WATERLINK INC
10-K, 1999-12-03
MISC INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM 10-K
(X)  Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
     Act of 1934 for the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 1999

( )  Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
     Exchange Act of 1934 for the Transition Period From                 to

                         Commission file number 1-13041

                                WATERLINK, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<S>                                          <C>
                 DELAWARE                                    34-1788678
               ------------                                --------------
      (State or other jurisdiction of           (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
      incorporation or organization)
    4100 HOLIDAY STREET N.W. SUITE 201
               CANTON, OHIO                                     44718
- -------------------------------------------                    -------
 (Address of principal executive offices)                    (Zip Code)
</TABLE>

Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code:  (330) 649-4000

          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>
             TITLE OF EACH CLASS              NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON WHICH REGISTERED
        Common Stock, $.001 par value                  New York Stock Exchange
</TABLE>

          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                                      NONE

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]

As of October 31, 1999 the aggregate market value of Waterlink's voting Common
Stock held by non-affiliates of Waterlink was approximately $23.5 million.

As of November 30, 1999 there were 19,211,091 shares of the registrant's Common
Stock, $.001 par value outstanding.

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on January 20, 2000 are deemed to be incorporated by
reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.

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<PAGE>   2

                                     PART I

ITEM 1.   BUSINESS

GENERAL

       Waterlink is an international provider of integrated water purification
and wastewater treatment solutions, treating process water and wastewater for
its industrial customers, and drinking water and wastewater for its municipal
customers. Waterlink designs, assembles and sells water and wastewater treatment
products and provides related services to companies and municipalities to treat
their water and wastewater. Waterlink believes that its comprehensive range of
products and application engineering expertise enables it to produce single
source solutions demanded by its customers.

       Waterlink was incorporated in Delaware on December 7, 1994 to participate
in the consolidation of the highly fragmented water purification and wastewater
treatment industry. Waterlink grew rapidly through acquisitions from 1995
through 1998. To date Waterlink has made 13 acquisitions, targeting businesses
in two principal markets (wastewater and pure water treatment) and in two
geographic areas (United States and Europe). Our principal executive offices are
located at 4100 Holiday Street N.W., Suite 201, Canton, Ohio 44718 and our
telephone number is (330)649-4000.

DIVISIONAL FORMAT

       In September 1998, Waterlink announced its 1999 Strategic Operating Plan.
The 1999 plan provided for a divisional format for efficient centers of product
expertise and geographic experience, to better serve Waterlink's customers and
independent marketing representatives. Under the 1999 plan, Waterlink
reorganized from a company that completed 13 acquisitions with 23 direct and
indirect operating companies into five integrated operating divisions. The five
divisions are:

       - the Biological Wastewater Treatment Division

       - the Separations Division

       - the Pure Water Division

       - the Specialty Products Division

       - the European Water and Wastewater Division

       The following table shows our acquisitions to date and how the acquired
companies are grouped within our five divisions.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 ACQUISITION                    DATE ACQUIRED                  CURRENT DIVISION
       --------------------------------    ------------------------    --------------------------------
<C>    <S>                                 <C>                         <C>
(1)    Sanborn Technologies                   March 1995               Biological Wastewater Treatment
(2)    Great Lakes Environmental, Inc.        August 1995              Separations
(3)    Mass Transfer Systems, Inc.            January 1996             Biological Wastewater Treatment
(4)    Aero-Mod, Inc.                         April 1996               Biological Wastewater Treatment
       Resi-Tech, Inc.
       Blue Water Services, Inc.
(5)    Waterlink Equipment                    September 1996           Pure Water
       Technologies, Inc.
(6)    Nordic Water Products AB               March 1997               European Water and Wastewater
       Zickert Products AB
       Noxon AB
       Axel Johnson Engineering GmbH
       Zickert Miljo A/S
       Nordic Water Products OY
</TABLE>

                                      - 2 -
<PAGE>   3

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 ACQUISITION                    DATE ACQUIRED                  CURRENT DIVISION
       --------------------------------    ------------------------    --------------------------------
<C>    <S>                                 <C>                         <C>
(7)    Bioclear Technology, Inc.              June 1997                Biological Wastewater Treatment
                                                                       (technology only)
(8)    Lanco Environmental Products,          June 1997                Separations
       Inc.
(9)    Mellegard V.A. Maskiner AB             September 1997           European Water and Wastewater
       (MEVA)
(10)   Hycor Corporation                      September 1997           Separations
(11)   Chemitreat Services, Inc.              March 1998               Pure Water
(12)   Aquafine Engineering Services          March 1998               European Water and Wastewater,
       Limited                                                         Biological Wastewater Treatment
       Purac Engineering Incorporated                                  and Separations
(13)   Barnebey & Sutcliffe Corporation       June 1998                Specialty Products
       Sutcliffe Speakman Carbons
       Limited
       Sutcliffe Croftshaw Limited
</TABLE>

BIOLOGICAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT DIVISION

       The biological wastewater treatment division provides products and
processes treating municipal and industrial wastewater by various biological
based methods. This division furnishes products and processes that can be
incorporated into integrated systems or sold individually. Its products include
aeration systems, which treat wastewater with air and/or process water that is
pumped at high pressures through a series of jet nozzles, resulting in highly
efficient oxygen transfers and mixing activity to separate waste. These systems
are sold separately for use in industrial biological treatment plants and many
other uses, including for underdeveloped countries where land intensive, lagoon
treatment processes are widely accepted. In addition, these systems can be
integrated with other processes for more complete biological treatment
solutions. Waterlink's patented Aero-Mod Sequox(TM) nutrient removal process
uses aeration to increase biological activity for removing unwanted pollutants
from the water.

       The biological wastewater treatment division also designs and
manufactures industrial separation systems using various technologies used to
separate solids from industrial coolants. The division markets its products and
processes through both direct sales offices and independent sales
representatives located predominantly in North and South America, the United
Kingdom, Ireland and Asia. For the year ended September 30, 1999, net sales for
this division were approximately $17.8 million.

SEPARATIONS DIVISION

       The separations division sells equipment and engineered systems employing
physical and chemical separation technology. Its markets are municipal water and
wastewater as well as industrial process water and wastewater. The division
combines the technology offerings of industry leading product lines. The
separations division's products include the following:

       - Hycor(R) screening, conveying, dewatering and screenings/grit washing
         equipment. Dewatering is the process of reducing or eliminating
         moisture content. These products operate on the principle of
         liquid/solid gravity separation and are used to improve water and
         wastewater processes, minimize waste, reduce disposal volumes and
         provide for water recovery and reuse.

       - Nordic Water(TM) continuous sand filters, inclined plate clarifiers and
         sludge removal equipment. These products offer a wide range of
         capabilities including tertiary polishing filters, used to remove fine
         particles, nitrates and phosphates in wastewater, solutions for high
         turbidity, or cloudiness, in municipal water treatment, advanced
         settling technology and sophisticated sludge removal equipment.

                                      - 3 -
<PAGE>   4

       - Great Lake Environmental(R) oil/water separators, inclined plate
         clarifiers and dissolved air flotation systems. With its broad
         industrial customer base, this product line offers a wide range of
         equipment from the basic separation and removal of oil droplets from
         water to systems that remove suspended solids and emulsified oil from
         continuous flows.

       - Lanco Environmental(TM) filter presses, clarifiers and sludge dryers.
         Primarily serving the industrial market, this equipment is designed for
         the efficient dewatering of effluent and sludges from specialized
         industrial processes.

       The separations division sells its products and systems primarily in
North America through a network of independent manufacturers representatives.
For the year ended September 30, 1999, net sales for the division were
approximately $33.5 million.

PURE WATER DIVISION

       The pure water division sells products and solutions to the residential,
municipal and industrial water and process water markets through our Waterlink
Technologies, Inc. and C'treat Offshore, Inc. companies.

       Waterlink Technologies is an international provider of membrane based
solutions focusing on:

       - membrane technology with standard reverse osmosis system solutions
         which can treat tap water to sea water for the production of high
         purity water

       - nanofiltration systems, which can be used to decolor, soften and remove
         harmful pathogenic organisms

       - desalination systems for the purification of sea water to drinking
         water for resorts, municipal and governmental installations

       - custom engineered microfiltration systems that can be used for the
         clarification and removal of harmful organisms from surface water as
         well as pre-treatment for other membrane technology in wastewater
         applications

       - custom designed ultra pure water treatment systems for the power,
         electronic and pharmaceutical industries

       - the manufacture of pleated membrane sediment filtration cartridges
         which are used for removal of suspended solids

       - the distribution of other major lines of filter housings, filters and
         components

       C'treat is a provider of reverse osmosis desalination equipment and
services to the worldwide energy industry. C'treat equipment economically and
reliably provides fresh water for offshore drilling rigs and production
platforms. C'treat enjoys a significant market presence through a sales
organization that includes representatives and technical licensees in 12
countries. For the year ended September 30, 1999, net sales for this division
were approximately $16.5 million.

SPECIALTY PRODUCTS DIVISION

       The specialty products division and its predecessors have specialized in
the development and production of highly sophisticated activated carbons for
more than 80 years. Activated carbon is used to purify air, water and gases by
retaining impurities in carbon granules. The division is a worldwide supplier of
activated carbon for liquid, air and gas filtration systems and is a leading
manufacturer of specialty impregnated carbons used in applications where the
capacity of activated carbons can be significantly increased. A full range of
activated carbons manufactured from coconut shell, coal, wood, along with other
adsorbents such as modified clay media, bone char, and anthracite are offered
for use in:

                                      - 4 -
<PAGE>   5

       - adsorption equipment, both standard and custom configurations,
         primarily for separation of solvents from air

       - bioreactors and bioscrubbers in which contaminants are destroyed using
         biological microbes

       - corrosive gas control systems to protect expensive electronic operated
         controls

       - distillation equipment for separation applications

       - systems that control emissions from volatile organic compounds

       - area filtration systems for the removal of both vapor phase and
         particulate contaminants

       - indoor air quality systems

       - odor control systems

       - soil vapor extraction systems

       - solvent recovery systems engineered and installed on a turn-key basis,
         to recover valuable solvents

       The specialty products division's products and systems are sold worldwide
using a combination of direct sales and sales representatives. For the year
ended September 30, 1999, net sales for this division were approximately $58.0
million.

EUROPEAN WATER AND WASTEWATER DIVISION

       The European water and wastewater division provides products and systems
similar to the separations division but focusing specifically on the European,
African and Asian municipal and industrial markets.

       The European water and wastewater division, with principal locations in
Sweden, Germany and the United Kingdom, offers its products under various
proprietary names, including:

       - Dynasand(TM) continuous sand filters

       - Lamella(TM) separators

       - Zickert(TM) bottom scrapers

       - Noxon(TM) centrifuges

       - MEVA(TM) fine screens

       The products are sold separately or as an engineered turn-key solution.
For the year ended September 30, 1999, net sales for the division were
approximately $44.4 million.

OPERATING AND SALES STRATEGY

       Waterlink has adopted a decentralized approach to the operational
management of our divisions. While functions such as strategic planning,
financial reporting, treasury, communications and risk management are
centralized in Waterlink's corporate headquarters, local management at each of
our five divisions is primarily responsible for the day-to-day operation of the
division's business. Waterlink also provides our divisions with financial
resources, management expertise, and customer and market access, which would be
unavailable to each division individually. Waterlink expects to realize
significant improvement in internal growth rates due to increased marketing
efforts and the opportunities to "cross-sell" products. As customers
increasingly seek to reduce their vendor base, outsource their non-core tasks
and find integrated solutions, the ability of each of our divisions to offer the
complementary equipment and services of other divisions increases the
competitiveness of Waterlink. For example, the separations division can team
with the pure water division and the biological division to offer both pure
water and wastewater solutions to a customer. Additionally, Waterlink's
design/build capabilities allow us to design systems that utilize a broad array
of Waterlink's products and provide opportunities for our specialty products
division. Waterlink also experiences

                                      - 5 -
<PAGE>   6

cross-selling opportunities from a geographic and customer standpoint. For
example, our European water and wastewater division has introduced our other
divisions' systems, equipment and services into the European market. Likewise,
we have introduced the European water and wastewater division's systems,
equipment and services into our domestic market.

       We sell our systems, equipment and services primarily through
approximately 80 direct sales personnel and approximately 250 independent sales
organizations. Waterlink also sells through licensees, principally in the
Asia-Pacific region as well as in Europe. To a lesser extent, Waterlink sells
through water treatment distributors, which take title to equipment for resale
to the end-user. Waterlink seeks to have a single sales organization within a
particular market in order to foster a close relationship with its sales
representatives and present a cohesive image to the marketplace. The independent
sales representatives typically will identify sales opportunities, and then work
together as a team with Waterlink's direct sales force, which has greater
technical and product knowledge, to complete the sale and service the customer.
Waterlink's direct sales force generally plays a more primary role in sales of
Waterlink's design/build solutions.

       While we have received contract awards in excess of $5 million, Waterlink
is primarily focusing its marketing efforts on contract awards of up to
approximately $4 million. We believe that competition is fiercer for larger
contract awards and the timing of these awards is more unpredictable.

       To help facilitate revenue growth, and better serve our customer base,
Waterlink has formed a centralized marketing and sales team of three individuals
whose primary focus is to position Waterlink in the marketplace as an important
independent solution provider for municipal and industrial water and wastewater
requirements. This centralized sales and marketing approach will also utilize
technical divisional expertise and the market knowledge of our geographically
based independent representatives to focus on market opportunities. One of these
opportunities appears to be a national accounts program through which we intend
to provide water and wastewater solutions to major engineering and industrial
companies. Waterlink's centralized marketing and sales team is preparing to
focus initially on servicing companies competing for municipal privatization
contracts in the United States and key industrial accounts in the food and
beverage and pulp and paper industry as well an integrated systems sales effort
between divisions.

       A representative from each of our divisions, along with Waterlink's
executive officers and other key employees, form Waterlink's senior management
team, which meets on a frequent basis to facilitate the interchange of
information and enhance cross-selling opportunities.

COMPETITION

       Despite an accelerating trend toward consolidation, the water
purification and wastewater treatment industry remains fragmented and highly
competitive due to the large number of competitors within each product area.
Waterlink has a significant number of competitors, including a number of
integrated suppliers and equipment manufacturers, some of which are larger and
have greater resources than Waterlink. We believe that success in this market is
based on the ability to offer appropriate technology, influence specifications,
have strong distribution, maintain respect within the consulting and engineering
community, finance and bond projects awarded, provide timely delivery, and
maintain a reputation for service and parts support after the sale.
Additionally, in the municipal arena, the ability to meet bid specifications and
to set pricing are often primary considerations. Waterlink believes that its
technologies and cost structures as well as its strong local presence in
international markets enable it to compete effectively against these companies.

       We believe that new entrants will play a significant role in the United
States municipal markets as privatization contracts for water and wastewater
concessions are expected to grow in size and importance. We believe that as an
independent supplier of water and wastewater solutions and equipment to these
service providers, we can provide a sound alternative to our competition.

                                      - 6 -
<PAGE>   7

       Waterlink's primary competitors include operating subsidiaries of
Vivendi, including Compagnie Generale des Eaux and its recent acquisition of
U.S. Filter Corporation, Suez de Lyonaise des Eaux, Calgon Carbon Corporation;
Parkson Corporation; Ionics, Incorporated; Alpha Laval and Humbolt KHD.

ACQUISITION STRATEGY

       In order to achieve its objective of becoming a leading international
provider of integrated water purification and wastewater treatment solutions,
Waterlink has pursued an aggressive acquisition-based growth program.

       Waterlink's acquisition strategy has been curtailed during fiscal 1999
due to the effort required to complete the 1999 plan and as a result of
Waterlink's leverage and the relatively low price of our common stock. We do not
expect significant acquisition activity during fiscal 2000.

       When future conditions permit, Waterlink intends to continue to use
various combinations of its common stock, cash and notes as consideration for
acquisitions. The consideration for each future acquisition will vary on a
case-by-case basis depending on Waterlink's operating performance and the
historic operating results and future prospects of the business to be acquired.
Waterlink intends to finance acquisitions through funds provided by operations
and if available, bank borrowings and proceeds of future equity and debt
financing.

CUSTOMERS

       Waterlink markets its products and services to two primary categories of
customers: industrial users that require water for their manufacturing processes
and treat their wastewater and municipal customers that produce drinking water
and treat wastewater. Waterlink has a diverse customer base, with no customer
representing 10% or more of Waterlink's sales for the year ended September 30,
1999.

       Waterlink's industrial customers include many "Fortune 500" companies and
their counterparts outside of the United States. Industries served include the
pharmaceutical, electronic and microelectronic, pulp and paper, chemical,
petrochemical, food, beverage, printing, automotive and other heavy
manufacturing industries. For the year ended September 30, 1999 approximately
73.0% of Waterlink's net sales were derived from industrial sales.

       The municipal market is highly competitive. Municipal markets in the
United States, Canada and western Europe are more regulatory driven than
municipal markets in other regions. Waterlink utilizes specialized distribution
channels to service the municipal market and is skilled at participating in the
municipal bidding process. Waterlink focuses its efforts on smaller municipal
projects, which Waterlink believes its product lines are best suited to serve.
Waterlink believes that the municipal business is important to its overall
success because of its large market size. For the year ended September 30, 1999
approximately 27.0% of Waterlink's net sales were derived from municipal sales.

BACKLOG

       Total backlog as of September 30, 1999 was $53.3 million as compared to
total backlog of $44.5 million at September 30, 1998. Waterlink had a backlog,
consisting of written purchase orders for capital goods equipment of $46.1
million as of September 30, 1999 as compared to $38.1 million as of September
30, 1998. In addition, at September 30, 1999, Waterlink had $7.2 million of firm
commitments to purchase recurring revenue products from its specialty products
division as compared to $6.4 million as of September 30, 1998. Waterlink expects
that a significant portion of our backlog at the beginning of a fiscal year will
be filled during that year. Backlog, and therefore sales, may vary from quarter
to quarter as a result of large projects being booked during any quarter and
varying project delivery schedules. In addition, the orders have varying
delivery schedules and

                                      - 7 -
<PAGE>   8

Waterlink's backlog as of any particular date may not be representative of
actual net sales for any succeeding period.

PROCESS AND PRODUCT WARRANTY AND PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES

       Consistent with industry practices, we generally offer a warranty on
finished products for one year or in some cases 18 months from sale and 12
months from installation. The costs associated with warranty expense have not
been material. In connection with providing certain products and design/build
services to our customers, Waterlink is sometimes required to guarantee that our
products or services will attain specified levels of quality or performance. If
a product fails to perform according to a warranty, or a project fails to attain
the guaranteed level of quality, and if we are unable to effect a satisfactory
replacement or cure within the prescribed period of time, Waterlink could incur
financial penalties, in the form of liquidated damages, or could be required to
remove and replace the equipment or repeat the service in order to meet the
specifications. To date, Waterlink has not incurred any material payment or
other obligations pursuant to such performance guarantees.

RAW MATERIAL AND SUPPLIES

       The raw materials and components used in Waterlink's products are
commonly available commodities such as stainless steel, carbon steel, plastic,
tubing, wiring, electrical components, pumps, valves, compressors, pressure
vessels, oleophilic media, reverse osmosis membranes and sand. Waterlink's
systems are fabricated from these materials and assembled together with products
bought from other companies to form an integrated system. In addition, the
specialty products division is dependent on the importation of coconut shell
carbon from Asia and the supply of coal based carbon from domestic and Asian
sources. Waterlink is not dependent upon any single supplier, and if any
supplier were to become unable to perform, Waterlink believes a substitute
source could readily be found. Waterlink has generally been able to pass on
price increases for raw materials and components to its customers. Waterlink is
not a party to any material long-term fixed price supply contracts.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

       Federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations
necessitate substantial expenditures and compliance with water quality standards
by generators of wastewater and wastewater by-products and impose liabilities on
such entities for noncompliance. Environmental laws and regulations and their
enforcement are, and will continue to be, a significant factor affecting the
marketability of the solutions, systems and equipment provided by Waterlink.

       Many of the countries in which Waterlink operates or in which our
customers are located, including the United States, Canada and countries in
western Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region, have adopted
requirements that govern water quality, wastewater treatment, and wastewater
by-products and the solutions, systems and equipment provided by Waterlink.
These requirements and their enforcement vary by country, but in general
establish water quality, use and disposal standards, set wastewater effluent
discharge limits, and prescribe standards for the protection of human health and
safety and the environment. In each country, Waterlink monitors the status and
impact of local environmental regulation and enforcement as it relates to the
marketability of the solutions, systems and equipment provided by Waterlink.

       Any changes in applicable environmental standards and requirements or
their enforcement may affect the operations of Waterlink by imposing additional
regulatory compliance costs on Waterlink's customers, requiring the modification
of and/or affecting the market for Waterlink's solutions, systems and equipment.
To the extent that demand for Waterlink's solutions, systems and equipment is
created by the need to comply with these enhanced standards and requirements or
their enforcement, any modification of the standards and requirements or their
enforcement may reduce demand, thereby adversely affecting Waterlink's business
prospects. Conversely, changes in applicable environmental

                                      - 8 -
<PAGE>   9

laws imposing additional regulatory compliance standards and requirements or
causing stricter enforcement of these laws or regulations could increase the
demand for Waterlink's systems, equipment and services.

PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND LICENSES

       We currently own a number of United States and foreign patents, and
registrations for United States service marks and trademarks. While each is of
value, Waterlink generally does not consider any of them to be material to our
business, although, as Waterlink has grown and its presence has been extended,
our Waterlink(SM) mark has become more widely known and the goodwill associated
with it has increased.

EMPLOYEES

       At September 30, 1999, Waterlink had approximately 648 employees at our
various locations. Approximately 51 people are covered under collective
bargaining agreements in the United States. All of Waterlink's hourly employees
in Europe are covered by collective bargaining agreements. We believe that our
relationship with our employees is good.

RECENT EVENTS

       During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999 we entered into two amendments
under our domestic credit facility. In connection with one of the amendments, a
significant stockholder and three executive officers guaranteed the repayment of
$2.6 million of our outstanding indebtedness. In consideration for these
guarantees, warrants to purchase, in the aggregate, up to 283,637 shares of our
common stock were issued, the issuance of which was approved by our
shareholders.

       The other amendment approved the sale of common stock described in the
following paragraph, reduced the domestic credit facility to $76 million, and
waived certain financial covenants that were not satisfied at September 30,
1999, Waterlink's fiscal year end.

       On October 5, 1999 we completed the sale of 6,300,000 shares of common
stock in a registered offering to certain institutional investors. The aggregate
net proceeds of $16.2 million from the sale were used to repay a portion of our
outstanding bank debt.

ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES

       We lease our corporate offices, consisting of approximately 7,000 square
feet located in Canton. In addition, our subsidiaries lease facilities for
office space and manufacturing in the United States in Santa Fe Springs,
California; Clearwater and West Palm Beach, Florida; Lake Bluff and Addison,
Illinois; Manhattan, Kansas; Fall River, Massachusetts; Grand Rapids, Michigan;
Sparks, Nevada; and The Woodlands, Texas; and outside the United States in
Holstebro, Denmark; Lancashire, England; Vanda, Finland; Neuss-Grimlinghausen,
Germany; and Mariestad, Frolunda, Kungsbacka, and Nynashamn, Sweden; and own
facilities for office space and manufacturing in Columbus, Ohio; Winnipeg,
Manitoba, Canada; and Fjaras, Sweden. The expiration dates for these leases
range from December 1999 to March 2011.

       We believe that each of our facilities is in good condition and will
continue to remain suitable for its current purpose. We may add improvements to
the properties listed above. We anticipate using our properties for purposes
consistent with their present use. In the event any of the facilities becomes
unavailable upon termination of the existing lease, we believe we would be able
to find a suitable alternative facility without any significant adverse impact
to us or our operations. We believe our properties are adequately covered by
insurance.

                                      - 9 -
<PAGE>   10

ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

       From time to time in the normal course of our business, we become a party
to litigation. Most of this litigation involves claims for personal or
employment related injury or property damage incurred in connection with our
operations. We are not a party to any material litigation and believe that none
of our litigation will have a material adverse effect on our business or
financial results.

ITEM 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

       At a special meeting of stockholders of Waterlink held on September 28,
1999 the following actions took place:

          i. the approval of the sale in a registered offering of up to
             6,300,000 shares of Waterlink common stock to specific
             institutional investors:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               FOR       AGAINST    WITHHELD
               ---       -------    --------
            <S>          <C>        <C>
            8,912,164    93,077      61,575
</TABLE>

          ii. the approval of the issuance of warrants to purchase in the
              aggregate 283,637 shares of Waterlink common stock to a current
              significant stockholder and to the three executive officers of
              Waterlink in connection with assisting in the process of improving
              Waterlink's capital structure by guaranteeing, in the aggregate,
              repayment of up to $2,600,000 of Waterlink senior debt.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               FOR       AGAINST    WITHHELD
               ---       -------    --------
            <S>          <C>        <C>
            7,889,070    488,286    689,460
</TABLE>

                                     - 10 -
<PAGE>   11

                                    PART II

ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
          MATTERS

MARKET INFORMATION

       Our common stock has been listed on The New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "WLK" since our initial public offering on June 24, 1997. The following
table sets forth the high and low composite sales prices as reported on the NYSE
for the fiscal quarters indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            HIGH        LOW
                                                            ----        ---
<S>                                                         <C>         <C>
Fiscal Year ended September 30, 1998
  First Quarter                                             $19 3/4     $16 5/1
  Second Quarter                                             17 11/16    12 11/1
  Third Quarter                                              14 5/8       8 5/
  Fourth Quarter                                              8 5/8       2 7/1
Fiscal Year ended September 30, 1999
  First Quarter                                             $ 5 1/4     $ 2 1/
  Second Quarter                                              5 5/16      3 1/
  Third Quarter                                               4 3/4       2 13/1
  Fourth Quarter                                              3 1/4       2 3/
</TABLE>

       The current quoted price of the common stock is listed daily in the Wall
Street Journal in the NYSE section. The number of holders of record of our
common stock as of November 30, 1999 was approximately 229. In addition there
were approximately 2,553 shareholders whose shares are held by brokers/dealers.

DIVIDENDS

       We have not paid or declared any dividends on our common stock since our
inception. We anticipate that earnings will be retained to support the growth of
our business and will not be distributed to stockholders as dividends. The
declaration and payment of any future dividends and the amount of any dividend
will be determined by our board of directors and will depend upon our results of
operations, financial condition, cash requirements, future prospects,
limitations imposed by bank credit and debt agreements and other factors deemed
relevant by our board of directors. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."

       Pursuant to our bank credit agreement, we may not declare or make, or
agree to declare or make, directly or indirectly, any dividends, except that we
may declare and pay dividends with respect to our capital stock payable solely
in additional shares of our common stock or options, warrants or other rights to
purchase our common stock.

RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

       During fiscal 1999, Waterlink granted Brantley Venture Partners III,
L.P., Theodore F. Savastano, T. Scott King and Michael J. Vantusko warrants to
purchase 250,909, 16,364, 10,909 and 5,455 shares of common stock, respectively,
at a purchase price of $0.01 per share. The warrants were issued in connection
with assisting in the process of improving our capital structure by guaranteeing
up to $2.6 million of indebtedness under the bank credit agreement. The warrants
expire on July 9, 2004. In such transaction, Waterlink did not engage any
underwriter, broker or placement agent. In connection with such transaction,
Waterlink obtained appropriate investment representations supporting its
reliance on such exemption from registration. In such transaction, appropriate
disclosure was

                                     - 11 -
<PAGE>   12

provided to each investor to support Waterlink's reliance on the exemption from
registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

       The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial
data of Waterlink since its incorporation on December 7, 1994. The financial
data presented for the five fiscal years ended September 30, 1999 have been
derived from Waterlink's audited financial statements. The financial data
includes the operating results of each acquired business from the date of
acquisition in accordance with the purchase method of accounting.

       You should read the selected historical consolidated financial data in
conjunction with, and they are qualified by, our historical consolidated
financial statements and the related notes and "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," contained elsewhere
in this report.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       FISCAL      FISCAL      FISCAL      FISCAL      FISCAL
                                        1999        1998        1997        1996        1995
                                      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                               (In thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                   <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Net sales                           $170,169    $135,167    $ 64,699    $ 19,801    $  2,684
  Cost of sales(1)                     115,943      85,532      40,390      11,233       1,857
                                      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
  Gross profit                          54,226      49,635      24,309       8,568         827
  Selling, general and
     administrative expenses(2)         43,531      38,639      18,683       7,029       1,178
  Special charges(3)                     3,843      21,636       2,630          --          --
  Amortization expense                   2,130       1,871         751         307          15
                                      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
  Operating income (loss)                4,722     (12,511)      2,245       1,232        (366)
  Other income (expense):
     Interest expense(4)                (7,857)     (3,562)     (1,281)       (877)       (144)
     Interest income and other
       items--net                          (14)         37         263         (44)         33
                                      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
  Income (loss) before income taxes     (3,149)    (16,036)      1,227         311        (477)
  Income taxes                           1,033       1,468         470           5          35
                                      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
  Income (loss) before extraordinary
     item                               (4,182)    (17,504)        757         306        (512)
  Extraordinary item, net of
     taxes(5)                               --          --        (385)         --          --
                                      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
  Net income (loss)                   $ (4,182)   $(17,504)   $    372    $    306    $   (512)
                                      ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
  Earnings (loss) per common share:
     Basic:
       Income (loss) before
          extraordinary item          $  (0.33)   $  (1.46)   $   0.15    $   0.21    $  (0.42)
       Extraordinary item                   --          --       (0.08)         --          --
                                      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
       Net income (loss)              $  (0.33)   $  (1.46)   $   0.07    $   0.21    $  (0.42)
                                      ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
     Assuming dilution:
       Income (loss) before
          extraordinary item          $  (0.33)   $  (1.46)   $   0.10    $   0.06    $  (0.42)
       Extraordinary item                   --          --       (0.05)         --          --
                                      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
       Net income (loss)              $  (0.33)   $  (1.46)   $   0.05    $   0.06    $  (0.42)
                                      ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
  Weighted average common shares
     outstanding:
     Basic                              12,556      12,007       4,924       1,469       1,225
     Assuming dilution                  12,556      12,007       7,804       4,954       1,225
</TABLE>

                                     - 12 -
<PAGE>   13

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                           -------------
                                        1999        1998        1997        1996        1995
                                      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
<S>                                   <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Working capital                     $ 34,859    $ 30,737    $ 19,430    $  3,438    $  2,064
  Total assets                         185,395     183,561     115,860      28,991      10,819
  Total debt                            89,917      87,318      18,961      12,145       6,039
  Redeemable preferred stock                --          --          --       8,500       3,900
  Shareholders' equity (deficit)        49,986      54,878      70,873       2,407         (11)
</TABLE>

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

(1) In connection with our 1999 plan, Waterlink decided to discontinue the
    manufacturing processes for our Great Lakes subsidiary product line in favor
    of utilizing subcontractors. As a result of this decision, during the year
    ended September 30, 1999, Waterlink recognized $2,137,000 of costs, or $0.16
    per share, assuming dilution, comprised of $1,191,000 of cost overruns that
    took place on a contractual obligation and $946,000 of inventory write downs
    and other costs.

(2) For the year ended September 30, 1999, selling, general and administrative
    expenses included $255,000, or $0.02 per share, assuming dilution, relating
    to the write off of costs associated with acquisition activity that ceased
    during the year.

(3) Waterlink incurred special charges as follows:

   - During the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997 Waterlink incurred a
     special charge to operations of $2,630,000, or $0.21 per share, assuming
     dilution, resulting primarily from the issuance, concurrent with our
     initial public offering, of a ten year option to purchase 100,000 shares of
     common stock at a price of $0.10 per share to an officer of Waterlink
     pursuant to terms of an employment agreement. Of this amount, approximately
     $1,138,000 was non-cash and the remainder represented cash obligations
     related principally to the reimbursement of income taxes resulting from the
     stock option issuance.

   - During the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, Waterlink incurred special
     charges of $21,636,000, or $1.70 per share, assuming dilution. These
     special charges are comprised of the following three components:

        i. Waterlink recorded a charge of $2,858,000, or $0.23 per share,
           assuming dilution, primarily related to termination benefits and
           costs associated with the exiting of certain facilities to implement
           our 1999 plan.

        ii. As a result of our decision to exit the Bioclear business, during
            the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, Waterlink recorded a non-cash
            charge of $17,284,000, or $1.40 per share, assuming dilution,
            consisting of $15,967,000 related to the impairment of goodwill
            associated with the June 1997 acquisition of Bioclear Technology,
            Inc. and $1,317,000 to write off the cumulative translation
            adjustment component of Bioclear's equity.

       iii. Waterlink incurred special charges of $1,494,000, or $0.07 per
            share, assuming dilution, primarily attributable to contractual
            obligations to our former chief executive officer, who resigned in
            June 1998, and costs necessary to recruit executives to Waterlink.

   - During the year ended September 30, 1999, Waterlink incurred special
     charges of $3,843,000, or $0.31 per share, assuming dilution, for the
     following:

        i. Continuing costs of $1,593,000, or $0.13 per share, assuming
           dilution, associated with the implementation of Waterlink's 1999
           plan, primarily related to termination benefits and facility
           consolidation costs.

        ii. In conjunction with our 1999 plan, we determined that we would exit
            the acquired Bioclear business. During the fourth quarter of fiscal
            1998, the assets of Bioclear, primarily related to Bioclear's
            manufacturing facility located in Winnipeg, Canada, were reduced to
            their estimated net realizable value. Based on the status of the
            sales process and Waterlink's June 1999 decision regarding how to
            best dispose of the facility, we further reduced the estimated net
            realizable value of these remaining assets by $1,300,000, or $0.10
            per share, assuming dilution.

       iii. Waterlink incurred additional charges related to severance benefits
            during 1999 not originally contemplated by the 1999 plan of
            $400,000, or $0.03 per share, assuming dilution.

        iv. Waterlink incurred additional charges of $550,000, or $0.05 per
            share, assuming dilution, related to severance benefits during 1999
            related to the announced retirement of our chairman of the board.

(4) Interest expense for the year ended September 30, 1999 includes a financing
    charge of $870,000, or $0.07 per share, assuming dilution, related to the
    amortization of the value assigned to warrants issued to purchase up to
    283,637 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share.

(5) Net income for fiscal 1997 reflects an extraordinary item. Waterlink used a
    portion of the proceeds from its initial public offering to repay
    substantially all of its outstanding indebtedness. In addition, concurrent
    with the initial public offering Waterlink canceled a note purchase
    agreement. In connection with the early retirement of certain indebtedness
    and the cancellation of the note purchase agreement, Waterlink realized an
    extraordinary charge of $385,000, net of taxes of $257,000, or $0.05 per
    share, assuming dilution, related to the write off of unamortized debt
    issuance costs and discounts associated with this indebtedness.

                                     - 13 -
<PAGE>   14

ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
          RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

       Waterlink is an international provider of integrated water purification
and wastewater treatment solutions, principally to industrial and municipal
customers. Waterlink was incorporated in Delaware on December 7, 1994 and has
grown externally by completing thirteen acquisitions.

       During fiscal 1999 Waterlink focused on the implementation of its 1999
Strategic Operating Plan. The 1999 plan was implemented in three phases: the
restructuring phase, the cost reduction phase, and the growth phase.

       The restructuring phase was completed prior to October 1, 1998, the
beginning of Waterlink's recently completed fiscal year, and restructured
Waterlink from a company that completed 13 acquisitions consisting of 23
separate operating companies into the following five fully integrated operating
divisions that are focused on their specific markets:

       - the Biological Wastewater Treatment Division

       - the Separations Division

       - the Pure Water Division

       - the Specialty Products Division

       - the European Water and Wastewater Division

       This divisional structure allows Waterlink to utilize the strengths of
its complementary product lines and brand name to work closer with customers.

       The cost reduction phase established goals of reducing selling, general
and administrative expenses by $4.3 million in fiscal 1999, principally by
reducing the number of employees by 75, or approximately 10% of the work force,
and by closing seven facilities. Waterlink has decided to curtail its
manufacturing activities whenever possible, in favor of partnering with vendors
who manufacture components used in our systems and equipment. As of September
30, 1999, the total number of employees has been reduced by 119 people, in
excess of the 75 originally contemplated by the 1999 plan, and the annualized
cost savings goal of $4.3 million has been surpassed by approximately $1.1
million. With regard to facilities, seven have been closed.

       The cost reduction phase also includes an initiative to reduce production
costs by identifying common suppliers among divisions and consolidating
purchases to increase Waterlink's purchasing power. Supply contracts with these
common vendors are expected to provide cost savings to help Waterlink remain
competitive in the long term.

       The growth phase of the 1999 plan has added 20 sales and marketing
professionals in fiscal 1999, in order to improve revenue performance over the
long term. These additional costs are being funded, in part, by the additional
$1.1 million of annualized savings as a result of the cost reduction phase of
the 1999 plan.

       The improved communications and specific identification of markets and
products resulting from the restructuring of Waterlink, together with the
reinvestment in sales and marketing professionals, are intended to allow
Waterlink to increase its sales efforts. Two specific areas of focus are the
implementation of a key account program with selected worldwide buyers of
Waterlink product offerings, and our integrated systems effort that is expected
to provide more interdivisional cross selling opportunities with certain key
customers. Waterlink is also developing sales strategies in regions where we do
not currently have a significant presence or wish to increase our opportunities,
such as South America, as well as servicing companies competing for municipal
privatization contracts in the United States. In the future, we believe these
efforts will build Waterlink into a sales, marketing and engineering leader in
the industry, focused on profitable growth over the long term.

                                     - 14 -
<PAGE>   15

       Waterlink's new organization is also designed to more efficiently
integrate future acquisitions. Waterlink's current capital structure does not
support an aggressive acquisition program. Waterlink intends to improve its
capital structure through a combination of improved operating performance and
access to capital markets, which we expect will enable us to resume our
acquisition program. Acquisitions are expected to play a strategic role in
Waterlink's future to increase competitiveness, spur revenue and earnings
growth, and enhance our total solutions capability.

       All acquisitions have been accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting and are included in the results of operations for the period
subsequent to the effective date of acquisition. Due to the timing and magnitude
of these acquisitions, results of operations for the periods presented are not
necessarily comparable or indicative of operating results for current or future
periods.

       The majority of the systems and equipment produced by Waterlink are
custom designed and take a number of months to produce. Revenues from large
contracts are recognized using the percentage of completion method of accounting
in the proportion that costs incurred bear to total estimated costs at
completion. Revisions of estimated costs or potential contract losses, if any,
are recognized in the period in which they are determined. Provisions are made
currently for all known or anticipated losses. Variations from estimated
contract performance could result in a material adjustment to operating results
for any fiscal quarter or year. Claims for extra work or changes in scope of
work are included in revenues when collection is probable. Revenues from
remaining systems and equipment sales are recognized when shipped.

       In the past Waterlink has experienced quarterly fluctuations in operating
results due to the contractual nature of its business and the consequent timing
of these orders. In the future, Waterlink expects that it may receive contracts
that are significantly larger than those received by Waterlink historically. In
addition, certain of the contracts will be subject to the customer's ability to
finance, or fund from government sources, the actual costs of completing the
project as well as the ability to receive any necessary permits to commence the
project. Therefore, Waterlink expects that its future operating results could
fluctuate significantly, especially on a quarterly basis, due to the timing of
the awarding of such contracts, the ability to fund project costs, and the
recognition by Waterlink of revenues and profits. In addition, Waterlink has
historically operated with a moderate backlog. However, as a result of its
strategic plan, Waterlink anticipates that both the dollar volume and number of
contracts in its backlog will increase. As of September 30, 1999, Waterlink's
total backlog was approximately $53.3 million, consisting of $46.1 million of
written purchase orders for capital goods equipment and $7.2 million of firm
commitments to purchase recurring revenue products from our specialty products
division. Quarterly sales and operating results will be affected by the volume
and timing of contracts received and performed within the quarter, which are
difficult to forecast. Any significant deferral or cancellation of a contract
could have a material adverse effect on Waterlink's operating results in any
particular period. Because of these factors, Waterlink believes that period-to-
period comparisons of its operating results are not necessarily indicative of
future performances.

                                     - 15 -
<PAGE>   16

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

       The following table sets forth for the periods indicated, statements of
operations data as a percentage of net sales:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  FISCAL      FISCAL      FISCAL
                                                   1999        1998        1997
                                                  ------      ------      ------
<S>                                               <C>         <C>         <C>
Net sales                                         100.0%      100.0%      100.0%
Cost of sales                                      68.1        63.3        62.4
                                                  -----       -----       -----
Gross profit                                       31.9        36.7        37.6
Selling, general and administrative expenses       25.6        28.6        28.9
Special charges                                     2.3        16.0         4.1
Amortization                                        1.2         1.4         1.1
                                                  -----       -----       -----
Operating income (loss)                             2.8        (9.3)        3.5
Other income (expense):
  Interest expense                                 (4.6)       (2.6)       (2.0)
  Interest income and other items -- net           (0.0)        0.0         0.4
                                                  -----       -----       -----
Income (loss) before income taxes                  (1.8)      (11.9)        1.9
Income taxes                                        0.6         1.1         0.7
                                                  -----       -----       -----
Income (loss) before extraordinary item            (2.4)      (13.0)        1.2
Extraordinary item, net of tax                       --          --         0.6
                                                  -----       -----       -----
Net income (loss)                                  (2.4)%     (13.0)%       0.6%
                                                  =====       =====       =====
</TABLE>

Year Ended September 30, 1999 Compared to Year Ended September 30, 1998

       Net Sales.  Net sales for the year ended September 30, 1999 were
$170,169,000, an increase of $35,002,000 from the prior year. The increase was
due to the acquisition of Chemitreat Services, Inc, on March 2, 1998; of
Aquafine Engineering Services Limited and Purac Engineering Incorporated in a
single transaction on March 25, 1998; and of the specialty products division on
June 5, 1998. Waterlink experienced negative internal growth for the year of
11.9%, resulting primarily from significant revenues generated by German-based
sales activity and a Utah-based land development wastewater project in the prior
year. Excluding these two factors, internal growth would have declined by 3.9%
due to the timing of orders at two specific domestic locations. Further, if
currency rate fluctuations were excluded, negative internal growth for the nine
months would have been 2.5%. Waterlink measures internal growth by comparing
each subsidiary's net sales from the months subsequent to their respective
acquisition dates during the prior year to those same months in the current
year.

       Gross Profit.  Gross profit for the year ended September 30, 1999 was
$54,226,000, an increase of $4,591,000 from the prior year due to the
acquisitions. Gross margin was 31.9% for the 1999 period as compared to 36.7%
for 1998. We decided to discontinue the manufacturing processes for our Great
Lakes subsidiary product line in favor of utilizing subcontractors. As a result
of this decision, during the year ended September 30, 1999, Waterlink recognized
$2,137,000 of costs, comprised of $1,191,000 of cost overruns that took place on
a contractual obligation and $946,000 of inventory write downs and other costs.
Absent the $2,137,000 of costs associated with the exit of the Great Lakes
facility, the gross margin would have been 33.1% for the year ended September
30, 1999. The adjusted gross margin of 33.1% is lower than the 36.7% realized in
1998 primarily due to the June 1998 acquisition of the specialty products
division, which historically experiences lower margins as compared to other
Waterlink divisions.

                                     - 16 -
<PAGE>   17

       Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and
administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 1999 were $43,531,000,
an increase of $4,892,000 from the prior year. The increase was primarily due to
the acquisitions. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage
of net sales were 25.6% in 1999 as compared to 28.6% for the prior year. This
decrease primarily reflects the costs savings realized from Waterlink's 1999
plan; as well as the impact of the June 1998 acquisition of the specialty
products division, which historically experiences a lower percentage of selling,
general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales as compared to
other Waterlink divisions. The selling, general and administrative expenses for
the year ended September 30, 1999 were increased by a charge of $255,000 from
the write off of costs associated with acquisition activity that ceased during
the year.

       Special Charges.  Special charges of $3,843,000 during the year ended
September 30, 1999 related to the following:

       - Continuing costs of $1,593,000 associated with the implementation of
         Waterlink's 1999 plan, primarily related to termination benefits and
         facility consolidation costs.

       - In conjunction with our 1999 plan, we determined that we would exit the
         acquired Bioclear business. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998,
         the assets of Bioclear, primarily related to Bioclear's manufacturing
         facility located in Winnipeg, Canada, were reduced to their estimated
         net realizable value. Based on difficulties encountered during the
         sales process, we further reduced the estimated net realizable value of
         these remaining assets by $1,300,000.

       - Additional severance benefits of $400,000 were incurred during fiscal
         1999 not originally contemplated by the 1999 plan.

       - Additional charges of $550,000 related to severance benefits during
         fiscal 1999 related to the announced retirement of our chairman of the
         board.

       During 1998 Waterlink incurred special charges of $21,636,000 related to
the following:

       - Waterlink recorded a charge of $2,858,000 primarily related to
         termination benefits and costs associated with the exiting of certain
         facilities to implement our 1999 plan.

       - As a result of our decision to exit the Bioclear business, during the
         fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, Waterlink recorded a non-cash charge of
         $17,284,000, consisting of $15,967,000 related to the impairment of
         goodwill associated with the June 1997 acquisition of Bioclear
         Technology, Inc. and $1,317,000 to write off the cumulative translation
         adjustment component of Bioclear's equity.

       - Waterlink incurred special charges of $1,494,000, primarily
         attributable to contractual obligations to our former chief executive
         officer, who resigned in June 1998, and costs necessary to recruit
         executives to Waterlink.

       Amortization.  Amortization expense for the year ended September 30, 1999
was $2,130,000, an increase of $259,000 from the prior year. The increase was
primarily due to the additional goodwill resulting from the fiscal 1998
acquisitions, offset by $322,000 reduction in amortization expense resulting
from the exit of Waterlink's Bioclear business during the fourth quarter of
fiscal 1998.

       Interest Expense.  Interest expense for the year ended September 30, 1999
was $7,857,000, an increase of $4,295,000 from the prior year primarily due to
increased borrowings related to Waterlink's fiscal 1998 acquisitions. Interest
expense for 1999 includes a primarily non-cash financing charge of $870,000
related to the amortization of the value assigned to warrants issued to purchase
up to 283,637 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share.

       Income Taxes.  Waterlink recorded income taxes of $1,033,000 on a pre-tax
loss of $3,149,000 for the year ended September 30, 1999. This income tax
expense was recorded on earnings outside the United States and in certain states
domestically.

                                     - 17 -
<PAGE>   18

Year Ended September 30, 1998 Compared to Year Ended September 30, 1997

       Net Sales.  Net sales for the year ended September 30, 1998 were
$135,167,000, an increase of $70,468,000 from the prior year. The increase was
due to the timing of the acquisitions completed during fiscal 1998. Waterlink
experienced negative internal growth for the year of 10.8%, resulting
principally from the timing of orders, exchange rate fluctuations and stronger
performance for specific domestic locations during fiscal 1997 that was not
duplicated in fiscal 1998.

       Gross Profit.  Gross profit for the year ended September 30, 1998 was
$49,635,000, an increase of $25,326,000 from the prior year. The increase was
primarily due to the acquisitions previously described. Gross margin was 36.7%
for 1998 as compared to 37.6% for 1997. Gross margins were impacted in 1998 by
the March 1997 acquisition of the nordic water products group and the June 1998
acquisition of the specialty products division, both of which historically
experience lower margins as compared to other Waterlink divisions.

       Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and
administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 1998 were $38,639,000,
an increase of $19,956,000 from the prior year. The increase was primarily due
to the acquisitions previously described. Selling, general and administrative
expenses as a percentage of net sales was 28.6% for 1998 as compared to 28.9%
for 1997. This decrease primarily reflects the spreading of selling, general and
administrative expenses over a larger revenue base.

       Special Charges.  During the year ended September 30, 1998, Waterlink
incurred special charges of $21,636,000. These special charges consisted of the
following three components:

       - Waterlink recorded a charge of $2,858,000 primarily related to
         termination benefits and costs associated with the exiting of
         facilities in connection with the implementation of our 1999 plan.

       - Waterlink recorded a non-cash charge of $17,284,000, consisting of
         $15,967,000 related to the impairment of goodwill associated with the
         June 1997 acquisition of Bioclear and $1,317,000 to write off the
         cumulative translation adjustment component of Bioclear's equity. With
         regard to the $17,284,000 impairment charge, our 1999 plan includes
         Waterlink's decision to exit the acquired business of Bioclear. Several
         factors lead to this decision including:

         i.  The lack of orders at Bioclear in fiscal 1998 led to a
             comprehensive market review, which was completed in August 1998.
             This analysis indicated that Bioclear's originally perceived niche
             market was not reliable and possibly nonexistent.

         ii.  In order to compete in more traditional markets, Bioclear's
              proprietary product would need to be reengineered, at great
              expense, to significantly reduce the water treatment cost per
              gallon. In addition, this reengineered proprietary product would
              not guarantee success due to the extremely competitive traditional
              marketplace.

         iii. In July 1998, Bioclear's founder, a former owner and president,
              resigned.

         iv. In August 1998, Bioclear's chief engineer and a former owner
             announced his desire to reduce his involvement to part time, making
             the reengineering effort more difficult.

        Having made the decision to exit the business, the remaining goodwill
        associated with the Bioclear acquisition was not recoverable based on
        Bioclear's lack of future undiscounted cash flows and was impaired. Once
        the impairment was determined, Waterlink obtained an independent
        appraisal of the fair value of the Bioclear business. This appraisal
        indicated no value for the business above the identified tangible net
        assets. As a result, Waterlink wrote off the unamortized balance of
        goodwill of $15,967,000. Since this was deemed to be a substantially
        complete liquidation of an investment in a foreign entity, Waterlink
        also wrote off $1,317,000 of the cumulative translation adjustment
        relating to Bioclear's equity.

                                     - 18 -
<PAGE>   19

      - Waterlink incurred special charges of $1,494,000 primarily attributable
        to contractual obligations to our former president and chief executive
        officer, who resigned in June 1998, and costs necessary to recruit
        executives to Waterlink.

       Waterlink incurred special charges of $2,630,000 for the year ended
September 30, 1997 resulting primarily from the issuance at the time of our
initial public offering of a ten year option to purchase 100,000 shares of
common stock at a price of $0.10 per share to an officer of Waterlink pursuant
to terms of an employment agreement. Of this amount, approximately $1,138,000
was non-cash and the remainder represented cash obligations related principally
to the reimbursement of income taxes resulting from the stock option issuance.

       Amortization.  Amortization expense for the year ended September 30, 1998
was $1,871,000, an increase of $1,120,000 from the prior year. The increase was
primarily due to the goodwill resulting from the acquisitions previously
described.

       Interest Expense.  Interest expense for the year ended September 30, 1998
was $3,562,000, an increase of $2,281,000 from the prior year. This increase was
primarily due to increased borrowings related to the Waterlink's ongoing
acquisition program.

       Income Taxes.  Waterlink recorded an income tax provision of $1,468,000
on a pre-tax loss of $16,036,000. Waterlink was required to record income tax
expense on earnings outside the United States and was also required to record
income tax expense in several states domestically. In addition, due to the net
operating loss carryforward in the United States, we had to fully reserve for
deferred tax assets that had been recorded in the previous year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

       Since its inception, Waterlink's primary sources of liquidity have been:

       - borrowings available under credit facilities

       - net proceeds from the sale of Waterlink's common and preferred stock

       - issuance of common stock and seller financing incurred in connection
         with Waterlink's completed acquisitions

       - cash flow from certain profitable acquisitions

       Historically, Waterlink's primary uses of capital have been:

       - the funding of its acquisition program

       - working capital requirements including the funding for growth at
         certain acquisitions

       - the funding required for certain under-performing acquisitions

       Waterlink does not currently anticipate making significant capital
investments in plant and equipment because of our efforts to partner with
vendors who manufacture most of the components used in our systems and
equipment.

       For the year ended September 30, 1999, net cash provided by operating
activities was $156,000. Long-term borrowings, along with $519,000 of proceeds
from the sale of a building, were used to help fund purchases of equipment
totaling $1,961,000 and cash outlays related to the purchases of businesses of
$2,240,000.

       In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, Waterlink's board of directors
approved the 1999 plan. The 1999 plan provided for costs associated with the
exiting of certain facilities and employee termination costs. Costs associated
with this plan totaled $2,858,000 during fiscal 1998 and $1,993,000 for the year
ended September 30, 1999. Waterlink also recorded special charges during fiscal
1998 related to the resignation of our chief executive officer who resigned in
June 1998. In addition, Waterlink recorded $550,000 of special charges during
fiscal 1999 related to the announced retirement of our chairman of

                                     - 19 -
<PAGE>   20

the board. With regard to these special charges, approximately $1,439,000
remains reserved for future payment at September 30, 1999, which will be paid
over the next two fiscal years.

       Waterlink is in the process of selling and disposing of non-revenue
producing assets. A Waterlink-owned facility vacated during fiscal 1998 was sold
and the proceeds of $519,000 were received during January 1999. Waterlink is
also in the process of selling our land, building and equipment in Winnipeg,
Manitoba, Canada, the former site of our Bioclear manufacturing facility. Based
on difficulties encountered during the sales process, Waterlink further reduced
the estimated net realizable value of these remaining assets held for sale by
$1,300,000 to approximately $1,000,000, and recorded this change in accounting
estimate during the year ended September 30, 1999. Waterlink expects to sell, at
approximately estimated net realizable value, the remaining assets of the
Bioclear manufacturing facility during fiscal 2000.

       During fiscal 1998 Waterlink invested in Aquatec Water Systems,
Incorporated, a designer and manufacturer of specialized multi-chamber pumps for
the pure water industry, in the form of two $700,000 subordinated notes,
convertible into approximately 30% of the equity of Aquatec, together with other
stock purchase options. Waterlink reached an agreement to sell both notes at
their face value of $700,000 each plus interest to a group of investors.
Waterlink received $1,375,000 as partial payment for the notes and anticipates
receiving the balance of $25,000 during fiscal 2000.

       Acquisitions. Waterlink's current capital structure does not support an
aggressive acquisition program. Waterlink's intends to improve its capital
structure through a combination of improved operating performance and access to
capital markets, which we expect will enable us to resume our acquisition
program. Acquisitions are expected to play a strategic role in Waterlink's
future to increase competitiveness, spur revenue and earnings growth, and
enhance our total solutions capability. The timing, size and success of any
acquisition effort and the associated potential capital commitments are
unpredictable at this time. As a result of the specialty products division
acquisition and the implementation of our 1999 plan, our debt is in excess of
our stockholders' equity and we bear the risks associated with increased
leverage.

       During the year ended September 30, 1999 Waterlink made additional
purchase consideration payments of $2,240,000 related to the achievement of
targeted operating results of two of our acquisitions. In addition, additional
purchase consideration of $298,000 in connection with one of Waterlink's
acquisitions had been earned and recorded as of September 30, 1999, and was paid
in October, 1999. These amounts have been recorded as additional goodwill.

       Under the terms of certain of the purchase agreements, Waterlink may be
required to make additional purchase consideration payments of up to $1,000,000,
contingent upon the achievement of specified operating results during fiscal
2000. Any additional purchase consideration payments will be treated as
additional goodwill for accounting purposes.

       Credit Availability. Waterlink's credit facilities are comprised of (1) a
$76,000,000 domestic facility with Bank of America National Trust & Savings
Association as agent, which expires on May 19, 2003 and (2) separate facilities
aggregating approximately $6,500,000 at three of its overseas subsidiaries. The
credit facilities will be utilized to primarily fund operating activities of
Waterlink and, to a lesser extent, fund future acquisitions.

       Prior to the amendment mentioned below, $2,600,000 of borrowings was made
available to Waterlink as the result of third party guarantees. In connection
with assisting in the process of improving our capital structure, these third
party guarantees were provided by Brantley Venture Partners III, L.P. in the
amount of $2,300,000, and by the three executive officers of Waterlink totaling
$300,000.

       Waterlink granted the guarantors warrants to purchase, in the aggregate,
up to 283,637 shares of Waterlink common stock at an exercise price of $.01 per
share. Of the 283,637 warrants, 125,000

                                     - 20 -
<PAGE>   21

were issued at the time the guarantees were issued and the remaining 158,637
warrants were issued on September 28, 1999, the date of shareholder approval for
the remaining warrants. The warrants are immediately exercisable and expire if
unexercised in five years. The number of warrants granted to each guarantor was
based on their proportionate share of the $2,600,000 in guarantees.

       Effective with the sale of 6,300,000 shares of Waterlink common stock at
$2.725 per share on October 5, 1999, Waterlink entered into an amendment of our
domestic facility waiving certain financial covenants that were not satisfied at
September 30, 1999. The waiver remains effective until December 31, 1999,
assuming Waterlink realizes not less than $750,000 of operating income for each
of the months of October, November and December 1999. At December 31, 1999
Waterlink will be required to be in compliance with certain financial covenants
on a quarterly basis as defined in the amendment. The net proceeds from the sale
of common stock were used to repay a portion of the domestic credit facility.
After giving effect to the repayment, availability for future borrowings upon
effectiveness of the amendment under the credit facilities is approximately
$8,925,000. Availability for future borrowings may increase or decrease based on
the pro forma operating performance of Waterlink.

       Loans under the credit facilities bear interest at a designated variable
base rate plus spreads ranging from 0 to 75 basis points depending on a leverage
ratio of total consolidated indebtedness to Waterlink's earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. At Waterlink's option, the
credit facilities bear interest based on a designated London interbank offering
rate, or LIBOR, plus spreads ranging from 100 to 275 basis points, depending on
Waterlink's leverage ratio.

       The credit facilities restrict or prohibit Waterlink from taking many
actions, including paying dividends and incurring or assuming other indebtedness
or liens. The banks that participate in the credit facilities also must approve
most acquisitions. Waterlink's obligations under the credit facilities are
secured by liens on substantially all of Waterlink's domestic assets, including
equipment, inventory, accounts receivable and general intangibles and the pledge
of most of the stock of Waterlink's subsidiaries. Waterlink has guaranteed the
payment by our three overseas subsidiaries of their obligations under the
overseas facilities. The three overseas subsidiaries have given the lenders an
assurance that the subsidiaries would not pledge their assets to any other
party.

       Waterlink also has in place a $2,570,000 credit facility with Royal Bank
of Canada to fund Canadian working capital requirements including banker's
acceptances and letters of credit. Interest rates are negotiated on an
individual borrowing basis and are related to the Royal Bank of Canada's prime
rate. At September 30, 1999 the Canadian credit facility was fully utilized.
Borrowings under the Canadian credit facility are payable upon demand and are
guaranteed by the real and personal property of Waterlink's Bioclear facility.

       Waterlink believes that through the end of fiscal 2000, sufficient funds
for our working capital needs, additional cash requirements of the 1999 plan and
other special charges and additional contingent consideration payments related
to acquisitions will be provided by:

       - future cash flow from operations

       - borrowings under its credit facilities

       - issuance of subordinated indebtedness, common stock, preferred stock
         and seller financing incurred in connection with future financings or
         acquisitions

       - the sale of certain non-revenue producing assets

       Market Risk. Waterlink's earnings are affected by changes in interest
rates charged on our domestic facility. If the market rates for borrowings
increased by 1% on our domestic facility, the impact would be an increase to
interest expense of $665,000 with a corresponding decrease to income before
income taxes. This amount was determined by considering the impact of
hypothetical interest rates on the balance of Waterlink's domestic facility at
September 30, 1999, after giving effect

                                     - 21 -
<PAGE>   22

to the $16,222,000 of net proceeds generated by the sale of 6,300,000 shares of
common stock on October 5, 1999, as well as the payment of the $1,600,000 notes
payable to the former shareholders of MEVA that occurred on October 8, 1999.
This analysis does not consider the effects of the overall economic environment
associated with such a change nor does it assume any change to Waterlink's
current financial structure. During fiscal 1998 Waterlink entered into an
interest rate swap agreement to modify the characteristics of the domestic
facility, which fixed Waterlink's LIBOR based rate at 5.25% on a notional amount
of $75,000,000. On September 30, 1999 this agreement was sold for a nominal
gain.

       Waterlink also has exposure to currency rate fluctuations related
primarily to the purchases of inventory and the collection of accounts
receivable. Waterlink continues to utilize a limited number of foreign exchange
instruments, primarily forward contracts, to manage this exposure. Waterlink had
no significant hedging contracts outstanding at September 30, 1999.

       Year 2000. The year 2000 issue, as widely reported, could cause
malfunctions in certain computer-related applications with respect to dates on
or after January 1, 2000. These malfunctions could relate to Information
Technology, IT, or non-IT environments. Due to Waterlink's decentralized IT
environments, individual assessments, in accordance with Waterlink's year 2000
program, have been conducted at Waterlink's operating companies. Collectively,
these assessments indicate that Waterlink's exposure to this segment of the year
2000 issue is not significant as Waterlink does not extensively rely on IT
systems which require modification. Waterlink's externally developed system
issues have been assessed company-wide through inquiry of external vendors and
testing procedures where necessary. The appropriate upgrades, if required, have
been (or are scheduled to be) attained in order to make these systems year 2000
compliant. Waterlink has tested internally developed software systems where
applicable and has developed programs to make these systems year 2000 compliant.
Testing of upgraded or modified systems has begun at Waterlink's various
operating units. Results of these testing procedures, which will be completed by
December 31, 1999, are incomplete.

       The year 2000 program also addresses issues related to non-IT
environments. Collectively, these assessments indicate that Waterlink's exposure
to this segment of the year 2000 issue is not significant due to Waterlink's
limited manufacturing operations and related capital equipment needs.
Waterlink's operating equipment has been assessed through inquiry of external
manufacturers and internal testing procedures. Remediation efforts have begun
where necessary. Collectively, Waterlink will complete and test remediated
assets by December 31, 1999.

       Waterlink's primary system interface with an external party involves its
banking institutions. Based on inquiries of its banking institutions, Waterlink
is not aware of any unresolved year 2000 issues. Further, due to Waterlink's
decentralized operations, individual assessments, in accordance with Waterlink's
year 2000 program, have been conducted at Waterlink's operating companies
regarding significant suppliers and subcontractors. These assessments, which are
not complete, have been executed primarily through inquiry of our various
suppliers and subcontractors. To date, Waterlink is not aware of any external
party with an unresolved year 2000 issue that would materially impact
Waterlink's operations and financial position. However, Waterlink has no means
of ensuring that external parties will be year 2000 compliant. The inability of
external parties to resolve their year 2000 issue in a timely manner could
impact Waterlink's operations and financial position. The effect of
non-compliance by external parties is not determinable.

       Waterlink has primarily utilized internal resources to assess, test,
remediate and implement software and equipment related to the year 2000. The
total cost of our year 2000 program, excluding employee salaries, is estimated
at $400,000, primarily attributable to software upgrades and modifications.
Waterlink has incurred approximately $375,000 related to the various phases of
its year 2000 program through September 30, 1999.

                                     - 22 -
<PAGE>   23

       We believe that we have a program established to resolve the year 2000
issue in a timely manner. Waterlink's year 2000 program has not been completed.
In the event Waterlink does not complete its remaining year 2000 procedures, we
believe under a worst case scenario, certain functions may be interrupted.
Waterlink does not have a formal contingency plan established if all phases of
its year 2000 program are not completed. However, appropriate actions, such as
interim manual information systems, will be instituted to mitigate such
interruption. In addition, disruptions in the economy generally resulting from
unresolved year 2000 issues could also materially adversely affect Waterlink.
The potential liability and loss of revenue from these issues is not
determinable.

IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

       In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities," which provides a comprehensive and
consistent standard for the recognition and measurement of derivatives and
hedging activities. The statement will require, among other things, that all
derivatives be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. In June 1999, the
FASB issued SFAS No. 137, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities-Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133," which
makes SFAS No. 133 effective for Waterlink beginning October 1, 2000. Waterlink
does not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material effect on our
financial statements.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

       With the exception of historical information, the matters discussed in
this report may include forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. While forward-looking statements are sometimes presented with
numerical specificity, they are based on variety of assumptions made by
management regarding future circumstances over which Waterlink has little or no
control. A number of important factors, including those identified in this
section as well as factors discussed elsewhere herein, could cause Waterlink's
actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements or
financial information. Actual results may differ from forward-looking results
for a number of reasons, including the following:

       - changes in world economic conditions, including

<TABLE>
<C>                  <S>
                 i.  instability of governments and legal systems in countries in
                     which Waterlink conducts business
                ii.  significant changes in currency valuations
               iii.  recessionary environments
                iv.  year 2000 compliance issues relating to Waterlink's programs
                     and external parties, including suppliers and customers
                 v.  the effects of military conflicts
</TABLE>

       - changes in customer demand and timing of orders as they affect sales
         and product mix, including

<TABLE>
<C>                  <S>
                 i.  the effect of strikes at customer's facilities
                ii.  variations in backlog
               iii.  the impact of changes in industry business cycles
                iv.  changes in environmental laws
</TABLE>

       - competitive factors, including

<TABLE>
<C>                  <S>
                 i.  changes in market penetration
                ii.  introduction of new products by existing and new competitors
</TABLE>

                                     - 23 -
<PAGE>   24

       - changes in operating costs, including

<TABLE>
<C>                  <S>
                 i.  changes in Waterlink's and its subcontractors' manufacturing
                     processes
                ii.  changes in costs associated with varying levels of
                     operations
               iii.  changes resulting from different levels of customers demands
                iv.  effects of unplanned work stoppages
                 v.  changes in cost of labor and benefits
                vi.  the cost and availability of raw materials and energy
</TABLE>

       - the degree of success of Waterlink's strategic plan

       - unanticipated litigation, claims or assessments

       Our Quarterly Results of Operations Could Fluctuate Significantly Which
Could Result in Defaults Under Our Bank Credit Agreement and in Volatility in
the Market Price of Our Common Stock. We need to finalize complicated contracts
and orders with our customers before we produce our revenues. Often, the timing
of those contracts and orders is also subject to our customers receiving
financing, various permits and other aspects outside our control. A delay in
finalizing any of these contracts could have a significant negative impact on
our operating results in any fiscal quarter. We believe that period-to-period
comparisons of our operating results are not necessarily meaningful and should
not necessarily be relied upon as indicators of our future performance. Since
some of our financial covenants in our bank credit agreement are based on
quarterly results, these fluctuations could result in our needing to negotiate
amended terms or being in default of our bank credit agreement. Also, these
fluctuations in our quarterly results could lead to our failure to meet
expectations of securities analysts and investors and could seriously harm the
market price of our common stock. Quarterly operating results have varied
significantly in the past and will likely vary significantly in the future.

       Our Substantial Amount of Debt Could Limit Our Growth and Imposes
Restrictions on Our Business. We have incurred substantial indebtedness. Our
level of debt and our recent operating performance, including the impact of
special charges to our income, limit our ability to:

       - obtain additional financing to fund our strategy, capital expenditures,
         acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;

       - use operating cash flow in other areas of our business since we must
         dedicate a substantial portion of these funds to pay interest and
         retire debt; and

       - react to changing market conditions and economic downturns.

       At September 30, 1999, our total indebtedness was $89,917,000. On October
5, 1999, Waterlink sold 6,300,000 shares of common stock in a registered
offering at a price of $2.725 per share, which resulted in the aggregate net
proceeds of approximately $16,222,000. After the repayment of a portion of this
debt from the sale of 6,300,000 shares of common stock, this total indebtedness
is reduced to $71,695,000.

       Our debt agreements contain numerous financial and operating covenants
that limit our discretion which respect to certain business matters. These
covenants place significant restrictions on, among other things, our ability to:

       - incur additional indebtedness, both under the bank credit agreement and
         other debt agreements;

       - merge or consolidate with other entities;

       - make acquisitions;

       - repay our obligations; and

       - pay dividends and other distributions.

                                     - 24 -
<PAGE>   25

       We Have a Limited Combined Operating History and are Still in the Process
of Integrating Those Acquisitions That We Have Completed. We were formed in
December 1994 and have grown principally through the acquisition of existing
businesses. Our success depends, in part, on our ability to integrate the
operations of our various businesses, including centralizing some functions to
achieve cost savings and developing programs and processes that will promote
cooperation in the sharing of opportunities and resources among our businesses.
Our 1999 plan and our restructured organization are intended to continue to
promote our ongoing integration process. Our management group has been assembled
for only a relatively short time with several key managers, sales and
engineering personnel joining us within the last two fiscal years.

       The Demand for Our Products is Cyclical. Much of our water purification
and wastewater equipment requires significant capital expenditures by our
customers. As such, the timing of customer purchases from us is affected by
various economic factors, including interest rate and business cycle
fluctuations, the timing and process of government funding and the setting of
rates by regulators, all of which are beyond our control. The cyclical nature of
capital equipment sales could have an adverse affect on our revenues and
profitability in general and on our revenues and profitability in any particular
quarterly financial reporting period.

       Our Industry is Highly Competitive. Our industry, the water purification
and wastewater treatment industry, is fragmented and highly competitive due to
the large number of businesses within certain product areas. We compete with
many companies, several of which have greater market penetration, depth of
product line, resources and access to capital, which could be competitive
advantages in securing projects. While we believe we are well positioned to
deliver technology and services at a fair price, some of our competitors have
developed product and service integration capabilities beyond our current scope.

       We are Dependent on Key Personnel. Our business depends on our ability to
hire and retain our executive officers and senior management. Our business could
be adversely affected if for any reason any of our executive officers or senior
managers cease to be employed by us. In addition, we will be dependent on the
senior managers of any significant businesses we may acquire in the future and
on our ability to attract and retain qualified managers to support our internal
expansion.

       The Current Members of Our Board of Directors and Management Own
Approximately 20.4% of Our Common Stock and Can Exercise Significant Influence
over Our Affairs. Also, Several Institutional Investors Own Substantial
Percentages of Our Common Stock. At October 31, 1999, our current directors and
management own or control, in the aggregate, approximately 20.4% of our common
stock. In addition, several large institutional investors own or control a
significant percentage of our common stock. Accordingly, these individuals and
institutional investors, if acting together or even alone, can exercise
significant influence over our affairs including the election of our directors,
appointment of our management and approval of actions requiring the approval of
our stockholders, which may include the adoption of amendments to our
certificate of incorporation, the approval of mergers or sales of all or
substantially all our assets, and similar items. The concentration of voting
power of these stockholders, if they act together, could, under certain
circumstances, have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of
Waterlink.

       Our Foreign Operations Are Subject to Political and Economic Risks and We
May Be Adversely Affected by Foreign Currency Fluctuation. We sell a substantial
proportion of our systems, equipment and services in Western Europe, Latin
America and other regions outside the United States. Also, a number of our
divisions operate outside of the United States. Our net sales outside the United
States were approximately 48.8% of our net sales for the year ended September
30, 1999. Political,

                                     - 25 -
<PAGE>   26

economic, regulatory and social conditions in foreign countries in which we
operate may change. Risks associated with sales and operations in foreign
countries include risks of:

       - war

       - expropriation or nationalization of assets

       - renegotiation or nullification of existing contracts

       - changing political conditions

       - changing laws and policies affecting trade, taxation and investment

       - overlap of different tax structures

       - the general hazards associated with the assertion of sovereignty over
         certain areas in which operations are conducted

       Because our reporting currency is the United States dollar, our
operations outside the United States sometimes face the additional risks of
fluctuating currency values and exchange rates, hard currency shortages and
controls on currency exchange. We are subject to the impact of foreign currency
fluctuations and exchange rate charges on our reporting for results from those
operations in our financial statements.

       We May Be Subject to Liability Under Environmental Laws. In the United
States, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
of 1980, as amended, and comparable state laws, impose liability without fault
for the releases of hazardous substances into the environment. Potentially
responsible parties include (a) owners and operators of a site, (b) parties
which create the hazardous substances released at a site, and (c) parties which
arrange for the transportation or disposal of hazardous substances. We could
face claims by governmental authorities, private individuals and other persons
alleging that hazardous substances were released during the treatment process or
from the use or disposal of end products and by-products of the treatment
process in violation of law. We are also subject to environmental laws in
countries outside the United States where we operate or in which our customers
are located. These requirements and their enforcement may vary by country but in
general prescribe standards for the protection of human health, safety and the
environment.

       Changes in Environmental Laws Could Affect Our Business. Federal, state,
local and foreign environmental laws and regulations impose substantial
standards for properly purifying water and treating wastewater, and impose
liabilities for noncompliance. Environmental laws and regulations are, and will
continue to be, a significant factor affecting our ability to sell our
solutions, systems and equipment. To the extent that demand for our solutions,
systems and equipment is created by the need to comply with environmental laws
and regulations, any modification of the standards imposed by these laws and
environmental laws and regulations may reduce demand for our products and
services, thereby adversely affecting our business and prospects.

       Our Long-Term Growth Strategy Is Dependent on Completing
Acquisitions. Over the long-term, we intend to grow significantly by acquiring
other businesses. Our current capital structure does not support an aggressive
acquisition program. We intend to use a combination of our common stock, cash
and debt obligations to make these future acquisitions. The extent to which we
are able to use our common stock for this purpose will depend on its market
value from time to time and the willingness of potential sellers to accept it as
full or partial payment. To the extent we are unable to use our common stock to
make acquisitions, our ability to grow may be limited to funds from internally
generated cash flow over and above our other cash needs and our ability to incur
additional indebtedness. Our current capital structure may make it more
difficult for us to borrow money to use for acquisitions.

       An acquisition strategy such as ours involves risks inherent in assessing
the values, strengths, weaknesses and profitability of acquisition candidates.
Historically, we have been successful in identifying potential acquisition
candidates. As consolidation continues in the industry, the prices for

                                     - 26 -
<PAGE>   27

attractive acquisition candidates may be higher than we have paid and may make
an acquisition strategy for growth less viable.

       Our Business is Subject to Potential Warranty and Performance Guarantee
Claims. Some of our customers require us to guarantee that our services and
products will be of a specified level of quality or performance. If a product or
service fails to attain that level of quality or performance, we could incur
significant financial penalties.

         We Face Many Unknown Risks Associated with Year 2000 Problems. Many
currently installed computer systems and software products are dependant upon
internal calendars coded to accept only two digit entries in the date code
field. These date code fields will need to accept four digit entries to
distinguish dates after the beginning of year 2000 from those before. While we
believe that we have a program established to resolve the year 2000 issue in a
timely manner in our computer systems, we may not have resolved all issues.
Also, we depend on third parties, including suppliers, subcontractors and
customers, for the operation of our day-to-day business. If they fail to correct
their year 2000 problems, failures or interruptions to our business may occur,
resulting in significant financial and other problems. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

       Provisions of Our Corporate Documents Could Delay or Prevent a Change in
Control of Waterlink. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain
certain provisions which may have anti-takeover effects and may discourage,
delay, or prevent a takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in his
best interest. These documents allow our board of directors to authorize the
issuance of preferred stock, which could adversely affect the voting and other
rights of the holders of our common stock, provide that our directors are
classified into three classes with staggered terms, and contain a "fair price
provision" which imposes restrictions in the event of certain business
combinations.

ITEM 7(A).  QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES REGARDING MARKET RISK

       The disclosures required under this item are included in Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations on
pages 21-22.

                                     - 27 -
<PAGE>   28

ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

                                    CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
<S>                                                           <C>
Report of Independent Auditors..............................   29
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 1999 and
  1998......................................................   30
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
  September 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997.........................   32
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the
  years ended September 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997.............   33
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
  September 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997.........................   34
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................   35
</TABLE>

                                     - 28 -
<PAGE>   29

                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Waterlink, Inc.

       We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
Waterlink, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 1999 and 1998, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 1999. 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Waterlink, Inc. and subsidiaries at September 30, 1999 and 1998, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended September 30, 1999, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Canton, Ohio
November 8, 1999

                                     - 29 -
<PAGE>   30

                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                              --------------------
                                                                1999        1998
                                                              --------    --------
                                                                 (In thousands,
                                                               except share data)
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                                   $  1,734    $  3,925
  Trade accounts receivable, less allowance of $1,376 in
     1999 and $1,266 in 1998                                    37,883      29,906
  Other receivables                                              2,163       2,757
  Inventories                                                   23,761      22,160
  Costs in excess of billings                                   18,641      17,195
  Refundable income taxes                                           --         840
  Other current assets                                           3,198       3,111
                                                              --------    --------
Total current assets                                            87,380      79,894
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
  Land, building and improvements                                3,022       4,095
  Machinery and equipment                                        8,501       8,293
  Office equipment                                               3,271       2,899
                                                              --------    --------
                                                                14,794      15,287
  Less accumulated depreciation                                  2,660       1,557
                                                              --------    --------
                                                                12,134      13,730
Other assets:
  Goodwill, net of amortization of $4,244 in 1999 and $2,555
     in 1998                                                    77,777      79,936
  Patents, net of amortization of $336 in 1999 and $217 in
     1998                                                        1,316       1,408
  Other assets                                                   6,788       8,593
                                                              --------    --------
                                                                85,881      89,937
                                                              --------    --------
Total assets                                                  $185,395    $183,561
                                                              ========    ========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
                                     - 30 -
<PAGE>   31

                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                              --------------------
                                                                1999        1998
                                                              --------    --------
                                                                 (In thousands,
                                                               except share data)
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable -- trade                                   $ 22,197    $ 15,133
  Accrued expenses                                              16,266      18,881
  Additional purchase consideration payable                        298       1,000
  Billings in excess of cost                                     4,022       3,392
  Accrued income taxes                                           1,360       1,158
  Deferred income taxes                                            160         164
  Current portion of long-term obligations                       8,218       9,429
                                                              --------    --------
Total current liabilities                                       52,521      49,157
Long-term obligations:
  Long-term debt                                                78,449      73,639
  Convertible subordinated notes -- related parties              3,250       4,250
  Other                                                          1,189       1,637
                                                              --------    --------
                                                                82,888      79,526
Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred Stock, $.001 par value, authorized 10,000,000
     shares, none issued and outstanding                            --          --
  Common Stock, voting, $.001 par value
  Authorized -- 40,000,000 shares
  Issued and outstanding -- 12,635,861 shares in 1999 and
     12,225,604 shares in 1998                                      13          12
  Additional paid-in capital                                    73,781      71,973
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)                 (2,288)        231
  Accumulated deficit                                          (21,520)    (17,338)
                                                              --------    --------
Total shareholders' equity                                      49,986      54,878
                                                              --------    --------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                    $185,395    $183,561
                                                              ========    ========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
                                     - 31 -
<PAGE>   32

                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                       -------------------------------------
                                                          1999          1998         1997
                                                       ----------    ----------    ---------
                                                       (In thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                                    <C>           <C>           <C>
Net sales                                               $170,169      $135,167      $64,699
Cost of sales                                            115,943        85,532       40,390
                                                        --------      --------      -------
Gross profit                                              54,226        49,635       24,309

Selling, general and administrative expenses              43,531        38,639       18,683
Special charges                                            3,843        21,636        2,630
Amortization                                               2,130         1,871          751
                                                        --------      --------      -------
Operating income (loss)                                    4,722       (12,511)       2,245

Other income (expense):
  Interest expense                                        (7,857)       (3,562)      (1,281)
  Interest income and other items--net                       (14)           37          263
                                                        --------      --------      -------
Income (loss) before income taxes                         (3,149)      (16,036)       1,227
Income taxes                                               1,033         1,468          470
                                                        --------      --------      -------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item                   (4,182)      (17,504)         757

Extraordinary item, net of income taxes of $257               --            --         (385)
                                                        --------      --------      -------
Net income (loss)                                       $ (4,182)     $(17,504)     $   372
                                                        ========      ========      =======

Earnings (loss) per common share:
  Basic:
     Income (loss) before extraordinary item            $  (0.33)     $  (1.46)     $  0.15
     Extraordinary item                                       --            --        (0.08)
                                                        --------      --------      -------
                                                        $  (0.33)     $  (1.46)     $  0.07
                                                        ========      ========      =======
  Assuming dilution:
     Income (loss) before extraordinary item            $  (0.33)     $  (1.46)     $  0.10
     Extraordinary item                                       --            --        (0.05)
                                                        --------      --------      -------
                                                        $  (0.33)     $  (1.46)     $  0.05
                                                        ========      ========      =======
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
  Basic                                                   12,556        12,007        4,924
  Assuming dilution                                       12,556        12,007        7,804
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
                                     - 32 -
<PAGE>   33

                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               ACCUMULATED                     TOTAL
                                                 ADDITIONAL       OTHER                     SHAREHOLDERS
                                        COMMON    PAID-IN     COMPREHENSIVE   ACCUMULATED      EQUITY
                                        STOCK     CAPITAL     INCOME (LOSS)     DEFICIT      (DEFICIT)
                                        ------   ----------   -------------   -----------   ------------
                                                       (In thousands, except share data)
<S>                                     <C>      <C>          <C>             <C>           <C>
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
Balance at October 1, 1996               $  2     $  2,611                     $    (206)    $   2,407
Net income                                                                           372           372
Foreign currency translation
  adjustments                                                   $    (44)                          (44)
                                                                                             ---------
Comprehensive income                                                                               328
Conversion of subordinated notes --
  600,000 shares                            1        2,516                                       2,517
Issuance of 481,830 shares in
  connection with acquisition of
  subsidiaries                              1        4,843                                       4,844
Sale of 5,175,000 shares in connection
  with the initial public offering and
  the exercise of the underwriters
  overallotment                             5       49,935                                      49,940
Conversion of 3,250,000 shares of
  Preferred Stock into Common Stock         3        8,497                                       8,500
Issuance of warrants in connection
  with debt agreements                                 413                                         413
Exercise of 399,500 stock options                      583                                         583
Other                                                1,341                                       1,341
                                         ----     --------      --------       ---------     ---------
Balance at September 30, 1997              12       70,739           (44)            166        70,873
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
Net loss                                                                         (17,504)      (17,504)
Foreign currency translation
  adjustments                                                        275                           275
                                                                                             ---------
Comprehensive loss                                                                             (17,229)
Exercise of 275,966 stock options and
  warrants                                             912                                         912
Issuance of 42,384 shares in
  connection with the employee stock
  purchase plan                                        396                                         396
Issuance of 928 shares in connection
  with acquisitions                                     16                                          16
Other                                                  (90)                                        (90)
                                         ----     --------      --------       ---------     ---------
Balance at September 30, 1998              12       71,973           231         (17,338)       54,878
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
Net loss                                                                          (4,182)       (4,182)
Foreign currency translation
  adjustments                                                     (2,519)                       (2,519)
                                                                                             ---------
Comprehensive loss                                                                              (6,701)
Conversion of subordinated notes for
  410,257 shares                            1          999                                       1,000
Issuance of warrants in connection
  with guaranty of senior indebtedness                 820                                         820
Other                                                  (11)                                        (11)
                                         ----     --------      --------       ---------     ---------
Balance at September 30, 1999            $ 13     $ 73,781      $ (2,288)      $ (21,520)    $  49,986
                                         ====     ========      ========       =========     =========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
                                     - 33 -
<PAGE>   34

                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                        -------------------------------
                                                         1999        1998        1997
                                                        -------    --------    --------
                                                                (In thousands)
<S>                                                     <C>        <C>         <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)                                       $(4,182)   $(17,504)   $    372
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
 used by operating activities:
  Extraordinary item                                         --          --         385
  Non-cash portion of special charges                     3,053      17,378       1,138
  Deferred income taxes (credit)                            542         667        (503)
  Depreciation and amortization                           3,994       3,326       1,229
  Changes in working capital:
     Accounts receivable                                 (7,916)      6,128      (8,951)
     Inventories                                         (2,681)     (2,583)       (827)
     Cost in excess of billings                          (1,788)     (7,224)        (13)
     Refundable income taxes                                840        (205)       (123)
     Other assets                                         2,092      (8,155)        462
     Accounts payable                                     7,326         195       2,265
     Accrued expenses                                    (2,031)      1,693           5
     Billings in excess of cost                             684      (3,284)     (2,725)
     Accrued income taxes                                   223         115         578
                                                        -------    --------    --------
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities            156      (9,453)     (6,708)

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of equipment                                   (1,961)     (2,261)     (1,072)
Proceeds from sale of building                              519          --          --
Purchases of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired          (2,240)    (53,430)    (42,597)
                                                        -------    --------    --------
Net cash used in investing activities                    (3,682)    (55,691)    (43,669)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from long-term borrowings                        5,306      66,709      33,110
Payments on long-term borrowings                         (2,470)     (1,417)    (30,866)
Proceeds from sale of Common Stock                           --       1,308      50,523
                                                        -------    --------    --------
Net cash provided by financing activities                 2,836      66,600      52,767
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                  (1,501)        (13)        (27)
                                                        -------    --------    --------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents         (2,191)      1,443       2,363

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year            3,925       2,482         119
                                                        -------    --------    --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                $ 1,734    $  3,925    $  2,482
                                                        =======    ========    ========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
                                     - 34 -
<PAGE>   35

                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1999

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

1.   ACCOUNTING POLICIES

       PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION -- The consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of Waterlink, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the
"Company"). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated upon consolidation.

       FISCAL YEAR END -- The Company's fiscal year ends on September 30th.
References in the notes to the financial statements to the years 1999, 1998 and
1997 refer to the fiscal years ended September 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.

       CASH EQUIVALENTS -- The Company considers all highly liquid investments
with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

       CONTRACTS AND REVENUE RECOGNITION -- The majority of the Company's
systems and equipment are custom designed and take a number of months to
produce. Revenues from large contracts are recognized using the percentage of
completion method of accounting in the proportion that costs bear to total
estimated costs at completion. Revisions of estimated costs or potential
contract losses are recognized in the period in which they are determined.
Provisions are made currently for all known or anticipated losses. Variations
from estimated contract performance could result in a material adjustment to
operating results for any fiscal quarter or year. Claims for extra work or
changes in scope of work are included in revenues when collection is probable.

       Contract costs include all direct engineering, material and labor costs,
as well as applicable overheads related to contract performance. General and
administrative expenses are charged to expense as incurred.

       Revenues from the remaining equipment and product sales are recognized
when shipped.

       INVENTORIES -- Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market.
Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

       CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK -- Financial instruments which potentially
subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash
equivalents, trade receivables and notes receivable. The Company places its cash
equivalents with major financial institutions.

       Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are
limited due to the Company's large number of customers and their dispersion
across many different regions and industries. The Company grants credit to
customers based on an evaluation of their financial condition and collateral is
generally not required. Notes receivable aggregating approximately $2,600,000
from two customers are classified in other long-term assets and are
collateralized. Losses from credit sales are provided for in the financial
statements and have historically been within management's expectations.

       PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT -- Property, plant and equipment is valued
at cost. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as
incurred, while expenditures for additions and improvements are capitalized.
Depreciation is computed principally using the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of assets. The useful lives range from 30 to 40 years for
building and improvements; 5 to 10 years for machinery and equipment and 3 to 7
years for office equipment.

                                     - 35 -
<PAGE>   36
                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

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

       GOODWILL -- Goodwill represents costs in excess of net assets of acquired
businesses which are amortized using the straight-line method over a period of
40 years. The Company evaluates the realizability of goodwill based on the
undiscounted cash flows of the applicable businesses acquired over the remaining
amortization period. Should the review indicate that goodwill is not
recoverable, the Company's carrying value of goodwill would be reduced by the
estimated shortfall of the cash flows. In addition, the Company assesses
long-lived assets for impairment under Financial Accounting Standards Board's
(FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting
for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." Under those rules,
goodwill associated with assets acquired in a purchase business combination is
included in impairment evaluations when events or circumstances exist that
indicate the carrying amount of those assets may not be recoverable (see Note
7).

       FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION -- Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries
are translated at the rate of exchange in effect on the balance sheet date;
income and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing
during the year. The related translation adjustments are reflected in
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders' equity.
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consists entirely of foreign
currency translation adjustments in all periods presented. Foreign currency
gains and losses resulting from transactions are included in the results of
operations and amounted to a net gain of $213,000 in 1999, $91,000 in 1998 and
$167,000 in 1997.

       EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE -- Earnings per share is computed by dividing
net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during
the year. Earnings per share -- assuming dilution is computed by dividing net
income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding adjusted for
any dilutive impact of potential common shares for options, warrants,
convertible subordinated debt and convertible redeemable preferred stock.

       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 amounts reported in the financial
statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.

       IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS -- In June 1998, the FASB
issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities," which provides a comprehensive and consistent standard for the
recognition and measurement of derivatives and hedging activities. The Statement
will require, among other things, that all derivatives be recorded on the
balance sheet at fair value. In June 1999, the FASB issued SFAS No. 137,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-Deferral of the
Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133," which makes SFAS No. 133 effective
for the Company beginning October 1, 2000. The Company does not expect the
adoption of this Statement to have a material effect on the Company's financial
statements.

       RECLASSIFICATIONS -- Certain amounts reported in the 1998 and 1997
financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 1999 presentation.

2.   ACQUISITIONS

       During fiscal 1998, the Company completed three acquisitions. On March 2,
1998 the Company purchased Chemitreat Services, Inc. ("C'treat"), which designs
and manufactures pure watermakers for use in the global offshore energy
industry, for approximately $5,000,000. The purchase price

                                     - 36 -
<PAGE>   37
                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

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

consists of $2,750,000 in cash and $2,250,000 in convertible subordinated notes.
On March 25, 1998, the Company acquired Aquafine Engineering Services Limited
("AES") and Purac Engineering Incorporated ("Purac") in a single transaction for
approximately $7,572,000 in cash. AES designs and manufactures industrial and
municipal water and wastewater systems and solutions principally for the United
Kingdom market. Purac designs water and wastewater systems principally for the
United States municipal market. On June 5, 1998, the Company acquired Barnebey &
Sutcliffe Corporation ("Barnebey"), Sutcliffe Speakman Carbons Limited
("Carbons") and Sutcliffe Croftshaw Limited ("Croftshaw") in a single
transaction for approximately $45,000,000 in cash. Barnebey is located in the
United States and Carbons and Croftshaw are located in the United Kingdom. These
three companies ("Specialty Products Division") design, manufacture and market
products and services utilizing activated carbon for separation, concentration
and purification of water, liquid and gases. The aggregate purchase price of the
1998 acquisitions included approximately $35,704,000 of goodwill
(C'treat--$4,288,000; AES/Purac--$3,236,000; and Specialty Products
Division--$28,180,000), which is being amortized on a straight-line basis over
40 years.

       During fiscal 1997, the Company completed five acquisitions of companies
that design and produce water and wastewater treatment systems. The Nordic Water
Products Group ("Nordic Group") was purchased effective March 5, 1997 for
approximately $11,256,000, consisting of $10,721,000 in cash and $535,000 of
seller notes. Bioclear Technology, Inc. ("Bioclear") and Lanco Environmental
Products, Inc. ("Lanco") were purchased effective June 27, 1997. The purchase
price for Bioclear was approximately $20,391,000, which consisted of $14,488,000
in cash, $2,285,000 of assumed debt and 328,947 shares of Common Stock valued at
$11 per share. Lanco was purchased for $2,200,000 in cash. Mellegard V.A.
Maskiner AB ("Meva") was purchased effective September 12, 1997 for
approximately $8,638,000, consisting of $6,967,000 in cash and $1,671,000 of
seller notes. Hycor Corporation ("Hycor") was purchased effective September 30,
1997 for approximately $17,002,000, consisting of $13,500,000 in cash,
$2,250,000 in convertible subordinated notes, $502,000 of assumed debt and
41,095 shares of Common Stock at $18.25 per share. The aggregate purchase price
of the 1997 acquisitions included approximately $47,207,000 of goodwill (Nordic
Group -- $5,878,000; Bioclear -- $17,849,000; Lanco -- $1,907,000;
Meva -- $6,702,000 and Hycor -- $14,871,000), which is being amortized on a
straight-line basis over 40 years. During fiscal 1998, the Company made the
decision to exit the Bioclear business due to the lack of order inflow and
proposal opportunities, the unreliability of Bioclear's niche market, and the
turnover in upper management of Bioclear. As a result of the Company's decision
to exit the business, the unamortized balance of Bioclear goodwill was written
off as part of the special charges to operations discussed in Note 7.

       All of the acquisitions were accounted for as purchases. The consolidated
statements of operations of the Company include the results of operations of the
acquired businesses for the period subsequent to the effective date of these
acquisitions.

       Under the terms of certain of the purchase agreements, the Company may be
required to make additional purchase consideration payments of up to $1,000,000,
contingent upon the achievement of specified operating results during fiscal
2000. Any such additional purchase consideration payments will be treated as
additional goodwill for accounting purposes.

       The following unaudited pro forma information for 1998 presents the
consolidated results of operations of the Company assuming the acquisitions
discussed above were completed on October 1, 1997. Actual results for 1999 are
presented for comparative purposes.

                                     - 37 -
<PAGE>   38
                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1999          1998
                                                           ----------    ----------
                                                           (In thousands except per
                                                                 share data)
<S>                                                        <C>           <C>
Net sales                                                   $170,169      $183,521
  Operating income (loss)                                      4,722        (8,443)
  Loss before taxes and extraordinary item                    (3,149)      (14,617)
  Net loss                                                    (4,182)      (16,360)
  Net loss per common share -- basic                        $  (0.33)     $  (1.36)
  Net loss per common share -- assuming dilution            $  (0.33)     $  (1.36)
</TABLE>

       The pro forma results of operations are not indicative of the actual
results of operations that would have occurred had the acquisitions been made on
the date indicated, or the results that may be obtained in the future. The 1999
actual results of operations reflect several non-recurring charges totaling
$7,105,000. Of this amount, $3,843,000 was classified as special charges (see
Note 7); $870,000 is included in interest expense (see Note 5); $2,137,000
relates to the exit of a manufacturing facility is included in cost of sales,
and $255,000 relates to the write off of costs associated with certain
acquisition activity that was ceased during 1999 that was classified in selling,
general and administrative expense. Pro forma operating results for the year
ended September 30, 1998 reflect $21,636,000 of special charges as described in
Note 7.

3.   INVENTORIES

       Inventories consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                             ------------------
                                                              1999       1998
                                                             -------    -------
                                                               (In thousands)
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>
Raw materials and supplies                                   $13,836    $11,843
  Work in process                                              4,394      3,500
  Finished goods                                               5,531      6,817
                                                             -------    -------
                                                             $23,761    $22,160
                                                             =======    =======
</TABLE>

4.   CONTRACT BILLING STATUS

       Information with respect to the billing status of contracts in process is
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                             ------------------
                                                              1999       1998
                                                             -------    -------
                                                               (In thousands)
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>
Contract costs incurred to date                              $64,062    $57,435
  Estimated profits                                           25,439     24,497
                                                             -------    -------
  Contract revenue earned to date                             89,501     81,932
  Less billings to date                                       74,882     68,129
                                                             -------    -------
  Cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net     $14,619    $13,803
                                                             =======    =======
</TABLE>

                                     - 38 -
<PAGE>   39
                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

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

       The above amounts are included in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheet as:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                            -------------------
                                                              1999       1998
                                                            --------    -------
                                                              (In thousands)
<S>                                                         <C>         <C>
Costs in excess of billings                                 $ 18,641    $17,195
  Billings in excess of costs                                  4,022      3,392
                                                            --------    -------
                                                            $ 14,619    $13,803
                                                            ========    =======
</TABLE>

       Amounts receivable include retainage which has been billed, but is not
due pursuant to retainage provisions in construction contracts until completion
of performance and acceptance by the customer. This retainage aggregated
$2,188,000 at September 30, 1999 and $1,411,000 at September 30, 1998.
Substantially all retained balances are collectible within one year.

5.   LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

       Long-term obligations consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                            -------------------
                                                              1999       1998
                                                            --------    -------
                                                              (In thousands)
<S>                                                         <C>         <C>
LONG-TERM DEBT
     Revolving credit agreements with a bank, due May 19,
        2003. Interest is payable monthly at designated
        variable rates (average rate of 8.17% at September
        30, 1999)                                           $ 32,269    $43,000
     Term note payable to a bank, quarterly payments
        ranging from $500,000 in December 1999 to
        $2,500,000 in March 2003, with the balance due
        upon maturity on May 19, 2003. Interest is payable
        quarterly at variable rates (average rate of 8.42%
        at September 30, 1999)                                48,836     35,000
     Note payable to a bank, in monthly installments of
        $187,500 beginning in January 2000, with the
        balance due at maturity on September 25, 2000.
        Interest is payable at maturity ( 9.25% at
        September 30, 1999)                                    2,570      2,535
     Other notes payable to various parties                    1,392        862
</TABLE>

                                     - 39 -
<PAGE>   40
                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                            -------------------
                                                              1999       1998
                                                            --------    -------
                                                              (In thousands)
<S>                                                         <C>         <C>
CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES -- RELATED PARTIES
     Note payable to former shareholders of Meva. Interest
        accrues at 3% per annum and is payable on a
        quarterly basis.                                       1,600      1,671
     Note payable to a former shareholder of Hycor, due
        October 1, 2000. Interest accrues at 6.06% per
        annum and is payable on a quarterly basis.             1,000      2,000
     Note payable to former shareholders of C'treat, due
        March 2, 2001. Interest accrues at 5.54% per annum
        and is payable on a quarterly basis.                   2,250      2,250
                                                            --------    -------
                                                              89,917     87,318
  Less current maturities                                      8,218      9,429
                                                            --------    -------
                                                            $ 81,699    $77,889
                                                            ========    =======
</TABLE>

       Future maturities of long-term obligations for the five years subsequent
to September 30, 1999 are as follows: 2000--$8,218,000; 2001--$11,702,000;
2002--$10,070,000; 2003--$59,675,000 and 2004--$77,000.

       Interest paid approximated $7,467,000 in 1999, $2,758,000 in 1998 and
$1,605,000 in 1997.

       The Company's senior credit facilities are comprised of a domestic credit
facility with Bank of America National Trust & Savings Association as agent, and
three separate facilities at overseas locations. During the last quarter of
1999, the Company entered into two amendments of its domestic credit facility,
the fifth and sixth amendments. In connection with the fifth amendment, a
significant stockholder and the three executive officers of the Company
guaranteed the repayment in the aggregate of up to $2,600,000 of outstanding
indebtedness. In consideration for these guarantees, warrants to purchase, in
the aggregate, up to 283,637 shares of Common Stock were issued at an exercise
price of $0.01 per share. The warrants are immediately exercisable and expire if
unexercised after five years. The guarantees expired on October 5, 1999 upon the
completion of the sale of 6,300,000 shares of Common Stock as described in Note
16. The value of these warrants, plus costs associated with their issuance,
totaling approximately $870,000, was amortized over the guarantee period and is
included in interest expense for the year ended September 30, 1999. The fifth
amendment also waived certain financial covenants that were not satisfied at
June 30, 1999.

       In connection with the sale of 6,300,000 shares of Common Stock, the
Company entered into the sixth amendment to the domestic credit facility. This
amendment reduced the domestic credit facility to $76,000,000 and waived certain
financial covenants that were not satisfied at September 30, 1999. The waiver
remains in effect until December 31, 1999 assuming the Company realizes not less
that $750,000 of operating income for each month of October, November and
December 1999.

       Availability for future borrowings under the domestic credit facility is
based on a multiple of the Company's pro forma earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization, with the first measurement period being December
31, 1999. At September 30, 1999, approximately $400,000 was available for future
borrowings under the domestic credit facility. After giving effect to
approximately $16.2 million of net proceeds generated from the sale of 6,300,000
shares of Common Stock on

                                     - 40 -
<PAGE>   41
                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

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

October 5, 1999, approximately $8,925,000 is available for future borrowings. On
October 8, 1999 the $1,600,000 of convertible subordinated notes to former
shareholders of Meva were paid.

       Loans under the Amended Credit Facilities bear interest at a designated
variable base rate plus spreads ranging from 0 to 75 basis points depending on
the ratio of total consolidated indebtedness to the Company's earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. At the Company's option, the
credit facilities bear interest based on a designated London interbank offering
rate, or LIBOR, or prime plus spreads ranging from 100 to 275 basis points,
depending on the Company's leverage ratio.

       The credit facilities restrict or prohibit the Company from taking many
actions, including paying dividends and incurring or assuming other indebtedness
or liens. The banks that participate in the credit facilities also must approve
most acquisitions. The Company's obligations under the credit facilities are
secured by liens on substantially all of the Company's domestic assets,
including equipment, inventory, accounts receivable and general intangibles and
the pledge of most of the stock of the Company's subsidiaries. The Company has
guaranteed the payment by its three overseas subsidiaries of their obligations
under the overseas facilities. The three overseas subsidiaries have given the
lenders an assurance that the subsidiaries would not pledge their assets to any
other party.

       The Company also has in place a $2,570,000 credit facility with Royal
Bank of Canada to fund Canadian working capital requirements including banker's
acceptances and letters of credit. Interest rates are negotiated on an
individual borrowing basis and are related to the Royal Bank of Canada's prime
rate. At September 30, 1999 the Canadian credit facility was fully utilized.
Borrowings under the Canadian credit facility are payable on a monthly basis
during fiscal 2000 and are guaranteed by the real and personal property of the
Company's Bioclear facility.

       During 1999, the Company entered into an agreement with one of its
existing holders of convertible subordinated notes to reduce the note principal
amount from $2,000,000 to $1,000,000 in exchange for 410,257 shares of Common
Stock. In addition, for the remaining $1,000,000 of the convertible subordinated
note, the maturity date was extended from September 30, 1999 to October 1, 2000;
the interest rate on the remaining note balance was increased from 5.81% to
6.06%; and the conversion rate was decreased from $22.25 per share to $6.75 per
share. Effective October 1, 1999, $750,000 of the $1,000,000 balance was
converted in exchange for 275,230 shares of Common Stock, with the remaining
principal balance being paid in cash.

       The conversion rate on the convertible subordinated notes payable to the
former shareholders of C'treat is $15.63.

6.   LEASES

       The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under operating
leases, some of which are with entities controlled by former shareholders of
certain acquired businesses. Rent expense totaled $2,583,000 in 1999, $2,072,000
in 1998 and $959,000 in 1997. Related party rent expense included in

                                     - 41 -
<PAGE>   42
                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

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

these totals amounted to $511,000 in 1999, $758,000 in 1998 and $438,000 in
1997. Aggregate future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating
leases at September 30, 1999 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            RELATED
             PARTY     OTHER
            LEASES     LEASES     TOTAL
            -------    ------    -------
                   (In thousands)
<S>         <C>        <C>       <C>
2000        $  741     $1,441    $ 2,182
2001           750      1,254      2,004
2002           413      1,057      1,470
2003           439        761      1,200
2004           474        469        943
Thereafter   3,246      1,597      4,843
            ------     ------    -------
            $6,063     $6,579    $12,642
            ======     ======    =======
</TABLE>

7.  SPECIAL CHARGES

       During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company's Board of
Directors approved the 1999 Strategic Operating Plan (the "1999 Plan"), which is
designed to restructure the Company from a holding company with 23 operating
companies into five integrated divisions that focus on specific market segments.
The plan, which has eliminated redundant costs and is intended to improve
operating efficiencies, includes costs associated with the exiting and
consolidation of certain facilities and employee termination costs. In
conjunction with the 1999 Plan, the Company expected to reduce its domestic and
foreign workforce by approximately 75 people and eliminate certain
administrative and production-related functions no longer required. Through
September 30, 1999, 119 employees have been terminated in conjunction with the
1999 Plan. Of the 119 employees terminated, 95 people have received, or are
currently receiving, termination benefits in accordance with Company guidelines
or local laws. Further, seven facilities have been closed or relocated as of
September 30, 1999.

       The following table summarizes the provisions, payments and remaining
reserves associated with the 1999 Plan:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               TERMINATION    OTHER EXIT
                                                BENEFITS        COSTS       TOTAL
                                               -----------    ----------    ------
                                                         (In thousands)
<S>                                            <C>            <C>           <C>
Provision in 1998                                $1,076         $1,782      $2,858
Payments in 1998                                   (120)          (480)       (600)
                                                 ------         ------      ------
Reserve at September 30, 1998                       956          1,302       2,258
Provision in 1999                                 1,093            900       1,993
Payments in 1999                                 (1,444)        (1,918)     (3,362)
                                                 ------         ------      ------
Reserve at September 30, 1999                    $  605         $  284      $  889
                                                 ======         ======      ======
</TABLE>

       In conjunction with its 1999 Plan, the Company determined that it would
exit the acquired Bioclear business. During 1998, the assets of Bioclear,
primarily related to its manufacturing facility located in Winnipeg, Canada,
were reduced to their estimated net realizable value. Accordingly, the Company
recorded a $17,284,000 non-cash charge during 1998, consisting of $15,967,000
related to the impairment of goodwill associated with the June 1997 Bioclear
acquisition and $1,317,000 to

                                     - 42 -
<PAGE>   43
                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

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

write-off the cumulative translation adjustment component of Bioclear's equity.
Based on the status of the sales process and the Company's decision regarding
how to best dispose of the facility, the Company further reduced the estimated
net realizable value of these remaining assets by $1,300,000 and recorded this
change in accounting estimate during the year ended September 30, 1999. The
carrying value of the facility, $959,000, is included in other long-term assets
at September 30, 1999. For segment reporting purposes, the remaining asset value
and the amount of impairment charges for 1999 and 1998 are included under the
Biological Wastewater Treatment Division.

       Theodore F. Savastano, the Company's founder and Chairman of the Board of
Directors, will retire at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in January 2000. In
conjunction with Mr. Savastano's retirement, the Company recorded $550,000 in
special charges in fiscal 1999 attributable to contractual obligations. This
post-employment obligation will be payable over the next two fiscal years.

       As a result of the reduction in estimated net realizable value of the
remaining Bioclear assets, together with the termination and facility
consolidation costs and the contractual obligation to its Chairman previously
discussed, the Company has recorded special charges totaling $3,843,000 during
the year ended September 30, 1999.

       In addition to the $2,858,000 recorded in connection with the 1999 Plan
and the $17,284,000 of non-cash charges associated with the exit of the acquired
Bioclear business, the Company also incurred a special charge during 1998 of
approximately $1,494,000 primarily attributable to contractual obligations of
the Company to its former chief executive officer, who resigned in June 1998,
and costs necessary to recruit executives to the Company.

       The special charges of $2,630,000 for the year ended September 30, 1997
resulted primarily from the issuance, concurrent with the Company's initial
public offering, of a ten year option to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock
at a price of $0.10 per share to an officer of the Company pursuant to terms of
an employment agreement. Of this amount, approximately $1,138,000 was non-cash
and the remainder represented cash obligations related principally to the
reimbursement of income taxes resulting from the stock option issuance.

8.   EXTRAORDINARY ITEM

       Prior to its initial public offering in 1997, the Company issued warrants
to purchase 225,000 shares of Common Stock to Bank of America National Trust &
Savings Association in connection with its then effective credit facility, and
warrants to purchase 125,000 shares of Common Stock in conjunction with entering
into a note purchase agreement with several purchasers. The 350,000 warrants
were issued at $4.50 per share and were assigned an original issue discount
value of $413,500 ($1.18 per share), which was capitalized as deferred financing
costs. As a result of its initial public offering, the Company cancelled the
note purchase agreements and retired certain indebtedness that resulted in the
write off of the original issue discount and other unamortized debt issuance
costs. As a result, the Company realized an extraordinary charge of $385,000,
net of taxes of $257,000, which reduced earnings per share, assuming dilution,
by $0.05 for the year ended September 30, 1997.

                                     - 43 -
<PAGE>   44
                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

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

9.   INCOME TAXES

       The provision for income taxes consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1999        1998       1997
                                                  -------    --------    ------
                                                         (In thousands)
<S>                                               <C>        <C>         <C>
Current:
  U.S. federal                                    $    --    $     --    $  807
  State and local                                     223         111       (48)
  Foreign                                             268         690       214
                                                  -------    --------    ------
                                                      491         801       973
Deferred (credit):
  U.S. federal                                         --         620      (620)
  Foreign                                             542          47       117
                                                  -------    --------    ------
                                                      542         667      (503)
                                                  -------    --------    ------
                                                  $ 1,033    $  1,468    $  470
                                                  =======    ========    ======
</TABLE>

       Income (loss) before income taxes consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1999        1998       1997
                                                  -------    --------    ------
                                                         (In thousands)
<S>                                               <C>        <C>         <C>
United States                                     $(2,459)   $  1,379    $  431
Foreign                                              (690)    (17,415)      796
                                                  -------    --------    ------
                                                  $(3,149)   $(16,036)   $1,227
                                                  =======    ========    ======
</TABLE>

       The Company made income tax payments of approximately $1,020,000 in 1999,
$979,000 in 1998 and $220,000 in 1997.

       Following is the reconciliation between the provision (credit) for income
taxes and the amount computed by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax
rate of 34% to income before income taxes:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1999       1998       1997
                                                   -------    -------    ------
                                                          (In thousands)
<S>                                                <C>        <C>        <C>
Provision (credit) for income taxes at the
statutory federal rate                             $(1,071)   $(5,452)   $  417
Adjustments:
  State and local income taxes                         223        111       (32)
  Non-deductible goodwill amortization                 565        247        71
  Difference in rates on foreign subsidiaries          (33)        45       (46)
  Change in valuation allowance                      1,150      6,141        46
  Other                                                199        376        14
                                                   -------    -------    ------
Provision for income taxes                         $ 1,033    $ 1,468    $  470
                                                   =======    =======    ======
Effective income tax rate                              (33)%       (9)%     38%
                                                   =======    =======    ======
</TABLE>

                                     - 44 -
<PAGE>   45
                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

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

       Deferred income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The tax effects of the
net operating loss carryforward and temporary differences are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1999        1998       1997
                                                --------    --------    -------
                                                        (In thousands)
<S>                                             <C>         <C>         <C>
Deferred tax assets:
  Net operating loss carryforward               $ 15,459    $ 15,100    $   771
  Other                                            2,524       3,010        645
  Valuation allowance                            (16,728)    (16,124)      (110)
                                                --------    --------    -------
                                                   1,255       1,986      1,306
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Amortization of goodwill                          (749)       (553)      (261)
  Revenue recognition                                 --      (1,164)      (485)
  Other                                             (666)       (433)       (57)
                                                --------    --------    -------
                                                  (1,415)     (2,150)      (803)
                                                --------    --------    -------
Net deferred tax asset (liability)              $   (160)   $   (164)   $   503
                                                ========    ========    =======
</TABLE>

       In connection with acquisitions made in 1998, the Company recorded
deferred tax asset valuation reserves as part of purchase price allocations
totaling $7,417,000 in the United Kingdom, $1,497,000 in Germany and $509,000 in
the United States due primarily to net operating loss carryforwards existing in
these tax jurisdictions. The benefit of these net operating loss carryforwards
realized in the future will be recorded as a reduction of goodwill rather than
as a credit to income tax expense during that period. During 1999 and 1998,
income taxes of $546,000 and $250,000, respectively, were recorded which
resulted in a corresponding decrease in goodwill.

       For tax purposes, the Company has U.S. federal loss carryforwards of
$19,348,000 which expire in the year 2014 and foreign net operating loss
carryforwards of $24,987,000, $2,120,000 of which expire in 2006 and $22,867,000
that have no expiration date. A valuation allowance has been established for the
entire amount of these net operating loss carryforwards since the realization is
uncertain.

       The Company plans to continue to finance expansion of its operations
outside of the United States by reinvesting undistributed earnings of its
non-U.S. subsidiaries. The amount of undistributed earnings considered to be
indefinitely reinvested for this purpose was approximately $5,300,000 at
September 30, 1999. Accordingly, no provisions have been made for U.S. income
tax purposes on such undistributed earnings. While the amount of any U.S. income
taxes on these undistributed earnings, if distributed in the future, is not
determinable, it is expected that they would be reduced by the utilization of
tax credits or deductions. A distribution of these earnings would be subject to
withholding taxes.

10.   STOCK OPTION PLANS

       During 1998, the shareholders approved the Omnibus Incentive Plan (the
"Omnibus Plan"), which provides for compensatory equity based awards to officers
and certain other key employees of the Company. Awards may be granted for no
consideration and consist of stock options, stock awards,

                                     - 45 -
<PAGE>   46
                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

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

SARs, dividend equivalents, other stock based awards (such as phantom stock) and
performance awards consisting of any combination of the foregoing.

       The Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan (the "Stock Option Plan") provides
grants to officers, certain other key employees, and directors of awards
consisting of "incentive stock options" as defined under the provisions of
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code and non-qualified stock options. All
options granted under the Stock Option Plan expire ten years after the date of
grant (see Note 11).

       The Company's 1997 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the "Director
Plan") is authorized to issue up to 150,000 shares of Common Stock. Each
non-employee director is automatically granted an option to purchase 3,000
shares of Common Stock. In addition, on each anniversary date of the Director
Plan, each of the Company's then non-employee directors who have served at least
six-months shall automatically be granted an option to purchase 5,000 shares of
Common Stock. The per share exercise price of options granted under the Director
Plan will be the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
Options granted under the Director Plan will expire ten years after the date of
grant (see Note 11).

       Collectively, 2,750,000 shares of Common Stock are available for granting
of awards under the above plans at September 30, 1999.

       Under the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Stock Purchase
Plan"), the Company is authorized to issue up to 500,000 shares of Common Stock.
Under the terms of the Stock Purchase Plan, employees can choose to have up to
20% of their annual compensation, but no more that $25,000 per year, withheld to
purchase Common Stock. The exercise price for shares subject to purchase under
options granted shall be 85% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the
first day of the purchase period, unless otherwise determined by the
compensation committee. On the last day of the purchase period of any offering
of shares made under the Stock Purchase Plan, each outstanding option shall
automatically be exercised. At any time prior to the end of the purchase period
applicable to each offering, an employee is permitted to terminate or reduce his
or her payroll deductions, to reduce his or her options to purchase or to
withdraw all or part of the amount in his or her account. The employee has the
right to receive in cash the amount accumulated in such account. The Stock
Purchase Plan will terminate in 2007.

11.   STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

       It is the Company's policy to generally grant stock options for a fixed
number of shares to employees with the exercise price approximating fair value.
The Company has elected to follow APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees" ("APB 25"), and related Interpretations and accordingly,
recognizes no compensation expense for stock options granted at fair value.
Management believes that the alternative fair value accounting provided for
under FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting For Stock Based Compensation" ("SFAS
123"), requires use of option valuation methods that were not developed for use
in valuing employee stock options. Under APB 25, compensation expense has been
recognized for all options granted at less than the fair market value of the
Company's common shares on the date of grant (see Note 7).

       Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is
required by SFAS 123 and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for
its employee stock options under the fair value method of that Statement. The
fair value of these options and the options granted as part of the

                                     - 46 -
<PAGE>   47
                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

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

Plan were estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing
model. The Company assumed a dividend yield rate of 0% and a weighted-average
expected life of the options of 5 years for all periods presented. The risk-free
interest factor utilized was 5.9% in 1999 and 6.0% in 1998 and 1997. Further,
the volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company's stock was
32% in 1999, 26% in 1998 and 30% in 1997. Following is the weighted-average
grant-date fair value of options granted during 1999, 1998 and 1997 in the Stock
Option Plan using the Black-Scholes model, with the weighted average exercise
price for comparison purposes:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1999                1998                1997
                                      ----------------    ----------------    ----------------
                                      FAIR    EXERCISE    FAIR    EXERCISE    FAIR    EXERCISE
                                      VALUE    PRICE      VALUE    PRICE      VALUE    PRICE
                                      -----   --------    -----   --------    -----   --------
<S>                                   <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>
Stock price:
  Equals exercise price               $1.30    $3.35      $3.14    $ 8.98     $4.28    $11.20
  Less than exercise price             0.75     5.00         --        --        --        --
</TABLE>

       The weighted-average grant-date fair values of the shares granted during
1998 under the Stock Purchase Plan were $2.14. No such shares were granted
during 1999.

       The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in
estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions
and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the
input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price
volatility. Because the Company's employee stock options have characteristics
significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the
subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in
management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable
single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.

       For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated value of the options
is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. The pro forma results
are not necessarily indicative of what would have occurred had the Company
adopted SFAS 123. The Company's pro forma information follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1999            1998          1997
                                               ---------      ----------      -------
                                               (In thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                            <C>            <C>             <C>
Pro forma net loss                              $(4,633)       $(18,249)       $(331)
Pro forma loss per share -- basic and
  assuming dilution                               (0.37)          (1.52)        (.07)
</TABLE>

       A summary of the Company's stock option activity and related information
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        1999                   1998                   1997
                                --------------------   --------------------   --------------------
                                            WEIGHTED               WEIGHTED               WEIGHTED
                                 NUMBER     AVERAGE     NUMBER     AVERAGE     NUMBER     AVERAGE
                                   OF       EXERCISE      OF       EXERCISE      OF       EXERCISE
                                 SHARES      PRICE      SHARES      PRICE      SHARES      PRICE
                                ---------   --------   ---------   --------   ---------   --------
<S>                             <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>
Outstanding at beginning of
year                            1,884,300    $9.25     1,290,800    $8.48       666,500    $2.96
  Granted                         442,500     3.35       825,000     8.98       808,800     9.98
  Exercised                            --       --      (230,500)    3.96      (184,500)     .33
  Canceled                       (148,484)    8.39        (1,000)   12.09            --       --
                                ---------    -----     ---------    -----     ---------    -----
  Outstanding at end of year    2,178,316    $6.59     1,884,300    $9.25     1,290,800    $8.48
                                =========    =====     =========    =====     =========    =====
  Exercisable at end of year    1,032,366    $7.37       754,325    $8.00       583,000    $3.98
                                =========    =====     =========    =====     =========    =====
  Available for future Options    106,684                400,700                 74,700
                                =========              =========              =========
</TABLE>

                                     - 47 -
<PAGE>   48
                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

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

       The Company has reserved 2,921,137 shares of Common Stock for the
possible exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants.

12. EARNINGS PER SHARE

       The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted
earnings per share.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1999          1998          1997
                                                          ----------    -----------    ---------
                                                          (In thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                                       <C>           <C>            <C>
Numerator:
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item                  $(4,182)      $(17,504)      $  757
  Extraordinary item, net of tax                                --             --         (385)
                                                           -------       --------       ------
  Income (loss) available to common stockholders for
     basic
     and diluted earnings per share                        $(4,182)      $(17,504)      $  372
                                                           =======       ========       ======
Denominator:
  Average shares outstanding -- basic                       12,556         12,007        4,924
  Effect of dilutive securities:
     Conversion of preferred stock into common Stock            --             --        2,395
     Stock options and warrants                                 --             --          485
                                                           -------       --------       ------
  Dilutive potential common shares                              --             --        2,880
                                                           -------       --------       ------
  Denominator for diluted earnings per share --
     Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed
        conversions                                         12,556         12,007        7,804
                                                           =======       ========       ======
  Earnings (loss) per common share:
     Basic:
        Income (loss) before extraordinary item            $ (0.33)      $  (1.46)      $ 0.15
        Extraordinary item, net of tax                          --             --        (0.08)
                                                           -------       --------       ------
                                                           $ (0.33)      $  (1.46)      $ 0.07
                                                           =======       ========       ======
     Assuming dilution:
        Income (loss) before extraordinary item            $ (0.33)      $  (1.46)      $ 0.10
        Extraordinary item, net of tax                          --             --        (0.05)
                                                           -------       --------       ------
                                                           $ (0.33)      $  (1.46)      $ 0.05
                                                           =======       ========       ======
</TABLE>

       For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, certain issuances
of potential common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings
per share since their inclusion in the computation would have an anti-dilutive
effect. Further, certain outstanding convertible subordinated notes in 1997 have
been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, since they
would have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share.

13.   RETIREMENT PLANS

       In conjunction with the acquisition of the Specialty Products Division on
June 5, 1998, the Company acquired two defined benefit pension plans. The
Company acquired a U.K. plan, which covers substantially all of the employees of
Carbons and Croftshaw, and a U.S. plan, which covers

                                     - 48 -
<PAGE>   49
                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

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

substantially all of the employees of Barnebey. Information pertaining to the
Company's defined benefit pension plans follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1999       1998
                                                             -------    ------
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>
CHANGE IN BENEFIT OBLIGATION
Benefit obligation at beginning of year                      $ 9,001    $   --
Benefit obligations assumed in connection with acquisitions       --     8,449
                                                             -------    ------
                                                               9,001     8,449
Service cost                                                     483       171
Interest cost                                                    604       195
Plan participants' contributions                                 119        41
Actuarial gains                                                 (199)      (53)
Benefits paid                                                   (298)      (53)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes                          (179)      251
                                                             -------    ------
Benefit obligation at end of year                            $ 9,531    $9,001
                                                             =======    ======
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS
Plan assets at beginning of year                             $ 9,880    $   --
Plan assets acquired                                              --     9,756
                                                             -------    ------
                                                               9,880     9,756
Actual return on plan assets                                     895      (241)
Company contributions                                            373        55
Plan participants' contributions                                 119        41
Benefits paid                                                   (298)      (53)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes                          (222)      322
                                                             -------    ------
Plan assets at end of year                                   $10,747    $9,880
                                                             =======    ======

FUNDED STATUS
Plan assets in excess of benefit obligations                 $ 1,216    $  879
Unrecognized actuarial loss                                      224       496
                                                             -------    ------
Prepaid benefit cost, net                                    $ 1,440    $1,375
                                                             =======    ======

WEIGHTED-AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS
  Discount rate                                                7.00%     7.00%
  Expected return on plan assets                               9.00%     9.00%
  Rate of compensation increase                                3.50%     3.50%
                                                                  TO        to
                                                               4.50%     4.50%

COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC PENSION COST
Service cost                                                 $   483    $  171
Interest cost                                                    604       195
Expected return on plan assets                                  (872)     (291)
Amortization of unrecognized net loss                             30        --
                                                             -------    ------
Net periodic pension cost                                    $   245    $   75
                                                             =======    ======
</TABLE>

                                     - 49 -
<PAGE>   50
                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1999       1998
                                                             -------    ------
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>
PREPAID (ACCRUED) BENEFIT COST
United States plan                                           $  (525)   $ (556)
United Kingdom plan                                            1,965     1,931
                                                             -------    ------
Net balance sheet asset at September 30                      $ 1,440    $1,375
                                                             =======    ======
</TABLE>

       Amounts applicable to the Company's pension plan with projected or
accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets are (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1999       1998
                                                              -------    ------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
Projected benefit obligation                                  $ 3,676    $3,346
Accumulated benefit obligation                                  3,298     3,010
Fair value of plan assets                                       3,329     2,775
</TABLE>

       In addition to the defined benefit plans acquired in the Specialty
Products Division acquisition, the Company has certain other employees, all
located in the United Kingdom, which currently participate in a defined benefit
pension plan operated and funded by their former parent company. In accordance
with an amendment to the terms of the sale and purchase agreement, these
employees will remain in the plan as deferred vested pensioners for an
undetermined period of time for their service prior to March 31, 1999. Upon
expiration of the amended period, the participants will either remain in the
former parent company plan as deferred vested pensioners or have their assets
transferred into a defined contribution pension plan funded by the Company's
U.K. operations and the plan participants. The Company does not expect to incur
any one-time obligation relating to the transfer of the plan participants into
the defined contribution plan. The Company does not expect any exposure related
to future funding obligations for employees who remain in the former parent
company plan to be significant.

       The Company also sponsors a defined contribution plan that covers
substantially all domestic employees. Company contributions to the Plan totaled
$99,000 in 1999, $94,000 in 1998 and $13,000 in 1997.

14.   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

       The carrying values of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable and
accounts payable are a reasonable estimate of their fair value due to the
short-term nature of these instruments. Substantially all of the Company's
long-term debt obligations, except for the convertible subordinated notes --
related parties, have variable rates and cost approximates fair value at
September 30, 1999. The convertible subordinated notes -- related parties do not
have a ready market and cost is assumed to approximate fair value. The aggregate
carrying value of these notes is $4,850,000 at September 30, 1999, with interest
rates ranging from 3.00% to 6.06% with various maturity dates through March
2001.

       The Company uses a limited number of foreign exchange instruments,
primarily forward contracts, to manage exposure to currency rate fluctuations
primarily related to the purchases of inventory. Gains and losses incurred on
foreign exchange instruments identified as hedges are deferred and recognized in
income in the same period as the hedged transaction. The deferred gains or
losses from hedging anticipated transactions were not material to the Company's
financial condition at September 30, 1999 and 1998.

                                     - 50 -
<PAGE>   51
                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

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

15.   SEGMENT INFORMATION

       In fiscal 1999 the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 131,
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," which
establishes standards for the way public companies report information about
operating segments. The reportable segments are the five divisions the Company
established as part of its 1999 Strategic Operating Plan, which are described
below:

       - The Biological Wastewater Treatment Division treats municipal and
         industrial wastewater by various biological based methods. This
         division furnishes products and processes that can be incorporated into
         integrated systems or sold individually. Its products include aeration
         systems, moving bed biofilm reactors, package plants, nutrient removal
         processes, secondary and tertiary plants, filter presses/bagging
         systems for sludge removal, and cutting fluid recovery systems.

       - The Separations Division sells equipment and engineered systems
         employing physical and chemical separations technology in the municipal
         water and wastewater market as well as in the industrial process water
         and wastewater market. Its products include course and fine screening,
         conveying, dewatering and screening/grit washing equipment, filter
         presses, clarifiers, sludge dryers; oil/water separations equipment,
         dissolved air flotation systems, continuous sand filters and inclined
         plate clarifiers.

       - The Pure Water Division sells products and solutions to the
         residential, municipal and industrial water and process water markets.
         Its products include membrane technology using reverse osmosis systems,
         nanofiltration and microfiltration systems, desalination equipment to
         purify seawater, and watermakers for the offshore oil industry.

       - The Specialty Products Division specializes in the development and
         production of activated carbons used to purify air, water and gases.
         The division is a worldwide supplier of activated carbon for liquid,
         air and gas filtration systems and is a manufacturer of specialized
         impregnated carbons. Its products include adsorption equipment,
         bioreactors and bioscrubbers, corrosive gas control systems, solvent
         recovery systems, and a variety of air, odor and vapor control and
         filtration systems.

       - The European Water and Wastewater Division provides products and
         systems similar to the Separations Division focusing specifically on
         the European, African and Asian municipal and industrial markets. Its
         products include continuous sand filters, inclined plate clarifiers,
         sludge scrapers, centrifuges, and fine screens.

       The Company evaluates the performance of each division or segment and
considers allocation of resources to it based on its revenue growth prospects,
operating income performance, and return on invested capital, or total assets.
The accounting policies of the five divisions, or reporting segments, are the
same as those described in Note 1. Intersegment sales and transfers are recorded
at cost plus a stated percentage mark up, which creates intercompany profit on
intersegment sales or transfers.

       The division format provides efficient centers of product expertise and
geographic experience to better serve the Company's customers and independent
marketing representatives. Each division president reports directly to and
maintains regular contact with the chief operating decision maker, the Chief
Executive Officer, to discuss operating activities, financial results, and
business plans.

                                     - 51 -
<PAGE>   52
                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

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

       The following table summarizes the Company's operations by the five
divisions, or segments, and corporate.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                BIOLOGICAL                                         EUROPEAN
                                WASTEWATER                   PURE     SPECIALTY   WATER AND
                                TREATMENT    SEPARATIONS    WATER     PRODUCTS    WASTEWATER
                                 DIVISION     DIVISION     DIVISION   DIVISION     DIVISION    CORPORATE     TOTAL
                                ----------   -----------   --------   ---------   ----------   ---------     -----
                                                                   (In thousands)
<S>                             <C>          <C>           <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
1999
Net sales from external
  customers                      $ 17,757     $ 33,490     $ 16,465   $ 58,024     $ 44,433                $ 170,169
Intersegment net sales                 12          220          657        164          981    $ (2,034)          --
Special charges                     2,033          533          107         --          714         456        3,843
Depreciation and amortization
  expense                             453          906          288      1,472          797          78        3,994
Segment operating income
  (loss)                           (1,520)      (1,047)       2,229      6,793        2,333      (4,066)       4,722
Segment assets                     25,906       38,567       14,432     61,369       42,865       2,256      185,395
Expenditures for fixed assets         447          367          130        387          458         172        1,961
                                 --------     --------     --------   --------     --------    --------    ---------
1998
Net sales from external
  customers                      $ 21,702     $ 29,342     $ 14,235   $ 17,979     $ 51,909                $ 135,167
Intersegment net sales              4,630          291            8        367        1,002    $ (6,298)          --
Special charges                    17,400          281           55         --          842       3,058       21,636
Depreciation and amortization
  expense                             850          902          230        498          800          46        3,326
Segment operating income
  (loss)                          (14,214)       1,446          999      1,761        3,231      (5,734)     (12,511)
Segment assets                     23,979       42,201       12,718     57,966       41,534       5,163      183,561
Expenditures for fixed assets         327          574          158        293          743         166        2,261
                                 --------     --------     --------   --------     --------    --------    ---------
1997
Net sales from external
  customers                      $ 18,275     $ 13,116     $ 10,266         --     $ 23,042                $  64,699
Intersegment net sales              2,701           --           --         --        1,271    $ (3,972)          --
Special charges                        --           --           --         --           --       2,630        2,630
Depreciation and amortization
  expense                             388          249          128         --          441          23        1,229
Segment operating income
  (loss)                            3,247        1,443          592         --        1,323      (4,360)       2,245
Segment assets                     39,042       34,254        7,917         --       32,208       2,439      115,860
Expenditures for fixed assets         186          117          304         --          334         131        1,072
                                 --------     --------     --------   --------     --------    --------    ---------
</TABLE>

       A reconciliation of the reportable segments' operating income (loss) to
consolidated income before income taxes follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1999        1998       1997
                                                 -------    --------    -------
                                                         (In thousands)
<S>                                              <C>        <C>         <C>
Total operating income (loss) for reportable
segments, including corporate                    $ 4,722    $(12,511)   $ 2,245
Interest expense                                  (7,857)     (3,562)    (1,281)
Interest income and other items -- net               (14)         37        263
                                                 -------    --------    -------
                                                 $(3,149)   $(16,036)   $ 1,227
                                                 =======    ========    =======
</TABLE>

                                     - 52 -
<PAGE>   53
                        WATERLINK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

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

       Net sales are reflected in the country from which the sales are made.
Information with regard to revenues and long-lived assets by geographic areas
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            UNITED
                                            STATES       EUROPE     CANADA       TOTAL
                                           ---------    --------    -------    ---------
                                                          (In thousands)
<S>                                        <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>
1999
Net sales                                  $ 107,224    $ 62,920    $    25    $ 170,169
Long-lived assets                             65,031      32,459        525       98,015

1998
Net sales                                     74,719      57,676      2,772      135,167
Long-lived assets                             67,623      34,494      1,550      103,667

1997
Net sales                                     43,015      20,556      1,128       64,699
Long-lived assets                             37,309      11,479     19,666       68,454
</TABLE>

       The Company did not derive more than 10% of its net sales from any
individual customer during any of the three years ended September 30, 1999.

16.   SUBSEQUENT EVENT

       On October 5, 1999 the Company completed the sale of 6,300,000 shares of
Common Stock in a registered offering at $2.725 per share, based on the
twenty-day average closing price. The aggregate net proceeds of approximately
$16.2 million were used to repay a portion of outstanding senior debt. Under the
terms of the sixth amendment to the domestic credit agreement, sixty percent of
the net proceeds were applied as a permanent reduction to the term note payable,
with the remaining forty percent being applied to the revolving credit
agreement. The sixth amendment reduced the revolving credit portion of the
domestic credit facility to $36,000,000, of which approximately $8,925,000 was
available for future borrowings immediately after the application of the net
proceeds from the sale of Common Stock.

                                     - 53 -
<PAGE>   54

ITEM 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
          FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

       None

ITEM 10.   DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

       Information required by this item is located on pages 4 through 8 of
Waterlink's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission within 120 days of the close of Waterlink's fiscal year
ended September 30, 1999 and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

ITEM 11.   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

       Information required by this item is located on pages 9 through 14 of
Waterlink's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission within 120 days of the close of Waterlink's fiscal year
ended September 30, 1999 and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

ITEM 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

       Information required by this item is located on pages 2 and 3 of
Waterlink's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission within 120 days of the close of Waterlink's fiscal year
ended September 30, 1999 and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

ITEM 13.   CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

       None.

                                     - 54 -
<PAGE>   55

                                    PART IV

ITEM 14.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

       The following report and consolidated financial statements of Waterlink,
       Inc. and Subsidiaries are included in Item 8, Part II of this report:

       Report of Independent Auditors

       Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 1999 and 1998

       Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September 30,
       1999, 1998 and 1997

       Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended
       September 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997

       Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30,
       1999, 1998 and 1997

       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(a) 2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

       Schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which
       they are required or because the required information is given in the
       Financial Statements or notes thereto.

(b)    REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
       None.

(c)    EXHIBITS

       The exhibits are set forth on the attached Exhibit Index which is
       incorporated by reference. Exhibits are included only in the copies of
       this Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
       NYSE.

                                     - 55 -
<PAGE>   56

                                   SIGNATURES

       Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, Waterlink, Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                         WATERLINK, INC.

                                         By: /s/ T. Scott King
                                          --------------------------------------
                                         Its President and Chief Executive
                                         Officer

Date: December 1, 1999

       Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated:

<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
/s/ John R. Miller                             /s/ Robert P. Pinkas
- -------------------------------------------    -------------------------------------------
John R. Miller,                                Robert P. Pinkas,
Director                                       Director
Date: December 1, 1999                         Date: December 1, 1999

/s/ Rollin S. Reiter                           /s/ Dr. Paul M. Sutton
- -------------------------------------------    -------------------------------------------
Rollin S. Reiter,                              Dr. Paul M. Sutton,
Director                                       Director
Date: December 1, 1999                         Date: December 1, 1999

/s/ Theodore F. Savastano                      /s/ T. Scott King
- -------------------------------------------    -------------------------------------------
Theodore F. Savastano,                         T. Scott King,
Director and Chairman of the Board             Director, President and Chief Executive
Date: December 1, 1999                         Officer
                                               Date: December 1, 1999

/s/ Michael J. Vantusko
- -------------------------------------------
Michael J. Vantusko,
Chief Financial Officer
(and principal accounting officer)
Date: December 1, 1999
</TABLE>

                                     - 56 -
<PAGE>   57

                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.                       EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
- -----------                       -------------------
<C>           <S>
  * 3.1       Form of Fifth Amended and Restated Certificate of
              Incorporation of Waterlink (filed as an exhibit to
              Waterlink's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly
              period ended June 30, 1997, File No. 1-13041)
  * 3.2       Form of Amended and Restated By-Laws of Waterlink (filed as
              an exhibit to Waterlink's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
              the quarterly period ended June 30, 1997, File No. 1-13041)
  * 4.1       Form of Rights Agreement, dated as of May 23, 1997, between
              Waterlink and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (filed
              as an exhibit to Waterlink's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
              for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1997, File No.
              1-13041)
  * 4.2       Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as
              of March 6, 1997, by and among Waterlink, Brantley Venture
              Partners III, L.P., Theodore F. Savastano, River Cities
              Capital Fund limited Partnership, IPP95, L.P., Environmental
              Opportunities Fund, L.P., Environmental Opportunities Fund
              (Cayman), L.P., Brantley Capital Corporation and National
              City Capital Corporation (filed as an exhibit to Waterlink's
              Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed April 16, 1997,
              Registration No. 333-25249)
  * 4.3       Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 31, 1996,
              between Waterlink and Mass Transfer Systems, Inc (filed as
              an exhibit to Waterlink's Registration Statement on Form
              S-1, filed April 16, 1997, Registration No. 333-25249)
  * 4.4       Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 26, 1996,
              between Waterlink and Lawrence A. Schmid (filed as an
              exhibit to Waterlink's Registration Statement on Form S-1,
              filed April 16, 1997, Registration No. 333-25249)
  * 4.5       Registration Rights Agreement dated as of September 30,
              1996, between Waterlink, Lawrence Stenger, Theresa Stenger,
              Ronald Jaworski, Christine Jaworski, John Stenger, Dawn P.
              Stenger, Scott Stenger, Kristie D. Stenger, Jorg
              Menningmann, Michael Mudrick, Robert Young and Gary Prae
              (filed as an exhibit to Waterlink's Registration Statement
              on Form S-1, filed April 16, 1997, Registration No.
              333-25249)
  *10.1       Employment Agreement, dated May 23, 1997, between Waterlink
              and Theodore F. Savastano (filed as an exhibit to
              Waterlink's Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on
              Form S-1, filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-25249)
  *10.2       Employment Agreement, dated May 23, 1997, between Waterlink
              and Michael J. Vantusko (filed as an exhibit to Waterlink's
              Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed
              May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-25249)
  *10.3       Credit Agreement, dated as of June 27, 1997, among
              Waterlink, Bank of America National Trust & Savings
              Association (successor by merger to Bank of America
              Illinois), as agent, and for other financial institutions
              party thereto (filed as an exhibit to Waterlink's Quarterly
              Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30,
              1997, File No. 1-13041)
  *10.4       Credit Agreement, dated as of March 4, 1997, among
              Gigantissimo 2061 AB (to be known as Waterlink (Sweden) AB),
              Waterlink, as guarantor, and Bank of America National Trust
              & Savings Association, London Branch (filed as an exhibit to
              Waterlink's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed April
              16, 1997, Registration No. 333-25249)
  *10.5       First Amendment, dated as of June 27, 1997, to Credit
              Agreement, dated March 4, 1997, among Waterlink (Sweden) AB,
              Waterlink, as guarantor, and Bank of America National Trust
              & Savings Association, London Branch (filed as an exhibit to
              Waterlink's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly
              period ended June 30, 1997, File No. 1-13041)
</TABLE>

                                     - 57 -
<PAGE>   58

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.                       EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
- -----------                       -------------------
<C>           <S>
  *10.6       Credit Agreement, dated as of March 4, 1997, among Provista
              Einhundertsechsundfunfzigste Verwaltungsgesellschaft GmbH
              (to be known as Waterlink (Germany) GmbH), Waterlink, Inc.,
              as guarantor, and Bank of America National Trust & Savings
              Association, Frankfurt Branch (filed as an exhibit to
              Waterlink's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed April
              16, 1997, Registration No. 333-25249)
  *10.7       First Amendment, dated as of June 27, 1997, to Credit
              Agreement, dated March 4, 1997, among Waterlink (Germany)
              GmbH, Waterlink, as guarantor, and Bank of America National
              Trust & Savings Association, Frankfurt Branch (filed as an
              exhibit to Waterlink's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
              quarterly period ended June 30, 1997, File No. 1-13041)
  *10.8       Common Stock Warrant Agreement, dated as of February 19,
              1997, between Waterlink and Bank of America Illinois (filed
              as an exhibit to Waterlink's Registration Statement on Form
              S-1, filed April 16, 1997, Registration No. 333-25249)
  *10.9       Waterlink's 1995 Stock Option Plan (filed as an exhibit to
              Waterlink's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed April
              16, 1997, Registration No. 333-25249)
  *10.10      Warrant Agreement, dated as of March 6, 1997, among
              Waterlink and each of the purchasers named therein, along
              with the Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock, attached
              thereto as Exhibit A (filed as an exhibit to Waterlink's
              Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed April 16, 1997,
              Registration No. 333-25249)
  *10.11      Waterlink's 1997 Omnibus Incentive Plan (filed as an exhibit
              to Waterlink's Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on
              Form S-1, filed May 23, 1997, Registration No. 333-25249)
  *10.12      Waterlink's Employee Stock Purchase Plan (filed as an
              exhibit to Waterlink's Registration Statement on Form S-1,
              filed April 16, 1997, Registration No. 333-25249)
  *10.13      First Amendment, dated as of June 23, 1997, to Waterlink's
              Employee Stock Purchase Plan (filed as an exhibit to
              Waterlink's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly
              period ended June 30, 1997, File No. 1-13041)
  *10.14      Waterlink's 1997 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
              (filed as an exhibit to Waterlink's Registration Statement
              on Form S-1, filed April 16, 1997, Registration No.
              333-25249)
  *10.15      Letter Agreement among Waterlink, Inc., Bioclear Technology,
              Inc. and Royal Bank of Canada dated September 24, 1997
              (filed as an exhibit to Waterlink's Annual Report on Form
              10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997, File No.
              1-13041)
  *10.16      Stock Purchase Agreement between Waterlink, Inc., and
              Anglian Water Services Limited dated as of March 25, 1998
              (filed as an exhibit to Waterlink's Current Report on Form
              8-K, filed April 9, 1998, File No. 1-13041)
  *10.17      Stock Purchase Agreement between Waterlink, Inc., and
              Sutcliffe Speakman PLC dated as of June 5, 1998 (filed as an
              exhibit to Waterlink's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
              June 19, 1998, File No. 1-13041)
  *10.18      Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 27,
              1997 and amended and restated as of May 19, 1998, among
              Waterlink, Inc. and Bank of America National Trust and
              Savings Association, as agent, Letter of Credit Issuing
              Bank, and Swing Line Bank, and the other financial
              institutions party hereto (filed as an exhibit to
              Waterlink's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 19, 1998,
              File No. 1-13041)
  *10.19      Agreement, dated June 5, 1998, between Waterlink and Chet S.
              Ross (filed as an exhibit to Waterlink's Annual Report on
              Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, File
              No. 1-13041)
</TABLE>

                                     - 58 -
<PAGE>   59

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.                       EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
- -----------                       -------------------
<C>           <S>
  *10.20      Executive Employment Agreement, dated June 8, 1998, between
              Waterlink and T. Scott King (filed as an exhibit to
              Waterlink's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
              ended September 30, 1998, File No. 1-13041)
  *10.21      Third Amendment, dated as of September 29, 1998, to Amended
              and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 19, 1998,
              among Waterlink, Inc. and Bank of America National Trust and
              Savings Association, as agent, and the other financial
              institutions party thereto (filed as an exhibit to
              Waterlink's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
              ended September 30, 1998, File No. 1-13041)
  *10.22      Fourth Amendment, dated as of February 25, 1999, to Amended
              and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 19, 1998,
              among Waterlink, Inc. and Bank of America National Trust and
              Savings Association, as agent, and the other financial
              institutions party thereto (filed as an exhibit to
              Waterlink's registration statement on Form S-1 filed on
              August 11, 1999, registration number 333-84985)
  *10.23      Fifth Amendment, dated as of June 29, 1999, to Amended and
              Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 19, 1998, among
              Waterlink, Inc. and Bank of America National Trust and
              Savings Association, as agent, and the other financial
              institutions party thereto (filed as an exhibit to
              Waterlink's registration statement on Form S-1 filed on
              August 11, 1999, registration number 333-84985)
  *10.24      Agreement dated as of April 15, 1999, among Waterlink, Inc.
              and each of the current holders of warrants issued pursuant
              to that certain Warrant Agreement dated as of March 6, 1997
              (filed as an exhibit to Waterlink's registration statement
              on Form S-1 filed on August 11, 1999, registration number
              333-84985)
  *10.25      Warrant Agreement dated as of July 9, 1999 among Waterlink
              and each of the Warrantholders party thereto (filed as an
              exhibit to Waterlink's amendment no. 1 to registration
              statement on Form S-1 filed on September 23, 1999,
              registration number 333-84985)
   10.26      Sixth Amendment, dated as of September 30, 1999, to Amended
              and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 19, 1998,
              among Waterlink, Inc. and Bank of America National Trust and
              Savings Association, as agent, and the other financial
              institutions party
   10.27      Amendment to Confirmation of Credit Facility, dated as of
              October 8, 1999, among Waterlink and Royal Bank of Canada
              thereto
   10.28      Form of securities purchase agreement between Waterlink and
              certain institutional investors in connection with offering
              up to 6,300,000 shares of common stock, dated October 1,
              1999
   10.29      Agreement dated October 25, 1999, between Waterlink and
              Theodore F. Savastano
  *21.1       List of Subsidiaries of Waterlink (filed as an exhibit to
              Waterlink's registration statement on Form S-1 filed on
              August 11, 1999, registration number 333-84985)
   23.1       Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
   27.1       Financial Data Schedule as of and for the year ended
              September 30, 1999
</TABLE>

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

* Incorporated herein by reference as indicated.

                                     - 59 -

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  Exhibit 10.26

                                 SIXTH AMENDMENT
                                 ---------------

                  This Sixth Amendment (this "Amendment") is entered into as of
this 30th day of September, 1999 among Waterlink, Inc. (the "Company"), Bank of
America, N.A. (f/k/a Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association), as
Agent (the "Agent"), and the financial institutions from time to time party
thereto (the "Banks"). Unless otherwise specified herein, capitalized terms used
in this Amendment shall have the meanings ascribed to them by the Agreement (as
defined below).


                                    RECITALS

                  WHEREAS, the Company, the Agent and the Banks are party to
that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 27, 1997
and as amended and restated as of May 19, 1998 (as amended, supplemented,
restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Agreement");

                  WHEREAS, the Company, the Agent and the Banks wish to enter
into certain amendments to the Agreement, each as more fully set forth herein;

                  NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual execution hereof
and other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                   SECTION 1. AMENDMENTS.

                  (a) Section 1.01 of the Agreement is hereby amended by
inserting the following definitions in appropriate alphabetical order:

                  "Sixth Amendment" shall mean the Sixth Amendment to this
Agreement, dated as of September 30, 1999.

                  "Sixth Amendment Effectiveness Date" shall mean the date upon
         which the Agent advises the Company that the Sixth Amendment has become
         effective.

                  (b) The definition of "Applicable Margin" in Section 1.01 of
the Agreement is hereby amended by deleting it in its entirety and inserting the
following in lieu thereof:

                  ""APPLICABLE MARGIN" shall mean on any date the applicable
         percentage set forth below based upon the Level as shown in the
         Compliance Certificate then most recently delivered to the Banks:



<PAGE>   2




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    Loans                    Letters of Credit
                    -----                    -----------------

               Offshore        Base                                         Commitment
Level           Rate           Rate        Non-financial     Financial         Fee
- -----          --------     -------        -------------     ---------    -------------
<S>            <C>         <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>
     I              1.50%      -0-%             0.750%         1.50%          0.300%
     II             1.75%      -0-%             0.875%         1.75%          0.300%
    III             2.00%      -0-%             1.000%         2.00%          0.375%
     IV             2.25%      -0-%             1.125%         2.25%          0.500%
     V              2.50%      0.25%            1.250%         2.50%          0.500%
     VI             2.75%      0.50%            1.375%         2.75%          0.500%
</TABLE>


           ; PROVIDED, HOWEVER that, if the Company shall have failed to deliver
         to the Banks by the date required hereunder any Compliance Certificate
         pursuant to Section 7.02(b), then from the date such Compliance
         Certificate was required to be delivered until the date of such
         delivery the Applicable Margin shall be deemed to be Level VI. Each
         change in the Applicable Margin shall take effect with respect to all
         outstanding Loans on the third Business Day immediately succeeding the
         day on which such Compliance Certificate is received by the Agent.
         Notwithstanding the foregoing, no reduction in the Applicable Margin
         shall be effected if a Default or an Event of Default shall have
         occurred and be continuing on the date when such change would otherwise
         occur, it being understood that on the third Business Day immediately
         succeeding the day on which such Default or Event of Default is either
         waived or cured (assuming no other Default or Event of Default shall be
         then pending), the Applicable Margin shall be reduced (on a prospective
         basis) in accordance with the then most recently delivered Compliance
         Certificate."

                  (c) The definitions of "Blocked Amount", "EBIT" and "EBITDA"
appearing in SECTION 1.01 of the Agreement are hereby amended by deleting each
definition it in its entirety and inserting the following in lieu thereof:

                           "EBIT" means, for any period, for the Company and its
                  Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance
                  with GAAP, the sum of (a) net income (or net loss) for such
                  period PLUS (b) all amounts treated as expenses for interest
                  to the extent included in the determination of such net income
                  (or loss), PLUS (c) all accrued taxes on or measured by income
                  to the extent included in the determination of such net income
                  (or loss); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that net income (or loss) shall
                  be computed for these purposes without giving effect to
                  extraordinary losses or extraordinary gains, PLUS (d) with
                  respect to any business acquired during the period of
                  determination, an amount equal to the sum of (x) the total
                  compensation paid to each management equity holder of such
                  acquired business during the twelve month period immediately
                  preceding the date such business was acquired LESS the base
                  compensation paid to each such Person during such twelve month
                  period PLUS (y) the aggregate amount of management fees paid
                  to management equity holders or Affiliates thereof during such
                  twelve month period to the extent that such management fee is
                  no longer required to be paid after the date of such
                  acquisition PLUS (z) the net income of such acquired business

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3

                  during such period (plus, to the extent deducted in
                  determining such net income, interest expense and income tax
                  expense of such acquired business) in accordance with Article
                  11 of Regulation S-X of the SEC; and PROVIDED FURTHER, that
                  for the purpose of computations under SECTIONS 8.17 and 8.18
                  for any business acquired during the period of determination
                  (including the Sutcliffe Acquisition), EBIT for such period
                  shall be determined on a pro forma basis as if such
                  acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of such period;
                  AND PROVIDED FURTHER, that:

                           (A) for all purposes for any period which includes a
                           fiscal quarter of the Company's 1999 fiscal year,
                           there shall be excluded in determining EBIT any
                           realignment expense recorded in such fiscal quarter,
                           which serves to reduce net income of the Company
                           and/or its Subsidiaries in such fiscal quarter,
                           PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the aggregate amount of such
                           realignment expenses during such 1999 fiscal year
                           shall not exceed $1,593,000;

                           (B) for all purposes for any period which includes
                           the third fiscal quarter of the Company's 1999 fiscal
                           year, there shall be excluded in determining EBIT any
                           expense related to the completion of the Company's
                           1999 Strategic Operating Plan, which serves to reduce
                           net income of the Company and/or its Subsidiaries in
                           such fiscal quarter, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such
                           expenses shall not exceed $4,092,000; and

                           (C) for all purposes for any period which includes
                           the fourth fiscal quarter of the Company's 1999
                           fiscal year, there shall be excluded in determining
                           EBIT any expense related to guaranty warrants and
                           changes in the Company's board of directors recorded
                           in such fiscal quarter, which serves to reduce net
                           income of the Company and/or its Subsidiaries in such
                           fiscal quarter, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such expenses
                           shall not exceed $1,450,000.

                           "EBITDA" means, for any period, for the Company and
                  its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, determined in
                  accordance with GAAP, the sum of, without duplication, (a) the
                  net income (or net loss) for such period, PLUS (b) all amounts
                  treated as expenses for depreciation and interest and the
                  amortization of intangibles of any kind to the extent included
                  in the determination of such net income (or loss), PLUS (c)
                  all accrued taxes on or measured by income to the extent
                  included in the determination of such net income (or loss);
                  PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that net income (or loss) shall be computed
                  for these purposes without giving effect to extraordinary
                  losses or extraordinary gains, PLUS (d) with respect to any
                  business acquired during the period of determination, an
                  amount equal to the sum of (x) the total compensation paid to
                  each management equity holder of such acquired business during
                  the twelve month period immediately preceding the date such
                  business was acquired LESS the base compensation paid to each
                  such Person during such twelve month period PLUS (y) the
                  aggregate amount of management fees paid to management equity
                  holders or Affiliates thereof during such twelve month period
                  to the extent that such management fee is no longer required
                  to be paid after the date of such acquisition PLUS (z) the net
                  income of such acquired

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4

                  business during such period (plus, to the extent deducted in
                  determining such net income, interest expense, income tax
                  expense, depreciation and amortization of such acquired
                  business) in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X of
                  the SEC; and PROVIDED FURTHER, that for the purpose of
                  computations under SECTIONS 8.17 and 8.18 for any business
                  acquired during the period of determination (including the
                  Sutcliffe Acquisition), EBITDA for such period shall be
                  determined on a pro forma basis as if such acquisition had
                  occurred as of the beginning of such period; AND PROVIDED
                  FURTHER, that:

                           (A) for all purposes for any period which includes a
                           fiscal quarter of the Company's 1999 fiscal year,
                           there shall be excluded in determining EBITDA any
                           realignment expense recorded in such fiscal quarter,
                           which serves to reduce net income of the Company
                           and/or its Subsidiaries in such fiscal quarter,
                           PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the aggregate amount of such
                           realignment expenses during such 1999 fiscal year
                           shall not exceed $1,593,000;

                           (B) for all purposes for any period which includes
                           the third fiscal quarter of the Company's 1999 fiscal
                           year, there shall be excluded in determining EBITDA
                           any expense related to the completion of the
                           Company's 1999 Strategic Operating Plan, which serves
                           to reduce net income of the Company and/or its
                           Subsidiaries in such fiscal quarter, PROVIDED,
                           HOWEVER, that such expenses shall not exceed
                           $4,092,000; and

                           (C) for all purposes for any period which includes
                           the fourth fiscal quarter of the Company's 1999
                           fiscal year, there shall be excluded in determining
                           EBITDA any expense related to guaranty warrants and
                           changes in the Company's board of directors recorded
                           in such fiscal quarter, which serves to reduce net
                           income of the Company and/or its Subsidiaries in such
                           fiscal quarter, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such expenses
                           shall not exceed $1,450,000.

                   (d) Clause (b) of SECTION 2.01 of the Agreement is hereby
amended by deleting the following phrases contained therein:

                  "less the Blocked Amount" and "less such Bank's Pro Rata Share
of the Blocked Amount"

                  (e) SECTION 2.09 of the Agreement is hereby amended by
deleting the period at the end of clause (c) and adding the following thereto:

                           "; PROVIDED HOWEVER, that not withstanding the
                  requirements of this SECTION 2.09(C), with respect to the
                  offering by the Company of up to 6,300,000 shares of its
                  common stock pursuant to Form S-1 under registration number
                  333-84985 (the"1999 Offering"), the Company shall apply an
                  amount equal to (i) 60% of such Net Issuance Proceeds of the
                  1999 Offering to prepay Term Loans, applied to pay (x) the
                  September 30, 1999 Scheduled Repayment in full, (y) in the

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5

                  amount of $500,000 with respect to the December 31, 1999
                  Scheduled Repayment and (z) to the remainder Scheduled
                  Repayments in inverse order of maturity and (ii) 40% of such
                  Net Issuance Proceeds of the 1999 Offering to prepay Revolving
                  Loans (without a Commitment reduction)."


                  (f) Clause (a) of SECTION 2.10 of the Agreement is hereby
amended by deleting it in its entirety and replacing it with the following in
lieu thereof:

                  "(a) TERM LOANS. On each date set forth below, the Company
         shall be required to repay the principal amount (or such other amount
         after giving effect to any prepayments permitted or required pursuant
         to this Agreement) of the Term Loans as is set forth opposite such date
         (each, a "Scheduled Repayment"):

                           Date                      Amount
                           ----                      ------

                  September 30, 1999              $ 1,000,000
                  December 31, 1999                 1,000,000
                  March 31, 2000                    1,000,000
                  June 30, 2000                     1,000,000
                  September 29,  2000               1,000,000
                  December 29, 2000                 2,000,000
                  March 30, 2001                    2,000,000
                  June 29, 2001                     2,000,000
                  September 28, 2001                2,000,000
                  December 31, 2001                 2,500,000
                  March 29, 2002                    2,500,000
                  June 28, 2002                     2,500,000
                  September 30, 2002                2,500,000
                  December 31, 2002                 2,500,000
                  March 31, 2003                    2,500,000
                  Term Maturity Date              20,835,816.30"

                  (g) Clause (d) of SECTION 7.03 is hereby amended by deleting
it in its entirety and inserting the following in lieu thereof:

                  "(d) of (i) the opening by the Company or any Subsidiary of
         any new bank account or (ii) any material change in accounting policies
         or financial reporting practices by the Company or any of its
         consolidated Subsidiaries; and"

                  (h) Clause (a) of Section 8.04 of the Agreement is hereby
amended by deleting it in its entirety and inserting the following in lieu
thereof:

                  "(a) Investments held by the Company or Subsidiary in the form
         of Cash Equivalents; PROVIDED, however, that bank deposits in the
         ordinary course of business (excluding amounts in payroll accounts or
         for accounts payable, in each case to the extent that checks have been
         issued to third parties) held with any bank or financial institution

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6

         not a Bank shall not at any time exceed (x) in the case of such
         deposits with any single bank, $100,000 for three consecutive Business
         Days and (y) in the case of all such deposits, $1,000,000 for three
         consecutive Business Days;"

                  (i) Clauses (i) and (j) of SECTION 8.04 and clauses (g), (i)
and (j) of SECTION 8.05 of the Agreement are hereby amended by inserting the
following phrase at the end of each such clause:
                  "to the extent such Indebtedness is incurred or the obligation
         to pay such Indebtedness, if earned, was made on or prior to the Sixth
         Amendment Effectiveness Date"

                  (j) SECTIONS 8.16, 8.17 and 8.18 of the Agreement are each
hereby amended by deleting each said Section in its entirety and inserting the
following new SECTIONS 8.16, 8.17 and 8.18 in lieu thereof:

                  "8.16    [Reserved]

                  8.17 SENIOR LEVERAGE RATIO. The Company shall not permit, at
any time during a period listed below, its Senior Leverage Ratio at such time
for the twelve month period (taken as one accounting period) last ended prior to
the date of determination, to be greater than the ratio set forth below opposite
the respective period in which the determination is being made:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      Period                                                            Ratio
<S>                                                                               <C>
                  From and including the last day                                      5.00:1.0
                    of the fiscal quarter ended in December, 1999 to but
                    excluding the last day of the fiscal quarter ended in March,
                    2000

                  Thereafter, from and including the last day                          4.90:1.0
                    of the fiscal quarter ended in March, 2000 to but excluding
                    the last day of the fiscal quarter ended in June, 2000

                  Thereafter, from and including the last day                          4.40:1.0
                  of the fiscal quarter ended in June, 2000 to but excluding the
                  last day of the fiscal quarter ended in September, 2000

                  Thereafter, from and including the last day                          4.00:1.0
                    of the fiscal quarter ended in September, 2000 to but
                    excluding the last day of the fiscal quarter ended in
                    December, 2000

                  Thereafter, from and including the last day                          3.75:1.0
</TABLE>
                                      -6-




<PAGE>   7
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                   <C>
                    of the fiscal quarter ended in December, 2000 to but excluding
                    the last day of the fiscal quarter ended in March, 2001
                  Thereafter, from and including the last day                           3.50:1.0
                    of the fiscal quarter ended in March, 2001 to but excluding
                    the last day of the fiscal quarter ended in June 2001

                  Thereafter                                                            3.25:1.0

</TABLE>

                  8.18 INTEREST COVERAGE RATIO. The Company shall not permit, at
any time during a period listed below, its Interest Coverage Ratio at such time
for the twelve month period (taken as one accounting period) last ended prior to
the date of determination, to be less than the ratio set forth below opposite
the respective period in which the determination is being made:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      Period                                                            Ratio
                      ------                                                            -----
<S>                                                                                  <C>
                  From and including the last day of the fiscal                         1.50:1.0
                      quarter ended in December, 1999 but
                      excluding the last day of the fiscal quarter
                      ended March, 2000

                  From and including the last day of the fiscal                         1.60:1.0
                      quarter ended in March, 2000
                      excluding the last day of the fiscal quarter
                      ended June, 2000

                  From and including the last day of the fiscal                         2.00:1.0
                      quarter ended in June, 2000 but
                      excluding the last day of the fiscal quarter
                      ended September, 2000

                  From and including the last day of the fiscal                         2.25:1.0
                      quarter ended in September, 2000 but
                      excluding the last day of the fiscal quarter
                      ended December, 2000

                  Thereafter                                                            2.50:1.0"
</TABLE>

                  SECTION 2. CONSENT. Notwithstanding SECTIONS 2.09(C), 8.04,
8.05, 8.06 and 8.11(B) of the Agreement, the Company shall be permitted to
prepay in full the outstanding principal amount under the Subordinated Debt held
by Phillip Thompson; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the cash portion of such prepayment
shall not exceed $250,000.

                  SECTION 3. WAIVER. Notwithstanding the requirements of
SECTIONS 8.15, 8.17, 8.18 and 8.19 of the Agreement, the Banks hereby waive
compliance by the Company with


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8

the requirements of said SECTIONS 8.15, 8.17, 8.18 and 8.19 of the Agreement for
the fiscal quarter ending in September 1999 and for the period until, but not
including, the last day of the fiscal quarter ending in December 1999; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that such waiver contained in this Section 3 shall be immediately
withdrawn on the date upon which the operating income of the Company, as
reported in the monthly financial information package delivered to the Banks no
later than the 20th day of each calendar month relating to the immediately
preceding calendar month, is less than (i) $750,000 for the period from October
1, 1999 to and including October 31, 1999, (ii) $1,500,000 for the period from
October 1, 1999 to and including November 30, 1999 and (iii) $2,250,000 for the
period from October 1, 1999 to and including December 31, 1999; PROVIDED,
FURTHER, that the waivers contained in this Section 3 shall be terminated on the
date the Company receives cash proceeds from the 1999 Offering in the event that
the gross cash proceeds of the 1999 Offering are less than $13,500,000.

                  SECTION 4. REVOLVING LOAN CONVERSION.

                  (a) On the Sixth Amendment Effectiveness Date, $16,000,000 of
Revolving Loans shall be converted into Term Loans (the "New Term Loans"), such
New Term Loans to be allocated to the Banks on the basis of their Pro Rata Share
so that the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan shall be
$48,835,816.30, with each Bank's Pro Rata Share thereof as indicated on Annex I
hereto.

                  (b) On the Sixth Amendment Effectiveness Date, the Total
Revolving Commitment shall be reduced to $36,000,000, and each Bank's Pro Rata
Share of the Total Revolving Commitment shall be as specified on Annex II
hereto.

                  SECTION 5. REFERENCE TO AND EFFECT UPON THE AGREEMENT.

                  (a) Except as specifically amended above, the Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect and is hereby ratified and confirmed.

                  (b) The execution, delivery and effectiveness of this
Amendment shall not operate as a waiver of any right, power or remedy of the
Bank under the Agreement, nor constitute a waiver of any provision of the
Agreement, except as specifically set forth herein. Upon the effectiveness of
this Amendment, each reference in the Agreement to "this Agreement",
"hereunder", "hereof", "herein" or words of similar import shall mean and be a
reference to the Agreement as amended hereby.

                  SECTION 6. GOVERNING LAW. THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY
AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.

                  SECTION 7. HEADINGS. Section headings in this Amendment are
included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a
part of this Amendment for any other purposes.

                  SECTION 8. COUNTERPARTS. This Amendment may be executed in any
number of counterparts (including by facsimile transmission), each of which when
so executed shall be deemed an original but all such counterparts shall
constitute one and the same instrument.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9

                  SECTION 9. EFFECTIVENESS. This Amendment shall become
effective as of the date first written above upon the delivery of (i) an
amendment fee to the Agent (for distribution to the Banks on the basis of each
such Bank's Pro Rata Share) in an amount of $50,000 and (ii) executed signature
pages (including by facsimile transmission) to this Amendment signed by the
Company and the Majority Banks.

                            [signature pages follow]


                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10










         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment by
its duly authorized officer as of the date first written above.


                                 WATERLINK, INC.


                                 By: /s/
                                   -------------------------------
                                 Title:
                                      ----------------------------


                                 BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Agent

                                 By: /s/
                                   -------------------------------
                                 Title:
                                      ----------------------------



                                 BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Individually as a Bank


                                 By: /s/
                                   -------------------------------
                                 Title:
                                      ----------------------------


                                 COMERICA BANK


                                 By: /s/
                                   -------------------------------
                                 Title:
                                      ----------------------------





                                       S-1
                              [TO SIXTH AMENDMENT]


<PAGE>   11



                                            FIFTH THIRD BANK, CENTRAL OHIO

                                            By: /s/
                                              -------------------------------
                                            Title:
                                                 ----------------------------

                                            HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK


                                            By: /s/
                                              -------------------------------
                                            Title:
                                                 ----------------------------


                                            PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

                                            By: /s/
                                              -------------------------------
                                            Title:
                                                 ----------------------------


                                            UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.


                                            By: /s/
                                              -------------------------------
                                            Title:
                                                 ----------------------------



                                       S-2
                              [TO SIXTH AMENDMENT]




<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.27


October 8, 1999



Mr. Michael Vantusko
Waterlink, Inc./Bioclear Technology ULC.
Box 13, Group 524, RR 5
1218 Redonda Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R2C 2Z2

Dear Sir:

AMENDMENT TO CONFIRMATION OF CREDIT FACILITY

The following represents an amendment to our Confirmation of Credit Facilities
letter dated February 19, 1999. All other terms and conditions referenced
therein remain unchanged.

BORROWER:                  BIOCLEAR TECHNOLOGY ULC.

AMOUNT:                    $3,725,438 (Canadian)

REPAYMENT: The credit facility will reduce with the receipt by Royal Bank for
credit to the credit facility herein by 50% of the net proceeds of the Building
Sale and Equipment Sale. The credit facility will also reduce by an additional
payment by Bioclear and Waterlink equal to the net proceeds of the closing of
the Building Sale and the Equipment Sale being hereby agreed to be in the sum of
not less than $650,000.

Additional asset sales or licensing agreement proceeds will be applied as
principal reductions with no impact to the amortization noted below excepting
for potential sale proceeds pertaining to Bryce Canyon assets wherein it is
agreed the proceeds equal to the next scheduled payment will be applied in place
of the scheduled payment.

Thereafter the balance of the credit facility will reduce by $275,000 commencing
January 25, 2000, and each month thereafter, with repayment in full by September
25, 2000.





<PAGE>   2




INTEREST
RATES & FEES:              Royal Bank Prime ("RBP") plus 3%.

                           COVENANTS: Postponement of due date to September 25,
                           2000, or the sale of Bioclear assets, whichever
                           occurs first.

Receipt of a consent Agreement setting out Royal Bank's consent to terms of sale
of Bioclear assets and lump sum and monthly debt reduction.

ACCEPTANCE: This offer expires if not accepted by October 9, 1999 unless
extended in writing by the Bank.

If this agreement is acceptable, kindly sign and return the attached copy to the
Bank.

Yours truly,



By: /s/ W.H. Deslauriers
   --------------------------
W.H. (Wayne) Deslauriers
Senior Account Manager
988-4288

Encl.

We acknowledge and accept the within terms and conditions.

BIOCLEAR TECHNOLOGY ULC.

By:  /s/ Michael J. Vantusko
   ------------------------------
        Chief Financial Officer

Date: October 9, 1999
as Borrower


WATERLINK, INC.

By:  /s/ Michael J. Vantusko
   -----------------------------
        Chief Financial Officer

Date: October 9, 1999
as Guarantor



<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 10.28

                          SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

         This Securities Purchase Agreement (this "AGREEMENT), dated as of
October 1, 1999 is entered into by and between
________________________________________________________________ (the
"PURCHASER"), and, Waterlink, Inc., a Delaware corporation, with an address at
4100 Holiday Street, N.W., Suite 201, Canton, Ohio 44718 (the "COMPANY").

         The Company is offering for sale, to the Purchaser and to certain other
parties (the "OTHER PURCHASERS"), and the Purchaser and the Other Purchasers
have agreed or will agree to purchase, on substantially the same terms as
contained herein, in the aggregate, not more than six million three hundred
thousand (6,300,000) shares of the Company's common stock, par value of $.001
per share (the "COMMON STOCK") pursuant to securities purchase agreements
(together with this Agreement, the "SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENTS"). The
Company has offered for sale, and the Purchaser has agreed to purchase
_______________________________________________________ (_______________) shares
(the "SHARES") of fully registered Common Stock, on the terms and conditions
herein provided. In connection herewith, the Company and the Purchaser hereby
agree as follows:

1. PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES. Upon the basis of the representations and
warranties and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Company
agrees to issue and sell the Shares to the Purchaser on the Closing Date (as
herein defined) at a per share purchase price equal to the average of the
closing sales price for the Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock
Exchange ("NYSE") for the twenty day period ending on the second trading day
prior to the Closing Date (the "Per Share Purchase Price, and the aggregate
purchase price for all of the Shares is referred to as the "PURCHASE PRICE")
and, upon the basis of the representations and warranties and subject to the
terms and conditions set forth herein, the Purchaser agrees to purchase the
Shares from the Company on the Closing Date at the Purchase Price.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Per Share Purchase Price as determined
above would otherwise be less than $2.50 or greater than $3.00, then the Per
Share Purchase Price for all purposes hereunder will be deemed to be $2.50 or
$3.00, respectively, and the parties hereto agree to effect the transaction with
the Purchase Price based on such deemed Per Share Purchase Price.

         Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Company sells any
shares (or securities that may be converted into or exchanged for shares) of
Common Stock in an original issuance (not shares traded on the NYSE in the
aftermarket) for less per share than the Per Share Purchase Price at any time
during the forty-five (45) day period commencing on the Closing Date (except for
shares issued pursuant to (a) stock options, (b) purchases by the Company of
outstanding existing stock options, and (c) warrants outstanding as of the date
hereof) the Company shall have the obligation to promptly notify and pay the
Purchaser (x) the aggregate difference between (i) the Per Share Purchase Price
of the Shares and (ii) the per share price of such additional shares of the
Company's Common Stock (or securities that may be converted into or exchanged
for shares of Common Stock) so sold, (y) multiplied by the number of Shares
purchased hereunder, at the Company's option, in either cash or additional
shares of the Company's Common Stock. If the Company elects to pay in Common
Stock, the Common Stock shall be valued at the price at which the Company sells
any such shares (or securities that may converted into or exchanged for shares)
of Common Stock. Such


<PAGE>   2



payment by the Company, whether in the form of shares of Common Stock or in the
form of cash, will be payable within five (5) days of such other sale.

2. CLOSING. The closing of the purchase and sale of the Shares (the "OFFERING")
shall take place at the offices of Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP,
counsel to the Company, at the same time as closing on shares of Common Stock
purchased by the Other Purchasers pursuant to the Securities Purchase
Agreements, on the first business day following the satisfaction of the
conditions set forth in Paragraph 6 below, as coordinated by the parties, or on
such other date or at such other time and place as the Company and the Purchaser
may agree upon (such time and date of the closing being referred to herein as
the "CLOSING DATE"). Upon payment of the Purchase Price in full in immediately
available funds by or on behalf of the Purchaser to the Company by wire transfer
to an account specified by the Company to the Purchaser prior to the Closing
Date, the Company will promptly cause its transfer agent to deliver to the
Purchaser certificates representing the Shares in such denominations and
registered in such names as the Purchaser shall have requested not less two
business days prior to the Closing Date. The Company shall provide facsimile
copies of the certificates to the Purchaser on the Closing Date.

3.       REGISTRATION.

                  (a) On or before the Closing Date, the Company's Registration
                  Statement on Form S-1 will (i) be declared effective by the
                  Securities and Exchange Commission ("COMMISSION") (including
                  all exhibits thereto and all information and documents
                  incorporated by reference therein, the "REGISTRATION
                  STATEMENT") and (ii) include the registration of the original
                  issuance of the Shares of Common Stock purchased by the
                  Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement.

                  (b) If not completed on or prior to the Closing Date, then
                  promptly after the Closing Date, the Company shall take all
                  requisite action to list the Shares for trading on the NYSE.

4 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY. The Company represents and
warrants, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, as follows:

                  (a) no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court,
                  governmental agency or body or arbitrator having jurisdiction
                  over the Company or any of the Company's affiliates is
                  required for the execution of this Agreement or the sale of
                  the Shares to the Purchaser;

                  (b) neither the sale of the Shares nor the performance of the
                  Company's other obligations pursuant to this Agreement will
                  violate, conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute a
                  default (or an event that, with the giving of notice or the
                  lapse of time or both, would constitute a default or trigger
                  any right of a third party to acquire equity interests in the
                  Company or cause mandatory adjustment of the price at which
                  any outstanding security of the Company is convertible into
                  Common Stock) under (i) the Certificate of Incorporation or
                  the Bylaws of the Company; (ii) any decree,

                                        2

<PAGE>   3



                  judgment, order or determination of any court, governmental
                  agency or body, or arbitrator having jurisdiction over the
                  Company or any of the Company's properties or assets; (iii)
                  any law, treaty, rule or regulation applicable to the Company
                  (other than the federal securities laws, representations and
                  warranties with respect to which are made by the Company, or
                  the requirements of the NYSE, except that stockholder approval
                  is required and will be obtained pursuant to the Company's
                  proxy statement to be dated prior to the Closing Date and the
                  special meeting of the Company's stockholders to be held as
                  promptly as practicable, but in all events prior to the
                  Closing Date); or (iv) the terms of any bond, debenture, note
                  or other evidence of indebtedness, or any agreement, stock
                  option or similar plan by which the Company is bound or to
                  which any property of the Company is subject, in any event
                  above, which violation, conflict or breach would have a
                  material adverse effect on the Company (unless the Per Share
                  Purchase Price is less than the average of the closing prices
                  on the twenty business days ending on the Closing Date on all
                  domestic securities exchanges on which the Common Stock is
                  then listed, then an adjustment in the warrant exercise price
                  of certain warrants held by Bank of America Illinois might be
                  required);

                  (c) the Company has taken all corporate action required to
                  authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
                  performance of its obligations hereunder and will use the
                  proceeds of sale of the shares of Common Stock to the
                  Purchaser and the Other Purchasers in the manner described in
                  the Prospectus (as herein defined);

                  (d) the Company has duly authorized the issuance of the Shares
                  and, when issued and delivered to and paid for by the
                  Purchaser in accordance with the terms hereof, the Common
                  Stock will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and
                  non-assessable and will not constitute "restricted securities"
                  within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) promulgated under the
                  Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "ACT");

                  (e) the Company's Prospectus dated October 1, 1999 (the
                  "PROSPECTUS") included in the Company's Registration Statement
                  on Form S-1 (Registration No.333- 84985); the Company's Form
                  8-A filed on May 23, 1997, as amended on June 20, 1997; the
                  Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its Fiscal Year Ended
                  September 30, 1998; the Company's Proxy Statement dated
                  December 4, 1998 for its Annual Meeting held on January 21,
                  1999; the Company's Proxy Statement dated July 16, 1998 for
                  its Special Meeting held on August 18, 1998; the Company's
                  Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended
                  June 30, 1999, March 31, 1999, and December 31, 1998;(all of
                  the documents listed above in this Paragraph 4(e) being
                  referred to collectively as the "DISCLOSURE DOCUMENTS") have
                  been delivered to the Purchaser and, as of the date of each
                  such respective document included therein and when considered
                  as of today together and with this Agreement, such Disclosure
                  Documents do not contain any untrue statement of a material
                  fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated
                  therein or necessary to make the

                                        3

<PAGE>   4



                  statements therein not misleading in light of the
                  circumstances in which they were made with respect to the
                  Company;

                  (f) the Company's Financial Statements for the year ended
                  September 30, 1998, as amended, included in the Disclosure
                  Documents comply in all material respects with the applicable
                  requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
                  amended, and have been prepared, and fairly present in all
                  material respects the consolidated financial condition,
                  results of operations and cash flows of the Company and its
                  subsidiaries at the respective dates and for the respective
                  periods indicated, in accordance with generally accepted
                  accounting principles consistently applied throughout such
                  periods (except as noted therein);

                  (g) except as set forth in the Disclosure Documents or
                  pursuant to this Agreement, since September 30, 1998 (i) the
                  Company has not incurred any material liabilities, direct or
                  contingent, except (A) in the ordinary course of business, (B)
                  additional borrowings under the Company's Credit Agreement
                  dated February 19, 1997, as amended, with Bank of America
                  Illinois, as agent (the "Credit Agreement"), and other debt
                  instruments under which the Company had borrowed approximately
                  $89.3 million as of September 27, 1999, (C) warrants issued in
                  connection with the improvement of the Company's capital
                  structure and the giving of guarantees of the repayment of, in
                  the aggregate, $2.6 million of the Company's debt under the
                  Credit Agreement, and (D) in connection with the Company's
                  1999 Strategic Operating Plan, as described in the Disclosure
                  Documents; and (ii) there has been no material adverse change
                  in the properties, business, results of operations or
                  financial condition of the Company; and

                  (h) as of July 31, 1999 (and without giving effect to the sale
                  of Shares of Common Stock hereunder), the Company had a total
                  of 12,635,861 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding;
                  approximately 1,121,741 shares of Common Stock were subject to
                  outstanding options granted under the Company's 1997 Omnibus
                  Incentive Plan; approximately 1,008,075 shares of Common Stock
                  were subject to outstanding options granted under the
                  Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan; approximately 457,616 shares
                  of Common Stock were reserved for issuance under the Company's
                  Employee Stock Purchase Plan; approximately 150,000 shares of
                  Common Stock were reserved for issuance under the Company's
                  1997 Non- Employee Director Stock Option Plan and 636,137
                  shares were reserved for issuance pursuant to exercise of
                  outstanding Warrants, and there will be no changes in these
                  numbers prior to the Closing Date except as a result of shares
                  issued in connection with the conversion or exchange of any
                  securities of the Company or stock options granted under or
                  shares issued under any existing stock option plan or other
                  existing employee bonus or existing incentive plan of the
                  Company.

5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER. The Purchaser represents and
warrants, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, as follows:


                                        4

<PAGE>   5



                  (a) no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court,
                  governmental agency or body or arbitrator having jurisdiction
                  over the Purchaser is required for the execution of this
                  Agreement or the purchase of the Shares by the Purchaser;

                  (b) neither the purchase of the Shares nor the performance of
                  the Purchaser's other obligations pursuant to this Agreement
                  will violate, conflict with, result in a breach of, or
                  constitute a default under (i) the charter documents of the
                  Purchaser; (ii) any decree, judgment, order or determination
                  of any court, governmental agency or body, or arbitrator
                  having jurisdiction over the Purchaser or any of the
                  Purchaser's properties or assets; (iii) any law, treaty, rule
                  or regulation applicable to the Purchaser; or (iv) the terms
                  of any bond, debenture, note or other evidence of
                  indebtedness, or any agreement, stock option or similar plan
                  by which the Purchaser is bound or to which any property of
                  the Purchaser is subject, in any event above, which violation,
                  conflict or breach would have a material adverse effect on the
                  Purchaser;

                  (c) the Purchaser has taken all corporate action required to
                  authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
                  performance of its obligations hereunder; and

                  (d) the Purchaser has not purchased or sold, directly or
                  indirectly, shares of Common Stock except pursuant to this
                  Agreement during the twenty day period referred to in
                  Paragraph 1 above.

6. CONDITIONS OF CLOSING. The obligations of each party hereunder shall be
subject to:

                  (a) the accuracy in all material respects of the
                  representations and warranties of the other party hereto as of
                  the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, as if such
                  representations and warranties had been made again on and as
                  of the Closing Date;

                  (b) the performance in all material respects by the other
                  party of its obligations hereunder which must be performed
                  prior to the Closing Date;

                  (c) the Company shall have amended its bylaws to provide that
                  effective on the Closing Date, the Company, without the
                  approval of the owners of a majority of the Common Stock,
                  shall not grant to any officer of the Company any stock
                  options at less than the closing market price on the date of
                  grant or reduce the price of any options which either were
                  granted as a non-qualified stock option grant to an incoming
                  employee or vendor or were granted under any of the Company's
                  existing or future stock option plans, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
                  the foregoing shall not preclude the Company from issuing new,
                  lower priced options issued from a stock option plan to
                  persons holding higher priced options from such plan,
                  PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if such new lower priced options are
                  granted in exchange for such higher priced options, the shares
                  covered by such higher priced options shall be canceled or
                  surrendered and not available for re-grant under such stock
                  option plan; and the bylaws will provide

                                        5

<PAGE>   6



                  that this provision regarding stock options cannot be amended
                  or eliminated without the approval of the owners of a majority
                  of the Common Stock;

                  (d) the Registration Statement has been declared effective and
                  no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
                  Statement shall have been issued;

                  (e) the stockholder approval referred to in Paragraph 4(b)
                  above shall have been obtained; and

                  (f) the Purchaser shall have received the legal opinion of
                  Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP, counsel to the
                  Company, in the form set forth in Exhibit A hereto.

7.       INDEMNIFICATION.

                  (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
                  Purchaser, each person, if any, who controls the Purchaser
                  within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act and each officer,
                  director, employee and agent of the Purchaser and of any such
                  controlling person against any and all liabilities, claims,
                  damages or expenses whatsoever, as incurred arising out of or
                  resulting from any breach or alleged breach or other violation
                  of any representation, warranty, covenant or undertaking by
                  the Company contained in this Agreement, and the Company will
                  reimburse the Purchaser for its reasonable legal and other
                  expenses (including the reasonable cost of any investigation
                  and preparation, and including the reasonable fees and
                  expenses of counsel) incurred in connection therewith.

                  (b) The Purchaser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
                  Company, each person, if any, who controls the Company within
                  the meaning of Section 15 of the Act and each officer,
                  director, employee and agent of the Company and of any such
                  controlling person against any and all losses, liabilities,
                  claims, damages or expenses whatsoever, as incurred arising
                  out of or resulting from any breach or alleged breach or other
                  violation or alleged violation of any representation,
                  warranty, covenant or undertaking by the Purchaser contained
                  in this Agreement, and the Purchaser will reimburse the
                  Company for its reasonable legal and other expenses (including
                  the reasonable cost of any investigation and preparation, and
                  including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel)
                  incurred in connection therewith.

8. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The respective agreements,
representations, warranties, indemnities and other statements made by or on
behalf of each party hereto pursuant to this Agreement, as of the date they were
made, shall, unless otherwise specified, survive until the third anniversary of
the Closing Date and shall expire thereafter.

9.       MISCELLANEOUS.


                                        6

<PAGE>   7


                  (a) This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts
                  and such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same
                  agreement and authorized signatures may be evidenced to the
                  other party by facsimile copies thereof; provided that the
                  originally signed signature page of any party is provided to
                  the other party within two business days after the original
                  execution.

                  (b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
                  binding upon the parties hereto. This Agreement shall not be
                  assignable by any party hereto without the prior written
                  consent of the other party hereto and no other person shall
                  have any right or obligation hereunder. Any assignment
                  contrary to the terms hereof shall be null and void and of no
                  force or effect.

                  (c) This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the
                  parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
                  supersedes any prior agreements or understandings, whether
                  written or oral, between the parties respecting such subject
                  matter.

                  (d) If within 45 days of the Closing Date hereof the Company
                  enters into or is a party to any agreement to issue additional
                  equity securities (or securities convertible or exchangeable
                  therefor), the Company shall promptly provide notice of such
                  agreement to the Purchaser, together with a copy of such
                  agreement.

10. DISCLOSURE. In connection with the offering, the Company has agreed to cause
a person reasonably acceptable to the Company and designated by CID Equity
Capital V L.P., one of the Other Purchasers, to be nominated for election, at
the next annual meeting of the Company's stockholders, as a director on the
Company's Board of Directors.

11. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the
State of Ohio.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have entered into this Agreement as of
the date first set forth above.

                                    WATERLINK, INC.


                                    By:
                                       --------------------------------------
                                             T. Scott King, President and
                                             Chief Executive Officer


                                    [PURCHASER]


                                    By:
                                       --------------------------------------


                                        7


<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 10.29

                                    AGREEMENT
                                    ---------

         THIS AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of this
25th day of October, 1999, by and between Waterlink, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), and Theodore F. Savastano ("Savastano") and is
effective as of the close of business on the earlier of the date of the
Company's 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and January 31, 2000 (the
"Effective Date").

                              W I T N E S S E T H :
                              ---------------------

         WHEREAS, Savastano is employed by the Company as Chairman of the Board
pursuant to that certain Employment Agreement (the "Employment Agreement") dated
May 23, 1997 by and between Savastano and the Company; and

         WHEREAS, Savastano desires to retire from his position of employment
with the Company effective on the Effective Date and the Company desires to
facilitate such retirement.

         NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the adequacy and
receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. The Company and Savastano hereby agree that (i)
effective on the Effective Date (the "Retirement Date"), Savastano's employment
with the Company will, without further action on the part of either party
hereto, terminate, including his positions as Chairman of the Board of the
Company and all positions he holds as of such date with any subsidiaries of the
Company and (ii) the Employment Agreement will be terminated effective as of the
Retirement Date, and as of and subsequent to such date will be of no further
force or effect.

2. COMPENSATION.

                  2.1 TERMINATION PAYMENT. As consideration for the termination
         of the Employment Agreement, the Company shall pay to Savastano an
         amount equal to $480,000, such amount to be payable to Savastano in
         forty-eight (48) equal semi-monthly installments of $10,000 commencing
         on the Retirement Date. The payments described in this Section 2.1 are
         collectively referred to as the "Retirement Payment." In the event of
         Savastano's death prior to his receipt of the entire Retirement
         Payment, the Company shall continue paying the Retirement Payment to
         Savastano's heirs or estate in the installments referred to in this
         Section.

                  2.2 BENEFITS. The Company agrees to maintain in full force and
         effect, for the continued benefit of Savastano (and, in the event of
         his death, of his surviving spouse), until

                                        1

<PAGE>   2



         the earlier to occur of (i) October 31, 2002 (such period being
         referred to herein as the "Payment Period") and (ii) the date upon
         which Savastano commences full-time employment (the earlier of such
         periods being referred to herein as the "Benefits Period"), all
         benefits and perquisites provided to him prior to the Retirement Date
         (other than disability benefits, which shall not be provided),
         including all medical, dental, hospitalization, health and accident
         insurance benefits, plans or programs in which Savastano (or, in the
         case of his death, his surviving spouse) was entitled to participate
         immediately prior to the Retirement Date (collectively, the "Medical
         Programs"); provided, however, that if, upon Savastano's commencement
         of full-time employment during the Payment Period, he shall not be
         eligible to immediately participate in such new employer's medical,
         dental, hospitalization, health and accident insurance benefits or if
         such programs shall exclude, or limit benefits with respect to
         pre-existing conditions, then Savastano shall continue to be covered by
         the Medical Programs until the earlier of (i) the conclusion of the
         Payment Period and (ii) the date upon which Savastano may participate
         in such new employer's programs without any such limitations or
         restrictions. Neither the Payment Period nor the Benefits Period
         extends any "COBRA" coverage period. In the event that Savastano's
         participation in any of the Company's benefits, plans or programs is
         barred, the Company shall arrange to provide Savastano with benefits
         substantially similar to those which Savastano would otherwise have
         been entitled to receive under such plans and programs. In furtherance
         and not in limitation of the foregoing, the Company agrees to continue
         to pay to the lessor of the automobile presently leased by the Company
         for Savastano's use, during the Benefits Period, aggregate payments of
         $1,000 per month, payable on the first day of each month during the
         Benefits Period with respect to such automobile (plus maintenance and
         insurance in accordance with current practices) and at the end of the
         term of the lease for such automobile, allow Savastano to exercise the
         Company's purchase option for such automobile. The Company shall also
         maintain for Savastano, for a period of five (5) years after the
         Retirement Date, a directors' and officers' liability insurance policy
         not less favorable than any policy that the Company maintains for its
         directors and executive officers in general.

                  2.3 STOCK OPTIONS. In connection with his employment with the
         Company, Savastano has been granted stock options to purchase 100,000
         shares (the "Option Shares") of the common stock of the Company (the
         "Stock Options") under the Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan (the
         "Plan") and pursuant to a Stock Option Agreement between Savastano and
         the Company, dated June 15, 1996 (the "Stock Option Agreement").
         Savastano shall be entitled to exercise all of the Stock Options until
         the close of business on the second anniversary of the Retirement Date
         (the "Sale Period") without regard to the vesting criteria otherwise
         contained therein; provided, however, that Savastano shall not sell the
         Option Shares purchased upon exercise of the Stock Options in an amount
         exceeding 10,000 shares per week. The Company agrees that at all times
         during the Sale Period, the acquisition by Savastano of the Option
         Shares shall be registered under a registration statement on Form S-8
         or other appropriate form (a "Registration Statement") filed with and
         declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
         "SEC") and the Company shall take all action that may be necessary to
         (i) cause the Registration Statement to remain

                                        2

<PAGE>   3



         effective and to otherwise comply with all applicable laws and
         regulations and (ii) permit the sale by Savastano, without any
         limitation as to volume (other than as set forth in this Section 2.3 or
         which may be applicable to "affiliates" pursuant to Rule 144
         promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933), of the Option Shares. To
         the extent that a Registration Statement is not effective or does not
         contain all information required to be disclosed therein at any time
         during the Sale Period, the Sale Period shall be extended by the number
         of days during such period that such Registration Statement was not
         effective or did not contain all information required to be disclosed
         therein.

3.       CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.

                  3.1 Savastano hereby acknowledges that, in the course of his
         employment by the Company, he has had access to secret and confidential
         information which relates to or affects all aspects of the business and
         affairs of the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions, and
         which are not available to the general public ("Confidential
         Information"). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
         Confidential Information shall include information relating to
         inventions developments, specifications, technical and engineering
         data, information concerning the filing or pendency of patent
         applications, business ideas, trade secrets, products under
         development, production methods and processes, sources of supply,
         marketing plans, and the names of any customers or prospective
         customers or of any persons who have or shall have traded or dealt with
         the Company. Accordingly, Savastano agrees that he will not disclose or
         furnish any Confidential Information to any person, firm, corporation
         or other entity without the express prior written consent of the
         Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term Confidential
         Information shall not include information or data which (i) is now or
         hereafter in the public domain, other than as a result of the breach of
         this Section 3 by Savastano, (ii) prior to the date of commencement of
         Savastano's employment by the Company was known to Savastano, (iii) is,
         after the Retirement Date, lawfully acquired by Savastano from a third
         party who, to Savastano's knowledge, is not prohibited from disclosing
         such data or information to Savastano or (iv) is required to be
         disclosed by court order or other legal process. In the event that
         Savastano receives a request or demand to disclose all or any part of
         the Confidential Information under the terms of a subpoena or order
         issued by a court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise, Savastano
         agrees to (x) promptly notify the Company of the existence, terms and
         circumstances surrounding such a request so that the Company may seek a
         protective order or other appropriate relief or remedy and (y) if
         disclosure of such information is required, disclose such information
         and, subject to reimbursement by the Company of Savastano's expenses,
         cooperate with the Company in its efforts to obtain an order or other
         reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded to such
         portion of the disclosed information which the Company so designates.

                  3.2 Savastano hereby acknowledges and agrees that any and all
         models, prototypes, notes, memoranda, notebooks, drawings, records,
         plans, documents or other material in physical form which contain or
         embody Confidential Information, whether created or prepared by
         Savastano or by others ("Confidential Materials"), which are in
         Savastano's

                                        3

<PAGE>   4



         possession or under his control, are the sole property of the Company.
         Accordingly, Savastano hereby represents that Savastano has returned to
         the Company all Confidential Materials and all copies thereof in his
         possession or under his control and has not retained any copies of
         Confidential Materials.

4. NON-COMPETITION.

                  4.1 Savastano agrees that for a period commencing on the
         Retirement Date and concluding upon the earlier to occur of (a) two (2)
         years after the Retirement Date and (b) the date subsequent the
         Retirement Date upon which the Company is in material breach of any
         material provision of this Agreement (provided that Savastano notifies
         the Company in writing of such breach and the Company does not cure
         such breach within ten (10) days of the receipt of such notice from
         Savastano), Savastano shall not own, manage, operate, control or
         participate in the ownership, management, operation or control or be
         employed by or connected in any manner with, any business, firm or
         corporation which is or may be in competition with the business of the
         Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions as such business is
         constituted on the Retirement Date.

                  4.2 Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, the
         provisions of this Section 4 shall not be deemed violated by the
         purchase and/or ownership by Savastano of shares of any class of equity
         securities (or options, warrants or rights to acquire such securities,
         or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for
         such securities) (x) of the Company (or any successor thereto), (y)
         representing (together with any securities which would be acquired upon
         the exercise of any such options, warrants or rights or upon the
         conversion of any other security convertible into or exchangeable or
         exercisable for such securities) three percent (3%) or less of the
         outstanding shares of any such class of equity securities of any issuer
         whose securities are traded on a national securities exchange or listed
         by NASDAQ, the National Quotation Bureau Incorporated or any similar
         organization; provided, however, that Savastano shall not be otherwise
         connected with or active in the business of the issuers described in
         this Section 4.2 or (z) of any entity which is then employing
         Savastano. Further, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in
         the event that Savastano identifies a potential acquisition, his
         participation in which would violate the provisions of Section 4.1,
         whether participating in the acquisition directly, or indirectly or as
         an intermediary, or otherwise, Savastano shall present such potential
         acquisition to the Company prior to presenting the acquisition to any
         third party (including himself or any group in which he is a party). In
         the event that the Company determines not to pursue the potential
         acquisition, Savastano may pursue such acquisition, whether as a
         participant or an intermediary. The Company will notify Savastano of
         the Company's determination within fifteen days of its receipt of
         notice thereof from Savastano. If the Company expresses an interest in
         pursuing such acquisition Savastano shall deal with the Company
         exclusively for forty-five (45) days after Savastano's receipt of the
         Company's determination notice to that effect so long as during such
         period the Company is pursuing such acquisition in good faith. If no
         definitive agreement for such acquisition is entered into within such
         period, Savastano

                                        4

<PAGE>   5



         may pursue such acquisition, as a participant or as an intermediary
         with parties other than the Company. Savastano's participation in, as
         an intermediary or otherwise, or consummation of such acquisition in
         accordance with this Section 4.2 shall not be deemed to violate the
         provisions of Section 4.1.

5. REMEDY FOR BREACH. Savastano hereby acknowledges that in the event of any
breach or threatened breach by him of any of the provisions of Sections 3 or 4
of this Agreement, the Company would have no adequate remedy at law and could
suffer substantial and irreparable damage. Accordingly, Savastano hereby agrees
that, in such event, the Company shall be entitled, and notwithstanding any
election by the Company to claim damages, to obtain a temporary and/or permanent
injunction to restrain any such breach or threatened breach or to obtain
specific performance of any such provisions, all without prejudice to any and
all other remedies which the Company may have at law or in equity.

6.       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                  6.1      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.  The
         Company hereby represents and warrants that:

                           (a) It has the full power and authority to consummate
                  all transactions required of it by this Agreement. It has duly
                  authorized the execution, delivery and performance of this
                  Agreement, has duly executed and delivered this Agreement and
                  this Agreement, when duly authorized, executed and delivered
                  by Savastano will constitute a legal, valid and binding
                  obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its
                  terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
                  reorganization, moratorium and other laws now or hereafter in
                  effect relating to creditors' rights generally and by
                  equitable principles of general application (regardless of
                  whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and
                  the discretion of the court before which any such proceeding
                  may be brought;

                           (b) Neither the execution and delivery of this
                  Agreement, the consummation of the transactions required of it
                  herein, nor the fulfillment of, or compliance with, the terms
                  and conditions of this Agreement will conflict with, or result
                  in, a breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of
                  its charter or by-laws or any material agreement or instrument
                  to which it is now a party or by which it is bound or
                  constitute a material default or result in an acceleration
                  under any of the foregoing, or result in the violation of any
                  law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree to which it
                  or its property is subject;

                           (c) There is no litigation pending or, to its
                  knowledge, threatened, which if determined adversely to it,
                  would adversely affect the execution, delivery or
                  enforceability of this Agreement, or its ability to perform
                  its obligations in accordance

                                        5

<PAGE>   6



                  with the terms hereof, or which would have a material adverse
                  effect on its financial condition; and

                           (d) No consent, approval, authorization or order of
                  any court or governmental agency or body is required for the
                  execution, delivery and performance by it of, or compliance by
                  it with, this Agreement.

                  6.2   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SAVASTANO. Savastano
         hereby represents and warrants that:

                           (a) He has the full power and authority to consummate
                  all transactions required of him by this Agreement. He has
                  duly authorized the execution, delivery and performance of
                  this Agreement, has duly executed and delivered this Agreement
                  and this Agreement, when duly authorized, executed and
                  delivered by the Company will constitute a legal, valid and
                  binding obligation, enforceable against him in accordance with
                  its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
                  reorganization, moratorium and other laws now or hereafter in
                  effect relating to creditors' rights generally and by
                  equitable principles of general application (regardless of
                  whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and
                  the discretion of the court before which any such proceeding
                  may be brought;

                           (b) Neither the execution and delivery of this
                  Agreement, the consummation of the transactions required of
                  him herein, nor the fulfillment of, or compliance with, the
                  terms and conditions of this Agreement will conflict with, or
                  result in, a breach of any of the terms, conditions or
                  provisions of any material agreement or instrument to which he
                  is now a party or by which he is bound or constitute a
                  material default or result in an acceleration under any of the
                  foregoing, or result in the violation of any law, rule,
                  regulation, order, judgment or decree to which he or his
                  property is subject;

                           (c) There is no litigation pending or, to his
                  knowledge, threatened, which if determined adversely to him,
                  would adversely affect the execution, delivery or
                  enforceability of this Agreement, or its ability to perform
                  his obligations in accordance with the terms hereof, or which
                  would have a material adverse effect on his financial
                  condition; and

                           (d) No consent, approval, authorization or order of
                  any court or governmental agency or body is required for the
                  execution, delivery and performance by him of, or compliance
                  by him with, this Agreement.





                                        6

<PAGE>   7






7.       RELEASE.

                  7.1 Savastano, for himself and his heirs, personal
         representatives and members of his immediate family, voluntarily
         releases and forever discharges the Company, its affiliates, and its
         and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, advisors,
         stockholders, successors and assigns, both individually and in their
         official capacities with the Company and/or its affiliates, of and from
         any and all actions or causes of action, suits, debts, dues, sums of
         money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills, covenants, claims, charges,
         complaints, contracts, agreements, trespasses, damages, judgments,
         commissions, executions, demands and promises whatsoever, in law or
         equity, which Savastano, his heirs, executors, administrators,
         successors and assigns may now have or hereafter can, shall or may have
         for, upon, or by reason of any and all matters arising out of his
         relationship with the Company and/or its affiliates, and including, but
         not limited to, any claims regarding any alleged violation of Title VII
         of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Employee Retirement Income
         Security Act of 1974, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
         as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 1981, Ohio Revised Code Section
         4112.02(A) and (N), the Vocational Rehabilitation Act, the Equal Pay
         Act of 1963, the National Labor Relations Act and any other alleged
         violation of any local, state or federal statutory or common law,
         regulation or ordinance, and/or public policy, contract or tort law,
         having any bearing whatsoever on his relationship with the Company
         and/or its affiliates, including, without limitation, the terms and
         conditions and/or cessation of his employment or the termination of the
         Employment Agreement; provided however, that notwithstanding the
         foregoing provisions of this release, this release shall not apply to
         and Savastano reserves the following (i) any rights, claims and causes
         of action he may have arising out of or resulting from the
         non-performance or breach of the terms and conditions of this Agreement
         and the Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Savastano and
         (ii) any right, claims and causes of action that Savastano may acquire
         solely as a stockholder or option holder of the Company and only with
         respect to matters arising after the Retirement Date; provided,
         however, that Savastano may only join in, but may not initiate, any
         stockholder class action or stockholder derivative lawsuit against, or
         in the name of, as the case may be, the Company. This release is for
         any relief, no matter how denominated, including but not limited to
         wages, back pay, front pay, compensatory damages or punitive damages.
         Savastano understands, acknowledges and agrees that by signing this
         Agreement, he is waiving the right to recover in any proceeding he may
         bring before the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or in any
         proceeding brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
         on his behalf. Savastano further agrees that he will not file or permit
         to be filed on his behalf any such claim.

                  7.2 The Company voluntarily releases and forever discharges
         Savastano of and from any and all actions or causes of action, suits,
         debts, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills,
         covenants, claims, charges, complaints, contracts, agreements,

                                        7

<PAGE>   8



         trespasses, damages, judgments, commissions, executions, demands and
         promises whatsoever, in law or equity, which the Company may now have
         or hereafter can, shall or may have for, upon, or by reason of any and
         all matters arising out of Savastano's relationship with the Company
         and/or its affiliates, and including as an officer, director, employee
         and stockholder of the Company and/or its affiliates, and including,
         but not limited to, all claims for officer loans and advances made to
         Savastano; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing
         provisions of this release, the Company hereby reserves any rights,
         claims and courses of action it may have arising out of or resulting
         from breach of the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Company
         further agrees to defend, indemnify and hold Savastano absolutely
         harmless from any and all claims asserted in the future by any person
         arising out of, or in any way connected to, Savastano's employment
         relationship with the Company, excluding claims by Savastano or the
         Company against the other with respect to this Agreement or the
         Employment Agreement.

8.       RIGHT TO CONSIDER AND REVOKE.

                  8.1 The Company agrees that Savastano may consider whether to
         agree to the terms and conditions contained herein for a period of
         twenty-one (21) days after the date the Company executes this
         Agreement. Accordingly, Savastano may execute and return a
         countersigned copy of this Agreement to the Company on or prior to
         November 15, 1999 to acknowledge his understanding of and agreement
         with the foregoing.

                  8.2 This Agreement will become effective, enforceable and
         irrevocable seven (7) days after the date on which Savastano executes
         it. During the seven-day period ending on such Date, Savastano may
         revoke his agreement to accept the terms hereof by so indicating in
         writing to the Company hereunder, whereupon this Agreement will
         terminate and be of no force and effect.

9. NON-DISCLOSURE OF AGREEMENT. Savastano and the Company mutually agree not to
disclose, either directly or indirectly, any information whatsoever regarding
the existence or substance of this Agreement to any person or organization,
except as may be required by the securities laws or other relevant law. The
provisions of this Section 9 specifically exclude members of Savastano's
immediate family, his and the Company's respective legal counsel and accountants
(each of which will be advised of the confidential nature, and the prohibition
on the disclosure of, terms and provisions of this Agreement) and include, but
are not limited to, members of the media, members of the financial community,
present and former employees (excluding current executive officers and directors
of the Company), customers and suppliers of, and lenders to, the Company, its
affiliates and other members of the public.

10. NON-DISPARAGEMENT. Savastano and the Company mutually agree not to make any
statements, in writing or otherwise, that may disparage the reputation or
character of the other party hereto (and, with respect to the Company and its
affiliates, its and their respective officers, directors,

                                        8

<PAGE>   9



employees and agents), at any time from and after the date hereof for any reason
whatsoever, except in connection with any litigation or administrative
proceedings by or between Savastano and the Company. Savastano and the Company
each acknowledge that, to the date hereof, he or it, as appropriate, has not
made disparaging remarks regarding the other.

11. KNOWLEDGE AND CONSENT OF PARTIES. The parties hereto mutually warrant and
represent that they have read and understand this Agreement and that this
Agreement is executed voluntarily and without duress or undue influence on the
part of or on behalf of either party hereto. The parties hereby acknowledge that
they have been represented in negotiations and for the preparation of this
Agreement by counsel of their own choice; that they have read this Agreement;
and that they are fully aware of the contents of this Agreement and of the legal
effect of each and every provision hereof. It is acknowledged and agreed by each
of the parties to this Agreement that each of the parties has participated in
the drafting of this Agreement and that any claimed ambiguity should not be
construed for or against any such party on account of such drafting.

12. NOTICES. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing
and shall be deemed to have been given if delivered personally or sent by
registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), postage prepaid, or by
telecopy (immediately followed by telephone confirmation of delivery of such
telecopy with the intended recipient of such notice and by notice in writing
sent promptly by registered or certified mail as provided above) to the parties
to this Agreement at the following addresses or at such other address for a
party as shall be specified by like notice:

         To the Company:            Waterlink, Inc.
                                    4100 Holiday Street, N.W.
                                    Canton, OH  44718-2532
                                    Telephone:  (330) 649-4000
                                    Telecopy:  (330) 649-4008
                                    Attention: President

         With copies to:            Ira Kaplan, Esq.
                                    Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
                                    2300 BP America Building
                                    200 Public Square
                                    Cleveland, OH 44114-2378
                                    Telephone:  (216) 363-4500
                                    Telecopy:  (216) 363-4588

         To Savastano:              Theodore F. Savastano
                                    2436 Brentwood Road, N.W.
                                    Canton, OH 44708
                                    Telephone: (330) 477-2186

         With a copy to:            Scott Zimmerman, Esq.

                                        9

<PAGE>   10



                                    Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman & Goodman LLP
                                    919 Third Avenue
                                    New York, NY 10022
                                    Telephone: (212) 758-9500
                                    Telecopy: (212) 758-9526

         All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been
received on the date of personal delivery, on the date that the telecopy is
confirmed as having been received or on the third business day after the mailing
thereof, as the case may be.

13. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the
parties hereto with respect to the matters contemplated herein and supersedes
all prior agreements or understandings among the parties related to such
matters. Savastano and the Company mutually agree to deliver all such other
documents and to do and perform all such other acts as may be reasonably be
required from time to time in connection with this Agreement.

14. BINDING EFFECT; THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Except as otherwise provided
herein, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
Company and its successors and assigns and upon Savastano. "Successors and
Assigns" shall mean, in the case of the Company, any successor pursuant to a
merger, consolidation, or sale, or other transfer of all or substantially all of
the assets of the Company. The Company shall require any successor (whether
direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or
substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, by agreement in
form and substance satisfactory to Savastano, to expressly assume and agree to
perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the
Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.
Failure of the Company to obtain such agreement prior to the effectiveness of
any such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement. As used in this
Agreement, "Company" shall mean Waterlink, Inc. and any successor to its
business and/or assets.

15.      NO ASSIGNMENT.  This Agreement may not be assigned by Savastano, but
may be assigned by the Company to any affiliate thereof and to any successor to
its business or the purchaser of all or substantially all of its assets.

16.      AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION; WAIVER.  This Agreement may be amended,
superseded, canceled, renewed or extended, and the terms hereof may be waived,
only by a written instrument signed by all parties hereto. Except as otherwise
specifically provided in this Agreement, no waiver by either party hereto of any
breach by the other party hereto of any condition or provision of this Agreement
to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of a similar or
dissimilar provision or condition at the same or at any prior or subsequent
time.

17. ADMISSION; EVIDENCE. The execution of this Agreement shall not be deemed an
admission of any wrongdoing, liability or unlawful conduct on the part of
Savastano and/or the

                                       10

<PAGE>   11



Company, its affiliates, divisions, officers, employees, agents, successors or
assigns. Neither this Agreement nor any portion hereof shall be admissible
evidence in any proceeding whatsoever involving any party other than Savastano,
the Company or their representatives or successors hereto.

18. FEES AND EXPENSES. The Company will reimburse Savastano for the reasonable
attorney's fees incurred by him in connection with the negotiation and
preparation of this Agreement. If either party institutes any action or
proceedings to enforce any rights the party has under this Agreement, or for
damages by reason of any alleged breach of any provision of this Agreement, or
for a declaration of each party's rights or obligations hereunder or to set
aside any provision hereof, or for any other arbitral or judicial remedy, each
party shall be responsible for its own costs and expenses incurred thereby,
including but not limited to, attorneys' fees and disbursements.

19. GOVERNING LAW; ARBITRATION. The validity, interpretation, construction,
performance and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal
laws of the State of Ohio, without regard to its conflicts of law rules. Any
controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, shall be
settled by arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration
Association, and judgment upon such award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be
entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitration shall be held
in Canton, Ohio or such other place as may be agreed upon at the time by the
parties to the arbitration.

20. TITLES. Titles to the Sections and subsections in this Agreement are
intended solely for convenience and no provision of this Agreement is to be
construed by reference to the title of any Section.

21. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts,
which together shall constitute one agreement. It shall not be necessary for
each party to sign each counterpart so long as each party has signed at least
one counterpart.

22. SEVERABILITY. Any term or provision of this Agreement which is invalid or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective
to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid
or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or
affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms and provisions of
this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.


                                       11

<PAGE>   12


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as
of the day and year first set forth above.

                                      WATERLINK, INC.



                                      By: /s/ T. Scott King
                                         ------------------------------------
                                               Name: T. Scott King
                                               Title: President

                                          /s/ Theodore F. Savastano
                                         ------------------------------------
                                               Theodore F. Savastano













                                       12


<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1



                         Consent of Independent Audiors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333- 29911) pertaining to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Waterlink,
Inc.; 1997 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan of Waterlink, Inc.;
Waterlink, Inc. Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Option Plan, and the Waterlink,
Inc. 1997 Omnibus Incentive Plan of our report dated November 8, 1999 with
respect to the consolidated financial statements of Waterlink, Inc. included in
this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended September 30, 1999.



                                                     ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Canton, Ohio
November 30, 1999

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             OCT-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1999
<CASH>                                       1,734,000
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                               40,046,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                 23,761,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            87,380,000
<PP&E>                                      14,794,000
<DEPRECIATION>                               2,660,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             185,395,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       52,521,000
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        13,000
<OTHER-SE>                                  73,781,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               185,395,000
<SALES>                                    170,169,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                           170,169,000
<CGS>                                      115,943,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                              115,943,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                           7,857,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                            (3,149,000)
<INCOME-TAX>                                 1,033,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                        (4,182,000)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                               (4,182,000)
<EPS-BASIC>                                     (0.33)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (0.33)


</TABLE>


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