25% per annum; and (iv) with respect to the Revolving Credit Facility, at
Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association's base rate plus 1.50%
per


                                       53
<PAGE>

annum, or at LIBOR plus 2.50% per annum. Performance-based reductions of the
Tranche A and Revolving Credit Facility interest rates are available. The
Company also incurs standard letter of credit fees to issuing institutions and
other standard commitment fees. The Company obtained interest rate protection
in the form of an interest rate swap for $62.5 million of the Term Loan
Facility on October 7, 1996.

     The indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Agreement has been
guaranteed by ROV Holding, Inc. and will be secured by all existing and
after-acquired personal property of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries,
including the stock of all domestic subsidiaries of the Company and any
intercompany debt obligations and 65% of the stock of all foreign subsidiaries
(other than dormant subsidiaries) held directly by the Company or its domestic
subsidiaries, and, subject to certain exceptions, all existing and
after-acquired real and intangible property.

     The Credit Agreement contains financial and other restrictive covenants
customary and usual for credit facilities of this type, including those
involving maintenance of minimum coverage for fixed charges, a required minimum
level of earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization, a
required minimum net worth and a required maximum leverage. The Credit
Agreement's covenants also restrict the ability of the Company to incur
additional indebtedness, create liens, make investments or specified payments,
give guarantees, merge or acquire or sell assets, make capital expenditures and
restrict certain other activities. The Credit Agreement requires the Company to
apply 50% of the proceeds of the Offerings not used to redeem or repurchase
Notes to repayment of indebtedness under the Credit Agreement, pro rata among
the tranches except as may be otherwise agreed.

     "Events of Default" under the Credit Agreement include, among other
things, failure to make payments when due, defaults under certain other
agreements or instruments of indebtedness, noncompliance with covenants,
breaches of representations and warranties, certain bankruptcy or insolvency
events, judgments in excess of specified amounts, pension plan defaults,
impairment of security interests in collateral, invalidity of guarantees and
certain "changes of control" (as defined in the Credit Agreement).


The Notes

     Pursuant to an Indenture (the "Indenture") dated October 22, 1996 by and
among the Company, ROV Holding, Inc. and Marine Midland Bank as trustee, the
Company issued $100 million of 10 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2006 to
repay certain bridge financing incurred in connection with the
Recapitalization. On March 11, 1997, the Company consummated an offer to
exchange such notes for the Notes registered under the Securities Act.

     The Notes bear interest at the rate of 10 1/4% per annum, payable
semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 of each year and mature on November 1,
2006. The Notes are unsecured senior subordinated general obligations of the
Company and are unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured senior subordinated
basis by ROV Holding, Inc. The payment of principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on the Notes and the guarantees thereon are subordinated in right of
payment to all existing and future Senior Debt (as defined in the Indenture),
including borrowings under the Credit Agreement, whether outstanding on the
date of the Indenture or thereafter incurred.

     The Notes are not redeemable at the option of the Company prior to
November 1, 2001. Thereafter the Notes are subject to redemption at the option
of the Company, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices (expressed as
percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid
interest thereon to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the
twelve-month period beginning November 1 of the years indicated below:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year                         Percentage
- ---------------------------- -----------
<S>                          <C>
2001   .....................  105.125%
2002   .....................  103.417
2003   .....................  101.708
2004 and thereafter   ......  100.000
</TABLE>

     In addition, at any time on or before October 22, 1999, the Company may
redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes with
the net proceeds of a public equity offering at a redemption price equal to
109.25% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest
thereon, if any, to the date of redemption, provided that at least 65% of the
original aggregate principal amount of the Notes remains outstanding
immediately after such redemption. The Company intends to use a portion of the
net proceeds of the Offerings to redeem or repurchase Notes in the aggregate
principal amount of $35.0 million. See "Use of Proceeds." The Company is not
required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to
the Notes.


                                       54
<PAGE>

     Each holder of Notes has the right to require the Company to repurchase
all or any part of such holder's Notes at an offer price in cash equal to 101%
of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest
thereon upon a change of control of the Company.  A change of control for this
purpose includes any of the following: (i) any transaction pursuant to which a
person or group becomes the beneficial owner of 50% or more of the voting power
of the voting stock of the Company, and more of the voting power of the Company
than is at that time beneficially owned by the Lee Group, (ii) the time at
which individuals who were either members of the Board of Directors of the
Company as of the date of the Indenture or whose election was approved by such
members cease to be a majority of the directors of the Company then in office
or (iii) the sale, lease, transfer or other disposition in one or a series of
related transactions of all or substantially all the assets of the Company.

     The Indenture restricts, among other things, the Company's ability to
incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make certain other restricted
payments, incur liens to secure pari passu or subordinated indebtedness, engage
in any sale and leaseback transaction, sell stock of subsidiaries, sell assets,
merge or consolidate with any other person, sell, assign, transfer, lease,
convey or otherwise dispose of substantially all of the assets of the Company,
enter into certain transactions with affiliates, or incur indebtedness that is
subordinate in right of payment to any Senior Debt (including indebtedness
incurred under the Credit Agreement and any other indebtedness permitted to be
incurred under the Indenture) and senior in right of payment to the Notes. The
Indenture permits, under certain circumstances, the Company's subsidiaries to
be deemed unrestricted subsidiaries and thus not subject to the restrictions of
the Indenture.

     The Indenture contains standard events of default, including (i) defaults
in the payment of principal, premium or interest, (ii) defaults in the
compliance with covenants contained in the Indenture, (iii) cross defaults on
more than $5 million of other indebtedness, (iv) failure to pay more than $5
million of judgments and (v) certain events of bankruptcy with respect to the
Company and certain of its subsidiaries.


                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

     Upon completion of the Offerings, the Company will have         shares of
Common Stock (        shares if the Underwriters' over-allotment options are
exercised in full) outstanding. The         shares of Common Stock (
shares if the Underwriters' over-allotment options are exercised in full)
offered hereby will be freely tradable without restriction or further
registration under the Securities Act, except for any such shares which may be
acquired by or shares sold by persons deemed to be "affiliates" of the Company,
as such term is defined under the Securities Act, which shares will be subject
to the resale limitations of Rule 144.  All other shares will be eligible for
resale pursuant to Rule 144 after the Lock Up Period.

     In general, under Rule 144, as currently in effect, a person (or persons
whose shares are required to be aggregated) who has beneficially owned, for at
least one year, shares of Common Stock that have not been registered under the
Securities Act or that were acquired from an "affiliate" of the Company is
entitled to sell within any three-month period the number of shares of Common
Stock which does not exceed the greater of one percent of the number of then
outstanding shares of Common Stock or the average weekly reported trading
volume during the four calendar weeks preceding the sale. Sales under Rule 144
are also subject to certain notice requirements and to the availability of
current public information about the Company and must be made in unsolicited
brokers' transactions or to a market maker. A person (or persons whose shares
are aggregated) who is not an "affiliate" of the Company under the Securities
Act during the three months preceding a sale and who had beneficially owned
such shares for at least two years is entitled to sell such shares under Rule
144 without regard to the volume, notice, information and manner of sale
provisions of such Rule.


     An aggregate of         shares of Common Stock are reserved for issuance
to employees and directors of the Company pursuant to the 1996 Plan and the
Incentive Plan. After the Offerings, the Company intends to file a registration
statement on Form S-8 to register the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the
exercise of options granted pursuant to the the 1996 Plan and the Incentive
Plan. Accordingly, shares issued upon exercise of such options will be freely
tradeable, except for any shares held by an "affiliate" of the Company.


     Prior to the Offerings, there has been no market for the Common Stock. No
predictions can be made of the effect, if any, that sales of shares of Common
Stock or the availability of shares for sale will have on the market price
prevailing from time to time. Nevertheless, sales of significant amounts of
Common Stock or the perception that such sales may occur could adversely affect
the prevailing market price of Common Stock, as well as impair


                                       55
<PAGE>

the ability of the Company to raise capital through the issuance of additional
equity securities. See "Risk Factors-- Shares Eligible for Future Sale;
Potential for Adverse Effect on Stock Price; Registration Rights."

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with the Offerings, the
Company, its executive officers and directors, the Lee Group and certain other
shareholders have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to directly or
indirectly (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or
contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any
option, right or warrant for the sale of or otherwise dispose of or transfer
any shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or
exercisable for Common Stock, whether now owned or thereafter acquired by the
person executing the agreement or with respect to which the person executing
the agreement thereafter acquires the power of disposition, or file a
registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to the foregoing
or (ii) enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in
part, the economic consequence of ownership of the Common Stock whether any
such swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or other
securities, in cash or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Merrill
Lynch & Co. on behalf of the Underwriters for a period of 180 days after the
date of this Prospectus, other than (i) the sale to the Underwriters of the
shares of Common Stock under the Underwriting Agreement, (ii) upon the exercise
of outstanding stock options or (iii) the issuance of options pursuant to the
Company's stock option plans.

     In connection with the Recapitalization, the Lee Fund and other affiliates
of THL Co. which purchased shares of Common Stock pursuant to the
Recapitalization, certain other shareholders of the Company and the Company
entered into the Shareholders Agreement. The Shareholders Agreement provides
for certain restrictions on transfer of the shares beneficially owned by the
parties thereto. The Shareholders Agreement also provides that, subject to
certain limitations, the Lee Group and their permitted transferees have demand
registration rights with respect to their shares of Common Stock. The Lee Group
and certain other shareholders also have certain piggy-back registration
rights. See "Risk Factors--Shares Eligible for Future Sale; Potential for
Adverse Effect on Stock Price; Registrations Rights" and "Certain Relationships
and Related Transactions."


                                       56
<PAGE>

CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS

     The following is a general discussion of certain United States federal
income and estate tax considerations with respect to the ownership and
disposition of Common Stock applicable to Non-U.S. Holders. In general, a "Non-
U.S. Holder" is any holder other than (i) a citizen or resident of the United
States, (ii) a corporation or partnership created or organized in the United
States or under the laws of the United States or of any state, (iii) an estate,
the income of which is includable in gross income for United States federal
income tax purposes regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust if (a) a court
within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the
administration of the trust and (b) one or more United States persons have the
authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust. This discussion is
based on current law, which is subject to change (possibly with retroactive
effect), and is for general information only. This discussion does not address
aspects of United States federal taxation other than income and estate taxation
and does not address all aspects of income and estate taxation or any aspects
of state, local or non-United States taxes, nor does it consider any specific
facts or circumstances that may apply to a particular Non-U.S. Holder
(including certain U.S. expatriates). ACCORDINGLY, PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE
URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL, STATE,
LOCAL AND NON-UNITED STATES INCOME AND OTHER TAX CONSIDERATIONS OF HOLDING AND
DISPOSING OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK.

     An individual may, subject to certain exceptions, be deemed to be a
resident alien (as opposed to a non- resident alien) by virtue of being present
in the United States for at least 31 days in the calendar year and for an
aggregate of at least 183 days during a three year period ending in the current
calendar year (counting for such purposes all of the days present in the
current year, one-third of the days present in the immediately preceding year,
and one-sixth of the days present in the second preceding year). In addition to
the "substantial presence test" described in the immediately preceding
sentence, an alien may be treated as a resident alien if he (i) meets a lawful
permanent residence test (a so-called "green card" test) or (ii) elects to be
treated as a U.S. resident and meets the "substantial presence test" in the
immediately following year. Resident aliens are subject to U.S. federal tax as
if they were U.S. citizens.


Dividends

     In general, dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to United
States withholding tax at a 30% rate of the gross amount (or a lower rate
prescribed by an applicable income tax treaty) unless the dividends are either
(i) effectively connected with a trade or business carried on by the Non-U.S.
Holder within the United States, or (ii) if certain income tax treaties apply,
attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States maintained by
the Non-U.S. Holder. Dividends effectively connected with such a United States
trade or business or attributable to such a United States permanent
establishment generally will not be subject to United States withholding tax if
the Non-U.S. Holder files certain forms, including Internal Revenue Service
Form 4224, with the payor of the dividend, and generally will be subject to
United States federal income tax on a net income basis, in the same manner as
if the Non-U.S. Holder were a resident of the United States. A Non-U.S. Holder
that is a corporation may be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a
rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax
treaty) on the repatriation from the United States of its "effectively
connected earnings and profits," subject to certain adjustments. To determine
the applicability of a tax treaty providing for a lower rate of withholding,
dividends paid to an address in a foreign country are presumed under current
Treasury regulations to be paid to a resident of that country absent knowledge
to the contrary. Proposed Treasury regulations, which are proposed to be
effective for payments made after December 31, 1997, however, generally would
require Non-U.S. Holders to file an I.R.S. Form W-8 to obtain the benefit of
any applicable tax treaty providing for a lower rate of withholding tax on
dividends. A Non-U.S. Holder that is eligible for a reduced rate of U.S.
withholding tax pursuant to a tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess
amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund with the Internal
Revenue Service.


Gain on Sale or Other Disposition of Common Stock

     In general, a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to United States federal
income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of such
holder's shares of Common Stock unless (i) the gain either is effectively
connected with a trade or business carried on by the non-U.S. Holder within the
United States or, if certain income tax treaties apply, is attributable to a
permanent establishment in the United States maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder
(and, in either case, the branch profits tax discussed above may also apply if
the Non-U.S. Holder is a


                                       57
<PAGE>

corporation); (ii) the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who holds shares of
Common Stock as a capital asset and is present in the United States for 183
days or more in the taxable year of disposition, and either (a) such individual
has a "tax home" (as defined for United States federal income tax purposes) in
the United States (unless the gain from the disposition is attributable to an
office or other fixed place of business maintained by such Non-U.S. Holder in a
foreign country and such gain has been subject to a foreign income tax equal to
at least 10% of the gain derived from such disposition), or (b) the gain is
attributable to an office or other fixed place of business maintained by such
individual in the United States; or (iii) the Company is or has been a United
States real property holding corporation (a "USRPHC") for United States federal
income tax purposes (which the Company does not believe that it is or is likely
to become) at any time within the shorter of the five year period preceding
such disposition or such Non-U.S. Holder's holding period. If the Company were
or were to become a USRPHC at any time during this period, gains realized upon
a disposition of Common Stock by a Non-U.S. Holder which did not directly or
indirectly own more than 5% of the Common Stock during this period generally
would not be subject to United States federal income tax, provided that the
Common Stock is regularly traded on an established securities market.


Estate Tax

     Common Stock owned or treated as owned by an individual who is not a
citizen or resident (as defined for United States federal estate tax purposes)
of the United States at the time of death will be includable in the
individual's gross estate for United States federal estate tax purposes unless
an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise, and therefore may be
subject to United States federal estate tax.


Backup Withholding, Information Reporting and Other Reporting Requirements

     The Company must report annually to the Internal Revenue Service and to
each Non-U.S. Holder the amount of dividends paid to, and the tax withheld with
respect to, each Non-U.S. Holder. These reporting requirements apply regardless
of whether withholding was reduced or eliminated by an applicable tax treaty.
Copies of this information also may be made available under the provisions of a
specific treaty or agreement with the tax authorities in the country in which
the Non-U.S. Holder resides or is established.

     United States backup withholding tax (which generally is imposed at the
rate of 31% on certain payments to persons that fail to furnish the information
required under the United States information reporting requirements) and
information reporting requirements (other than those discussed above under
"Dividends") generally will not apply to dividends paid on Common Stock to a
Non-U.S. Holder at an address outside the United States. Backup withholding and
information reporting generally will apply, however, to dividends paid on
shares of Common Stock to a Non-U.S. Holder at an address in the United States,
if such holder fails to establish an exemption or to provide certain other
information to the payor.

     The payment of proceeds from the disposition of Common Stock to or through
a United States office of a broker will be subject to information reporting and
backup withholding unless the beneficial owner, under penalties of perjury,
certifies, among other things, its status as a Non-U.S. Holder or otherwise
establishes an exemption. The payment of proceeds from the disposition of
Common Stock to or through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker generally
will not be subject to backup withholding and information reporting except as
noted below. In the case of proceeds from a disposition of Common Stock paid to
or through a non-U.S. office of a broker that is (i) a United States person,
(ii) a "controlled foreign corporation" for United States federal income tax
purposes, or (iii) a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income from
certain periods is effectively connected with a United States trade or
business, information reporting (but not backup withholding) will apply unless
the broker has documentary evidence in its files that the owner is a Non-U.S.
Holder (and the broker has no actual knowledge to the contrary).

     The backup withholding and information reporting rules are currently under
review by the United States Treasury Department, and their application to the
Common Stock is subject to change.

     Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under
the backup withholding rules from a payment to a Non-U.S. Holder will be
refunded or credited against the Non-U.S. Holder's United States federal income
tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is furnished to
the Internal Revenue Service in a timely manner.


                                       58
<PAGE>

                                 UNDERWRITING

     Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch"),
Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation
and Smith Barney Inc. are acting as representatives (the "U.S.
Representatives") of each of the Underwriters named below (the "U.S.
Underwriters"). Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in a U.S.
purchase agreement (the "U.S. Purchase Agreement") among the Company and the
U.S. Underwriters, and concurrently with the sale of        shares of Common
Stock to the International Managers (as defined below), the Company has agreed
to sell to the U.S. Underwriters, and each of the U.S. Underwriters severally
and not jointly has agreed to purchase from the Company, the number of shares
of Common Stock set forth opposite its name below.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               Number
U.S. Underwriter                                               of Shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------   ----------
<S>                                                            <C>
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
       Incorporated  .......................................
Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.   .................................
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation   ......
Smith Barney Inc. ..........................................
        Total  .............................................   ------
                                                               ======
</TABLE>

     The Company has also entered into an international purchase agreement (the
"International Purchase Agreement") with certain underwriters outside the
United States and Canada (the "International Managers" and, together with the
U.S. Underwriters, the "Underwriters") for whom Merrill Lynch International,
Bear, Stearns International Limited, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation and Smith Barney Inc. are acting as lead managers (the "Lead
Managers"). Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the International
Purchase Agreement, and concurrently with the sale of        shares of Common
Stock to the U.S. Underwriters pursuant to the U.S. Purchase Agreement, the
Company has agreed to sell to the International Managers, and the International
Managers severally and not jointly have agreed to purchase from the Company, an
aggregate of        shares of Common Stock. The initial public offering price
per share and the underwriting discount per share of Common Stock are identical
under the U.S. Purchase Agreement and the International Purchase Agreement.

     In the U.S. Purchase Agreement and the International Purchase Agreement,
the several U.S. Underwriters and the several International Managers,
respectively, have agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth
therein, to purchase all of the shares of Common Stock being sold pursuant to
each such agreement if any of the shares of Common Stock being sold pursuant to
such agreement are purchased. Under certain circumstances, under the U.S.
Purchase Agreement and the International Purchase Agreement, the commitments of
non-defaulting U.S. Underwriters may be increased. The closings with respect to
the sale of shares of Common Stock to be purchased by the U.S. Underwriters and
International Managers are conditioned upon one another.


     The U.S. Representatives have advised the Company that the U.S.
Underwriters propose initially to offer the shares of Common Stock to the
public at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus, and to certain dealers at such price less a concession not in
excess of $     per share of Common Stock. The U.S. Underwriters may allow, and
such dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of $     per share of Common
Stock on sales to certain other dealers. After the initial public offering, the
public offering price, concession and discount may be changed.


     The Company has granted options to the U.S. Underwriters, exercisable for
30 days after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of
       additional shares of Common Stock at the initial public offering price
set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus, less the underwriting discount.
The U.S. Underwriters may exercise these options solely to cover
over-allotments, if any, made on the sale of the Common Stock offered hereby.
To the extent that the U.S. Underwriters exercise these options, each U.S.
Underwriter will be obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase a
number of additional shares of Common Stock proportionate to such U.S.
Underwriters' initial amount reflected in the foregoing table. The Company also
has granted options to the


                                       59
<PAGE>

International Managers, exercisable for 30 days after the date of this
Prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of         additional shares of
Common Stock to cover over-allotments, if any, on terms similar to those
granted to the U.S. Underwriters.

     At the request of the Company, the Underwriters have reserved for sale, at
the initial public offering price up to   % of the shares offered hereby to be
sold to certain employees of the Company. The number of shares of Common Stock
available for sale to the general public will be reduced to the extent such
persons purchase such reserved shares. Any reserved shares which are not orally
confirmed for purchase within one day of the pricing of the Offerings will be
offered by the Underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the
other shares offered hereby.

     The Company, the Company's executive officers and directors, the Lee Group
and certain other shareholders have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not
to directly or indirectly (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any
option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant
any option, right or warrant for the sale of or otherwise dispose of or
transfer any shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into or
exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock, whether now owned or thereafter
acquired by the person or entity executing the agreement or with respect to
which the person or entity executing the agreement thereafter acquires the
power of disposition, or file a registration statement under the Securities Act
with respect to the foregoing or (ii) enter into any swap or other agreement
that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of
the Common Stock whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by
delivery of Common Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, without the
prior written consent of Merrill Lynch on behalf of the Underwriters for a
period of 180 days after the date of this Prospectus. See "Shares Eligible for
Future Sale."

     The U.S. Underwriters and the International Managers have entered into an
intersyndicate agreement (the "Intersyndicate Agreement") that provides for the
coordination of their activities. Pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement, the
U.S. Underwriters and the International Managers are permitted to sell shares
of Common Stock to each other for purposes of resale at the initial public
offering price, less an amount not greater than the selling concession. Under
the terms of the Intersyndicate Agreement, the U.S. Underwriters and any dealer
to whom they sell shares of Common Stock will not offer to sell or sell shares
of Common Stock to persons who are non-U.S. or non-Canadian persons or to
persons they believe intend to resell to persons who are non-U.S. or
non-Canadian persons, and the International Managers and any dealer to whom
they sell shares of Common Stock will not offer to sell or sell shares of
Common Stock to U.S. persons or to Canadian persons or to persons they believe
intend to resell to U.S. or Canadian persons, except in the case of
transactions pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement.

     Prior to the Offerings, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock of the Company. The initial public offering price will be determined
through negotiations among the Company, the U.S. Representatives and the Lead
Managers. The factors considered in determining the initial public offering
price, in addition to prevailing market conditions, are price-earnings ratios
of publicly traded companies that the U.S. Representatives and Lead Managers
believe to be comparable to the Company, certain financial information of the
Company, the history of, and the prospects for, the Company and the industry in
which it competes, and an assessment of the Company's management, its past and
present operations, the prospects for, and timing of, future revenues of the
Company, the present state of the Company's development and the above factors
in relation to market and various valuation measures of other companies engaged
in activities similar to the Company. There can be no assurance given that an
active trading market will develop for the Common Stock or that the Common
Stock will trade in the public market subsequent to the Offerings at or above
the initial public offering price.

     Application is being made for listing of the Common Stock on the New York
Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "ROV." In order to meet the
requirements for listing of the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange,
the U.S. Underwriters and International Managers have undertaken to sell lots
of 100 or more shares to a minimum of 2,000 beneficial owners.

     The Underwriters and International Managers do not intend to confirm sales
of the Common Stock offered hereby to any accounts over which they exercise
discretionary authority.

     The Company has agreed to indemnify the U.S. Underwriters and the
International Managers against certain liabilities, including certain
liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments which the
U.S. Underwriters and International Managers may be required to make in respect
thereof.


                                       60
<PAGE>

     Until the distribution of the Common Stock is completed, rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") may limit the ability of
the Underwriters and certain selling group members to bid for and purchase the
Common Stock. As an exception to these rules, the U.S. Representatives are
permitted to engage in certain transactions that stabilize the price of the
Common Stock. Such transactions consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of
pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the Common Stock.

     If the Underwriters create a short position in the Common Stock in
connection with the Offerings, i.e., if they sell more shares of Common Stock
than are set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus, the U.S.
Representatives may reduce that short position by purchasing Common Stock in
the open market. The U.S. Representatives may also elect to reduce any short
position by exercising all or part of the over-allotment option described
above.

     The U.S. Representatives may also impose a penalty bid on certain
Underwriters and selling group members. This means that if the U.S.
Representatives purchase shares of Common Stock in the open market to reduce
the Underwriters' short position or to stabilize the price of the Common Stock,
they may reclaim the amount of the selling concession from the Underwriters and
selling group members who sold those shares as part of the Offerings.

     In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to
reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher than
it might have been in the absence of such purchases. The imposition of a
penalty bid might also have an effect on the price of the Common Stock to the
extent that it discourages resales of the Common Stock.

     Neither the Company nor any of the Underwriters makes any representation
or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the
transactions described above may have on the price of the Common Stock. In
addition, neither the Company nor any of the Underwriters makes any
representation that the U.S. Representatives will engage in such transactions
or that such transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without
notice.

     Certain of the Underwriters or their affiliates have provided from time to
time, and may provide in the future, commercial and investment banking services
to the Company and its affiliates, including in connection with the Credit
Agreement between the Company, BA Securities, Inc., Donaldson, Lufkin &
Jenrette Securities Corporation and certain of its affiliates as arrangers for
a group of financial institutions and accredited investors which provided the
Company with senior bank facilities in an aggregate amount of $170 million.


                                       61
<PAGE>

                                 LEGAL MATTERS

     The validity of the issuance of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby
will be passed upon for the Company by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
LLP, Boston, Massachusetts. Certain legal matters relating to Wisconsin law
will be passed upon by James A. Broderick, General Counsel to the Company.
Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the Underwriters by Fried, Frank,
Harris, Shriver & Jacobson (a partnership including professional corporations),
New York, New York. Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson will rely on the
opinion of Mr. Broderick as to certain matters of Wisconsin law.


                                    EXPERTS

     The financial statements and schedules of the Company and Subsidiaries as
of June 30, 1995 and 1996 and as of September 30, 1996 and for each of the
years in the three-year period ended June 30, 1996, and the Transition Period
ended September 30, 1996 included herein and elsewhere in the Registration
Statement have been included herein and in the Registration Statement in
reliance upon the reports of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent certified
public accountants, appearing elsewhere herein, given upon the authority of
said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

     The Company believes, and it has been advised by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
that it concurs in such belief, that, during the period of its engagement, the
Company and Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. did not have any disagreement on any
matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or
auditing scope or procedure, which disagreement, if not resolved to the
satisfaction of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., would have caused it to make
reference in connection with its report on the Company's financial statements
to the subject matter of the disagreement.

     The report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. on the Company's consolidated
financial statements as of June 30, 1995 and 1996 and as of September 30, 1996
and for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 1996, and the
Transition Period ended September 30, 1996, did not contain an adverse opinion
or a disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified or modified as to uncertainty,
audit scope or accounting principles. During that period there were no
"reportable events" within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K
promulgated under the Securities Act.

     In June 1997, KPMG Peat Marwick LLP replaced Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. as
the Company's independent accountants. The decision to engage KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP was made with the approval of the Company's Audit Committee.


                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION

     The Company is subject to the information requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, and in accordance therewith files periodic reports and
other information with the Commission. The Company has filed with the
Commission the Registration Statement under the Securities Act with respect to
the shares of Common Stock being offered hereby. This Prospectus does not
contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the
exhibits and schedules thereto, to which reference is hereby made. Statements
made in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other
document referred to are not necessarily complete; with respect to each such
contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, reference is made to the exhibit for a more complete description
thereof. Such reports, the Registration Statement and other exhibits and other
information omitted from this Prospectus may be inspected and copied at the
public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024,
Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and will also
be available for inspection and copying at the regional offices of the
Commission located at 7 World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048 and at
Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street (Suite 1400), Chicago,
Illinois 60661. Copies of such material may also be obtained from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549 at prescribed rates. Additionally, the Commission maintains a World Wide
Web site at (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information
statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically
with the Commission through the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and
Retrieval System.

     The Company intends to furnish its shareholders with annual reports
containing audited financial statements of the Company and quarterly reports
containing unaudited financial information for the Company for the first three
fiscal quarters of each fiscal year.


                                       62

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             Page
                                                                                             ----
<S>                                                                                          <C>
Report of Independent Public Accountants  ................................................   F-2
Combined Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1995 and 1996 and September 30, 1996     F-3
Combined Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended June 30, 1994, 1995 and
 1996 and the Transition Period Ended September 30, 1996    ..............................   F-4
Combined Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 1994, 1995 and
 1996 and the Transition Period Ended September 30, 1996    ..............................   F-5
Combined Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Deficit) for the Years Ended
June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and the Transition Period Ended September 30, 1996    .......   F-6
Notes to Combined Consolidated Financial Statements   ....................................   F-7
Unaudited Condensed Combined Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 1995    ......   F-32
Unaudited Condensed Combined Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months
 Ended September 30, 1995  ...............................................................   F-33
Unaudited Condensed Combined Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months
 Ended September 30, 1995  ...............................................................   F-34
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Combined Consolidated Financial Statements    ...............   F-35
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 29, 1997   .....................   F-36
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Nine Months Ended
 June 29, 1997 and June 30, 1996    ......................................................   F-37
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended
 June 29, 1997 and June 30, 1996    ......................................................   F-38
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    ........................   F-39
Unaudited Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of June 29, 1997 ......................   F-41
Unaudited Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the Nine Months Ended
 June 29, 1997 ...........................................................................   F-42
Unaudited Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended
 June 29, 1997 ...........................................................................   F-43

</TABLE>


                                       F-1


<PAGE>

                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors of
Rayovac Corporation

     We have audited the accompanying combined consolidated balance sheets of
Rayovac Corporation and Subsidiaries as of June 30, 1995 and 1996 and September
30, 1996, and the related combined consolidated statements of operations,
shareholders' equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended June 30, 1996 and the period July 1, 1996 to September 30,
1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.

     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

     In our opinion, the combined consolidated financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Rayovac Corporation and Subsidiaries as of June 30, 1995 and 1996 and September
30, 1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended June 30, 1996 and the period July 1, 1996 to
September 30, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.


COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.



Milwaukee, Wisconsin
November 22, 1996


                                       F-2


<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


                      COMBINED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        June 30,      June 30,      September 30,
                                                                          1995          1996            1996
                                                                       ---------    ----------      -------------
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>              <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents   ....................................     $   2,645    $    2,190       $    4,255
  Receivables:
   Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances for
    doubtful accounts of $702, $786, and $722,
    respectively  ................................................        50,887        55,830           62,320
   Other    ......................................................         1,811         2,322            4,156
  Inventories  ...................................................        65,540        66,941           70,121
  Deferred income taxes    .......................................         5,668         5,861            9,958
  Prepaid expenses and other  ....................................         5,651         4,975            4,864
                                                                       ---------    ----------       ----------
    Total current assets   .......................................       132,202       138,119          155,674
Property, plant and equipment, net  ..............................        77,963        73,938           69,397
Deferred charges and other    ....................................        10,270         9,655            7,413
Debt issuance costs  .............................................           155           173           12,764
                                                                       ---------    ----------       ----------
    Total assets  ................................................     $ 220,590    $  221,885       $  245,248
                                                                       =========    ==========       ==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
  Current maturities of long-term debt    ........................     $  11,916    $   11,631       $    8,818
  Accounts payable   .............................................        39,171        38,695           46,921
  Accrued liabilities:
   Wages and benefits   ..........................................         9,372         6,126            5,894
   Other    ......................................................        15,861        19,204           15,904
   Recapitalization and other special charges   ..................            --            --           14,942
                                                                       ---------    ----------       ----------
    Total current liabilities    .................................        76,320        75,656           92,479
Long-term debt, net of current maturities    .....................        76,377        69,718          224,845
Employee benefit obligations, net of current portion  ............        10,954        12,141           12,138
Deferred income taxes   ..........................................         2,394         2,584              942
Other ............................................................           958           162              564
Shareholders' equity (deficit):
  Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 90,000
   shares; issued 50,000 shares; outstanding 50,000,
   49,500 and 20,470 shares, respectively    .....................           500           500              500
  Rayovac International Corporation common stock,
   $.50 par value, authorized 18 shares; issued and
   outstanding 10, 10 and 0 shares, respectively   ...............             5             5               --
  Additional paid-in capital  ....................................        12,000        12,000           15,970
  Foreign currency translation adjustment    .....................         1,979         1,650            1,689
  Note receivable officer/shareholder  ...........................            --            --             (500)
  Retained earnings  .............................................        39,103        48,002           25,143
                                                                       ---------    ----------       ----------
                                                                          53,587        62,157           42,802
  Less treasury stock, at cost, 500 and 29,530 shares,
   respectively   ................................................            --          (533)        (128,522)
                                                                       ---------    ----------       ----------
    Total shareholders' equity (deficit)  ........................        53,587        61,624          (85,720)
                                                                       ---------    ----------       ----------
    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity (deficit) .  ......     $ 220,590    $  221,885       $  245,248
                                                                       =========    ==========       ==========
</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined consolidated
                              financial statements.


                                       F-3

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


                 COMBINED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 Years Ended                  Transition
                                                                  June 30,                   Period Ended
                                                    ------------------------------------     September 30,
                                                      1994          1995         1996           1996
                                                    ---------      --------     --------     -------------
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>
Net sales   ....................................    $ 403,712      $415,224     $423,354       $ 101,880
Cost of goods sold   ...........................      234,870       237,126      239,343          59,242
                                                    ---------      --------     --------       ---------
    Gross profit  ..............................      168,842       178,098      184,011          42,638
                                                    ---------      --------     --------       ---------
Operating expenses:
  Selling   ....................................      121,382       108,703      116,525          27,796
  General and administrative  ..................       29,356        32,861       31,767           8,628
  Research and development    ..................        5,684         5,005        5,442           1,495
  Recapitalization charges    ..................           --            --           --          12,326
  Other special charges    .....................        1,522            --           --          16,065
                                                    ---------      --------     --------       ---------
                                                      157,944       146,569      153,734          66,310
                                                    ---------      --------     --------       ---------
    Income (loss) from operations   ............       10,898        31,529       30,277         (23,672)
Interest expense  ..............................        7,725         8,644        8,435           4,430
Other (income) expense, net   ..................         (601)          230          552              76
                                                    ---------      --------     --------       ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes and
 extraordinary item  ...........................        3,774        22,655       21,290         (28,178)
Income tax expense (benefit)  ..................         (582)        6,247        7,002          (8,904)
                                                    ---------      --------     --------       ---------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item   ......        4,356        16,408       14,288         (19,274)
Extraordinary item, loss on early
  extinguishment of debt, net of income tax
  benefit of $777 ..............................           --            --           --          (1,647)
                                                    ---------      --------     --------       ---------
    Net income (loss)   ........................    $   4,356      $ 16,408     $ 14,288       $ (20,921)
                                                    =========      ========     ========       =========
Net income (loss) per common share:
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item   .       $    0.09      $   0.33     $   0.29       $   (0.44)
  Extraordinary item    ........................           --            --           --           (0.04)
                                                    ---------      --------     --------       ---------
  Net income (loss)  ...........................    $    0.09      $   0.33     $   0.29       $   (0.48)
                                                    =========      ========     ========       =========
Weighted average shares of common stock
  outstanding  .................................       50,000        50,000       49,500          43,820
                                                    =========      ========     ========       =========
</TABLE>


   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined consolidated
                              financial statements.


                                       F-4


<PAGE>

                     RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


                 COMBINED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                           Years Ended                  Transition
                                                                             June 30,                  Period Ended
                                                              ------------------------------------     September 30,
                                                                1994         1995           1996           1996
                                                              ---------   ---------     ----------     -------------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>           <C>             <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income (loss)  .......................................  $   4,356   $  16,408     $   14,288      $   (20,921)
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
   (used in) provided by operating activities:
   Recapitalization and other special charges   ............         --          --             --           13,449
   Extraordinary item, loss on early extinguishment
    of debt    .............................................         --          --             --            2,424
   Amortization of debt issuance costs    ..................        101         103             53            1,609
   Depreciation   ..........................................     10,252      11,024         11,932            3,279
   Deferred income taxes   .................................     (1,086)        346              3           (5,739)
   Loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets   ...............        340         110           (108)           1,289
   Changes in assets and liabilities:
    Accounts receivable    .................................     (9,211)     (2,537)        (6,166)          (8,940)
    Inventories   ..........................................    (18,545)      9,004         (1,779)          (3,078)
    Prepaid expenses and other   ...........................       (489)       (990)         1,148              741
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities    ............     (4,426)      2,051         (1,526)            (185)
    Accrued recapitalization and other special charges   ...         --          --             --           14,942
                                                              ---------   ---------     ----------      -----------
      Net cash (used in) provided by operating
       activities    .......................................    (18,708)     35,519         17,845           (1,130)
                                                              ---------   ---------     ----------      -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Purchases of property, plant and equipment    ............    (12,464)    (16,938)        (6,646)          (1,248)
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment    ...         35         139            298            1,281
  Notes receivable officer/shareholder    ..................         --          --             --             (500)
                                                              ---------   ---------     ----------      -----------
      Net cash used in investing activities  ...............    (12,429)    (16,799)        (6,348)            (467)
                                                              ---------   ---------     ----------      -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Reduction of debt  .......................................    (79,844)   (106,383)      (104,526)        (107,090)
  Proceeds from debt financing   ...........................    114,350      85,698         96,252          259,489
  Cash overdraft  ..........................................       (202)      3,925          2,339           (2,493)
  Debt issuance costs   ....................................         --          --             --          (14,373)
  Extinguishment of debt   .................................         --          --             --           (2,424)
  Distributions from DISC  .................................     (3,500)     (1,500)        (5,187)          (1,943)
  Acquisition of treasury stock  ...........................         --          --           (533)        (127,425)
  Payments on capital lease obligation    ..................         --          --           (295)             (84)
                                                              ---------   ---------     ----------      -----------
      Net cash provided by (used in) financing
       activities    .......................................     30,804     (18,260)       (11,950)           3,657
                                                              ---------   ---------     ----------      -----------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash
 equivalents   .............................................         57        (345)              (2)             5
                                                              ---------   ---------     ----------      -----------
      Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash
       equivalents   .......................................       (276)        115           (455)           2,065
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period  ............      2,806       2,530          2,645            2,190
                                                              ---------   ---------     ----------      -----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  ..................  $   2,530   $   2,645     $    2,190      $     4,255
                                                              =========   =========     ==========      ===========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
  Cash paid for interest   .................................  $   7,692   $   8,789     $    7,535      $     7,977
  Cash paid for income taxes  ..............................  $   4,664   $   8,821     $    5,877      $       419
</TABLE>


   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined consolidated
                              financial statements.


                                       F-5

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


       COMBINED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
                                 (in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Rayovac
                                                                      International
                                                                       Corporation
                                                                      Common Stock
                                       Common Stock      Additional       (DISC)
                                      ----------------    Paid-in    ---------------
                                      Shares    Amount    Capital    Shares   Amount
                                      ------    ------   ----------  ------   ------
<S>                                   <C>        <C>      <C>            <C>  <C>
Balances July 1, 1993 ............    50,000     $500     $12,000        10   $   5
Net income   .....................        --       --          --        --      --
Distributions from DISC  .........        --       --          --        --      --
Translation adjustment   .........        --       --          --        --      --
Adjustment of additional minimum
 pension liability ...............        --       --          --        --      --
                                      ------     ----     -------      ----   -----
Balances June 30, 1994   .........    50,000      500      12,000        10       5
Net income   .....................        --       --          --        --      --
Distributions from DISC  .........        --       --          --        --      --
Translation adjustment   .........        --       --          --        --      --
Adjustment of additional minimum
 pension liability    ............        --       --          --        --      --
                                      ------     ----     -------      ----   -----
Balances June 30, 1995   .........    50,000      500      12,000        10       5
Net income   .....................        --       --          --        --      --
Distributions from DISC  .........        --       --          --        --      --
Translation adjustment   .........        --       --          --        --      --
Adjustment of additional minimum
 pension liability    ............        --       --          --        --      --
Treasury stock acquired  .........      (500)      --          --        --      --
                                      ------     ----     -------      ----   -----
Balances June 30, 1996   .........    49,500      500      12,000        10       5
Net loss  ........................        --       --          --        --      --
Common stock acquired in
 Recapitalization  ...............   (29,030)      --          --        --      --
Exercise of stock options   ......        --       --       3,970        --      --
Increase in cost of existing
 treasury stock ..................        --       --          --        --      --
Note receivable, officer/
 shareholder    ..................        --       --          --        --      --
Termination of DISC   ............        --       --          --       (10)     (5)
Translation adjustment   .........        --       --          --        --      --
                                      ------     ----     -------      ----   -----
Balances September 30, 1996    ...    20,470     $500     $15,970        --   $  --
                                      ======     ====     =======      ====   =====



<CAPTION>
                                     Foreign        Notes                                     Total
                                     Currency     Receivable                              Shareholders'
                                   Translation     Officer/     Retained      Treasury       Equity
                                    Adjustment   Shareholder    Earnings       Stock        (Deficit)
                                   -----------   -----------    --------      --------    -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>
Balances July 1, 1993 ............   $ 1,415        $   --     $  23,029     $       --    $   36,949
Net income   .....................        --            --         4,356             --         4,356
Distributions from DISC  .........        --            --        (3,500)            --        (3,500)
Translation adjustment   .........       140            --            --             --           140
Adjustment of additional minimum
 pension liability ...............        --            --           (23)            --           (23)
                                     -------        ------     ---------     ----------    ----------
Balances June 30, 1994   .........     1,555            --        23,862             --        37,922
Net income   .....................        --            --        16,408             --        16,408
Distributions from DISC  .........        --            --        (1,500)            --        (1,500)
Translation adjustment   .........       424            --            --             --           424
Adjustment of additional minimum
 pension liability    ............        --            --           333             --           333
                                     -------        ------     ---------     ----------    ----------
Balances June 30, 1995   .........     1,979            --        39,103             --        53,587
Net income   .....................        --            --        14,288             --        14,288
Distributions from DISC  .........        --            --        (5,187)            --        (5,187)
Translation adjustment   .........      (329)           --            --             --          (329)
Adjustment of additional minimum
 pension liability    ............        --            --          (202)            --          (202)
Treasury stock acquired  .........        --            --            --           (533)         (533)
                                     -------        ------     ---------     ----------    ----------
Balances June 30, 1996   .........     1,650            --        48,002           (533)       61,624
Net loss  ........................        --            --       (20,921)            --       (20,921)
Common stock acquired in
 Recapitalization  ...............        --            --            --       (127,425)     (127,425)
Exercise of stock options   ......        --            --            --             --         3,970
Increase in cost of existing
 treasury stock ..................        --            --            --           (564)         (564)
Note receivable, officer/
 shareholder    ..................        --          (500)           --             --          (500)
Termination of DISC   ............        --            --        (1,938)            --        (1,943)
Translation adjustment   .........        39            --            --             --            39
                                     -------        ------     ---------     ----------    ----------
Balances September 30, 1996    ...   $ 1,689        $ (500)    $  25,143     $ (128,522)   $  (85,720)
                                     =======        ======     ==========    ==========    ==========
</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined consolidated
                              financial statements.

                                      F-6

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


               NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Recapitalization

     Rayovac Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the "Company")
manufacture and market a variety of battery types including general (alkaline,
rechargeables, heavy duty, lantern and general purpose), button cell and
lithium. The Company also produces a variety of lighting devices such as
flashlights and lanterns. The Company's products are sold primarily to retailers
in the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Far East.

     Effective as of September 12, 1996, the Company, all of the shareholders of
the Company, Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund III L.P. (the "Lee Fund") and other
affiliates of Thomas H. Lee Company (THL Co.) completed a recapitalization of
the Company (the "Recapitalization") pursuant to which: (i) the Company obtained
senior financing in an aggregate of $170.0 million, of which $131.0 million was
borrowed at the closing of the Recapitalization; (ii) the Company obtained
$100.0 million in financing through the issuance of senior subordinated
increasing rate notes of the Company (the "Bridge Notes"); (iii) the Company
redeemed a portion of the shares of common stock held by the former President
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company; (iv) the Lee Fund and other
affiliates of THL Co. purchased for cash shares of common stock owned by
shareholders of the Company; and, (v) the Company repaid certain of its
outstanding indebtedness, including prepayment fees and penalties. The
prepayment fees and penalties paid have been recorded as an extraordinary item
in the Combined Consolidated Statements of Operations. Other non-recurring
charges of which $12.3 million related to the Recapitalization were also
expensed and included $2.2 million in advisory fees paid to the financial
advisor to the Company's selling shareholders; various legal and consulting fees
of $2.8 million; and $7.3 million of stock option compensation, severance
payments and employment contract settlements for the benefit of certain present
and former officers, directors and management of the Company. Payment for these
costs was or is expected to be as follows: (i) $8.4 million was paid prior to
September 30. 1996; and (ii) $3.9 million is expected to be paid in fiscal year
1997.

     The Company has changed its fiscal year end from June 30 to September 30.
For clarity of presentation herein, the period from July 1, 1996 to September
30, 1996 is referred to as the "Transition Period Ended September 30, 1996" or
"Transition Period".


2. Significant Accounting Policies

     The following is a summary of significant accounting policies of the
Company:

   a. Principles of Combination and Consolidation: The combined consolidated
      financial statements include the accounts of Rayovac Corporation and its
      wholly-owned subsidiaries and Rayovac International Corporation, a
      Domestic International Sales Corporation (DISC) which is owned by the
      Company's shareholders. All intercompany transactions have been
      eliminated. See also Note 6.

   b. Revenue Recognition: The Company recognizes revenue from product sales
      upon shipment to the customer.

   c. Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity
      with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
      estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
      liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
      date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
      expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from
      those estimates.

   d. Cash Equivalents: The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments
      purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

   e. Concentrations of Credit Risk and Major Customers: The Company's trade
      receivables are subject to concentrations of credit risk as three
      principal customers accounted for 21%, 26% and 24% of the outstanding
      trade receivables as of June 30, 1995 and 1996 and September 30, 1996,
      respectively. The Company derived 28%, 27%, 28% and 25% of its net sales
      during the years ending June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and the Transition
      Period, respectively, from the same three customers.


                                       F-7

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


2. Significant Accounting Policies--Continued

      The Company has one customer that represented over 10% of its net sales.
      The Company derived 17%, 16%, 19% and 18% of its net sales from this
      customer during the years ending June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and the
      Transition Period, respectively.

   f. Displays and Fixtures: The costs of displays and fixtures are capitalized
      and recorded as a prepaid asset and charged to expense when shipped to a
      customer location. Such prepaid assets amount to approximately $1,300,000,
      $1,068,000 and $730,000 as of June 30, 1995 and 1996 and September 30,
      1996, respectively.

   g. Inventories: Inventories are stated at lower of cost (first-in, first-out
      (FIFO) method) or market (net realizable value).

   h. Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are recorded
      at cost. The Company provides for depreciation over the estimated useful
      lives of plant and equipment on the straight-line basis. Depreciable lives
      by major classification are as follows:


<TABLE>
        <S>                                                         <C>
        Building and improvements    .............................. 20-30 years
        Machinery, equipment and other  ...........................  5-20 years
</TABLE>

      Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred and major
      renewals and betterments are capitalized. Upon sale or retirement of
      depreciable assets, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are
      removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in
      operations.

   i. Debt Issuance Costs: Debt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized to
      interest expense over the lives of the debt agreements. Amortization of
      debt issuance costs during the Transition Period relates principally to
      the Bridge Notes.

   j. Accounts Payable: Included in accounts payable at June 30, 1995 and 1996
      and September 30, 1996 is approximately $5,466,000, $7,805,000 and
      $5,312,000, respectively, of book overdrafts on disbursement accounts
      which were replenished prior to the presentation of checks for payment.

   k. Income Taxes: Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined
      based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of
      assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in
      which the differences are expected to reverse.

   l. Foreign Currency Translation: Assets and liabilities of the Company's
      foreign subsidiaries are translated at the rate of exchange existing at
      year-end, with revenues, expenses, and cash flows translated at the
      average of the monthly exchange rates. Adjustments resulting from
      translation of the financial statements are accumulated as a separate
      component of shareholders' equity. Exchange gains (losses) on foreign
      currency transactions aggregating $290,000, ($112,000), ($750,000) and
      ($70,000) for the years ended June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, and the
      Transition Period, respectively, are included in other expense, net, in
      the Combined Consolidated Statements of Operations.

   m. Advertising Costs: The Company incurred expenses for advertising of
      $34,139,000, $25,014,000, $23,466,000 and $5,191,000 in the years ended
      June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, and the Transition Period, respectively. The
      Company's policy with regard to advertising production costs is to expense
      such costs as incurred.

   n. Net Income Per Share: Net income (loss) per common share is computed using
      the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the
      period.

   o. Financial Instruments: From time to time, the Company enters into
      derivative financial transactions, specifically interest rate swaps and
      other contracts to reduce and manage risks associated with changes in
      interest rate, foreign exchange rates and commodity prices. The Company
      does not enter into derivative


                                       F-8

<PAGE>
                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


2. Significant Accounting Policies--Continued

      transactions on a speculative basis. Income and expense related to
      interest rate swaps is accrued as interest rates change and is recognized
      in income over the life of the agreement. Under commodity contracts,
      payments are made or received based upon the differential between a
      specified price and the actual price of the commodity. Gains or losses
      relating to the commodity contracts are recognized in cost of sales when
      the commodities are consumed. Gains or losses related to foreign exchange
      qualifying hedges are deferred and recognized in income when the hedged
      transaction occurs. Gains or losses related to foreign exchange contracts
      that do not qualify as hedges are recognized in income currently. The
      carrying value of other financial investments such as cash and cash
      equivalents, trade accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate
      the fair value due to the relatively short period to maturity of the
      instruments.

        At September 30, 1996, the Company had commodity hedge contracts
      outstanding with a notional value of approximately $2,850,000. The
      commodity contracts relate to certain metals used in the manufacturing
      process and are short-term in nature. There were no outstanding foreign
      exchange contracts or interest rate swaps at September 30, 1996.

   p. Environmental Expenditures: Environmental expenditures that relate to
      current ongoing operations or to conditions caused by past operations are
      expensed. The Company determines its liability on a site by site basis and
      records a liability at the time when it is probable and can be reasonably
      estimated. The estimated liability is not reduced for possible recoveries
      from insurance carriers.

   q. Stock Split: In September 1996, the Company's board of directors declared
      a five-for-one stock split. A total of 16,376,000 additional shares were
      issued in conjunction with the stock split to shareholders of record. All
      applicable share and per share amounts herein have been restated to
      reflect the stock split retroactively.

   r. Reclassification: The Company has reclassified certain promotional
      expenses, previously reported as a reduction of net sales, to selling
      expense. The amounts which have been reclassified are $17,536,000,
      $24,236,000, $23,970,000 for the years ended June 30, 1994, 1995, and
      1996, respectively, and $6,899,000 for the Transition Period ended
      September 30, 1996.


3. Inventories

   Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                June 30,     June 30,    September 30,
                                  1995         1996           1996
                                --------     --------    -------------
   <S>                          <C>          <C>            <C>
   Raw material   .........     $19,815      $17,592        $21,325
   Work-in-process   ......      20,832       26,104         19,622
   Finished goods    ......      24,893       23,245         29,174
                                -------      -------        -------
                                $65,540      $66,941        $70,121
                                =======      =======        =======
</TABLE>

4. Property Plant and Equipment

   Property, plant and equipment consists of the following (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              June 30,     June 30,     September 30,
                                               1995         1996           1996
                                              --------     --------     -------------
   <S>                                        <C>          <C>             <C>
   Land, building and improvements   ......   $ 16,472     $ 15,469        $ 16,824
   Machinery, equipment and other    ......    114,341      119,619         120,125
   Construction in process  ...............      4,233        5,339           6,232
                                              --------     --------        --------
                                               135,046      140,427         143,181
   Less accumulated depreciation  .........     57,083       66,489          73,784
                                              --------     --------        --------
                                              $ 77,963     $ 73,938        $ 69,397
                                              ========     ========        ========
</TABLE>

                                       F-9
<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


5. Debt

   Debt consists of the following (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                June 30,     June 30,     September 30,
                                                                  1995         1996           1996
                                                                --------     --------     -------------
   <S>                                                          <C>          <C>            <C>
   Term loan facility  ....................................     $     --     $     --       $105,000
   Bridge Notes  ..........................................           --           --        100,000
   Revolving credit facility    ...........................           --           --         23,500
   Debt paid September 1996 due to Recapitalization:
    Senior Secured Notes due 1997 through 2002    .........       32,429       29,572             --
    Subordinated Notes due through 2003  ..................        8,180        7,270             --
    Revolving credit facility   ...........................       39,500       39,250             --
   Other:
    Notes payable in Pounds Sterling to a foreign bank,
     due on demand, with interest at bank's base rate
     plus 1.87% (7.87% at September 30, 1996)  ............        2,551        1,242            939
    Capitalized lease obligation   ........................           --        1,330          1,246
    Notes and obligations, with a weighted average interest
     rate of 8.0% at September 30, 1996  ..................        5,633        2,685          2,978
                                                                --------     --------       --------
                                                                  88,293       81,349        233,663
    Less current maturities  ..............................       11,916       11,631          8,818
                                                                --------     --------       --------
    Long-term debt  .......................................     $ 76,377     $ 69,718       $224,845
                                                                ========     ========       ========
</TABLE>

     On September 12, 1996, the Company executed a new Credit Agreement (the
"Agreement") arranged by BA Securities, Inc., Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
Securities Corporation and certain of its affiliates for a group of financial
institutions and other accredited investors. The Agreement provides for senior
bank facilities, including term and revolving credit facilities in an aggregate
amount of $170.0 million, as described below. Interest on borrowings is
computed, at the Company's option, based on the Bank of America National Trust
and Savings Association's base rate (as defined) ("Base Rate") or the Interbank
Offering Rate ("IBOR").

     The term loan facility includes: (i) Tranche A term loan of $55.0 million,
quarterly amortization ranging from $1.0 million to $3.75 million beginning
December 31, 1996 through September 30, 2002, interest at the Base Rate plus
1.5% per annum or at IBOR plus 2.5% per annum (9.75 % at September 30, 1996);
(ii) Tranche B term loan of $25.0 million, quarterly amortization amounts of
$62,500 during each of the first six years and $5.875 million in the seventh
year beginning December 31, 1996 through September 30, 2003, interest at the
Base Rate plus 2.0% per annum, or IBOR plus 3.0% per annum (10.25% at September
30, 1996); (iii) Tranche C term loan of $25.0 million, quarterly amortization of
$62,500 during each of the first seven years and $5.8125 million during the
eighth year beginning December 31, 1996 through September 30, 2004; interest at
the Base Rate plus 2.25% per annum or IBOR plus 3.25% per annum (10.50% at
September 30, 1996).

     The revolving credit facility provides for aggregate working capital loans
up to $65.0 million through September 30, 2002, reduced by outstanding letters
of credit ($10.0 million limit). Interest on borrowings is at the Base Rate plus
1.5% per annum or LIBOR plus 2.5% per annum (9.75% at September 30, 1996). The
Company had outstanding letters of credit of approximately $3.1 million at
September 30, 1996.

     The Agreement contains financial covenants with respect to borrowings which
include, minimum earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and
amortization, fixed charge coverage and tangible net worth. In addition, the
Agreement restricts capital expenditures and the payment of dividends. The
Company is required to pay a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum on the average
daily unused portion of the revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the
Agreement are collateralized by substantially all the assets of the Company.

     The Bridge Notes bear interest at prime plus 3.5% (11.75% at September 30,
1996). The Bridge Notes were paid in full in October 1996. See also Note 16.


                                      F-10

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


5. Debt--Continued

   The aggregate scheduled maturities of debt during subsequent years are as
follows (in thousands):


<TABLE>
  <S>                                                                  <C>
  Year ending September 30,
         1997 ......................................................   $  8,818
         1998 ......................................................      6,970
         1999 ......................................................      8,886
         2000 ......................................................     10,500
         2001 ......................................................     12,500
         Thereafter ................................................    185,989
                                                                       --------
                                                                       $233,663
                                                                       ========
</TABLE>

   The capital lease obligation is payable in Pounds Sterling in installments of
$390,000 in 1997, $470,000 in 1998 and $386,000 in 1999. For purposes of the
Combined Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the assets acquired under
capital lease and the obligation are considered a non-cash transaction.

   The carrying values of the debt instruments noted above approximate their
estimated fair values.


6. Shareholders' Equity (Deficit)

   During the year ended June 30, 1996, the former principal shareholder of the
Company granted an officer and a director consideration options to purchase
235,000 shares of common stock owned by the shareholder personally at exercise
prices per share ranging from $3.65 to $5.77 (the book values per share at the
respective dates of grant). These options were exercised in conjunction with the
Recapitalization and resulted in a charge to earnings of approximately
$3,970,000 during the Transition Period and an increase in additional paid-in
capital in the Combined Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(Deficit).

   Treasury stock acquired during the year ended June 30, 1996 was subject to an
agreement which provided the selling shareholder with additional compensation
for the common stock sold, if a change in control occurred within a specified
period of time. As a result of the Recapitalization, the selling shareholder was
entitled to an additional $564,000, which is reflected as an increase in
treasury stock in the Combined Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(Deficit).

   Retained earnings includes DISC retained earnings of $3,605,000 and
$1,594,000 at June 30, 1995 and 1996, respectively. In August 1996, the DISC was
terminated and the net assets were distributed to its shareholders.


7. Stock Option Plan

   Effective September 1996, the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board")
approved the Rayovac Corporation Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") which is
intended to afford an incentive to select employees and directors of the Company
to promote the interests of the Company. Under the Plan, stock options to
acquire up to 3.0 million shares of common stock, in the aggregate, may be
granted under either or both a time-vesting or a performance-vesting formula at
an exercise price equal to the market price of the common stock on the date of
grant. The time-vesting options become exercisable in equal 20% increments over
a five year period. The performance-vesting options become exercisable at the
end of ten years with accelerated vesting over each of the next five years if
the Company achieves certain performance goals.


                                      F-11

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


7. Stock Option Plan--Continued

   A summary of the status of the Company's Plan is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Weighted-Average
                                           Shares     Exercise Price
                                           --------- ----------------
     <S>                                   <C>             <C>
     Granted    ........................   1,464,339       $4.39
     Exercised  ........................          --          --
     Forfeited  ........................          --          --
                                           ---------       -----
     Outstanding, end of period   ......   1,464,339       $4.39
                                           =========       =====
</TABLE>

   The stock options outstanding on September 30, 1996 have a weighted-average
remaining contractual life estimated at eight years. The weighted average fair
value of each option issued was $1.92. The risk free interest rate utilized to
determine the fair value of the options was 6.78%. None of these options are
currently exercisable.

   The Company applies APB Opinion 25 and related Interpretations in accounting
for its plan. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized in the
statement of operations. Had the Company recognized compensation expense
determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards under the plans,
consistent with the method prescribed by FASB Statement 123, the Company's net
loss and loss per share, on a pro forma basis, for the Transition Period would
have been increased to $21,035,000 and $0.48 per share, respectively.


8. Income Taxes

   Pretax earnings (earnings before income taxes and extraordinary item) and
income tax (benefit) expense consists of the following (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          Years Ended                      Transition
                                                            June 30,                      Period Ended
                                            ---------------------------------------       September 30,
                                             1994           1995            1996             1996
                                            --------      ---------       ---------       -------------
     <S>                                    <C>           <C>             <C>             <C>
     Pretax earnings:
      United States   ..................    $  1,031      $  16,505       $  17,154       $  (27,713)
      Outside the United States   ......       2,743          6,150           4,136           (2,889)
                                            --------      ---------       ---------       ----------
         Total pretax earnings    ......    $  3,774      $  22,655       $  21,290       $  (30,602)
                                            ========      =========       =========       ==========
     Income tax (benefit) expense:
      Current:
       Federal  ........................    $    230      $   3,923       $   5,141       $   (3,870)
       Foreign  ........................         528            797           1,469              (72)
       State    ........................        (254)         1,181             389               --
                                            --------      ---------       ---------       ----------
         Total current   ...............         504          5,901           6,999           (3,942)
                                            --------      ---------       ---------       ----------
     Deferred:
      Federal   ........................      (1,342)           799              54           (3,270)
      Foreign   ........................         386           (544)            (57)            (847)
      State  ...........................        (130)            91               6           (1,622)
                                            --------      ---------       ---------       ----------
         Total deferred  ...............      (1,086)           346               3           (5,739)
                                            --------      ---------       ---------       ----------
                                            $   (582)     $   6,247       $   7,002       $   (9,681)
                                            ========      =========       =========       ==========
</TABLE>


                                      F-12

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


8. Income Taxes--Continued

   The following reconciles the Federal statutory income tax rate with the
Company's effective tax rate:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                Years Ended                     Transition
                                                                                  June 30,                     Period Ended
                                                                  -------------------------------------        September 30,
                                                                   1994            1995           1996               1996
                                                                  ------           -----          -----        -------------
   <S>                                                            <C>              <C>            <C>              <C>
   Statutory Federal income tax rate   ..................          35.0%           35.0%          35.0%            35.0%
   DISC commission income  ..............................         (27.4)           (5.9)          (5.2)             0.4
   Effect of foreign items and rate differentials  ......          (5.6)           (4.0)           1.0             (1.2)
   State income taxes, net ..............................          (8.5)            3.6            1.1              3.9
   Prior year taxes  ....................................         (11.4)             --             --               --
   Nondeductible recapitalization charges ...............            --              --             --             (6.2)
   Other ................................................           2.5            (1.1)           1.0             (0.3)
                                                                  -----           -----          -----             ----
                                                                  (15.4)%          27.6%          32.9%            31.6%
                                                                  =====           =====          =====             ====
</TABLE>

   The components of the net deferred tax asset and types of significant basis
differences were as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          June 30,        June 30,     September 30,
                                                            1995           1996           1996
                                                          --------        -------      -------------
   <S>                                                    <C>             <C>            <C>
   Current deferred tax assets:
    Recapitalization charges  ........................    $     --        $    --        $   3,791
    Inventories and receivables  .....................       1,894          1,395            1,407
    Marketing and promotional accruals ...............         906          1,498            1,252
    Employee benefits   ..............................       1,312          1,554            1,780
    Environmental accruals ...........................         442            420              752
    Other   ..........................................       1,114            994              976
                                                          --------        -------        ---------
     Total current deferred tax assets ...............    $  5,668        $ 5,861        $   9,958
                                                          ========        =======        =========
   Noncurrent deferred tax assets:
    Employee benefits   ..............................    $  2,719        $ 3,053        $   3,704
    State net operating loss carryforwards   .........          --             --            1,249
    Package design expense ...........................         661            532              523
    Promotional expense ..............................         216            784              854
    Other   ..........................................       1,410          1,516            1,475
                                                          --------        -------        ---------
     Total noncurrent deferred tax assets ............       5,006          5,885            7,805
                                                          --------        -------        ---------
   Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities:
    Property, plant, and equipment  ..................      (7,395)        (8,430)          (8,708)
    Other   ..........................................          (5)           (39)             (39)
                                                          --------        -------        ---------
     Total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities  ......      (7,400)        (8,469)          (8,747)
                                                          --------        -------        ---------
   Net noncurrent deferred tax liabilities   .........    $ (2,394)       $(2,584)       $    (942)
                                                          ========        =======        =========
</TABLE>

   At September 30, 1996, the Company has operating loss carryforwards for state
income tax purposes of approximately $2.2 million, which expire generally in
years through 2011.

   During 1995, the Company used approximately $3,200,000 of foreign net
operating loss carryforwards for which a deferred tax asset had not been
recognized in prior years due to uncertainty regarding future earnings of the
subsidiaries to which the carryforwards related. As a result, the Company
reversed the valuation allowance of $1,240,000 recorded at June 30, 1994 in
1995.

   Provision has not been made for United States income taxes on a portion of
the undistributed earnings of the Company's foreign subsidiaries (approximately
$2,563,000, $4,342,000 and $4,216,000 at June 30, 1995 and 1996,


                                      F-13

<PAGE>
                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


8. Income Taxes--Continued

and September 30, 1996, respectively), either because any taxes on dividends
would be offset substantially by foreign tax credits or because the Company
intends to reinvest those earnings. Such earnings would become taxable upon the
sale or liquidation of these foreign subsidiaries or upon remittance of
dividends. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of the deferred tax
liability on such earnings.

9. Leases

   Future minimum rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases,
principally pertaining to land, buildings and equipment, are as follows (in
thousands):


<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                  <C>
   Year ending September 30:
           1997 .....................................................   $ 7,140
           1998 .....................................................     6,088
           1999 .....................................................     5,293
           2000 .....................................................     4,613
           2001 .....................................................     4,311
           Thereafter ...............................................    11,706
                                                                        -------
                                                                        $39,151
                                                                        =======
</TABLE>

   The above lease commitments include payments under leases for the corporate
headquarters facilities and other properties from partnerships in which one of
the Company's shareholders is a partner. Annual minimum rental commitments on
the headquarters facility of $3,042,000 are subject to an adjustment based upon
changes in the Consumer Price Index. The leases on the other properties require
annual lease payments of $451,000 subject to annual 3% increases. All of the
leases expire during the years 2003 through 2021.

   Total rental expense was $8,006,000, $8,189,000, $8,213,000 and $1,995,000
for the years ended June 30, 1994, 1995, and 1996 and the Transition Period,
respectively.

10. Postretirement Pension Benefits

   The Company has various defined benefit pension plans covering substantially
all of its domestic employees. Plans covering salaried employees provide pension
benefits that are based on the employee's average compensation for the five
years which yield the highest average during the 10 consecutive years prior to
retirement. Plans covering hourly employees and union members generally provide
benefits of stated amounts for each year of service.

   The Company's policy is to fund pension costs at amounts within the
acceptable ranges established by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974.

   The Company also has nonqualified deferred compensation agreements with
certain of its employees under which the Company has agreed to pay certain
amounts annually for the first 15 years subsequent to retirement or to a
designated beneficiary upon death. It is management's intent that life insurance
contracts owned by the Company will fund these agreements.

   Net periodic pension cost for the aforementioned plans is summarized as
follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                           Years Ended                    Transition
                                                             June 30,                    Period Ended
                                             ---------------------------------------     September 30,
                                                1994           1995           1996           1996
                                             ---------      ---------      ---------     -------------
   <S>                                       <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>
   Service cost  ........................    $   1,576      $   1,711      $   1,501       $  2,149
   Interest cost    .....................        3,069          3,390          3,513            944
   Actual return on plan assets .........       (2,377)        (2,054)        (7,880)          (605)
   Net amortization and deferral   ......         (181)          (708)         4,994           (166)
                                             ---------      ---------      ---------       --------
       Net periodic pension cost   ......    $   2,087      $   2,339      $   2,128       $  2,322
                                             =========      =========      =========       ========
</TABLE>


                                      F-14

<PAGE>
                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


10. Postretirement Pension Benefits--Continued

   The following tables set forth the plans' funded status (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    June 30, 1995
                                                                           -------------------------------
                                                                           Assets Exceed     Accumulated
                                                                           Accumulated        Benefits
                                                                             Benefits        Exceed Assets
                                                                           -------------     -------------
   <S>                                                                       <C>               <C>
   Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
    Vested benefit obligation ..........................................     $  19,860         $  18,844
                                                                             =========         =========
    Accumulated benefit obligation  ....................................     $  20,292         $  19,636
                                                                             =========         =========
   Projected benefit obligation  .......................................     $  25,209         $  19,636
   Plan assets at fair value, primarily listed stocks, bonds and
    cash equivalents ...................................................        25,358            10,196
                                                                             ---------         ---------
   Projected benefit obligation (less than) in excess of plan assets ...          (149)            9,440
   Unrecognized net loss   .............................................           684             1,384
   Unrecognized net obligation (asset) .................................           589            (5,245)
   Additional minimum liability  .......................................            --             3,866
                                                                             ---------         ---------
     Pension liability  ................................................     $   1,124         $   9,445
                                                                             =========         =========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    June 30, 1996
                                                                           -------------------------------
                                                                           Assets Exceed     Accumulated
                                                                           Accumulated        Benefits
                                                                             Benefits        Exceed Assets
                                                                           -------------     -------------
   <S>                                                                       <C>               <C>
   Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
    Vested benefit obligation ..........................................     $  24,927         $  19,138
                                                                             =========         =========
    Accumulated benefit obligation  ....................................     $  25,576         $  19,932
                                                                             =========         =========
   Projected benefit obligation  .......................................     $  31,462         $  19,932
   Plan assets at fair value, primarily listed stocks, bonds and
    cash equivalents ...................................................        32,297             9,349
                                                                             ---------         ---------
   Projected benefit obligation (less than) in excess of plan assets ...          (835)           10,583
   Unrecognized net loss   .............................................         2,341               893
   Unrecognized net obligation (asset) .................................           211            (4,711)
   Additional minimum liability  .......................................            --             3,823
                                                                             ---------         ---------
     Pension liability  ................................................     $   1,717         $  10,588
                                                                             =========         =========
</TABLE>

                                      F-15

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


10. Postretirement Pension Benefits--Continued


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  September 30, 1996
                                                                           -------------------------------
                                                                           Assets Exceed     Accumulated
                                                                           Accumulated        Benefits
                                                                             Benefits        Exceed Assets
                                                                           -------------     -------------
   <S>                                                                       <C>               <C>
   Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
    Vested benefit obligation    .......................................     $  25,273         $  19,495
                                                                             =========         =========
    Accumulated benefit obligation  ....................................     $  25,930         $  20,305
                                                                             =========         =========
   Projected benefit obligation  .......................................     $  31,910         $  20,305
   Plan assets at fair value, primarily listed stocks, bonds
    and cash equivalents   .............................................        32,341             9,364
                                                                             ---------         ---------
   Projected benefit obligation (less than) in excess of plan assets ...          (431)           10,941
   Unrecognized net loss   .............................................         2,147               832
   Unrecognized net obligation (asset) .................................           208            (2,894)
   Additional minimum liability  .......................................            --             2,067
   Contribution   ......................................................           (86)             (756)
                                                                             ---------         ---------
     Pension liability  ................................................     $   1,838         $  10,190
                                                                             =========         =========
</TABLE>

   Assumptions used in the aforementioned actuarial valuations were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                      Years Ended           Transition
                                                                       June 30,             Period Ended
                                                               ------------------------     September 30,
                                                               1994      1995      1996         1996
                                                               ----      ----      ----     -------------
   <S>                                                         <C>       <C>       <C>          <C>
   Discount rate used for funded status calculation  ......    7.5%      8.0%      7.5%         7.5%
   Discount rate used for net periodic pension cost
    calculations ..........................................    7.5%      7.5%      8.0%         7.5%
   Rate of increase in compensation levels
    (salaried plan only)  .................................    5.5%      5.5%      5.0%         5.0%
   Expected long-term rate of return on assets ............    9.0%      9.0%      9.0%         9.0%
</TABLE>

   The Company has recorded an additional minimum pension liability of
$3,866,000, $3,823,000 and $2,067,000 at June 30, 1995 and 1996, and September
30, 1996, respectively, to recognize the underfunded position of certain of its
benefits plans. An intangible asset of $3,827,000, $3,582,000 and $1,826,000 at
June 30, 1995 and 1996, and September 30, 1996, respectively, equal to the
unrecognized prior service cost of these plans, has also been recorded. The
excess of the additional minimum liability over the unrecognized prior service
cost of $39,000 at June 30, 1995 and $241,000 at June 30 and September 30, 1996,
has been recorded as a reduction of shareholders' equity.

   The Company sponsors a defined contribution pension plan for its domestic
salaried employees which allows participants to make contributions by salary
reduction pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company
contributes annually 1% of participants' compensation, and may make additional
discretionary contributions. The Company also sponsors defined contribution
pension plans for employees of certain foreign subsidiaries. Company
contributions charged to operations, including discretionary amounts, for the
years ended June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, and the Transition Period were
$827,000, $1,273,000, $1,000,000 and $181,000, respectively.


                                      F-16

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


11. Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

   The Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits to
eligible retired employees. Participants earn retiree health care benefits after
reaching age 45 over the next 10 succeeding years of service and remain eligible
until reaching age 65. The plan is contributory; retiree contributions have been
established as a flat dollar amount with contribution rates expected to increase
at the active medical trend rate. The plan is unfunded. The Company is
amortizing the transition obligation over a 20-year period.

   The following sets forth the plan's funded status reconciled with amounts
reported in the Company's combined consolidated balance sheet (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             June 30,     June 30,      September 30,
                                                              1995          1996           1996
                                                             --------     --------      -------------
   <S>                                                        <C>         <C>             <C>
   Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO):
   Retirees  .............................................    $   444     $    723        $     687
   Fully eligible active participants   ..................        489          805              820
    Other active participants  ...........................        495          896              970
                                                              -------     ---------       ---------
       Total APBO  .......................................      1,428        2,424            2,477
   Unrecognized net loss    ..............................       (287)      (1,269)          (1,246)
    Unrecognized transition obligation  ..................       (681)        (641)            (631)
                                                              -------     --------        ---------
     Accrued postretirement benefit liability    .........    $   460     $    514        $     600
                                                              =======     ========        =========
</TABLE>

   Net periodic postretirement benefit cost includes the following components
(in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               Years Ended            Transition
                                                                 June 30,            Period Ended
                                                           ----------------------    September 30,
                                                           1994     1995     1996        1996
                                                           ----     ----     ----    -------------
   <S>                                                     <C>      <C>      <C>         <C>
   Service cost   ....................................     $102     $110     $129        $ 58
   Interest    .......................................       79       85      111          44
   Net amortization and deferral    ..................       40       40       54          35
                                                           ----     ----     ----        ----
     Net periodic postretirement benefit cost   ......     $221     $235     $294        $137
                                                           ====     ====     ====        ====
</TABLE>

   A 9.5% annual rate of increase in the per capita costs of covered health care
benefits was assumed for fiscal 1996, gradually decreasing to 5.5% by fiscal
2025. Increasing the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage
point in each year would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit
obligation as of June 30, 1995 and 1996, and September 30, 1996 by $78,000,
$144,000 and $147,000 respectively, and increase the aggregate of the service
cost and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost
for the year ended June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, and the Transition Period by
$16,000, $13,000, $12,000 and $3,000, respectively. A discount rate of 7.5% was
used to determine the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation.


                                      F-17

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


12. Business Segment and International Operations

   Information about the Company's operations in different geographic areas is
summarized as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                             Years Ended                      Transition
                                                              June 30,                       Period Ended
                                             ------------------------------------------      September 30,
                                                1994            1995            1996             1996
                                             ----------      ----------      ----------      -------------
   <S>                                       <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
   Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
    United States   .....................    $  337,095      $  337,888      $  341,967      $   82,329
    Foreign:
     Western Europe    ..................        52,191          60,696          64,432          15,304
     Other    ...........................        14,426          16,640          16,955           4,247
                                             ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
       Total  ...........................    $  403,712      $  415,224      $  423,354      $  101,880
                                             ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========
   Transfers between geographic areas:
    United States   .....................    $   23,393      $   26,928      $   27,097      $    7,431
    Foreign:
     Western Europe    ..................         1,722           1,637             730             422
     Other    ...........................            54              49              --              --
                                             ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
       Total  ...........................    $   25,169      $   28,614      $   27,827      $    7,853
                                             ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========
   Net sales:
    United States   .....................    $  360,488      $  364,816      $  369,064      $   89,760
    Foreign:
     Western Europe    ..................        53,913          62,333          65,162          15,726
     Other    ...........................        14,480          16,689          16,955           4,247
    Eliminations    .....................       (25,169)        (28,614)        (27,827)         (7,853)
                                             ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
       Total  ...........................    $  403,712      $  415,224      $  423,354      $  101,880
                                             ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========
   Income from operations:
    United States   .....................    $    7,709      $   24,335      $   24,759      $  (20,983)
    Foreign:
     Western Europe    ..................         2,851           5,410           5,002          (2,539)
     Other    ...........................           338           1,784             516            (150)
                                             ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
       Total  ...........................    $   10,898      $   31,529      $   30,277      $  (23,672)
                                             ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========
   Total assets:
    United States   .....................    $  199,840      $  189,557      $  193,198      $  215,287
    Foreign:
     Western Europe    ..................        30,174          34,345          33,719          35,065
     Other    ...........................        12,032          16,093          17,532          18,782
    Eliminations    .....................       (19,610)        (19,405)        (22,564)        (23,886)
                                             ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
       Total  ...........................    $  222,436      $  220,590      $  221,885      $  245,248
                                             ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========
</TABLE>

13. Commitments and Contingencies

   The Company has entered into agreements to purchase certain equipment and to
pay annual royalties. In a December 1991 agreement, the Company committed to pay
annual royalties of $1,500,000 for the first five years, beginning in 1993, plus
$500,000 for each year thereafter, as long as the related equipment patents are
enforceable (2012). In a March 1994 agreement, the Company committed to pay
annual royalties of $500,000 for five years beginning in 1995.


                                      F-18

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


       NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


13. Commitments and Contingencies--Continued

   The estimated fair value of these commitments, based on current rates offered
to the Company for debt with the same remaining maturities, is $8,498,000 at
September 30, 1996. Additionally, the Company has committed to purchase tooling
of $1,466,000 related to this equipment at an unspecified date in the future and
purchase manganese ore amounting to $560,000 by March 1998.

   The Company has provided for the estimated costs associated with
environmental remediation activities at some of its current and former
manufacturing sites. In addition, the Company, together with other parties, has
been designated a potentially responsible party of various third-party sites on
the United States EPA National Priorities List (Superfund). The Company provides
for the estimated costs of investigation and remediation of these sites when the
amounts can be reasonably estimated. The actual cost incurred may vary from
these estimates due to the inherent uncertainties involved. The Company believes
that any additional liability in excess of the amounts provided of $2.1 million,
which may result from resolution of these matters, will not have a material
adverse effect on the financial condition, liquidity, or cash flow of the
Company.

   The Company has certain other contingent liabilities with respect to
litigation, claims and contractual agreements arising in the ordinary course of
business. In the opinion of management, such contingent liabilities are not
likely to result in a loss in excess of amounts recorded of $750,000 at
September 30, 1996.


14. Related Party Transactions

   The Company and THL Co. are parties to a Management Agreement pursuant to
which the Company has engaged THL Co. to provide consulting and management
advisory services for an initial period of five years through September 12,
2001. Under the Management Agreement and in connection with the closing of the
Recapitalization, the Company paid THL Co. and an affiliate $3.25 million. In
consideration of ongoing consulting and management advisory services, the
Company will pay THL Co. an aggregate annual fee of $360,000 plus expenses.

   The Company and 9.9% shareholder of the Company (the principal shareholder
prior to the Recapitalization) are parties to a Consulting Agreement which
includes noncompetition provisions. Terms of the agreement require the
shareholder to provide consulting services for an annual fee of $200,000 plus
expenses. The term of this agreement runs concurrent with the Management
Agreement, subject to certain conditions as defined in the agreement.

   The Company has a note receivable from an officer/shareholder in the amount
of $500,000, generally payable in five years, which bears interest at 7%. Since
the officer/shareholder utilized the proceeds of the note to purchase common
stock of the Company, the note has been recorded as a reduction of shareholders'
equity.


15. Other Special Charges

   During the Transition Period, the Company recorded special charges as
follows: (i) $2.7 million of charges related to the exit of certain
manufacturing operations, (ii) $1.7 million of charges to increase net deferred
compensation plan obligations to reflect curtailment of such plans; (iii) $1.5
million of charges reflecting the present value of lease payments for land which
management has determined will not be used for any future productive purpose;
(iv) $6.9 million in costs and asset write-downs principally related to changes
in product pricing strategies adopted by management subsequent to the
Recapitalization; and (v) $3.3 million of employee termination benefits and
other charges. Payment for these costs was or is expected to be as follows: $5.0
million was paid prior to September 30, 1996; $8.8 million is expected to be
paid in fiscal 1997; and $2.3 million thereafter.

   In 1994, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of approximately $1.5 million
related to a plan to reduce the Company's cost structure and to improve
productivity through an approximate 2.5% reduction in headcount on worldwide
basis. This charge included severance costs, out-placement service, and other
employee benefits, the majority of which was completed during 1995.


                                      F-19

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


16. Subsequent Events

   Subsequent to September 30, 1996, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of
approximately $2.7 million related to a reduction of employees. The charge
included severance, out-placement services and other employee benefits.

     On October 22, 1996, the Company paid the Bridge Notes described in Note 5
utilizing the proceeds from a private debt offering of Senior Subordinated
Notes (the "Notes"). The Company intends to offer to exchange the Notes for
notes registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "New Notes").
Upon completion of the Exchange Offer, terms of the New Notes will be identical
in all material respects to terms of the Notes. On or after November 1, 2001 or
in certain circumstances, after a public offering of equity securities of the
Company, the Notes will be redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or
in part, at prescribed redemption prices plus accrued and unpaid interest. The
terms of the Notes restrict or limit the ability of the Company and its
subsidiaries to, among other things, (i) pay dividends or make other restricted
payments, (ii) incur additional indebtedness and issue preferred stock, (iii)
create liens, (iv) incur dividend and other payment restrictions affecting
subsidiaries, (v) enter into mergers, consolidations or sales of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company, (vi) make asset sales, (vii)
enter into transactions with affiliates, and (viii) issue or sell capital stock
of wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. Payment obligations under the
Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis
by the Company's directly and wholly-owned subsidiary, ROV Holding, Inc. (ROV
or Guarantor Subsidiary). The foreign subsidiaries of the Company, which will
not guarantee the payment obligations under the Notes (Nonguarantor
Subsidiaries), are directly and wholly-owned by ROV.

   The following condensed combined consolidating financial data illustrates the
composition of the combined consolidated financial statements. Investments in
subsidiaries are accounted for by the Company on an unconsolidated basis (the
Company and the DISC) and the Guarantor Subsidiary using the equity method for
purposes of the consolidating presentation. Earnings of subsidiaries are
therefore reflected in the Company's and Guarantor Subsidiary's investment
accounts and earnings. The principal elimination entries eliminate investments
in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions. Separate financial
statements of the Guarantor Subsidiary are not presented because management has
determined that such financial statements would not be material to investors.


                                      F-20

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


16. Subsequent Events--Continued

                 CONDENSED COMBINED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                 (in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Parent      Guarantor   Nonguarantor                    Combined
                                               and DISC    Subsidiary   Subsidiaries   Eliminations   Consolidated
                                               --------    ----------   ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                           <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
                    ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents ..................  $    2,983     $    57      $   1,215      $      --    $    4,255
 Receivables:
  Trade accounts receivable, net   .........      45,614          --         16,706             --        62,320
  Other    .................................      15,128         162             95        (11,229)        4,156
 Inventories  ..............................      57,615          --         13,303           (797)       70,121
 Deferred income taxes .....................       8,688       1,026            244             --         9,958
 Prepaid expenses and other  ...............       3,457          --          1,407             --         4,864
                                              ----------     -------      ---------      ---------    ----------
    Total current assets  ..................     133,485       1,245         32,970        (12,026)      155,674
Property, plant and equipment, net    ......      62,252          --          7,145             --        69,397
Deferred charges and other   ...............       6,815          --            598             --         7,413
Debt issuance costs    .....................      12,764          --             --             --        12,764
Investment in subsidiaries   ...............      12,056      12,098             --        (24,154)           --
                                              ----------     -------      ---------      ---------    ----------
    Total assets    ........................  $  227,372     $13,343      $  40,713      $ (36,180)   $  245,248
                                              ==========     =======      =========      =========    ==========
       LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
             EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
 Current maturities of long-term debt ......  $    4,500     $    --      $   4,318      $      --    $    8,818
 Accounts payable   ........................      40,830         597         16,505        (11,011)       46,921
 Accrued liabilities:
  Wages and benefits   .....................       4,759          --          1,135             --         5,894
  Other ....................................      12,915         484          2,505             --        15,904
  Recapitalization and other special
   charges .................................      11,645          --          3,297             --        14,942
                                              ----------     -------      ---------      ---------    ----------
    Total current liabilities   ............      74,649       1,081         27,760        (11,011)       92,479
Long-term debt, net of current maturities        223,990          --            855             --       224,845
Employee benefit obligations, net of
 current portion ...........................      12,138          --             --             --        12,138
Deferred income taxes  .....................         736         206             --             --           942
Other   ....................................         564          --             --             --           564
Shareholders' equity (deficit):
 Common stock ..............................         500          --         12,072        (12,072)          500
 Additional paid-in capital  ...............      15,970       3,525            750         (4,275)       15,970
 Foreign currency translation adjustment ...       1,689       1,689          1,689         (3,378)        1,689
 Note receivable officer/shareholder  ......        (500)         --             --             --          (500)
 Retained earnings  ........................      26,158       6,842         (2,413)        (5,444)       25,143
                                              ----------     -------      ---------      ---------    ----------
                                                  43,817      12,056         12,098        (25,169)       42,802
    Less treasury stock   ..................    (128,522)         --             --             --      (128,522)
                                              ----------     -------      ---------      ---------    ----------
    Total shareholders' equity (deficit) ...     (84,705)     12,056         12,098        (25,169)      (85,720)
                                              ----------     -------      ---------      ---------    ----------
    Total liabilities and shareholders'
     equity (deficit)  .....................  $  227,372     $13,343      $  40,713      $ (36,180)   $  245,248
                                              ==========     =======      =========      =========    ==========
</TABLE>


                                      F-21

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


16. Subsequent Events--Continued

            CONDENSED COMBINED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                   TRANSITION PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                 (in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Parent      Guarantor   Nonguarantor                    Combined
                                      and DISC    Subsidiary   Subsidiaries   Eliminations   Consolidated
                                      --------    ----------   ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>
Net sales  ........................  $  89,760     $     --      $ 19,974       $  (7,854)    $ 101,880
Cost of goods sold  ...............     53,480           --        13,470          (7,708)       59,242
                                     ---------     --------      --------       ---------     ---------
    Gross profit    ...............     36,280           --         6,504            (146)       42,638
                                     ---------     --------      --------       ---------     ---------
Operating expenses:
 Selling   ........................     23,539           --         4,257              --        27,796
 General and administrative  ......      6,508            2         2,109               9         8,628
 Research and development    ......      1,495           --            --              --         1,495
 Recapitalization charges    ......     12,326           --            --              --        12,326
 Other special charges    .........     12,768           --         3,297              --        16,065
                                     ---------     --------      --------       ---------     ---------
                                        56,636            2         9,663               9        66,310
                                     ---------     --------      --------       ---------     ---------
    Loss from operations  .........    (20,356)          (2)       (3,159)           (155)      (23,672)
Interest expense    ...............      4,320           --           110              --         4,430
Equity in loss of subsidiary    ...      2,508        2,611            --          (5,119)           --
Other (income) expense, net  ......       (170)        (162)          408              --            76
                                     ---------     --------      --------       ---------     ---------
    Loss before income taxes and
     extraordinary item   .........    (27,014)      (2,451)       (3,677)          4,964       (28,178)
Income tax (benefit) expense    ...     (7,895)          57        (1,066)             --        (8,904)
                                     ---------     --------      --------       ---------     ---------
Loss before extraordinary item  ...    (19,119)      (2,508)       (2,611)          4,964       (19,274)
Extraordinary item, loss on early
 extinguishment of debt, net of
 income tax benefit of $777 .......     (1,647)          --            --              --        (1,647)
                                     ---------     --------      --------       ---------     ---------
    Net loss  .....................  $ (20,766)    $ (2,508)     $ (2,611)      $   4,964     $ (20,921)
                                     =========     ========      ========       =========     =========
</TABLE>


                                      F-22
<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


16. Subsequent Events--Continued

            CONDENSED COMBINED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                   TRANSITION PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                 (in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Parent      Guarantor   Nonguarantor                    Combined
                                              and DISC    Subsidiary   Subsidiaries   Eliminations   Consolidated
                                              --------    ----------   ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                          <C>              <C>        <C>               <C>        <C>
Net cash provided by (used in)
 operating activities .....................  $   (2,078)      $16        $    932          $--        $   (1,130)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 Purchases of property, plant
  and equipment ...........................        (912)       --            (336)          --            (1,248)
 Proceeds from sale of property,
  plant and equipment .....................       1,281        --              --           --             1,281
 Notes receivable officer/shareholder   ...        (500)       --              --           --              (500)
                                             ----------       ---        --------          ---        ----------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
 activities  ..............................        (131)       --            (336)          --              (467)
                                             ----------       ---        --------          ---        ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
 Reduction of debt ........................    (104,138)       --          (2,952)          --          (107,090)
 Proceeds from debt financing  ............     256,500        --           2,989           --           259,489
 Cash overdraft ...........................      (2,493)       --              --           --            (2,493)
 Debt issuance costs  .....................     (14,373)       --              --           --           (14,373)
 Extinguishment of debt  ..................      (2,424)       --              --           --            (2,424)
 Distributions from DISC ..................      (1,943)       --              --           --            (1,943)
 Acquisition of treasury stock ............    (127,425)       --              --           --          (127,425)
 Payments on capital lease obligation   ...          --        --             (84)          --               (84)
                                             ----------       ---        --------          ---        ----------
Net cash provided by (used in)
 financing activities .....................       3,704        --             (47)          --             3,657
                                             ----------       ---        --------          ---        ----------
Effect of exchange rate changes on
 cash and cash equivalents  ...............          --        --               5           --                 5
                                             ----------       ---        --------          ---        ----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash
 and cash equivalents .....................       1,495        16             554           --             2,065
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
 period   .................................       1,488        41             661           --             2,190
                                             ----------       ---        --------          ---        ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period     $    2,983       $57        $  1,215          $--        $    4,255
                                             ==========       ===        ========          ===        ==========
</TABLE>


                                      F-23
<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


16. Subsequent Events--Continued

                 CONDENSED COMBINED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
                                  JUNE 30, 1996
                                 (in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Parent       Guarantor   Nonguarantor                    Combined
                                                and DISC     Subsidiary   Subsidiaries   Eliminations   Consolidated
                                                --------     ----------   ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                            <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>
                    ASSETS
Current assets:
 Cash and cash equivalents    ...............  $    1,488     $     41       $   661      $       --     $    2,190
 Receivables:
  Trade accounts receivable, net    .........      40,138           --        15,692              --         55,830
  Other  ....................................      11,434          318           780         (10,210)         2,322
 Inventories   ..............................      54,486           --        12,951            (496)        66,941
 Deferred income taxes  .....................       5,439          179           243              --          5,861
 Prepaid expenses and other   ...............       3,415           --         1,560              --          4,975
                                               ----------     --------       -------      ----------     ----------
    Total current assets   ..................     116,400          538        31,887         (10,706)       138,119
Property, plant and equipment, net  .........      66,504           --         7,434              --         73,938
Deferred charges and other    ...............       9,047           --           608              --          9,655
Debt issuance costs  ........................         173           --            --              --            173
Investment in subsidiaries    ...............      14,524       14,670            --         (29,194)            --
                                               ----------     --------       -------      ----------     ----------
    Total assets  ...........................  $  206,648     $ 15,208       $39,929      $  (39,900)    $  221,885
                                               ==========     ========       =======      ==========     ==========
       LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
              EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
 Current maturities of long-term debt  ......  $    7,350     $     --       $ 4,281      $       --     $   11,631
 Accounts payable    ........................      32,906          492        15,145          (9,848)        38,695
 Accrued liabilities:
  Wages and benefits    .....................       5,077           --         1,049              --          6,126
  Other  ....................................      15,375          (14)        3,843              --         19,204
                                               ----------     --------       -------      ----------     ----------
    Total current liabilities    ............      60,708          478        24,318          (9,848)        75,656
Long-term debt, net of current maturities          68,777           --           941              --         69,718
Employee benefit obligations, net of
 current portion  ...........................      12,141           --            --              --         12,141
Deferred income taxes   .....................       2,378          206            --              --          2,584
Other    ....................................         162           --            --              --            162
Shareholders' equity (deficit):
 Common stock  ..............................         500           --        12,072         (12,072)           500
 Rayovac International Corporation
  common stock ..............................           5           --            --              --              5
 Additional paid-in capital   ...............      12,000        3,525           750          (4,275)        12,000
 Foreign currency translation adjustment  ...       1,650        1,650         1,650          (3,300)         1,650
 Retained earnings   ........................      48,860        9,349           198         (10,405)        48,002
                                               ----------     --------       -------      ----------     ----------
                                                   63,015       14,524        14,670         (30,052)        62,157
    Less treasury stock, at cost    .........        (533)          --            --              --           (533)
                                               ----------     --------       -------      ----------     ----------
    Total shareholders' equity (deficit)  ...      62,482       14,524        14,670         (30,052)        61,624
                                               ----------     --------       -------      ----------     ----------
    Total liabilities and shareholders'
     equity (deficit)   .....................  $  206,648     $ 15,208       $39,929      $  (39,900)    $  221,885
                                               ==========     ========       =======      ==========     ==========
</TABLE>


                                      F-24

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


16. Subsequent Events--Continued

            CONDENSED COMBINED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                        FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
                                 (in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Parent      Guarantor   Nonguarantor                    Combined
                                        and DISC    Subsidiary   Subsidiaries   Eliminations   Consolidated
                                        --------    ----------   ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                    <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>
Net sales    ........................  $ 369,065     $     --       $82,116      $  (27,827)     $423,354
Cost of goods sold    ...............    213,349           --        53,846         (27,852)      239,343
                                       ---------     --------       -------      ----------      --------
    Gross profit   ..................    155,716           --        28,270              25       184,011
                                       ---------     --------       -------      ----------      --------
Operating expenses:
 Selling  ...........................     99,486           --        17,039              --       116,525
 General and administrative    ......     25,967           12         5,775              13        31,767
 Research and development   .........      5,442           --            --              --         5,442
                                       ---------     --------       -------      ----------      --------
                                         130,895           12        22,814              13       153,734
                                       ---------     --------       -------      ----------      --------
    Income (loss) from operations         24,821          (12)        5,456              12        30,277
Interest expense   ..................      7,731           --           704              --         8,435
Equity in income of subsidiary    ...     (2,507)      (2,167)           --           4,674            --
Other (income) expense, net    ......        (51)        (570)        1,173              --           552
                                       ---------     --------       -------      ----------      --------
    Income before income taxes    ...     19,648        2,725         3,579          (4,662)       21,290
Income tax expense    ...............      5,372          218         1,412              --         7,002
                                       ---------     --------       -------      ----------      --------
    Net income  .....................  $  14,276     $  2,507       $ 2,167      $   (4,662)     $ 14,288
                                       =========     ========       =======      ==========      ========
</TABLE>


                                      F-25

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


16. Subsequent Events--Continued

            CONDENSED COMBINED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                        FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
                                 (in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Parent      Guarantor   Nonguarantor                    Combined
                                                   and DISC    Subsidiary   Subsidiaries   Eliminations   Consolidated
                                                   --------    ----------   ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>         <C>                <C>       <C>
Net cash provided by (used in)
 operating activities  ........................... $ 14,449      $  (292)    $  3,688         $  --       $   17,845
Cash flows from investing activities:
 Purchases of property, plant
  and equipment  .................................   (6,558)          --          (88)           --           (6,646)
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant
  and equipment  .................................      298           --           --            --              298
                                                   --------      -------     --------         -----       ----------
Net cash provided by (used in)
 investing activities  ...........................   (6,260)          --          (88)           --           (6,348)
                                                   --------      -------     --------         -----       ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
 Reduction of debt  ..............................  (97,627)          --       (6,899)           --         (104,526)
 Proceeds from debt financing   ..................   93,600           --        2,652            --           96,252
 Cash overdraft  .................................    2,339           --           --            --            2,339
 Distributions from DISC  ........................   (5,187)          --           --            --           (5,187)
 Intercompany dividends   ........................       --          130         (130)           --               --
 Acquisition of treasury stock  ..................     (533)          --           --            --             (533)
 Payments on capital lease obligation    .........       --           --         (295)           --             (295)
                                                   --------      -------     --------         -----       ----------
Net cash provided by (used in)
 financing activities  ...........................   (7,408)         130       (4,672)           --          (11,950)
                                                   --------      -------     --------         -----       ----------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 and cash equivalents  ...........................       --           --           (2)           --               (2)
                                                   --------      -------     --------         -----       ----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash
 and cash equivalents  ...........................      781         (162)      (1,074)           --             (455)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year   ...      707          203        1,735            --            2,645
                                                   --------      -------     --------         -----       ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year   ......... $  1,488      $    41     $    661         $  --       $    2,190
                                                   ========      =======     ========         =====       ==========
</TABLE>


                                      F-26

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


16. Subsequent Events--Continued

                 CONDENSED COMBINED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
                                  JUNE 30, 1995
                                 (in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Parent    Guarantor  Nonguarantor                    Combined
                                               and DISC  Subsidiary  Subsidiaries   Eliminations   Consolidated
                                               --------  ----------  ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                            <C>        <C>          <C>            <C>            <C>
                     ASSETS
Current assets:
 Cash and cash equivalents   ...............   $    707   $    203     $   1,735      $      --      $  2,645
 Receivables:
  Trade accounts receivable, net   .........     37,698         --        13,189             --        50,887
  Other ....................................      8,312        119           254         (6,874)        1,811
 Inventories  ..............................     52,076         --        14,136           (672)       65,540
 Deferred income taxes .....................      5,509         --           159             --         5,668
 Prepaid expenses and other  ...............      3,936         --         1,715             --         5,651
                                               --------   --------     ---------      ---------      --------
    Total current assets  ..................    108,238        322        31,188         (7,546)      132,202
Property, plant and equipment, net .........     70,480         --         7,483             --        77,963
Deferred charges and other   ...............      9,609         --           661             --        10,270
Debt issuance costs ........................        155         --            --             --           155
Investment in subsidiaries   ...............     12,346     12,961            --        (25,307)           --
                                               --------   --------     ---------      ---------      --------
    Total assets ...........................   $200,828   $ 13,283     $  39,332      $ (32,853)     $220,590
                                               ========   ========     =========      =========      ========
        LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
              EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
 Current maturities of long-term debt ......   $  3,777   $     --     $   8,139      $      --      $ 11,916
 Accounts payable   ........................     33,419        222        12,207         (6,677)       39,171
 Accrued liabilities:
  Wages and benefits   .....................      8,514         --           858             --         9,372
  Other ....................................     11,055        715         4,091             --        15,861
                                               --------   --------     ---------      ---------      --------
    Total current liabilities   ............     56,765        937        25,295         (6,677)       76,320
Long-term debt, net of current maturities        76,377         --            --             --        76,377
Employee benefit obligations, net of
 current portion ...........................     10,836         --           118             --        10,954
Deferred income taxes  .....................      2,394         --            --             --         2,394
Other   ....................................         --         --           958             --           958
Shareholders' equity (deficit):
 Common stock ..............................        500         --        12,072        (12,072)          500
 Rayovac International Corporation
  common stock   ...........................          5         --            --             --             5
 Additional paid-in capital  ...............     12,000      3,525           750         (4,275)       12,000
 Foreign currency translation adjustment ...      1,979      1,979         1,979         (3,958)        1,979
 Retained earnings  ........................     39,972      6,842        (1,840)        (5,871)       39,103
                                               --------   --------     ---------      ---------      --------
    Total shareholders' equity (deficit) ...     54,456     12,346        12,961        (26,176)       53,587
                                               --------   --------     ---------      ---------      --------
    Total liabilities and shareholders'
     equity (deficit)  .....................   $200,828   $ 13,283     $  39,332      $ (32,853)     $220,590
                                               ========   ========     =========      =========      ========
</TABLE>


                                      F-27

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


16. Subsequent Events--Continued

            CONDENSED COMBINED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                        FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1995
                                 (in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Parent      Guarantor   Nonguarantor                    Combined
                                     and DISC    Subsidiary   Subsidiaries   Eliminations   Consolidated
                                     --------    ----------   ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>
Net sales    .....................  $ 364,816     $     --       $79,022      $   (28,614)    $415,224
Cost of goods sold    ............    214,119           --        51,781          (28,774)     237,126
                                    ---------     --------       -------      -----------     --------
    Gross profit   ...............    150,697           --        27,241              160      178,098
                                    ---------     --------       -------      -----------     --------
Operating expenses:
 Selling  ........................     93,935           --        14,768               --      108,703
 General and administrative    ...     27,556         (651)        5,872               84       32,861
 Research and development   ......      5,005           --            --               --        5,005
                                    ---------     --------       -------      -----------     --------
                                      126,496         (651)       20,640               84      146,569
                                    ---------     --------       -------      -----------     --------
    Income from operations  ......     24,201          651         6,601               76       31,529
Interest expense   ...............      7,889           --           755               --        8,644
Equity in income of subsidiary         (5,520)      (4,928)           --           10,448           --
Other (income) expense, net    ...       (116)        (319)          665               --          230
                                    ---------     --------       -------      -----------     --------
    Income before income taxes         21,948        5,898         5,181          (10,372)      22,655
Income tax expense    ............      5,616          378           253               --        6,247
                                    ---------     --------       -------      -----------     --------
    Net income  ..................  $  16,332     $  5,520       $ 4,928      $   (10,372)    $ 16,408
                                    =========     ========       =======      ===========     ========
</TABLE>


                                      F-28

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


16. Subsequent Events--Continued

            CONDENSED COMBINED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                        FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1995
                                 (in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Parent      Guarantor   Nonguarantor                    Combined
                                                   and DISC    Subsidiary   Subsidiaries   Eliminations   Consolidated
                                                   --------    ----------   ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                               <C>             <C>         <C>            <C>           <C>
Net cash provided by (used in)
 operating activities   ........................  $   32,394      $(3,823)    $   3,737      $   3,211     $   35,519
Cash flows from investing activities:
 Purchases of property, plant and equipment     .    (14,288)          --        (2,650)            --        (16,938)
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant
  and equipment   ..............................         139           --            --             --            139
                                                  ----------    ---------     ---------      ---------     ----------
Net cash used in investing activities  .........     (14,149)          --        (2,650)            --        (16,799)
                                                  ----------    ---------     ---------      ---------     ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
 Reduction of debt   ...........................    (100,536)          --        (5,847)            --       (106,383)
 Proceeds from debt financing    ...............      79,749           --         5,223            726         85,698
 Cash overdraft   ..............................       3,925           --            --             --          3,925
 Distributions from DISC   .....................      (1,500)          --            --             --         (1,500)
 Intercompany dividends    .....................          --        3,899        (3,899)            --             --
                                                  ----------    ---------     ---------      ---------     ----------
Net cash provided by (used in)
 financing activities   ........................     (18,362)       3,899        (4,523)           726        (18,260)
                                                  ----------    ---------     ---------      ---------     ----------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
 cash equivalents    ...........................          --           --         3,592         (3,937)          (345)
                                                  ----------    ---------     ---------      ---------     ----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
 cash equivalents    ...........................        (117)          76           156             --            115
                                                  ----------    ---------     ---------      ---------     ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning
 of year    ....................................         824          127         1,579             --          2,530
                                                  ----------    ---------     ---------      ---------     ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year    ......  $      707    $     203     $   1,735      $      --     $    2,645
                                                  ==========    =========     =========      =========     ==========
</TABLE>


                                      F-29

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


16. Subsequent Events--Continued

            CONDENSED COMBINED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                        FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1994
                                 (in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Parent      Guarantor   Nonguarantor                    Combined
                                        and DISC    Subsidiary   Subsidiaries   Eliminations   Consolidated
                                        --------    ----------   ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                    <C>          <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>
Net sales    ........................  $ 360,487    $     --        $68,394      $   (25,169)   $ 403,712
Cost of goods sold    ...............    213,551          --         46,756          (25,437)     234,870
                                       ---------    --------        -------      -----------    ---------
    Gross profit   ..................    146,936          --         21,638              268      168,842
                                       ---------    --------        -------      -----------    ---------
Operating expenses:
 Selling  ...........................    108,479          --         12,903               --      121,382
 General and administrative    ......     24,482           7          4,841               26       29,356
 Research and development   .........      5,684          --             --               --        5,684
 Other special charges   ............      1,522          --             --               --        1,522
                                       ---------    --------        -------      -----------    ---------
                                         140,167           7         17,744               26      157,944
                                       ---------    --------        -------      -----------    ---------
    Income (loss) from operations          6,769          (7)         3,894              242       10,898
Interest expense   ..................      7,072          --            653               --        7,725
Equity in income of subsidiary    ...     (1,998)     (2,251)            --            4,249           --
Other (income) expense, net    ......     (1,081)        407             73               --         (601)
                                       ---------    --------        -------      -----------    ---------
    Income before income taxes ......      2,776       1,837          3,168           (4,007)       3,774
Income tax (benefit) expense   ......     (1,338)       (161)           917               --         (582)
                                       ---------    --------        -------      -----------    ---------
    Net income  .....................  $   4,114    $  1,998        $ 2,251      $    (4,007)   $   4,356
                                       =========    ========        =======      ===========    =========
</TABLE>


                                      F-30

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


         NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--Continued


16. Subsequent Events--Continued

            CONDENSED COMBINED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                        FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1994
                                 (in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Parent       Guarantor   Nonguarantor                    Combined
                                                      and DISC     Subsidiary   Subsidiaries   Eliminations   Consolidated
                                                      --------     ----------   ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
Net cash provided by (used in)
 operating activities  ...........................  $   (17,709)     $  (747)     $   (979)      $   727      $  (18,708)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 Purchases of property, plant
  and equipment  .................................      (11,475)          --          (989)           --         (12,464)
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant
  and equipment  .................................           35           --            --            --              35
                                                    -----------      -------      --------       -------      ----------
Net cash used in investing activities    .........      (11,440)          --          (989)           --         (12,429)
                                                    -----------      -------      --------       -------      ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
 Reduction of debt  ..............................      (77,751)          --        (2,093)           --         (79,844)
 Proceeds from debt financing   ..................      110,775           --         4,300          (725)        114,350
 Cash overdraft  .................................         (202)          --            --            --            (202)
 Distributions from DISC  ........................       (3,500)          --            --            --          (3,500)
 Intercompany dividends   ........................           --          150          (150)           --              --
                                                    -----------      -------      --------       -------      ----------
Net cash provided by (used in) financial
 activities   ....................................       29,322          150         2,057          (725)         30,804
                                                    -----------      -------      --------       -------      ----------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
 cash equivalents   ..............................           --           --            59            (2)             57
                                                    -----------      -------      --------       -------      ----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
 equivalents  ....................................          173         (597)          148            --            (276)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year   ...          651          724         1,431            --           2,806
                                                    -----------      -------      --------       -------      ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year   .........  $       824      $   127      $  1,579       $    --      $    2,530
                                                    ===========      =======      ========       =======      ==========
</TABLE>


                                      F-31

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


            CONDENSED COMBINED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited)
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)



<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                                  <C>
   ASSETS
   Current assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents   ...................................................    $   2,431
     Receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $433 ..................       67,842
     Inventories  ..................................................................       73,189
     Deferred income taxes    ......................................................        5,757
     Prepaid expenses and other  ...................................................        6,208
                                                                                        ---------
       Total current assets   ......................................................      155,427
   Property, plant and equipment, net  .............................................       75,833
   Deferred charges and other    ...................................................       10,289
                                                                                        ---------
       Total assets  ...............................................................    $ 241,549
                                                                                        =========
   LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
   Current liabilities:
     Current maturities of long-term debt    .......................................    $  11,973
     Accounts payable   ............................................................       49,877
     Accrued liabilities:
      Wages and benefits   .........................................................        6,095
      Other    .....................................................................       18,962
                                                                                        ---------
       Total current liabilities    ................................................       86,907
   Long-term debt, net of current maturities    ....................................       87,127
   Employee benefit obligations, net of current portion  ...........................       11,035
   Deferred income taxes   .........................................................        2,339
   Other    ........................................................................          938
   Shareholders' equity:
     Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 90,000 shares; issued 50,000 shares;
      outstanding 49,500 shares  ...................................................          500
     Rayovac International Corporation common stock, $.50 par value, authorized 18
      shares; issued and outstanding 10 shares  ....................................            5
     Additional paid-in capital  ...................................................       12,000
     Foreign currency translation adjustment    ....................................        2,362
     Retained earnings  ............................................................       38,869
                                                                                        ---------
                                                                                           53,736
     Less treasury stock, at cost, 500 shares   ....................................         (533)
                                                                                        ---------
       Total shareholders' equity   ................................................       53,203
                                                                                        ---------
       Total liabilities and shareholders' equity  .................................    $ 241,549
                                                                                        =========
</TABLE>


    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed combined
                       consolidated financial statements.


                                      F-32

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


      CONDENSED COMBINED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
                  FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
                     (in thousands, except per share amount)



<TABLE>
   <S>                                                            <C>
   Net sales   ................................................   $107,355
   Cost of goods sold   .......................................     64,116
                                                                  --------
       Gross profit  ..........................................     43,239
                                                                  --------
   Operating expenses:
    Selling    ................................................     29,942
    General and administrative   ..............................      7,386
    Research and development  .................................      1,361
                                                                  --------
       Total operating expenses  ..............................     38,689
                                                                  --------
       Income from operations    ..............................      4,550
   Interest expense  ..........................................      2,413
   Other expense, net   .......................................         29
                                                                  --------
       Income before income taxes   ...........................      2,108
   Income taxes   .............................................        742
                                                                  --------
       Net income    ..........................................   $  1,366
                                                                  ========
   Net income per common share   ..............................   $   0.03
                                                                  ========
   Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding   ......     49,500
                                                                  ========
</TABLE>


    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed combined
                       consolidated financial statements.


                                      F-33

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


      CONDENSED COMBINED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
                  FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
                                 (in thousands)



<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                      <C>
   Net cash used in operating activities  ..............................    $   (9,627)
                                                                            ----------
   Cash flows from investing activities:
    Purchases of property, plant and equipment  ........................        (1,097)
                                                                            ----------
       Net cash used in investing activities    ........................        (1,097)
                                                                            ----------
   Cash flows from financing activities:
    Reduction of debt   ................................................       (18,424)
    Proceeds from debt financing    ....................................        29,230
    Cash overdraft   ...................................................         1,293
    Distributions from DISC   ..........................................        (1,600)
                                                                            ----------
       Net cash provided by financing activities   .....................        10,499
                                                                            ----------
   Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   ......            11
                                                                            ----------
       Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents   .....................          (214)
   Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period  .....................         2,645
                                                                            ----------
   Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  ...........................    $    2,431
                                                                            ==========
</TABLE>


    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed combined
                       consolidated financial statements.


                                      F-34

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


    NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1. Significant Accounting Policies

   Basis of Presentation: The condensed combined consolidated financial
statements for the three months ended September 30, 1995 are unaudited. These
financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and, in the
opinion of the Company, include all adjustments (all of which are normal and
recurring in nature) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results
of operations and cash flows. Certain information and footnote disclosures
normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such
SEC rules and regulations.

   Reclassification: The Company has reclassified certain promotional expenses,
previously reported as a reduction of net sales, to selling expense. The amount
reclassified was $6,728,000 for the three month period ended September 30, 1995.

   These condensed combined consolidated financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the annual audited financial statements and notes thereto.


2. Inventories

   Inventories at September 30, 1995 consist of the following (in thousands):
 


<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                  <C>
   Raw material  ....................................................   $21,400
   Work-in-process  .................................................    24,224
   Finished goods   .................................................    27,565
                                                                        -------
                                                                        $73,189
                                                                        =======
</TABLE>

3. Common Stock

   In September 1996, the Company's Board of Directors declared a five-for-one
stock split. All applicable share and per share amounts herein have been
restated to reflect the stock split retroactively.


4. Commitments and Contingencies

   The Company has entered into agreements to purchase certain equipment and to
pay annual royalties. In a December 1991 agreement, the Company committed to pay
annual royalties of $1,500,000 for the first five years, beginning in 1993, plus
$500,000 for each year thereafter, as long as the related equipment patents are
enforceable (2012). In a March 1994 agreement, the Company committed to pay
annual royalties of $500,000 for five years beginning in 1995. Additionally, the
Company has committed to purchase tooling of $1,745,000 related to this
equipment at an unspecified date in the future.

   The Company is involved in various stages of investigation relative to
hazardous waste sites, some of which are on the United States EPA National
Priorities List (Superfund). While it is impossible at this time to determine
with certainty the ultimate outcome of such environmental matters, they are not
expected to materially affect the Company's financial position or results of 
operations.


                                      F-35

<PAGE>

                               RAYOVAC CORPORATION


                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                               AS OF JUNE 29, 1997
                                   (Unaudited)
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)



<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                  <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents   ...................................................    $    4,756
  Receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $1,178  ...............        66,293
  Inventories  ..................................................................        52,116
  Prepaid expenses and other  ...................................................        12,975
                                                                                     ----------
    Total current assets   ......................................................       136,140
Property, plant and equipment, net  .............................................        64,407
Deferred charges and other    ...................................................        17,493
                                                                                     ----------
    Total assets  ...............................................................    $  218,040
                                                                                     ==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Current liabilities:
  Current maturities of long-term debt ..........................................    $    8,806
  Accounts payable   ............................................................        37,839
  Accrued liabilities:
   Wages, benefits and other  ...................................................        33,294
   Recapitalization and other special charges   .................................         5,744
                                                                                     ----------
    Total current liabilities    ................................................        85,683
Long-term debt, net of current maturities .......................................       197,809
Employee benefit obligations, net of current portion  ...........................        14,268
Other    ........................................................................         1,497
Shareholders' deficit:
  Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 90,000 shares; issued 50,000 shares;
   outstanding 20,581 shares  ...................................................           500
  Additional paid-in capital  ...................................................        15,974
  Foreign currency translation adjustment    ....................................         2,608
  Note receivable officer/shareholder  ..........................................          (715)
  Retained earnings  ............................................................        28,455
                                                                                     ----------
                                                                                         46,822
  Less treasury stock, at cost, 29,419 shares   .................................      (128,039)
                                                                                     ----------
    Total shareholders' deficit  ................................................       (81,217)
                                                                                     ----------
    Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit    ..............................    $  218,040
                                                                                     ==========
</TABLE>


  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated
                              financial statements.


                                      F-36

<PAGE>

                               RAYOVAC CORPORATION


                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
            FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 29, 1997 AND JUNE 30, 1996
                                   (Unaudited)
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Nine Months Ended
                                                                  --------------------
                                                                    1996        1997
                                                                  --------    --------
   <S>                                                            <C>         <C>
   Net sales   ................................................   $316,001    $320,965
   Cost of goods sold   .......................................    178,615     178,359
                                                                  --------    --------
       Gross profit  ..........................................    137,386     142,606
                                                                  --------    --------
   Operating expenses:
    Selling    ................................................     86,582      87,054
    General and administrative   ..............................     24,388      22,599
    Research and development  .................................      4,081       4,781
    Other special charges  ....................................         --       4,940
                                                                  --------    --------
       Total operating expenses  ..............................    115,051     119,374
                                                                  --------    --------
       Income from operations    ..............................     22,335      23,232
   Interest expense  ..........................................      6,023      18,884
   Other expense, net   .......................................        514         207
                                                                  --------    --------
       Income before income taxes   ...........................     15,798       4,141
   Income taxes   .............................................      5,068         829
                                                                  --------    --------
       Net income    ..........................................   $ 10,730    $  3,312
                                                                  ========    ========
   Net income per common share   ..............................   $   0.22    $   0.16
                                                                  ========    ========
   Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding   ......     49,524      20,513
                                                                  ========    ========
</TABLE>


  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated
                              financial statements.


                                      F-37

<PAGE>

                               RAYOVAC CORPORATION


                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
            FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 29, 1997 AND JUNE 30, 1996
                                   (Unaudited)
                                 (in thousands)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               Nine Months Ended
                                                                            -----------------------
                                                                               1996         1997
                                                                            ---------     ---------
   <S>                                                                      <C>           <C>
   Net cash provided by operating activities    ........................    $  28,172     $  32,626
                                                                            ---------     ---------
   Cash flows from investing activities:
     Purchases of property, plant and equipment    .....................       (7,151)       (5,074)
     Other  ............................................................          298          (165)
                                                                            ---------     ---------
       Net cash used in investing activities    ........................       (6,853)       (5,239)
                                                                            ---------     ---------
   Cash flows from financing activities:
     Reduction of debt  ................................................      (87,778)     (140,624)
     Proceeds from debt financing   ....................................       70,350       113,573
     Distribution from DISC   ..........................................       (3,587)           --
     Other  ............................................................         (533)          161
                                                                            ---------     ---------
       Net cash used in financing activities    ........................      (21,548)      (26,890)
                                                                            ---------     ---------
   Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   ......          (12)            4
                                                                            ---------     ---------
       Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents    .........         (241)          501
   Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period  .....................        2,431         4,255
                                                                            ---------     ---------
   Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  ...........................    $   2,190     $   4,756
                                                                            =========     ==========
</TABLE>


  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated
                              financial statements.


                                      F-38

<PAGE>

                               RAYOVAC CORPORATION


        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1. Significant Accounting Policies

   Basis of Presentation: These financial statements have been prepared by
Rayovac Corporation (the "Company"), without audit, pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and, in the
opinion of the Company, include all adjustments (all of which are normal and
recurring in nature, except as otherwise noted) necessary to present fairly the
financial position of the Company at June 29, 1997, and the results of
operations and cash flows for the nine months ended June 29, 1997, and June 30,
1996. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in
financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such SEC rules and
regulations.

   Reclassification: The Company has reclassified certain promotional expenses,
previously reported as a reduction of net sales, to selling expense. The amounts
which have been reclassified are $17,243,000 for the nine months ended June 30,
1996 and $21,814,000 for the nine months ended June 29, 1997.

   Derivative Financial Instruments: Derivative financial instruments are used
by the Company principally in the management of its interest rate, foreign
currency and raw material price exposures.

   The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage its interest rate risk. The
net amounts to be paid or received under interest rate swap agreements
designated as hedges are accrued as interest rates change and are recognized
over the life of the swap agreements, as an adjustment to interest expense from
the underlying debt to which the swap is designated. The related amounts payable
to, or receivable from, the counter-parties are included in accrued liabilities
or accounts receivable.

   The Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts relating to the
anticipated settlement in local currencies of intercompany purchases and sales.
The contracts are marked to market, and the related adjustment is recognized in
other (income) expense. The related amounts payable to, or receivable from, the
counter-parties are included in accounts payable or accounts receivable.

   The Company is exposed to risk from fluctuating prices for commodities used
in the manufacturing process. The Company hedges some of this risk through the
use of commodity calls and puts. The Company is buying calls, which allow the
Company to purchase a specified quantity of zinc through a specified date for a
fixed price, and writing puts, which allow the buyer to sell to the Company a
specified quantity of zinc through a specified date at a fixed price. The
maturity of, and the quantities covered by, the contracts highly correlate to
the Company's anticipated purchases of the commodity. The cost of the calls, and
the premiums received from the puts, are amortized over the life of the
agreements and are recorded in cost of goods sold, along with the effect of the
put and call agreements.


2. Inventories

   Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     June 29, 1997
                                                                     -------------
   <S>                                                                  <C>
   Raw material   ..................................................    $16,735
   Work-in-process   ...............................................     16,627
   Finished goods    ...............................................     18,754
                                                                        -------
                                                                        $52,116
                                                                        =======
</TABLE>

3. Related Party Transactions

   On March 17, 1997, the Company sold 97,951 shares of Common Stock from
treasury at $4.39 per share to certain officers of the Company. The purchase
price of approximately $430,000 was satisfied equally in cash and notes
receivable. The notes which are payable in 5 years, bear an interest rate of 8%.
Since the proceeds were used to purchase common stock of the Company, the notes
have been recorded as a component of shareholders' deficit. The Company also
sold 13,000 shares of common stock from treasury at $4.39 per share to other
members of management for cash.


                                      F-39

<PAGE>

                               RAYOVAC CORPORATION


   NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)--Continued

4. Stock Option Plans

   Pursuant to the provision of the Rayovac Corporation Stock Option Plan (the
"Plan"), the Company granted options to purchase 835,788 shares of common stock
at $4.39 per share to certain employees.


5. Commitments and Contingencies

   The Company has entered into agreements to purchase certain equipment and to
pay annual royalties. In a December 1991 agreement, the Company committed to pay
annual royalties of $1,500,000 for the first five years, beginning in 1993, plus
$500,000 for each year thereafter, as long as the related equipment patents are
enforceable (2012). In a March 1994 agreement, the Company committed to pay
annual royalties of $500,000 for five years beginning in 1995. Additionally, the
Company has committed to purchase tooling of $2,539,000 related to this
equipment, $345,000 for other tooling at unspecified dates in the future, and
$200,000 of manganese ore by March 1998.

   The Company has provided for the estimated costs associated with
environmental remediation activities at some of its current and former
manufacturing sites. In addition, the Company, together with other parties, has
been designated a potentially responsible party of various third-party sites on
the United States EPA National Priorities List (Superfund). The Company provides
for the estimated costs of investigation and remediation of these sites when the
amounts can be reasonably estimated. The actual cost incurred may vary from
these estimates due to the inherent uncertainties involved. The Company believes
that any additional liability in excess of the amounts provided of $1.7 million,
which may result from resolution of these matters, will not have a material
adverse effect on the financial condition, liquidity or cash flows of the
Company.


6. Other Special Charges

   The Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $4,940,000 related to organizational
restructuring in the United States and the closing of certain manufacturing and
distribution operations. The charge includes severance, out-placement services,
other employee benefits and the reduction in carrying value of certain
equipment.


7. Subsequent Events

   On August 1, 1997, the Company issued 353,422 shares of Common Stock, $0.01
par value for $6.01 per share, to certain members of management pursuant to the
exercise of options granted under the Rayovac Corporation 1997 Stock Option
Plan. In addition, on the same date, the Company funded a rabbi trust under its
Deferred Compensation Plan with an aggregate of 147,446 shares of the $0.01 par
value Common Stock. The proceeds of the exercise of the options were used to
redeem a like number of shares from existing shareholders at $6.01 per share.


8. Guarantor Subsidiary

   The following condensed consolidating financial data illustrate the
composition of the consolidated financial statements. Investments in
subsidiaries are accounted for by the Company and the Guarantor Subsidiary using
the equity method for purposes of the consolidating presentation. Earnings of
subsidiaries are therefore reflected in the Company's and Guarantor Subsidiary's
investment accounts and earnings. The principal elimination entries eliminate
investments in subsidiaries and inter-company balances and transactions.
Separate financial statements of the Guarantor Subsidiary are not presented
because management has determined that such financial statements would not be
material to investors.


                                      F-40

<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
                               AS OF JUNE 29, 1997
                                   (Unaudited)
                                 (in thousands)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Guarantor   Nonguarantor                  Consolidated
                                                  Parent     Subsidiary   Subsidiaries   Eliminations      Total
                                                  ------     ----------   ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                             <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>           <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents    ...............  $    4,111     $    49      $    596       $      --     $    4,756
  Receivables, net    ........................      56,874         501        16,324          (7,406)        66,293
  Inventories   ..............................      40,704          --        12,360            (948)        52,116
  Prepaid expenses and other   ...............      11,373         179         1,423              --         12,975
                                                ----------     -------      --------       ---------     ----------
    Total current assets    ..................     113,062         729        30,703          (8,354)       136,140
Property, plant and equipment, net   .........      59,423          --         4,984              --         64,407
Deferred charges and other  ..................      18,182          --           643          (1,332)        17,493
Investment in subsidiaries  ..................      15,140      14,785            --         (29,925)            --
                                                ----------     -------      --------       ---------     ----------
    Total assets   ...........................  $  205,807     $15,514      $ 36,330       $ (39,611)    $  218,040
                                                ==========     =======      ========       =========     ==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
  Current maturities of long-term debt  ......  $    5,500     $    --      $  3,306       $      --     $    8,806
  Accounts payable    ........................      32,139         163        12,877          (7,340)        37,839
  Accrued liabilities:
   Wages, benefits and other   ...............      29,392           5         4,550            (653)        33,294
   Recapitalization and other special
    charges  .................................       5,491          --           253              --          5,744
                                                ----------     -------      --------       ---------     ----------
    Total current liabilities  ...............      72,522         168        20,986          (7,993)        85,683
Long-term debt, net of current maturities  ...     197,250          --           559              --        197,809
Employee benefit obligations, net of current
 portion  ....................................      14,268          --            --              --         14,268
Other  .......................................       1,291         206            --              --          1,497
Shareholders' equity (deficit):
  Common stock  ..............................         500          --        12,072         (12,072)           500
  Additional paid-in capital   ...............      15,974       3,525           750          (4,275)        15,974
  Foreign currency translation adjustment  ...       2,608       2,608         2,608          (5,216)         2,608
  Note receivable officer/shareholder   ......        (715)         --            --              --           (715)
  Retained earnings   ........................      30,148       9,007          (645)        (10,055)        28,455
  Less treasury stock    .....................    (128,039)         --            --              --       (128,039)
                                                ----------     -------      --------       ---------     ----------
    Total shareholders' equity (deficit) .....     (79,524)     15,140        14,785         (31,618)       (81,217)
                                                ----------     -------      --------       ---------     ----------
    Total liabilities and shareholders'
     equity (deficit) ........................  $  205,807     $15,514      $ 36,330       $ (39,611)    $  218,040
                                                ==========     =======      ========       =========     ==========
</TABLE>


                                      F-41
<PAGE>

                               RAYOVAC CORPORATION


                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                     FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 29, 1997
                                   (Unaudited)
                                 (in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Guarantor   Nonguarantor                  Consolidated
                                           Parent     Subsidiary   Subsidiaries   Eliminations      Total
                                           ------     ----------   ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                      <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>
Net sales   ...........................  $ 279,202     $     --       $61,524      $  (19,761)     $320,965
Cost of goods sold   ..................    158,306           --        39,827         (19,774)      178,359
                                         ---------     --------       -------      ----------      --------
    Gross profit  .....................    120,896           --        21,697              13       142,606
Operating expenses:
 Selling    ...........................     73,838           --        13,216              --        87,054
 General and administrative   .........     18,320         (595)        3,528           1,346        22,599
 Research and development  ............      4,781           --            --              --         4,781
 Other special charges  ...............      3,477           --         1,463              --         4,940
                                         ---------     --------       -------      ----------      --------
    Total operating expenses  .........    100,416         (595)       18,207           1,346       119,374
    Income from operations    .........     20,480          595         3,490          (1,333)       23,232
Interest expense  .....................     18,484           --           400              --        18,884
Equity in profit of subsidiary   ......     (2,166)      (1,768)           --           3,934            --
Other expense  ........................       (651)         (17)          875              --           207
                                         ---------     --------       -------      ----------      --------
    Income before income taxes   ......      4,813        2,380         2,215          (5,267)        4,141
Income taxes   ........................        821          214           447            (653)          829
                                         ---------     --------       -------      ----------      --------
    Net income    .....................  $   3,992     $  2,166       $ 1,768      $   (4,614)     $  3,312
                                         =========     ========       =======      ==========      ========
</TABLE>


                                      F-42
<PAGE>

                      RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                     FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 29, 1997
                                   (Unaudited)
                                 (in thousands)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Guarantor   Nonguarantor                  Consolidated
                                                Parent     Subsidiary   Subsidiaries   Eliminations      Total
                                                ------     ----------   ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                           <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>          <C>
Net cash provided by operating activities     $  31,134      $  (8)       $  1,500        $  --        $   32,626
                                              ---------      -----        --------        -----        ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
 Purchases of property, plant and
  equipment    ..............................    (4,585)        --            (489)          --            (5,074)
 Other   ....................................      (165)        --              --           --              (165)
                                              ---------      -----        --------        -----        ----------
    Net cash used in investing activities        (4,750)        --            (489)          --            (5,239)
                                              ---------      -----        --------        -----        ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
 Reduction of debt   ........................  (134,639)        --          (5,985)          --          (140,624)
 Proceeds from debt financing    ............   108,900         --           4,673           --           113,573
 Other   ....................................       483         --            (322)          --               161
                                              ---------      -----        --------        -----        ----------
    Net cash used in financing activities       (25,256)        --          (1,634)          --           (26,890)
                                              ---------      -----        --------        -----        ----------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
 cash equivalents    ........................        --         --               4           --                 4
                                              ---------      -----        --------        -----        ----------
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and
     cash equivalents   .....................     1,128         (8)           (619)          --               501
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
 period  ....................................     2,983         57           1,215           --             4,255
                                              ---------      -----        --------        -----        ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  ... $   4,111      $  49        $    596        $  --        $    4,756
                                              =========      =====        ========        =====        ==========
</TABLE>


                                      F-43

<PAGE>

<PAGE>


================================================================================
No dealer, salesperson or other individual has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations not contained in this Prospectus in
connection with the offering covered by this Prospectus. If given or made, such
information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized
by the Company or the Underwriters. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer
to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy the Common Stock in any
jurisdiction where, or to any person to whom, it is unlawful to make such offer
or solicitation. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale made
hereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has
not been any change in the facts set forth in this Prospectus or in the affairs
of the Company since the date hereof.



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


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                  Page
                                               ----------
Prospectus Summary  ........................        3
Risk Factors  ..............................       11
The Recapitalization   .....................       15
Use of Proceeds  ...........................       16
Dividend Policy  ...........................       16
Capitalization   ...........................       17
Dilution   .................................       18
Selected Financial Data   ..................       19
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
   Financial Condition and Results of
   Operations    ...........................       22
Business   .................................       30
Management    ..............................       43
Ownership of Capital Stock   ...............       49
Certain Relationships and Related
   Transactions  ...........................       50
Description of Capital Stock    ............       51
Description of Certain Indebtedness   ......       53
Shares Eligible for Future Sale    .........       55
Certain United States Federal Tax
   Considerations for Non-United States
   Holders    ..............................       57
Underwriting  ..............................       59
Legal Matters    ...........................       62
Experts    .................................       62
Available Information  .....................       62
Index to Financial Statements   ............       F-1


                                     Shares



                                  RAYOVAC LOGO

                                  Common Stock



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


                              P R O S P E C T U S

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



                               Merrill Lynch & Co.

                            Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.

                          Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
                             Securities Corporation

                                Smith Barney Inc.




                                       , 1997

================================================================================

<PAGE>

                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]

                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
                    PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED     , 1997


PROSPECTUS

                                         Shares


                                 [RAYOVAC LOGO]


                                  Common Stock
                                 -----------

     All of the           shares of Common Stock offered hereby are being sold
by Rayovac Corporation ("Rayovac" or the "Company"). Of the           shares of
Common Stock offered hereby,           shares are being offered for sale
initially outside the United States and Canada by the International Managers
and           shares are being offered for sale initially in a concurrent
offering in the United States and Canada by the U.S. Underwriters. The initial
public offering price and the aggregate underwriting discount per share will be
identical for both Offerings. See "Underwriting."


     Prior to the Offerings, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock. It is currently estimated that the initial public offering price will be
between $      and $      per share. See "Underwriting" for a discussion of the
factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price.


     Application is being made for listing of the Common Stock on the New York
Stock Exchange under the symbol "ROV."


     See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 11 for a discussion of certain
factors that should be considered by prospective purchasers of the Common Stock
offered hereby.
                                 -----------

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE. 


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=========================================================
                   Price to   Underwriting   Proceeds to
                    Public    Discount (1)   Company (2)
<S>                <C>        <C>            <C>
Per Share   ......   $           $             $
Total (3)   ......   $           $             $
</TABLE>

==========================================================


(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against
    certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities
    Act of 1933, as amended. See "Underwriting."

(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at $         .

(3) The Company has granted the International Managers and the U.S.
    Underwriters options to purchase up to an additional           shares and
              shares of Common Stock, respectively, in each case exercisable
    within 30 days after the date hereof, solely to cover over-allotments, if
    any. If such options are exercised in full, the total Price to Public,
    Underwriting Discount and Proceeds to Company will be $      , $       and
    $      , respectively. See "Underwriting."

                                   -----------

     The shares of Common Stock are offered by the several Underwriters,
subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject
to the approval of certain legal matters by counsel for the Underwriters and
certain other conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to withdraw,
cancel or modify such offer and to reject orders in whole or in part. It is
expected that delivery of the shares of Common Stock will be made in New York,
New York on or about      , 1997.

                                   -----------


Merrill Lynch International

       Bear, Stearns International Limited
             Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
                Securities Corporation

                                                               Smith Barney Inc.
                                  -----------

                  The date of this Prospectus is      , 1997.

Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State.

<PAGE>

                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]


                                 UNDERWRITING

     Merrill Lynch International, Bear, Stearns International Limited,
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation and Smith Barney Inc. are
acting as lead managers (the "Lead Managers") for each of the International
Managers named below (the "International Managers"). Subject to the terms and
conditions set forth in an international purchase agreement (the "International
Purchase Agreement") among the Company and the International Managers and
concurrently with the sale of          shares of Common Stock to the U.S.
Underwriters (as defined below), the Company has agreed to sell to the
International Managers, and each of the International Managers severally and
not jointly has agreed to purchase from the Company, the number of shares of
Common Stock set forth opposite its name below.


                                                               Number of
International Manager                                          Shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------   ----------
Merrill Lynch International   ..............................
Bear, Stearns International Limited    .....................
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation   ......
Smith Barney Inc.    .......................................
        Total  .............................................


     The Company has also entered into a U.S. purchase agreement (the "U.S.
Purchase Agreement") with certain underwriters in the United States and Canada
(the "U.S. Underwriters" and, together with the International Managers, the
"Underwriters"), for whom Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
("Merrill Lynch"), Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
Securities Corporation and Smith Barney Inc. are acting as representatives (the
"U.S. Representatives"). Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the
U.S. Purchase Agreement, and concurrently with the sale of         shares of
Common Stock to the International Managers pursuant to the International
Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to sell to the U.S. Underwriters,
and the U.S. Underwriters severally and not jointly have agreed to purchase
from the Company, an aggregate of         shares of Common Stock. The initial
public offering price per share of Common Stock and the underwriting discount
per share of Common Stock are identical under the International Purchase
Agreement and the U.S. Purchase Agreement.

     In the International Purchase Agreement and the U.S. Purchase Agreement,
the several International Managers and the several U.S. Underwriters,
respectively, have agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth
therein, to purchase all of the shares of Common Stock being sold pursuant to
each such agreement if any of the shares of Common Stock being sold pursuant to
such agreement are purchased. Under certain circumstances, under the
International Purchase Agreement and the U.S. Purchase Agreement, the
commitments of non-defaulting Underwriters may be increased. The closings with
respect to the sale of shares of Common Stock to be purchased by the
International Managers and the U.S. Underwriters are conditioned upon one
another.

     The Lead Managers have advised the Company that the International Managers
propose initially to offer the shares of Common Stock to the public at the
initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus,
and to certain dealers at such price less a concession not in excess of $
per share of Common Stock. The International Managers, may allow, and such
dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of $     per share of Common
Stock on sales to certain other dealers. After the initial public offering, the
public offering price, concession and discount may be changed.

     The Company has granted options to the International Managers, exercisable
within 30 days after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to
additional shares of Common Stock at the initial public offering price set
forth on the cover page of this Prospectus, less the underwriting discount. The
International Managers may exercise these options solely to cover
over-allotments, if any, made on the sale of the Common Stock offered hereby.
To the extent that the International Managers exercise these options, each
International Manager will be obligated, subject to certain conditions, to
purchase a number of additional shares of Common Stock proportionate to such


                                      I-1
<PAGE>

International Manager's initial amount reflected in the foregoing table. The
Company also has granted options to the U.S. Underwriters, exercisable within
30 days after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to aggregate of
        additional shares of Common Stock to cover over-allotments, if any, on
terms similar to those granted to the International Managers.

     At the request of the Company, the Underwriters have reserved up to
shares of Common Stock for sale at the initial public offering price set forth
on the cover page of this Prospectus to certain employees of the Company. The
number of shares of Common Stock available for sale to the general public will
be reduced to the extent such persons purchase such reserved shares. Any
reserved shares which are not orally confirmed for purchase within one day of
the pricing of the Offerings will be offered by the Underwriters to the general
public on the same terms as other shares offered hereby.

     The Company, the Company's executive officers and directors, the Lee Group
and certain other shareholders have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not
to directly or indirectly (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any
option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant
any option, right or warrant for the sale of or otherwise dispose of or
transfer any shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into or
exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock, whether now owned or thereafter
acquired by the person executing the agreement or with respect to which the
person executing the agreement thereafter acquires the power of disposition, or
file a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to the
foregoing or (ii) enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in
whole or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of the Common Stock
whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of Common
Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, without the prior written
consent of Merrill Lynch on behalf of the Underwriters, for a period of 180
days after the date of this Prospectus. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."

     The International Managers and the U.S. Underwriters have entered into an
intersyndicate agreement (the "Intersyndicate Agreement") that provides for the
coordination of their activities. Pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement, the
International Managers and the U.S. Underwriters are permitted to sell shares
of Common Stock to each other for purposes of resale at the initial public
offering price, less an amount not greater than the selling concession. Under
the terms of the Intersyndicate Agreement, the U.S. Underwriters and any dealer
to whom they sell shares of Common Stock will not offer to sell or sell shares
of Common Stock to persons who are non-U.S. or non-Canadian persons or to
persons they believe intend to resell to persons who are non-U.S. or
non-Canadian persons, and the International Managers and any dealer to whom
they sell shares of Common Stock will not offer to sell or sell shares of
Common Stock to U.S. persons or to Canadian persons or to persons they believe
intend to resell to U.S. persons or Canadian persons, except in the case of
transactions pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement.

     Prior to the Offerings, there has been no public market for the shares of
Common Stock of the Company. The initial public offering price will be
determined through negotiations among the Company, the U.S. Representatives and
the Lead Managers. The factors considered in determining the initial public
offering price, in addition to prevailing market conditions, are price-earnings
ratios of publicly traded companies that the U.S. Representatives and Lead
Managers believe to be comparable to the Company, certain financial information
of the Company, the history of, and the prospects for, the Company and the
industry in which the Company competes, and an assessment of the Company's
management, its past and present operations, the prospects for, and timing of,
future revenues of the Company, the present state of the Company's development,
and the above factors in relation to market values and various valuation
measures of other companies engaged in activities similar to the Company. There
can be no assurance given that an active trading market will develop for the
Common Stock or that the Common Stock will trade in the public market
subsequent to the Offerings at or above the initial public offering price.

     Application is being made for listing of the Common Stock on the New York
Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "ROV." In order to meet the
requirements for listing of the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange,
the U.S. Underwriters and International Managers have undertaken to sell lots
of 100 or more shares to a minimum of 2,000 beneficial owners.

     The International Managers and the U.S. Underwriters have informed the
Company that they do not intend to confirm sales of the Common Stock offered
hereby to any accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.

     The Company has agreed to indemnify the International Managers and the
U.S. Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act or to contribute to payments which the International Managers
and U.S. Underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.


                                      I-2
<PAGE>

     Until the distribution of the Common Stock is completed, rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") may limit the ability of
the Underwriters and certain selling group members to bid for and purchase the
Common Stock. As an exception to these rules, the U.S. Representatives are
permitted to engage in certain transactions that stabilize the price of the
Common Stock. Such transactions consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of
pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the Common Stock.

     If the Underwriters create a short position in the Common Stock in
connection with the Offerings, i.e., if they sell more shares of Common Stock
than are set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus, the U.S.
Representatives may reduce that short position by purchasing Common Stock in
the open market. The U.S. Representatives may also elect to reduce any short
position by exercising all or part of the over-allotment option described
above.

     The U.S. Representatives may also impose a penalty bid on certain
Underwriters and selling group members. This means that if the U.S.
Representatives purchase shares of Common Stock in the open market to reduce
the Underwriters' short position or to stabilize the price of the Common Stock,
they may reclaim the amount of the selling concession from the Underwriters and
selling group members who sold those shares as part of the Offerings.

     In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to
reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher than
it might have been in the absence of such purchases. The imposition of a
penalty bid might also have an effect on the price of the Common Stock to the
extent that it discourages resales of the Common Stock.

     Neither the Company nor any of the Underwriters makes any representation
or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the
transactions described above may have on the price of the Common Stock. In
addition, neither the Company nor any of the Underwriters makes any
representation that the U.S. Representatives will engage in such transactions
or that such transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without
notice.

     Each International Manager has agreed that (i) it has not offered or sold,
and, for a period of six months from the Closing Date, will not offer or sell,
to persons in the United Kingdom, other than to persons whose ordinary
activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of
investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of their businesses or
otherwise in circumstances which have not resulted and will not result in an
offer to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of the Public
Offers of Securities Regulations 1995; (ii) it has complied with and will
comply with all applicable provisions of the Financial Services Act 1986 with
respect to anything done by it in relation to the shares of Common Stock in,
from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom and (iii) it has only issued or
passed on and will only issue or pass on in the United Kingdom any document
received by it in connection with the issue of shares of Common Stock to a
person who is of a kind described in Article 11(3) of the Financial Services
Act 1986 (Investment Advertisements) (Exemptions) Order 1995, or is a person to
whom such document may otherwise lawfully be issued or passed on.

     No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction (except in the
United States) that would permit a public offering of the shares of Common
Stock, or the possession, circulation or distribution of this Prospectus or any
other material relating to the Company or shares of Common Stock in any
jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Accordingly, the shares
of Common Stock may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, and neither
this Prospectus nor any other offering material or advertisements in connection
with the shares of Common Stock may be distributed or published, in or from any
country or jurisdiction except in compliance with any applicable rules and
regulations of any such country or jurisdiction.

     Certain of the Underwriters or their affiliates have provided from time to
time, and may provide in the future, commercial and investment banking services
to the Company and its affiliates, including in connection with the Credit
Agreement between the Company, BA Securities, Inc., Donaldson, Lufkin &
Jenrette Securities Corporation and certain of its affiliates as arrangers for
a group of financial institutions and accredited investors which provided the
Company with senior bank facilities in an aggregate amount of $170 million.


                                      I-3
<PAGE>


                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]



================================================================================
No dealer, salesperson or other individual has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations not contained in this Prospectus in
connection with the offering covered by this Prospectus. If given or made, such
information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized
by the Company or the Underwriters. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer
to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy the Common Stock in any
jurisdiction where, or to any person to whom, it is unlawful to make such offer
or solicitation. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale made
hereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has
not been any change in the facts set forth in this Prospectus or in the affairs
of the Company since the date hereof.


       In the Prospectus, references to "dollars" and "$" are to United States
dollars.


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


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Page
                                               ----------
<S>                                            <C>
Prospectus Summary  ........................        3
Risk Factors  ..............................       11
The Recapitalization   .....................       15
Use of Proceeds  ...........................       16
Dividend Policy  ...........................       16
Capitalization   ...........................       17
Dilution   .................................       18
Selected Financial Data   ..................       19
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
   Financial Condition and Results of
   Operations    ...........................       22
Business   .................................       30
Management    ..............................       43
Ownership of Capital Stock   ...............       49
Certain Relationships and Related
   Transactions  ...........................       50
Description of Capital Stock    ............       51
Description of Certain Indebtedness   ......       53
Shares Eligible for Future Sale    .........       55
Certain United States Federal Tax
   Considerations for Non-United States
   Holders    ..............................       57
Underwriting  ..............................       59
Legal Matters    ...........................       62
Experts    .................................       62
Available Information  .....................       62
Index to Financial Statements   ............       F-1
</TABLE>

                                         Shares







                                  RAYOVAC LOGO






                                 Common Stock



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

                               P R O S P E C T U S

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



                           Merrill Lynch International

                       Bear, Stearns International Limited
                          Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
                             Securities Corporation
                                Smith Barney Inc.




                                       , 1997














================================================================================

<PAGE>

                                    Part II

                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS


Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

     Set forth below is an estimate (except for the Commission Registration Fee
and National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Filing Fee) of the fees
and expenses all of which are payable by the Company, other than any
underwriting discounts and commissions, in connection with the registration and
sale of the securities being registered:


Commission Registration Fee    ........................      34,849
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Filing Fee   ..........................................      12,000
New York Stock Exchange Listing Fee  ..................           *
Transfer Agent and Registrar Fees and Expenses   ......           *
Blue Sky Fees and Expenses  ...........................           *
Legal Fees and Expenses  ..............................           *
Accounting Fees and Expenses   ........................           *
Printing, Engraving and Mailing Expenses   ............           *
Miscellaneous   .......................................           *
                                                           --------
  Total   .............................................    $       *
                                                           ========

- ----------------
* To be filed by Amendment.


Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

     Pursuant to the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law (the "WBCL") and the
Registrant's By-Laws, directors and officers of the Registrant are entitled to
mandatory indemnification from the Registrant against certain liabilities and
expenses (i) to the extent such directors or officers are successful in the
defense of a proceeding and (ii) in proceedings in which the director or
officer is not successful in the defense thereof, unless (in the latter case
only) it is determined that the director or officer breached or failed to
perform his duties to the Registrant and such breach or failure constituted (a)
a willful failure to deal fairly with the Registrant or its shareholders in
connection with a matter in which the director or officer had a material
conflict of interest; (b) a violation of the criminal law unless the director
or officer had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was lawful
or had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful; (c)
a transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper personal
profit; or (d) willful misconduct. The WBCL also provides that, subject to
certain limitations, the mandatory indemnification provisions do not preclude
any additional right to indemnification or allowance of expenses that a
director or officer may have under the Registrant's articles of incorporation,
by-laws, a written agreement or a resolution of the Board of Directors or
shareholders. Further, the WBCL specifically states that it is the public
policy of Wisconsin to require or permit indemnification in connection with a
proceeding involving securities regulation, as described therein, to the extent
required or permitted as described above. Additionally, under the WBCL,
directors of the Registrant are not subject to personal liability to the
Registrant, its shareholders or any person asserting rights on behalf thereof
for certain breaches of or failures to perform any duty resulting solely from
their status as directors, except in circumstances paralleling those in
subparagraphs (a) through (d) outlined above.

     Expenses for the defense of any action for which indemnification may be
available may be advanced by the Registrant under certain circumstances.

     The general effect of the foregoing provisions may be to reduce the
circumstances which an officer or director may be required to bear the economic
burden of the foregoing liabilities and expense.

     The Registrant has purchased directors' and officers' liability insurance
which would indemnify the directors and officers of the Registrant against
damages arising out of certain kinds of claims which might be made against them
based on their negligent acts or omissions while acting in their capacity as
such.

     Section 6 of the Purchase Agreement between the Company and the U.S.
Underwriters and Section 6 of the Purchase Agreement between the Company and
the International Managers provide for indemnification by the


                                      II-1
<PAGE>

Company of the U.S. Underwriters and the International Managers and each
person, if any, who controls any U.S. Underwriter or International Manager,
against certain liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"). The Purchase Agreements also provide that the U.S.
Underwriters and the International Managers shall similarly indemnify the
Company, its directors, officers, and controlling persons, as set forth
therein.


Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

     The following information is furnished with regard to all securities sold
by the Company within the past three years which were not registered under the
Securities Act.

     1. As of September 12, 1996, in connection with the recapitalization of
the Company (the "Recapitalization"), the Company issued and sold 350,000
shares of Common Stock to Marvin G. Siegert upon exercise of stock options held
by Mr. Siegert at an exercise price of $1.15 per share. Such shares received
upon the option exercises by Mr. Siegert were sold in connection with the
Recapitalization.

     2. Credit Agreement Financing


     As of September 12, 1996, in connection with the Recapitalization, the
Company entered into a Credit Agreement, a copy of which is filed herewith as
Exhibit 4.3, with BA Securities, Inc. and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
Securities Corporation, as arrangers for a group of financial institutions and
other accredited investors, pursuant to which, among other things, the Company
issued notes representing aggregate loans to the Company of $170.0 million.
These securities were not registered under the Securities Act in reliance on
the exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof as an offer and sale of
securities which does not involve a public offering.


     3. Bridge Financing


     As of September 12, 1996, in connection with the Recapitalization, the
Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with RC Funding, Inc. and
Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association (the "Bridge Lenders"),
pursuant to which, among other things, the Company issued and sold to the
Bridge Lenders $100 million aggregate principal amount of its Senior
Subordinated Increasing Rate Notes (the "Bridge Notes"). The Bridge Notes were
not registered under the Securities Act in reliance on the exemption provided
by Section 4(2) thereof as an offer and sale of securities which does not
involve a public offering.


     4. 10-1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes


     On October 22, 1996, the Company issued and sold $100.0 million aggregate
principal amount of its 10-1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2006 (the "Old
Notes"). The Old Notes were not registered under the Securities Act in reliance
on the exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof as an offer and sale of
securities which does not involve a public offering. The Old Notes were
initially sold to Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation and BA
Securities, Inc., as initial purchasers, and have been subsequently offered and
sold in the United States only (a) to "Qualified Institutional Buyers" (as
defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) and (b) to a limited number of
other institutional "Accredited Investors" (as defined in Rule 501A(1),(2),(3)
or (7) under the Securities Act) in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities
Act. The aggregate discounts, commissions and offering expenses for the
issuance of the Notes were approximately $3.0 million.


Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

     (a) Exhibits:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Number   Description
- ---------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>
     1.1*        Form of Purchase Agreement by and among the Company and U.S. Underwriters.
1.2*             Form of Purchase Agreement by and among the Company and the International Managers.
3.1**            Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company.
3.2**            Restated By-Laws of the Company.
4.1**            Indenture, dated as of October 22, 1996, by and among the Company, ROV Holding, Inc. and
                 Marine Midland Bank, as trustee, relating to the Company's 101/4% Senior Subordinated
                 Notes due 2006.
</TABLE>

                                      II-2
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Number   Description
- ---------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>
4.2**            Specimen of the Notes (included as an exhibit to Exhibit 4.1).
4.3**            Credit Agreement, dated as of September 12, 1996 by and among the Company, the lenders
                 party thereto, Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association ("BofA") and DLJ
                 Capital Funding, Inc. (the "Credit Agreement").
4.4**            Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement dated as of October 23, 1996.
4.5**            The Security Agreement dated as of September 12, 1996 by and among the Company, ROV
                 Holding, Inc. and BofA.
4.6**            The Company Pledge Agreement dated as of September 12, 1996 by and between the
                 Company and BofA.
4.7***           Shareholders Agreement dated as of September 12, 1996 by and among the Company and the
                 shareholders of the Company referred to therein.
4.8***           Amendment to Rayovac Shareholders Agreement dated August 1, 1997 by and among the
                 Company and the shareholders of the Company referred to therein.
5.1*             Opinion re: legality.
10.1**           Management Agreement, dated as of September 12, 1996, by and between the Company and
                 Thomas H. Lee Company.
10.2**           Confidentiality, Non-Competition and No-Hire Agreement dated as of September 12, 1996 by
                 and between the Company and Thomas F. Pyle.
10.3**           Employment Agreement, dated as of September 12, 1996, by and between the Company and
                 David A. Jones, including the Full Recourse Promissory Note, dated September 12, 1996 by
                 David A. Jones in favor of the Company.
10.4**           Severance Agreement by and between Company and Trygve Lonnebotn.
10.5**           Severance Agreement by and between Company and Kent J. Hussey.
10.6**           Severance Agreement by and between Company and Roger F. Warren.
10.7***          Severance Agreement by and between Company and Stephen P. Shanesy.
10.8***          Severance Agreement by and between Company and Merrell M. Tomlin.
10.9**           Technology, License and Service Agreement between Battery Technologies (International)
                  Limited and the Company, dated June 1, 1991, as amended April 19, 1993 and December 31,
                  1995.
10.10**          Building Lease between the Company and SPG Partners, dated May 14, 1985, as amended
                 June 24, 1986 and June 10, 1987.
10.11***         Rayovac Corporation 1996 Stock Option Plan.
10.12***         Rayovac Corporation 1997 Stock Option Plan.
10.13*           1997 Rayovac Incentive Plan.
16+              Letter re: change in certifying accountant.
21**             Subsidiaries of the Company.
23.1*            Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (included in Exhibit 5).
23.2*            Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
23.3             Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
24               Power of Attorney (set forth on the signature page of this Registration Statement).
27               Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>

- ----------------
* To be filed by Amendment

                                      II-3
<PAGE>

** Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (Registration No. 333-17895) filed with the Commission.

*** Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended June 29, 1997 filed with the Commission on
August 13, 1997.

+ Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed
with the Commission on June 20, 1997.


 

     (b) Financial Statement Schedules:


   Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts   ......   S-1


     All other schedules for which provision is made by the applicable
accounting regulation of the Commission are not required under the related
instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.


Item 17. Undertakings

     The Registrant hereby undertakes to deliver or cause to be delivered with
the prospectus, to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given, the
latest annual report, to security holders that is incorporated by reference in
the prospectus and furnished pursuant to and meeting the requirements of Rule
14a-3 or Rule 14c-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and, where
interim financial information required to be presented by Article 3 of
Regulation S-X is not set forth in the prospectus, to deliver, or cause to be
delivered to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given, the latest
quarterly report that is specifically incorporated by reference in the
prospectus to provide such interim financial information.

     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to its Restated Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, by
agreement or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of
the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in
the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim
for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

     The Registrant hereby undertakes that:

   (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the
       information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
       Registration Statement in reliance on Rule 430A and contained in a form
       of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4)
       or Rule 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of
       this Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.

   (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
       each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
       be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
       offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall
       be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.


                                      II-4
<PAGE>

                                  SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Company certifies
that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements
for filing on Form S-1 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Madison,
Wisconsin on September 8, 1997.


                                            RAYOVAC CORPORATION



                                            By: /s/ David A. Jones
                                               --------------------------------

                                               Name: David A. Jones

                                               Title: President, Chief
                                                    Executive Officer and
                                                    Chairman of the Board of
                                                    Directors


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints David A. Jones, Kent J. Hussey and James
A. Broderick and each of them, as such person's true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and revocation for
such person and in such person's name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to execute any and all amendments to this Registration Statement,
and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact
and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes
as such person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration
Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated
on September 8, 1997.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          Signature                                      Title
- --------------------------------   -----------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>
                                   President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of
/s/ David A. Jones                 the Board of Directors (Principal Executive Officer)
- -----------------------------
David A. Jones
                                   Executive Vice President of Finance and
/s/ Kent J. Hussey                 Administration, Chief Financial Officer, and
- -----------------------------      Director (Principal Financial Officer)
Kent J. Hussey
/s/ Roger F. Warren                President/International and Contract Micropower
- -----------------------------      and Director
Roger F. Warren
/s/ Trygve Lonnebotn               Executive Vice President of Operations and Director
- -----------------------------
Trygve Lonnebotn
/s/ Scott A. Schoen                Director
- -----------------------------
Scott A. Schoen
/s/ Thomas R. Shepherd             Director
- -----------------------------
Thomas R. Shepherd
/s/ Warren C. Smith, Jr.           Director
- -----------------------------
Warren C. Smith, Jr.
</TABLE>

                                      II-5
<PAGE>

                     RAYOVAC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


                 SCHEDULE II--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
               For the Transition Period ended September 30, 1996
                and the years ended June 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996
                                 (In thousands)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 Column A                       Column B       Column C      Column D        Column E
- ---------------------------------------------   ------------   -----------   ------------   --------------
                                                               Additions
                                                Balance at     Charged to
                                                Beginning      Costs and                    Balance at
               Descriptions                     of Period      Expenses      Deductions     End of Period
- ---------------------------------------------   ------------   -----------   ------------   --------------
<S>                                             <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>
Transition Period Ended September 30, 1996:
 Allowance for doubtful accounts ............     $786           $147            $211          $722
                                                  =====          =====           =====         =====
June 30, 1996:
 Allowance for doubtful accounts ............     $702           $545            $461          $786
                                                  =====          =====           =====         =====
June 30, 1995:
 Allowance for doubtful accounts ............     $831           $714            $843          $702
                                                  =====          =====           =====         =====
June 30, 1994:
 Allowance for doubtful accounts ............     $829           $404            $402          $831
                                                  =====          =====           =====         =====
</TABLE>

                                      S-1







                                                                    Exhibit 23.3

Consent of Independent Accountants

We hereby consent to the inclusion in this registration statement on Form S-1,
(File No.     ) of our report dated November 22, 1996, with respect to the 
combined consolidated financial statements of Rayovac Corporation and 
Subsidiaries. We also consent to the references to our Firm under the caption
"Experts".


/s/ Coopers & Lybrand LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
September 5, 1997


WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK>               0001028985
<NAME>              RAYOVAC CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER>        1
<CURRENCY>          U.S. DOLLARS
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1992
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1991
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1992
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                   1.00
<CASH>                                           3,497
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   42,089
<ALLOWANCES>                                       681
<INVENTORY>                                     44,405
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                97,705
<PP&E>                                          82,441
<DEPRECIATION>                                  33,119
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 156,047
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           80,709
<BONDS>                                         50,231
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           505
<OTHER-SE>                                      25,109
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   156,047
<SALES>                                        346,883
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               346,883
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  192,053
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               121,690
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 1,148
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              14,104
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 17,888
<INCOME-TAX>                                     5,786
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             12,102
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                        6,651
<NET-INCOME>                                     5,451
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.11
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.00
        

</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK>               0001028985
<NAME>              RAYOVAC CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER>        1
<CURRENCY>          U.S. DOLLARS
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1993
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1992
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1993
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                   1.00
<CASH>                                           2,806
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   42,384
<ALLOWANCES>                                       829
<INVENTORY>                                     55,341
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               108,827
<PP&E>                                         108,331
<DEPRECIATION>                                  38,230
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 189,048
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           77,488
<BONDS>                                         74,082
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           505
<OTHER-SE>                                      36,200
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   189,048
<SALES>                                        372,426
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               372,426
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  201,409
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               139,915
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 1,091
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               5,956
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 24,055
<INCOME-TAX>                                     9,016
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             15,039
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    15,039
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.30
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.00
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK>               0001028985
<NAME>              RAYOVAC CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER>        1
<CURRENCY>          U.S. DOLLARS
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1994
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1993
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1994
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                   1.00
<CASH>                                           2,530
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   50,993
<ALLOWANCES>                                       831
<INVENTORY>                                     74,544
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               139,044
<PP&E>                                         119,492
<DEPRECIATION>                                  47,356
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 222,436
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           75,448
<BONDS>                                        108,978
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           505
<OTHER-SE>                                      37,417
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   222,436
<SALES>                                        403,712
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               403,712
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  234,870
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               156,939
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   404
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               7,725
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  3,774
<INCOME-TAX>                                     (582)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              4,356
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     4,356
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.09
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.00
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK>               0001028985
<NAME>              RAYOVAC CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER>        1
<CURRENCY>          U.S. DOLLARS
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1994
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1995
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                   1.00
<CASH>                                           2,645
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   53,400
<ALLOWANCES>                                       702
<INVENTORY>                                     65,540
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               132,202
<PP&E>                                         135,046
<DEPRECIATION>                                  57,083
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 220,590
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           76,320
<BONDS>                                         88,293
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           505
<OTHER-SE>                                      53,082
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   220,590
<SALES>                                        415,224
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               415,224
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  237,126
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               146,085
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   714
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               8,644
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 22,655
<INCOME-TAX>                                     6,247
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             16,408
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    16,408
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.33
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.00
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK>               0001028985
<NAME>              RAYOVAC CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER>        1
<CURRENCY>          U.S. DOLLARS
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1996
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                   1.00
<CASH>                                           2,190
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   58,938
<ALLOWANCES>                                       786
<INVENTORY>                                     66,941
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               138,119
<PP&E>                                         140,427
<DEPRECIATION>                                  66,489
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 221,885
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           75,656
<BONDS>                                         81,349
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           505
<OTHER-SE>                                      61,119
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   221,885
<SALES>                                        423,354
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               423,354
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  239,343
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               153,741
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   545
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               8,435
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 21,290
<INCOME-TAX>                                     7,002
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             14,288
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    14,288
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.29
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.00
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK>               0001028985
<NAME>              RAYOVAC CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER>        1
<CURRENCY>          U.S. DOLLARS
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                    3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1995
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                   1.00
<CASH>                                           2,431
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   68,275
<ALLOWANCES>                                       433
<INVENTORY>                                     73,189
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               155,427
<PP&E>                                         135,871
<DEPRECIATION>                                  60,038
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 241,549
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           86,907
<BONDS>                                         99,100
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           505
<OTHER-SE>                                      52,698
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   241,549
<SALES>                                        107,355
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               107,355
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   64,116
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                31,886
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   136
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,413
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  2,108
<INCOME-TAX>                                       742
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              1,366
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     1,366
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.28
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.28
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK>               0001028985
<NAME>              RAYOVAC CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER>        1
<CURRENCY>          U.S. DOLLARS
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                   1.00
<CASH>                                           4,255
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   67,198
<ALLOWANCES>                                       722
<INVENTORY>                                     70,121
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               155,674
<PP&E>                                         143,181
<DEPRECIATION>                                  73,784
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 245,248
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           92,479
<BONDS>                                        233,663
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           500
<OTHER-SE>                                    (86,220)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   245,248
<SALES>                                        101,880
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               101,880
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   59,242
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                66,239
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   147
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               4,430
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (28,178)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   (8,904)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                           (19,274)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                (1,647)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (20,921)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (0.48)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.00
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK>               0001028985
<NAME>              RAYOVAC CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER>        1
<CURRENCY>          U.S. DOLLARS
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                    9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             OCT-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1996
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                   1.00
<CASH>                                           2,190
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   58,938
<ALLOWANCES>                                       786
<INVENTORY>                                     66,941
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               113,119
<PP&E>                                         140,427
<DEPRECIATION>                                  66,489
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 221,885
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           75,656
<BONDS>                                         81,349
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           505
<OTHER-SE>                                      61,119
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   221,885
<SALES>                                        316,001
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               316,001
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  178,615
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                98,117
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   409
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               6,023
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 15,798
<INCOME-TAX>                                     5,068
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             10,730
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    10,730
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.22
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.22
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK>               0001028985
<NAME>              RAYOVAC CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER>                                     1,000
<CURRENCY>                                U.S. Dollars
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             OCT-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-29-1997
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                      1
<CASH>                                           4,756
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   67,471
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,178
<INVENTORY>                                     52,116
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               136,140
<PP&E>                                         142,912
<DEPRECIATION>                                  78,505
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 218,040
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           85,683
<BONDS>                                        206,615
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           500
<OTHER-SE>                                    (81,717)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 (218,040)
<SALES>                                        320,965
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               320,965
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  178,359
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               119,130
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   625
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              18,884
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  4,141
<INCOME-TAX>                                       829
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              3,312
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     3,312
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.16
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.16
        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission